This past weekend, I completed my 5th 100-mile event at Umstead100. This year was a special 100-mile event as I was able to enter the Umstead 500 Miles Club. What made it even more special was having my daughter once again crewing and pacing me for the sixth loop and the final eighth loop. Two loops this year! Maybe three loops next year?

Many things went according to plan, and many previous lessons were applied to make it to the finish line in one piece. Like every year running these long events, you are constantly gauging the need to shift goals along the way. Normally, my goals are as follows: Goal A PR, Goal B, finish under 24, Goal C, finish before the cutoff time of 30 hours, and finally Goal D, don’t die. But this year, other than throwing out the possibility of a PR due to the all-day warmer weather, the main goal was to perhaps finish and enter the 500-mile club.

As usual, the whole event, coordinators, volunteers, the crew, and my Pacers were outstanding. Well, let me restate that last group because Balaji, Calvin, and Bianca were all phenomenal! I could not have had such a finish without them.

Before we get to the recap, I really want to thank you all for the support and words of encouragement during training, during the event, and after the event. Special thanks for the texts, Strava messages, photos, videos, and messages that provided me with extra encouragement at different points of the event. The TUFF running group was again there, supporting many outstanding runners and others like me. It was so great to set our InsaneRunning staging area across them and next to our friend Eric, who was running with a 1st timer friend, another indication of the great ultramarathon community. Also with us toeing the start line were previous Umstead 100 finishers, Venu, Kaleel, Naveen, Kali, and BD, who was going for his 5th Umstead like me. Also with us, Alex, Bill, and Prathiba tackling the distance for the 1st time. Muthu, an ultrarunner veteran from Ohio who was following our training plan for the most part, traveled to also tackle U100.

Below is the race recap,

Let’s start with some pre-race prep work. All the packing and labeling were completed a few days before the event. Some adjustments were needed depending on the forecasted weather conditions and last-minute changes to the event. This year, I was going to get super warm, which is not my kind of running weather, so hydration and staying cool were the main objectives. Although I was bringing my hydration vest, I had the option to only run with the handheld to prevent getting too hot due to the cover of the vest. Also added an additional running shoe, socks, and two ice bandanas that I was planning to use as soon as the temperature started to rise.

All the nutrition is labeled to minimize confusion. The crew and pacers had the pictures of the prep work as well as the other bags/backpacks that I was going to use during the event, including the location and set up just before the start.

Similar to last year, a new infusion set and CGMS sensor were in place for three days to make sure they were all good and operational to reduce the chance of falling due to sweat and movement and running out of insulin. New battery for the pump as well.

I met with Venu and Kaleel early the day before the event to set the tent/canopy in place and have a final chat with the group before the packet pickup. Eric was kind, as usual, and was there before us and reserved a spot for our tents/canopies. This year one of the tips I learned from last year was to bring an electric leaf blower to blow away the debris and leaves that were on the ground where we were setting up. It was already hot by this time, giving us a preview of what was coming the next day during the race. The best thing we could do was to cool down anyway possible.

It was great to meet all the other InsaneRunners we were hosting at our home base station. Similar to last year, we had nine runners with us in four canopies. We also met with Cameron, Jen, and others, who were setting up their canopies and area in preparation for the event. Our friends from the TUFF running group were there, ready, setting up near us. The TUFF group is a large, great running community that we have been friends with for just over a year.

We also spent some time talking and strategizing on any final adjustments, planning, and visualization on how the flow coming in from the course to refuel, replenish, and change was going to take place. This was to minimize confusion and optimize for quickness in and out of the home base station. I walked Alex around the area to point out a few of the visual markers for him to be aware of, to minimize the chances of adding extra distance to the already long event.

After a few announcements and the countdown, we went off to start our pursuit of 24.

Loop 1:

With the temperatures in the mid 60s and a very light breeze, we headed out to tackle the initial miles of the event. We kept very close together at the start. With Kaleel, Venu, Alex, Bill and BD. We stayed together for the 1st couple of miles. Since the event started at 6:30 am, there was no need for a headlamp.

So I pressed the pace just slightly for the next few miles, keeping an eye on my heart rate to make sure that I stayed in the blue or just barely in the green zone, roughly at an 11-minute pace, and some of the downhill and flats around 10:30, which would have me gaining a small buffer every mile for stops and replenishing, given that the temperatures were going to go up drastically starting the 2nd loop.

For hydration and fueling, I had a good plan in place where I was going to make sure I would have to drink a large portion of what I was carrying by the time I reached each aid station to refill. Fuel at key points of the route with some solid bar (Larabar, Honey Stinger waffle, Maurten solid or Cameos) and later take in baby food packs and gels as a base.

