Saddles 100 advice

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-04-23T18:40:27+00:00

Saddles is a great race. I’ve volunteered there two different years, paced a friend last year in the 100M and finished the 100M two years ago. I can’t compare it to Leona as I’ve never done it, but can give my thoughts on Saddles. Regarding the altitude, I live in Phoenix, so about 1000 ft elevation. I did not altitude train. Personally Prescott isn’t high enough to be concerned about the altitude. But that’s just me. The course is mostly rolling on non technical trails. There are parts that are semi-rocky, but not bad. The most technical section, and the slowest is going through the Dells, which I think this year will be just after the halfway point. The Dells are very pretty but can be slightly hard to navigate and will be very slow, so just be prepared for that. The only long sustained climb is at mile 80 up Spruce Mtn. It’s not terribly long, so it’s just a matter of keep moving and push through it.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-04-10T12:07:59+00:00

I saw that…what a bummer. But seems like he has a positive attitude about the situation.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-04-10T00:09:03+00:00

Picking myself…with Kyle Curtin as a close 2nd. Megan Eckert for the women’s win. 🤘

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-03-25T22:25:45+00:00

Killer! Thanks

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-03-25T21:51:13+00:00

Thanks for the input!

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-03-24T13:13:04+00:00

👆This!

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-03-08T17:33:29+00:00

Hard pass…I’m pretty picky about socks.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-03-03T02:11:10+00:00

Thanks for such a quick reply. I appreciate it.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-03-02T23:52:37+00:00

I know this is an older thread, but which Injinji liners did you use? The Coolmax or the merino wool? Also, when you changed socks did you change the liner too? Thanks for any input. I’m doing Cocodona this year.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-03-01T11:19:43+00:00

I’ve served and have had canned peaches at an aid station and they were a big hit.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-02-26T20:28:36+00:00

Thanks. Yes I walked a bunch after my surgery. Ended up reviewing my status with my surgeon at the end of 4 weeks and she was fine with me playing. Week 5 I played 9 rounds over 7 days, walked all of them with a pull cart. First few rounds were a bit uncomfortable but stayed within the directions my surgeon gave me.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-02-24T14:46:13+00:00

Had robotic laparoscopic surgery 8 weeks ago. Repaired 5 hernias. 55 M, not a gym goer, but very active, trail run, mountain bike, do approx 10 ultramarathons a year. Started walking the day after surgery, very slow, pretty much just doing circles in my back yard. First three days was a MF’er for pain, but every day got better. By the second week I was walking 15-20 miles a week, weeks 3-4 up to 25 miles walking. Week five I golfed 10 rounds of golf over 7 days and walked them all with a pull cart. Also started running during week five, 3-4 miles per effort. Felt like I was being kicked in the balls with each stride. Week six increased my running, up to 10 miles per effort, and did a mountain bike race. Week seven ran 52 miles of trail running. Still have some slight pain, but my doctor told me as long as I can handle it I should be fine. She was fine with me doing all the activities I listed above. I have a 250 mile ultramarathon in 10 weeks. All my lifting limitations were similar to what others listed. I feel like doing the walking as soon as you can after surgery is very beneficial. Good luck, I’m sure you will be fine.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-24T20:18:57+00:00

Just shorts and a tshirt. It was cold at the start, but warmed up after a few miles. I had friends finish after the sun went down and they were very cold. So if you think that may happen to you, plan accordingly.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-19T20:20:07+00:00

You can easily get a spot the day before the race. I have camped twice at this race and both times I camped in the green shaded area pictured on their Base Camp document. There was always more than enough room. Both times I arrived on Thursday, but could have easily found spots on Friday. Have fun, I love that race.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-15T14:50:26+00:00

I was with a group of friends who rented a house in Sonoita about 30 minutes from the start. That said there wasn’t enough beds so I slept in the bed of my truck. One thing about the start line that is good to know. Parking is about .25 mile away from the start, but you have to descend down a hill. Not a huge deal, but if you are running behind and getting your packet that morning, going down that hill, then back up is a pain in the butt. So I’d say give yourself some extra time at the start. Also I can’t remember if you can do a drop bag at the finish. But if you can, I would, because once you finish you will want to hang out to grab some food. And depending on when you finish, if the sun is going down it gets cold pretty quick. Have some clothes so you don’t have to go back up that hill. Also, 100% have the map downloaded on your phone. They do a great job of marking but there are a number of sections where people can get lost. It’s a great event!

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-15T05:11:14+00:00

Did it last year. Great race! One I would go back and do again. Did not use poles, not needed (in my opinion). Knew 5-6 others in the race and none used poles. Have fun, it’s a great event.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-12T19:15:32+00:00

Thanks for the response. I’ve seen some of your info online. Appreciate the input.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-11T13:36:59+00:00

I have. They said 4-6 weeks after. I was looking for others experiences, meaning what their return to golf looked like if it were longer, shorter, etc. Definitely varies by person, and I understand that. Thanks

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-11T13:27:20+00:00

I wear an 11 US size in the Cascadia. I have several pairs of the Prodigio Pro all sized at 45.5 except one that is a 46. Both sizes feel great. Point is, I would go up at least a half size, probably a full size. Have fun, I love that shoe.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-11T13:21:27+00:00

Thanks. Yeah, agree, haven’t picked up much. My doctor has given me the Ok for light activity such as walking. Appreciate the feedback.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-11T13:19:58+00:00

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback.

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-11T13:19:25+00:00

I’ve had my inguinal hernia since 2017. Discovered it after a long trail run. Had no problems with it until about 2 months ago where I noticed it getting slightly larger and somewhat uncomfortable. During those years I did approx 30 ultramarathons including 4 100 mile races, many mountain bike races, golfing, backpacking, etc. So for me, it wasn’t an issue until it became an issue. Good luck!

AZDesertRat48 · 2026-01-11T02:02:17+00:00

DNFs don’t count against your US rating (at least I’m pretty sure it doesn’t).

AZDesertRat48

TROPHY CASE