I chose the Bandera 100K as my first trail race over 50K. Most people try running a 50 miler first but I thought, ÒwhatÕs another 12 miles?Ó And Bandera is only a 45-minute drive. I can sleep at home before and after the race. Yes, the Bandera 100K is one of the toughest, if not THE toughest trail run in Texas. But IÕve been going there to mountain bike or run for over 15 years, I feel comfortable there. I was in good shape I thought. Although I did not have my best performances in the events I ran this year, my training runs were excellent. I read and re-read advice from other ultra-runners and race reports of past Bandera 100K runners. Diana Heynen makes it sound so easy on her reports. Reading her reports a couple of days before the race set me at ease.

Race day John Palmer and I were getting ready when our old friend Bridget came over to talk and give advice. It was great to hear that even the great ones experience anxiety before a race like this. She warned us about feeling bad at some point in the race but told us to keep plugging away. She started with us and thatÕs the last we saw of her.

Trail-runners are a different breed. Almost everyone at the start is visiting with each other, smiling, laughing and just having a good time knowing we are all in this together. My plan was to walk all the steep hills (you have no choice at Bandera) and run when I can. I have always had a problem with starting too fast, but this time I held back and started real slow and easy.

Early on Brian Ricketts and I were catching up. I had not seen him in a while. We ran together for a few miles. Soon I was on trail 8. My favorite. It is not too technical or steep at any point, but trail 8 and I have a special relationship. I came face to face (literally) with an eight point buck here years ago. We both ran. In different directions, thank God. On this trail I had a terrible fall on my first ever mountain bike ride about 15 years ago. I was sore for days. And yes, helmets are important. Also this is the trail John Palmer and I were assigned to on the trail clean up last fall. Through Chapas aid station and on to trail 9. Most people donÕt like this stretch, but I do. Nice and flat, soft dirt, a nice place to pick up the pace and relax.

At crossroads aid station a quick stop and a chat with Gabe and another San Antonio running buddy Tom Bowling. On to climb the three sisters, Great views from up here. Over the sisters, and back through crossroads. At last chance aid station the turkey and cheese sandwiches hit the spot.

I reached the lodge at about 2:30. 7 Hours at the half waypoint. 30 minutes slower than I had hoped for but not bad. Another SA running pal, Kelli Newlon was there to help me get started on the second half. I warned her it would be slow (SheÕs a speedster). As soon as I refilled my camelback with water, my handheld with heed, my gel bottle with hammer gel, put on my wide brim hat and packed my headlamp we were off.

Soon we caught up with Diana H. and spent the next 5 miles or so having a great time chatting. Diana offered to let us pass if we wanted, I said, Òno you will only drop me laterÓ. She did after leaving NachoÕs. At this point I thanked Kelli for getting me going on the second half. That was when I felt I would need help. I was on my own again and was feeling bad approaching Chapas. The chicken and rice soup here cleared my head and rejuvenated me.

Again on trail 9! The sun was setting at this point and fatigue was setting in. Here I thought, ÒCrossroads is not far from the lodge. IÕve run almost 50 miles. NO! I canÕt stop! Keep Moving! Approaching crossroads and run through the creek again. Earlier the sun dried my feet. This time my feet were cold and would not dry. What a great surprise to see Tom still there at crossroads! I changed my socks. Tom brought me grilled cheese sandwiches and noodle soup. He said Bridget told him, ÒdonÕt let him quitÓ as she went by earlier. I decided to change my shirt also. As I left crossroads I realized I needed a long sleeve shirt. It was cold! I came back and put on a long sleeve shirt. Over the sisters again and back to crossroads. I had more soup, and a red bull and IÕm off.

The next 10 miles I was walking most of the time and all alone. I did not even see anyoneÕs lights. At times I thought I had missed a turn. I turned off my headlamp to gaze at the stars and could not even see my hand in front if my face. I was afraid I would turn my light back on and see an animal next to me. Reaching last chance at 10:30 PM I sat down put my feet up and had chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese again. Ahh, this is the life. 5 Miles to go and I am done. I thanked the folks for their help and took off.

A couple more climbs to the finish! Climbing these steep hills in the dark is easier since you can only see a few feet in front of you. A mountain goat would cry running this course. I could not run anymore, I did not want to run anymore, My quads were burning as I gently negotiated the downhills. But then I could hear and see the finish line! My legs started moving faster. I was running! What a thrill to hear Robert Heynen yell out ÒItÕs Tony!Ó I crossed the finish line just minutes after midnight. Congratulations and the belt buckle from Joe! 16 hours 37 minutes! Fantastic! only 37 minutes off my goal. Bandera, A great event all around. The course, the organization,the RD, and of course the wonderful volunteers.