All was moving well as I warmed up, reaching the small aid station about 3 miles in. I was chatting with many of the other runners, all in good spirits. I quickly stopped to use the porta-potty and continued, tackling all the hills at a comfortable pace.

On that first visit to the main aid station #2, there was not much to report other than it was great to see many good friends volunteering there. The location was the same as last year’s change, and it is not bad at all. The water and Gatorade access location made for a pretty quick turnaround.

The turnaround out-and-back course allowed us to see the whole line of runners tackling the 50 and 100-mile events. I continue to tackle the back uphill, making sure I keep an eye on my effort level as well as my heart rate. All is going well and within target pace; there was a hot spot on my left running shoe, something I needed to keep an eye on. As I reach the start-finish area I stopped at the bathrooms to take care of business. Normally it takes a couple loops, but it is fine, I am still feeling strong and moving. I stopped on the way in, replenished most of what I needed, and headed out to tackle the second loop.

Loop 2:

Temperatures are starting to creep up low 70s already. Most of the InsaneRunners were just a tad ahead and were coming in to start their 2nd loop as I was heading out, maybe 3 to 4 minutes ahead, which as fantastic, and not too far were Alex, Venu and Kaleel, all three with big smiles.

I took the fuel as planned and continued to drink and refill at every opportunity. For fueling, I had a strawberry snack bar, a baby food pouch, and a couple of Maurten gels. I was still at a comfortable, slower pace, still around 11:30 pace, and keeping an eye on my heart rate. My sugars were holding steady and within range; I was happy about that. The hot spot was getting a tad worse, and I knew that there was a chance that a blister was going to start forming. Halfway, I decided that upon returning, I was going to change my running shoes. Maybe a fresh pair of shoes and dry socks will give me a better chance to prevent issues later on. Normally, I do not change until 50-62 miles, but this was being proactive.

I power walk a few of the hills after turning around the main aid station. So far, it has been so great to see so many familiar faces running the event. Some from last year and others that I have seen along the way while training. Others were volunteering in different areas and stations. This time Crystal a new runner we crossed and smiled every time, giving each other encouragement.

As I was returning to the home base area, I started to think about how I was feeling compared to last year. Still good, but I was wondering with this heat, whether or not I was going to be able to push for under 24 hours. Too early to determine. I switched to a handheld bottle for the next loop, sat down for a few to change, dry my feet, and put on new socks and shoes. 

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Loop 3:

I quickly switched the belt, lube, and fuel, and grabbed my handheld. As I headed out, I grabbed my headset just in case I need to use music. The temperature are now getting into the uncomfortable running area for me. At this time, I am listening to some music to focus on something else as I tried to keep a decent pace.

For fueling, I had the same approach, but this time, I needed to increase the hydration as we were entering the start of the hottest portion of the day. I had Cameos cookies with me for this loop, but similar to last year I truly did not feel like eating a bar or cookies. I need to start eating other solid foods.

Sugars were behaving fantastically considering the effort and temperatures. This year’s fueling plan was working out well so far. One thing, though, was that I came to the realization that I had not gone to the bathroom yet since the 1st loop, and in the later parts, I stopped sweating much. That is not good, and that prompted me to start increasing my fluid intake a little bit more during the 1st few miles. That did the trick, and by the time I reached out to the second main station, I was already in need of a bathroom stop. At the main station turnaround, I replenished, grabbed some quesadillas, and headed out. Soon after I was out, I realized that I had left my handheld back there. Thank God it was not that far from it, about .1 miles, so I returned, grabbed, and headed back. I think the heat is taking a small toll now, I need to make sure I do not make too many of those small mistakes. All good, no harm done other than added 1/4 mile to an already long event.

After the turnaround, I started to get a little bit worried as the shoes I had on were still causing issues and a larger hot spot. I knew that by now I had a blister. It is going to be the first time I have had to deal with a blister this early in a race. I knew I needed to take care of it as soon as I got back to home base. I was really happy I brought another extra pair of running shoes, as I knew the higher temps were going to be a challenge to keep my feet dry.

The plan was to slow down enough so I do not burn out early in the event and, as soon as the temperatures start dropping again, pick up the pace as much as I could to hit under 24. It was going to take a big drop in temperatures, given that it was still going to be low 70s for most of the night.

