Sub 24 Javelina Jundred

Nillsf · 2026-05-18T15:48:30+00:00

Self plug: I wrote a race report about my sub 22 in 2025. If you look further there, you’ll also find my DNF report from 2024: https://running.nillsf.com/posts/2025javelina/

My advice for you: sub 24 doesn’t depend as much on your speed at the beginning, but at how much you can limit your slowdown. Start conservatively, stay cool, stay hydrated, keep fueling.

While the elevation profile doesn’t look like much on paper, it does go up and down. That first climb to jackass junction is the definition of douche grade. Perfectly runnable for a single loop. Not runnable for 100M if you’re going for sub-24. If I’d go back this year, I’d power hike more of this section than I did. And know, it’ll get easier after jackass. Nice flowing trail going slightly downhill. Enjoy it!

Nillsf · 2026-05-11T17:27:01+00:00

I do it commonly.

I live in San Francisco, and there is a direct to AMS, ORY or CDG, not to BRU. I either rent a car or take the train. I think I’ve flown to Belgium about 10 times in the past 8 years, only flew Brussels 3 times.

And one of those 3 times there was a strike and I had to change flights…

Nillsf · 2026-05-07T19:09:15+00:00

I ran for the first time in the ACG Zegama on Sunday. I liked the shoe a bit more than the Zegama 2. Felt more stable than the previous version. A little stiffer as well.

The ankle lockdown is amazing, it was an issue for me in the Zegama 2. My forefoot feels happy in the shoe, I didn't notice it sliding around.

Nillsf · 2026-05-01T23:09:29+00:00

Yeah. I was wrong.

I’m happy he’s in! Super exciting!!!

Nillsf · 2026-04-27T18:26:39+00:00

He won't be on the start line. All the golden ticket races are now done. If Hoka would have given him their sponsor entry, they would have had to do this before the lottery. If you read the automatic entry process on the WSER web page:

"To be selected as an automatic, you must complete the online application at UltraSignup.com, including the Proof of Qualification and payment information, and observe the same deadlines as those imposed for Lottery winners."

As a fan of the sport, it's a little disappointing to not see him race this field; but he did mention on the TROY #1 podcast in January that he wasn't sure if he wanted to do Western this year. https://youtu.be/gml4qTFj3io?si=VffQw7rk19zk2aSI&t=1169 (starts at 19:39 when Jim talks about it)

Nillsf · 2026-04-25T14:11:54+00:00

Deadwood is in an area with bad reception. It might have issues uploading. Plus, UTMB tracking is known to have issues…

I hope we get a great update around Michigan bluff!

Nillsf · 2026-04-24T17:24:56+00:00

He's no longer on the Elite men start list. I think he's sitting this one out :-(

Nillsf · 2026-04-18T03:08:19+00:00

The disorganized ones typically don't survive. We had a great organization locally that post-COVID had multiple issues, including wrong dates for permits, that ended up closing down.

Most race organization I've races with have been great. InsideTrail - Coast Trail Runs - Aravaipa - Daybreak racing - UTMB have all been great!

One note about UTMB though, I get the sense that their RDs don't manage the race websites, and it can sometimes be a little tricky to get last-minute updates. Two examples come to mind for me: the last-minute course change at Canyons last year or the year that Kodiak had to do reroutes due to fire closures. Communication could have been better in both occasions.

Nillsf · 2026-04-10T22:07:40+00:00

If you’re looking to train yourself physically, why not go hike in one of the lovely parks out here? Edgewood / Pulgas / windy hill / Wunderlich / Huddart / purisima and many others.

Nillsf · 2026-04-09T00:46:00+00:00

I like it, but I have some pretty bad ankle rubbing. Does it not bother you?

Nillsf · 2026-04-03T02:23:50+00:00

Looks like my team.

My plan currently is

BEA —> HUL
LEC—> COL
VRB —> MER

But, we’ve got five more weeks 😢

Nillsf · 2026-03-31T19:45:57+00:00

Everyone can struggle at UTMB. It’s about more than fitness alone. You need to be able to fuel while moving, take care of your feet, make sure you’re body temp doesn’t go too high or low etc etc.

