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Finishing a 100-mile race requires more than endurance. It takes consistent training, careful pacing, and the ability to respond when the race becomes difficult.
At Javelina Jundred, Rob King put those elements together to finish sixth overall in a competitive 100-mile field. From a conservative start to a strong final push, his race was built around maintaining a manageable effort and saving enough energy for the later miles.
We spoke with Rob about his preparation, race strategy, and the key moments that shaped his performance.
Building Consistency Before Race Day
For Rob, consistency was one of the biggest factors in his preparation for Javelina Jundred. During his training block, he regularly completed up to two workouts and one to two long runs per week, building the fitness needed for the demands of a 100-mile race.
His race strategy was equally deliberate. Rather than trying to keep up with the fastest runners early, he planned to start conservatively and remain within the top 10–15 through the first 20-mile loop. The goal was to maintain a consistent effort instead of spending too much energy in the opening miles.
Nutrition was another important part of his preparation. Rob took in approximately 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour for most of the race, increasing that to around 120 grams per hour during the final two to three hours.
His approach focused on maintaining energy throughout the distance while leaving room to increase his effort later in the race.
Managing the Tough Miles and Finishing Strong
The race began much as Rob had expected. The front runners went out aggressively, while he stayed back and focused on keeping his pace comfortable.
However, the course conditions brought an unexpected challenge. Instead of the dry and hot weather typically associated with Javelina, this year's race was rainy and muddy. The first 20 miles were particularly messy, with slippery trail conditions making the early stages more demanding. As temperatures rose throughout the day, the trails gradually improved.
Rob also faced a difficult stretch between miles 50 and 60, when cramping and low energy began to affect his performance. At the next aid station, he took five minutes to consume additional sodium and reset mentally before heading back out.
That short break became an important turning point. He was able to regain his focus and continue pushing through the remaining miles.
At mile 60, Rob picked up his pacer, who helped pull him along for the rest of the race. Together, they increased the pace during the closing stages, passing three runners in the final hour.
That late-race effort secured Rob's sixth-place overall finish. Looking back, he was particularly satisfied with how he continued to compete despite struggling through the middle portion of the race.
Gear, Preparation, and the Reward of 100 Miles
For a race that lasts 100 miles, gear needs to be comfortable and dependable over many hours on the trail. Rob keeps his race-day setup consistent with what he uses in training, allowing him to become familiar with his equipment before race day and trust how it performs.
This familiarity is an important part of his approach. Rather than introducing unfamiliar gear for a major race, he relies on equipment he has already tested through his regular training.
Looking back on his sixth-place finish, Rob was most satisfied with the way he fought through the difficult sections and finished strong. The final 40 miles, in particular, reflected how much he wanted to perform well at Javelina.
For Rob, the appeal of running 100-mile races goes beyond the result. The sense of accomplishment after completing a race of this distance is unlike anything else. The highs and lows experienced over so many miles also offer a perspective that extends beyond running, showing what a person is capable of when facing difficult challenges.
At haimont, we are proud to support athletes like Rob who approach the trails with dedication, preparation, and determination. His sixth-place finish at Javelina Jundred reflects not only his consistency in training, but also his ability to manage setbacks and keep moving forward when the race gets tough.
Because over 100 miles, a strong result is built one decision at a time.