 

Loop 4:

I got back to the area and informed Jamie that I was going to change again and take a look at the state of my left foot. Yep, there was a mid-size blister, and the other two were starting to form. I was a little bit frustrated that within a loop, I had to change once again, but it needed to be done. Udit went across to the TUFF area and asked for some talc/powder to prevent more blisters. I dried out, drained the larger blister, added talc/powder, and put on my last fresh pair of shoes I had.

I grabbed the second handheld; I still had a Honey Stinger waffle with me, but I did not eat it. I was getting most of the calories now from gels, baby food, and I started to consume soup at the aid stations. There was a great crew at our home base, making it easy to change. Udit, Kaleel’s family, and Venu’s family were there. But the king of the crew was Jamie, who was there from early morning and stayed throughout the whole event, helping all the runners and later pacing Alex for his last loop.

Now, it was around the low 80s degrees, and I had slowed down more to keep my heart rate under control. During the few portions where we are able to cross paths with other runners, between their smiles, you could feel the presence of not having much fun by this time. The temperatures started to take a toll on many runners. Amy decided to go for 50. Bill was giving it his best, but a fall late in training season and muscle issues from the last few weeks, coupled with the sun and temperatures, were making it a miserable and painful walk. My legs were feeling good, my heart rate was in the green zone, and my sugars were once again in check; I was just energy-depleted from the heat.

The one thing I was able to do easily in this loop was to go to the port-a-potty. That was a great relief, as the fluid intake adjustment I made earlier seems to still be working. I was literally refilling at most of the aid stations and water spigots. At the second main aid station, I asked to refill my ice bandana and headed to the side with Genno, who was volunteering, to grab some salt tablets. I grabbed soup and headed out. About 2 miles from the station, I realized that I was getting very, very hot!!! Wondering why, I then realized that I forgot to grab the refilled ice bandana, DOH!!! Well, no way I was turning around to get it, it had to wait for when I ran the next loop. I was glad I had a spare one back at home base that I could use. Still another simple mistake.

After that, I texted my daughter to see if she was still at home and if she could bring me another pair of running shoes with dry socks. Now I was feeling that the blisters were getting to merge on the left foot, and new ones were forming on my right foot. As I was approaching the home base, I took a caffeinated gel. This was one loop earlier than usual, but it was like last year; it was part of an adjusted plan that worked well last year. I was hoping to keep my energy levels up and going. I finished loop 4, and Balaji, my first pacer, was there, ready to jump into action. He followed me to the start/finish area and grabbed me some needed soup and soda. I decided to take a small break to coold down some while getting my ice bandana reloaded.

Loop 5:

Oh boy, am I glad to have Balaji there for this loop. I quickly changed bottles, drank some additional electrolytes, grabbed a head lamp, and provided a spare one for Balaji. Glad to see Linnea there supporting Alex, she was invaluable in getting us to quickly find the spare headlamp for Balaji. Quickly headed out, and still very, very warm.

As we headed out, he got me some great soup at the main aid station; have I mentioned that the soup was fantastic? Potato cream soup is the best; it was a relief for my taste buds and stomach. We spent some time going over the checklist and checking to see if he knew how the others were doing. My blisters were ok and holding, so I decided not to change anything and see how it goes.

He was going to carry the headlamp just in case, but since I was running slower than last year, and definitely 24 was out of the question, I knew we were going to need it for the loop. I did a sanity check to see if the cut-off was going to be an issue, but if I was not able to keep at pace, then it was going to be an uphill battle, depending on my feet. I was going to need to pick up the pace if I wanted it to come safely within target. I remembered that I reached the end of loop 4 (50 miles) just well past the 10-hour mark, one of my slowest. But all was good because the temperature was holding steady, still warm but not horrible, and my sugars were still holding great.

On the way out, BD was returning to home base, since I knew he was just a little bit ahead of me, I stopped to see what was going on. He definitely gave it his best, but the heat was brutal, and he decided to stop at the 52-mile spot. We chatted for a couple of minutes as I wanted him to really take the time to consider, just resting for 30-45 minutes, getting fuel in, cooling down, and head back out if he felt like continuing. Do not make a decision on a low state; wait and later make the decision. Balaji and I continued to tackle loop 5.

During this loop, we talked about work, business, culture, family, and many other great topics. We were also able to chat with other runners as they were passing by. It was nice as it took my mind away from the temperatures and humidity. We got close to the aid station, and I was able to get more soup in addition to more fluids. Balaji grabbed me half of a burger. My stomach was not 100%, but I was holding the food ok. I was trying to really be on top of the fueling and hydration, as I was still able to go to the porta-potty. Once again, with the help of Balaji, I was able to get more fluids in.