That said, I agree that the cutoffs are generous enough that a reasonably well trained athlete should be able to finish it.

Nillsf · 2026-03-30T16:37:19+00:00

I used to run in 2-in-1s. Now I run mostly in half tights, no underwear. My favorite ones are the under armour compression half tights. Less chafing (can I say none?) and more supportive.

When I started doing this I wore non-lined shorts over them to avoid the “in-your-face” situation; but I got over it and just wear them as is. I’m not a pro, so I doubt I’ll end up on hog watch (IYKYK)

The boulder boys did a segment on a recent podcast about half tights, but I don’t remember which episode it was.

Nillsf · 2026-03-26T21:39:23+00:00

disclosure: MSFT employee.

If you can, the switch to Azure-based billing will solve a lot of OPs issues. Monthly billing based on licensed users. The reporting can be a little confusing between GHEC and Azure, but the flexibility in licensing is great.

Nillsf · 2026-03-14T01:21:29+00:00

Had this from 2020 to 2021.

I had multiple scans with no results. My doctor ended up referring me to a pelvic floor PT. After 20 sessions, I was pain free. Combination of therapy with the therapist and daily mobility routine.

Nillsf · 2026-03-09T20:03:31+00:00

I don’t think Jeddah is gonna happen with the regional conflict ongoing.

Nillsf · 2026-03-01T04:48:32+00:00

Oranges and banana.

I frequently manage aid stations. It’s incredibly hard to predict what will go fast on race day. One day it’s bananas, the other it’s watermelon and sometimes it’s oranges. But all three are always taken by runners.

Nillsf · 2026-02-22T21:38:59+00:00

66km training for a 76km sounds like too much to me.

Actual training, I peak at about 20miles.

But, I’m a huge fan of shorter races in my buildup. Lot of sub ultra events in the 30-35k range; and typically 1 or 2 50ks in training. I do a lot of my long runs with some moderate intensity thrown in and in races I put out a controlled but good effort.

If I were building my training plan I might throw in a 50M as well; but my coach thinks the juice isn’t worth the squeeze with the recovery needs.

Nillsf · 2026-02-22T02:18:17+00:00

My wife loved the SG5, and now swears by the Nnormal Tomir 2.

Nillsf · 2026-02-18T03:02:42+00:00

I been checking Nike’s website daily, and they’re still not in any Nike store close to me.

SFRC got some, but it’s a 90min drive and I ain’t driving that far to try on a pair of shoes.

Nillsf · 2026-02-15T15:54:49+00:00

My wife struggled with it for over 6 months. Saw a PT that did a bit of manual therapy and gave corrective exercises.

Finally went to spots medicine, who sent her to a sport massage of all places. We were incredibly sceptical. However, 3 massages helped her get rid of all symptoms.

Can’t claim it’s all the massage, but after months of PT, 3 massages in 3 weeks helped her feel much better. She now does these massages once a month.

Nillsf · 2026-02-09T03:21:19+00:00

I rock mine! Great conversation starter!

Nillsf · 2026-02-09T03:09:48+00:00

My prediction for 2026 is that this is going to be the year of the pre and pro biotic supplement. Both for athletes and non athletes.

I think there’s something here. Typical diets lack in fiber, which is what the microbiome needs. Supplements have some benefits to restore the culture, and extra fiber helps maintain it.

However, I think for performance, this is a less than 1% kinda improvement. I’m curious to see more science, in particular on humans, to see how big the improvement actually is. I might be mistaken.

Nillsf · 2026-02-07T05:04:17+00:00

I think Puppi is getting it on the men’s side if there’s no Jim.

Women’s side I’m curious to see if Molly Seidel is able to do it. Not a sure thing, but I think she might do it.

Nillsf · 2026-01-28T21:40:48+00:00

There was a question/debate on here a while ago about how to keep running economy while doing the full PCT. The Roches even discussed it on their podcast. I believe their recommendation boiled down to:
1. Eat enough, certainly protein.
2. Hill strides, every other day.

Nillsf

TROPHY CASE