Six weeks earlier than the beginning of the celebrated Tahoe 200-mile path race, Alberta’s Christopher Aubrey objective race, Angeles Crest 100, was cancelled, and he selected a whim to deal with the 200-mile distance for the primary time. The trainer from Sherwood Park (close to Edmonton, “a spot with no hills to talk of” says Aubrey) and devoted dad to 2 little ladies, has a powerful race resume that features Hardrock 100 and Quebec Mega Path and is a three-time finisher of the epic Fats Canine 120.
Aubrey managed to complete fifteenth and was the highest Canadian, on a 12 months the place the warmth prompted a really excessive drop price. We caught as much as the achieved athlete to get the dust on 200-mile racing.
You’ve taken on some fairly prestigious races earlier than Tahoe–what was the inspiration in coaching for a 200-miler?
I’ve run a couple of 100-mile races over the previous few years. My favourites have undoubtedly been Hardrock 100, Fats Canine 120 (I’ve completed Fats Canine 3 occasions), Quebec Mega Path, and Teanaway Nation 100.
I’ve been inquisitive about working 200s for some time now however by no means had the nerve to only enroll. Tahoe 200 needed to transfer their race due to snow to July, and it was just one week earlier than my supposed race of Angeles Crest (cancelled) was imagined to be. After chatting with my household, we determined this was the 12 months I’d go for it.
How did you put together for a 200-miler?
I knew I’d largely be mountain climbing, so I switched my coaching to about 70 per cent mountain climbing and 30 per cent working. Possibly even just a little extra mountain climbing than that. I didn’t have a to of time to change it up, however I had base from coaching for Angeles Crest and working a 100K and a 50K earlier within the season.
Greatest components of the race? Hardest components?
The toughest a part of Tahoe was the warmth and altitude. I did quantity to sauna coaching earlier than the race, however the warmth plus the altitude kicked my butt. At some point one, I puked ten or extra occasions the primary evening and was satisfied I used to be completed. I spent an hour and a half at that help station making an attempt to sleep and eat and get my physique proper.
Due to the altitude at Tahoe 200, the solar is extraordinarily sizzling and might burn your pores and skin quick for those who’re not cautious. Additionally, sleep deprivation is actual! I had so many hallucinations and generally was mountain climbing with my eyes closed. I slept lower than 3 hours complete throughout the complete race.
The very best a part of Tahoe is the views. It’s amazingly stunning on the market! I do know it’s cliche, however photographs don’t do it justice.
How did you get by way of the actually robust issues that should crop up in such an extended occasion?
I actually profit from the encouragement of others. On the help station the place I used to be puking, a volunteer and a fellow runner advised me that I had time to beat this problem–that was sufficient for me to imagine I might ultimately cease puking and get shifting. My spouse Christa has been identified to shove meals in my mouth till I simply hand over and determine working is healthier than consuming (kidding… form of).
Who’s your help?
I really imagine I’ve the very best crew at races. The joy of seeing my spouse and children at help stations at all times motivates me and helps me preserve going. My daughters, Elizabeth and Sophia, are so constructive and excited at races. It brings me pleasure.
For full outcomes of the 2023 Tahoe 200, head right here.