Around mile 59, I started to feel depleted. I checked my sugar levels, and they were trending slightly down. I did not wait for the alarm to go off. I quickly asked Balaji to call ahead to my daughter to see if she could bring some Coke for me to drink just before getting close to the home staging area, while I was getting in a couple of gels I had in hand. I am glad they did, as I think all that started to work just in time for me to get ready for loop 6.

We just continued, always reminding me to keep moving, jogging, and running. We tackled all the flats and downhills and even ran a few uphills. But once in a while, my blisters were letting me know they were there. It was not bad enough to make me stop, but the pain was increasing. Just enough not to let me press the pace too much, and forcing some additional walks. I continued to the start/finish aid station, said hi to the crew as I was passing by home base, and let them know that I was planning to change shoes once again. I took some time at the start/finish area to eat some more soup on the way out toward the canopy area.

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Loop 6:

Bianca was ready and brought my extra fresh shoes and socks. I changed and inspected the bottom of the feet. It was not looking that great, but it had to do. I updated the crew and pacers on what was going on. As the pain was slowly increasing, especially going downhill as my foot want it to slide within my shoe. Sugars were back in check and everything else was good other than still warm and the blister issue. At the home base, I quickly finished some eletrilyte drink and grabbed what I needed and headed out.

We continued without any big issues for the first 3 miles, and the legs felt great, the temperature started to come down, and the few instances of the breeze flowing through the trees felt even better. We easily moved during the flats, but the downhills were a tad painful, and we walked most of the uphills.

I was pleasantly surprised when arriving at the main second station, a really good friend of mine, Roland, was there with his daughter, Hanna, both ready to cheer and provide a few words of encouragement. I knew I was pressed for time. I felt bad that I was unable to spend a few more seconds with them, but I really needed to keep moving as the pain and foot condition were slowly getting worse, and I knew I needed the extra timejust in case.

Loop 7:

Calvin was waiting for us as I cruised. I told them what I needed, and he was ready for me. I once again went around the start/finish with more soup and more Pepsi. I decided to drink some Gatorade and finish eating the soup.

Around mile 1 after departing our home base, I felt something on the back of my throat. I tried to clear it with fluids and coughing. Still, it was bugging me a lot. I slowed down some, started to cough a little harder, when suddenly turned into gag reflexes which forced me to quickly move to the side of the trail and call “Rahul!!!”. After a couple of minutes, Calvin held me in place so I would not fall, while I was getting concerned about holding food/fuel, as I was still early on this loop and one more to go, and could be running out of time. I snapped out of it, one last purge, wiped my mouth, and started running with purpose, leaving that incident behind and acting like it was not going to happen again, and that was a non-issue. It worked.

We headed out, the temperature now around the low 70s; I would be able to pick the pace up a bit, and with a final push, I was able to save a few more minutes, just in case. We talked about everything: running, Ultra, family, and work. I picked up the pace and effort, and shortly, we could see the sugars behaving accordingly. The downhills were painful, but I tried to really keep my mind away from that issue; there was no other thing to do, it was either stop or keep going. There was never a question about quitting; the question itself was “how am I going to finish this?”.

At the second aid station, I grabbed some more water and soup, and we headed out to cover the way back to the start. The temperature was definetely much better; The earlier issues with low energy at loop 5 robbed, the need for changing shoes three times already, the pain, the having to stop to cool down some, the leaving the ice bandana behind, having to cover extra distance to get my handheld back plus additional smaller mistakes and actions that robbed precious minutes that I did not have to spare. Time to tough it up, keep moving with purpose, and do some running math.

Calvin kept me on track, reminding me about drinking and fueling. He also checked to see how I was doing along the way. We kept using his headlamp for the most part as I was trying to conserve the batteries on mine.

As we were getting close to home base, once again, he communicated well ahead of time regarding what I was going to need. I decided to switch my shirt once again, but not change my shoes. If there were 2 or 3 more loops ahead, I probably would have changed them one more time. I did not want to have to deal with the now combined blisters and lose more time. I was still using the ice bandana to keep myself cool, but at this time it was a luxury. No headlamp needed as we were already getting the benefit of some daylight. I was fast walking most of the uphills, and being very careful not to step on larger rocks/pebbles that could cause more pain.

Loop 8:

Now back at home base, the temperature is around the high 60s. That, to me, better running weather but it was going to start climing soon. Bianca was there, ready to pace me through this final loop. I was so happy to see her full of energy and happy to keep me company.

