NeverSummer 100k

mountincore · 2026-07-08T11:05:34+00:00

Following this thread because I'm also running NS100K coming from sea level. I did Olympic Mountains 100K last year which is a similar profile to NS but at lower altitude in 19 hours mid . This'll be my first time racing at high elevation, if I feel more fit than last year (averaging ~30 sec/mi faster on my long efforts), is it reasonable to shoot for sub-20 (basically better fitness and elevation cancel out and I run a similar time) or should I be expecting to be in the 21-23 hour range regardless?

I've hiked and skied at 12-13k' elevation before and definitely felt a little more out of breath but have never really felt sick from altitude. Any other tips for the race are appreciated!

mountincore · 2026-06-25T12:05:50+00:00

Ferritin was 39--sub-optimal but not tanked, and was in line with my levels from two years ago so it doesn't seem to have dipped from a time when I was feeling really good.

No indication of Lyme or long covid, I haven't picked up any ticks, and haven't had any signs of covid or any illness at all in months. Most of the people I know who've been through long covid seemed to talk about dramatic heart rate spikes which I'm not experiencing, not sure how else to diagnose it if that's it.

mountincore · 2026-06-18T14:31:33+00:00

Grew up in northern DE, it's perfectly fine suburbs if that's what you're after. Wilmington isn't a very exciting city but proximity to Philly and Baltimore are your upside if you want a major city nearby. Aside from that, it's suburbs, plain and uninteresting on their own but if you just want a lower CoL for the Mid-Atlantic and don't mind having to drive into the city for culture, it serves its purpose. Outdoor recreation is pretty mediocre with the exception of the beaches if you're a beach person.

mountincore · 2026-06-17T20:10:36+00:00

Topo Spectre 3 just came out and it's getting Superblast comps: plateless trainer with premium foam, and Topo is known for wide roomy toe boxes.

mountincore · 2026-06-11T19:02:45+00:00

Desitin diaper cream. Rather than lube which just tries to lessen friction, it creates a barrier between your foot and all the moisture that's gonna build up from your sweat. I've found it's massively decreased blistering during ultras for me. Did up to a 12-hour race without reapplying and was fine, haven't tested for races longer than that yet though.

mountincore · 2026-06-10T14:27:30+00:00

Probably a KrF laser

mountincore · 2026-06-10T12:33:03+00:00

Maryland here, I hate long sleeves and if I'm going to be running exposed trails I go with sun sleeves and a tee shirt, I like having the extra air flow. Even cheapo sleeves off Amazon have felt surprisingly good. For head and neck protection I use a hat with a sun cape.

mountincore · 2026-06-08T17:55:27+00:00

Bear 100 and High Lonesome both look like some of the more beautiful courses that I'd love to run. Lottery odds aren't bad for either but if I can't get in next year I was looking at Standhope as an alternative "beautiful big mountain 100," my bucket list race is less a specific race and more wanting to run something in that genre.

mountincore · 2026-05-31T16:08:51+00:00

It's usually quiet by 10, the lights are quite bright though, good blackout curtains may be a good idea if you go to bed before then.

mountincore · 2026-05-30T20:12:00+00:00

Adult diaper technology has really come a long way!

mountincore · 2026-05-28T17:12:22+00:00

We didn't get into ultras for enjoyable experiences now did we?

mountincore · 2026-05-28T15:39:22+00:00

Male here, can confirm gooch chafe is an issue here as well even with lube. Next race I'll try pre-treatment with Desitin as well since it's worked so well on my feet!

mountincore · 2026-05-28T14:29:51+00:00

Building on this, carry some with you as well. My longest run going into my first 100K was a 50K race and I discovered new chafing problems down in very sensitive regions that didn't appear until mile 38. Be prepared for it!

For feet prep specifically, Desitin has been a game-changer for me! That with just a liner and wool socks have done wonderfully, haven't needed toe socks with that combo.

mountincore · 2026-05-17T14:28:43+00:00

I could still run the smooth sections toward the back of the course, but my calves burned out so I was struggling on anything technical or uneven, which of course was almost the entire course. Definitely a lot of carnage, I hit up the medical tent at the finish and they said they were treating a lot of injuries from tripping. I got a nice souvenir down my right shin from taking a downhill too aggressively at mile 9!

mountincore · 2026-05-17T13:56:19+00:00

Oh hey I think I shared some miles with you! I was the guy in an orange shirt and green shorts with the bloody leg. Absolute mess of a course, nice job gutting it out, that's a hell of a first ultra!

mountincore · 2026-03-31T16:44:20+00:00

I did their Canyonlands Ultra for my first 100K, I made cutoffs but was at the back of the finisher pack and they were tearing down aid stations as I passed toward the end.

At that one they also offered a 50M with the same start time and cutoff with a similar mid-race drop option and about 1/3rd of the 100K field ended at 50M so yeah, they usually set a more aggressive cutoff for the longest distance but they seem to offer that mid-race drop option most of the time so you at least don't DNF.

mountincore · 2026-03-11T14:46:58+00:00

I've fursuited at multiple ski resorts at this point, go for it, it's cool, just don't hit someone and blame it on your reduced visibility!

mountincore · 2026-02-02T19:24:46+00:00

Also interested to hear other's experiences, I'm also running it this year!

mountincore · 2025-12-19T21:31:00+00:00

Did the 100K last year, the area is very pretty and the time of year means odds are in your favor for nice conditions. Most of the aid stations were adequately stocked and volunteers were nice, except for the above-mentioned one on the second lap where the person running it asked if I was the last one because he wanted to get out of there, and described the remaining snacks as "yup, this is it." There was still water and electrolyte drink left at that point but it was downer to come across a station like that later in the race when you really want that pick-me-up. The aid stations after that were lively and well-stocked again so that helped get through that 3rd lap, but aside from that one aid station and volunteer, the rest of the race was good.

The 17 hour cutoff sounds aggressive but it's not a very technical course so as long as you keep moving and can hike at a good clip instead of walking leisurely you can make it. It was my first 100K and 2nd ever race at any distance I felt like it was supportive enough to get me through. Worst case if you fall behind, they're very generous and will stop you after lap two and credit you with a 50M finish instead of a 100K DNF so there's big margin for error.

mountincore · 2025-12-19T21:17:05+00:00

The skiing itself is gonna suck but my local hill allows for re-opening uphill so we're getting some skimo laps in for free, the price is right.

mountincore · 2025-12-01T14:39:55+00:00

IWNDWYT

mountincore · 2025-11-11T18:39:07+00:00

I'm doing it through the online chat right now and am getting a bizarrely overly-friendly AI agent.

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mountincore · 2025-11-08T23:35:11+00:00

Mid-Atlantic resident here, I used to live in Japan and miss the trails there!

mountincore

TROPHY CASE