Headlands 100 question for first timer

[mattschmidt]

I'd like to do my first 100 miler this summer and am considering the Headlands 100 as it is by far the most convenient for me and works well training-wise given a 50 miler and 100k I'm doing in the spring. I love running in the Headlands and do it regularly, but I am a little leery of the 4x 25 mile configuration for my first 100 miler. Anyone have any positive or negative thoughts about the race, either from experience in recent years, or as a first 100 miler overall? Just wondering if a point-to-point race would be better for a first.

Many thanks,
Matt

[mweston]

It was my first and so far only 100 miler last year (on the new course), and my first 50 miler the year before (on the old course). I really liked the washing machine loop configuration and was glad they are keeping it -- if you know other people in the race, you can see them all multiple times. I can't compare it with a point-to-point since I haven't done one of those yet, but I would imagine this is easier for your crew, if you have one, since they can find all of the aid stations in the light at least once before they have to find them in the dark.

My race report is here.

Update: I just looked up your time for the Diablo 50 miler last year, and you should have no problem with Headlands. Just keep moving forward.

[barbashe]

It was my first 100 mile race in 2008 when it was a 50 mile out and back and two 25 mile loops. Even though initially I didn't like the idea of the two 25 mile loops it actually was kind of advantageous in the dark to know where you were going. It was an absolutely fabulous experience for me and Sarah and Wendell put on the best races!. I did have the opportunity to do a point to point in 2009 and what I liked about that is you are actually going FROM someplace TO someplace.

[mattschmidt]

Thanks for all the input. I'm increasingly thinking about making it happen in August. Just need to keep up the momentum in the 3 months after Miwok.

[jasonthompson]

Hi Matt,

I am also doing the Headlands 100 as my first 100; and also train regularly in the Headlands. If you want to share training notes or even run together sometime I would be happy for the company, especially if you are willing to start super early in the AM. This Sunday I will probably be running the Double Dipsea.

--Jason Thompson

[mattschmidt]

Jason -

Sent you an email individually on this as well - sorry about the 4 month-late reply, haven't checked the message board in awhile. Definitely interested to trade notes for the Headlands 100. Shoot me an email at [e-mail].

Matt