Calvin got me some soup, and Bianca helped me get ready to head out. We talked about everything, and by this time, she was doing most of the talking. I was very tired; the heat had taken a lot of energy out of me. My muscles were fine, but the bottom of my feet was not. We walked fast and ran as much as we could. It was so great to have her with me, checking on me every so often and asking how I was doing, whether I drank, whether I got fuel in, and how I was feeling. Also, she told me how great I was doing, even though I knew I was a tad slower by this stage in the event. We calculated that by this time, if I stayed under 20 minutes per mile, I was going to be able to come in well under the cutoff.

At the second aid station, I had some more cream of potato soup. It was a little bit cold, but once again it did the trick. I thanked all the volunteers as it was going to be the last time (This year, that is) that I was going to stop there.

During this loop, I had the opportunity to reflect on the race. The sun is out full-blown by now, and getting hotter by the minute. But all was fine, I was able to run ahead of the target limit for the past three loops that I did indeed, now had enough time and energy to finish this brutal event.

Finish Line:

At the finish line, Jamie, Calvin, Kaleel, Venu, and many others were there to receive us as we climbed the last few steps toward the finish line. All of them cheered and encouraged me to finish strong, which gave me the necessary reasons to pick up the pace and run the last uphill toward the finish line.

It was an amazing, brutal event, having Bianca share the last loop with me, and the completion of my fifth Umstead 100 was phenomenal. There was a plan in place that I followed; the adjustments from last year worked, and the weather matched one of the hottest Umstead 100 in history. Yes, it was painful, rough, and at times, I really had to figure out how to move forward and troubleshoot new things, but it was worth it.

Running is a journey to be shared with friends and family. I am very happy with the outcome, as the adjusted hydration and fuel plan worked very nicely. I was able to quickly identify and address issues as they came to minimize impact and risk, which also worked great.

Lastly, I want to congratulate all the runners; just showing up and starting it is an accomplishment in itself. Many of then having to drop to the 50-mile distance and others taking a toll with the weather and having to drop from the event due to the different issues. Alex did PHENOMENAL coming in under 24 hours on his 1st 100 miles race in brutal conditions. He took the plan, consistently trained, prepared, and adjusted like a true Ultramarathon Veteran. I can’t wait to see him next year, when I know the temperature and weather are going to be better than this year.

Jamie did phenomenally, he crewed us the whole time. I am so thankful, as I would definitely not have addressed the few issues effectively without his support and encouragement. Not only crewing, but pacing Alex to a successful under-24 first 100 miles. If that was not impressive enough, he was also the official InsaneRunning photographer, taking many of the pictures shared here in this blog post and like a gazillion more for all the runners at Umstead 100.

Kaleel completed his fourth 100-mile event and third U100, implementing many of the learnings from last year and setting him up to tackle Tahoe200 later this year. Venu did phenomenally, considering the conditions, completing his second U100, after having to skip last year’s.

Congratulations to all! I can’t wait for next year, as I am already hearing about many runners interested in pursuing Umstead 2026.

Thank you once again to all the friends, runners, support group, and family who were always ready to support and encourage me, not only during the event but also during the long training season. To my wife, thank you for your patience with me over the logistics and training season. My daughter Bianqui has always been my greatest cheerleader and supporter. Thank you for helping me and keeping me on track with my goal to get into the 500-mile club. I will always remember this 2025 event!

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Month/Year	Event	Location	Type	Time
Apr-25	Umstead 100	NC	Ultra	27:51:25

Highlights:

Course: 8x 12.5-mile with 2 out-and-back segments. This was an adjusted course from last year due to bridge construction. Great, ample trails, not technical, but lots of ups and downs. One long mile hill between miles 4 and 5. Excellent for 100 first-timers; highly recommended.

Venue: At the Start/finish, there is excellent variety and availability of food, plenty to drink, and amazing volunteers. You would not go more than 4.5 miles without hitting an aid station.

Expo: N/A

Weather: This year, the upper 60s at the start and a temperature rise in the upper 80s. Lower to Mid-70s for the nighttime portion. With just over 78% humidity, and a super pollen season. Matching the hottest Umstead 100 to record.

T1D: Sugars remained great during the event. Learning from past experiences helped me adjust and improve this year’s fueling plan.

Fueling:

Pre-Race: 1 serving of Hot Cereal and Latte. Half of the banana about 20 minutes before starting.

Race: Mix fuels from liquid calories to solid foods.

Post: FOOD!!!!!

Learning Points:

• Running slowly and with low effort is key during the warm portion of the event. That worked well.
• Your crew/pacer makes a huge difference. Thank you Jamie
• Learned how to work with blisters, although I need to learn more about it.
• Having fun is one key element of a great Ultra. Always SMILE!

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