Top Canadian at Tahoe 200: “I had so many hallucinations and was sometimes hiking with my eyes closed”
Alberta's Christopher Aubrey dishes on sleep deprivation, altitude sickness and overcoming challenges
Photo by:
Photo courtesy of Christopher Aubrey
Six weeks before the start of the prestigious Tahoe 200-mile trail race, Alberta’s Christopher Aubrey goal race, Angeles Crest 100, was cancelled, and he decided on a whim to tackle the 200-mile distance for the first time. The teacher from Sherwood Park (near Edmonton, “a place with no hills to speak of” says Aubrey) and devoted dad to two little girls, has an impressive race resume that includes Hardrock 100 and Quebec Mega Trail and is a three-time finisher of the epic Fat Dog 120.
Aubrey managed to finish fifteenth and was the top Canadian, on a year where the heat caused a very high drop rate. We caught up to the accomplished athlete to get the dirt on 200-mile racing.
You have taken on some pretty prestigious races before Tahoe–what was the inspiration in training for a 200-miler?
I’ve run a few 100-mile races over the last few years. My favourites have definitely been Hardrock 100, Fat Dog 120 (I’ve done Fat Dog 3 times), Quebec Mega Trail, and Teanaway Country 100.
I’ve been curious about running 200s for a while now but never had the nerve to just sign up. Tahoe 200 had to move their race because of snow to July, and it was only one week before my intended race of Angeles Crest (cancelled) was supposed to be. After chatting with my family, we decided this was the year I’d go for it.
How did you prepare for a 200-miler?
I knew I’d mostly be hiking, so I switched my training to about 70 per cent hiking and 30 per cent running. Maybe even a little more hiking than that. I didn’t have a to of time to switch it up, but I had a good base from training for Angeles Crest and running a 100K and a 50K earlier in the season.
Best parts of the race? Hardest parts?
The hardest part of Tahoe was the heat and altitude. I did a good amount to sauna training before the race, but the heat plus the altitude kicked my butt. One day one, I puked ten or more times the first night and was convinced I was done. I spent an hour and a half at that aid station trying to sleep and eat and get my body right.
Because of the altitude at Tahoe 200, the sun is extremely hot and can burn your skin fast if you’re not careful. Also, sleep deprivation is real! I had so many hallucinations and sometimes was hiking with my eyes closed. I slept less than 3 hours total across the entire race.
The best part of Tahoe is the views. It is amazingly beautiful out there! I know it’s cliche, but photos do not do it justice.
How did you get through the really tough things that must crop up in such a long event?
I really benefit from the encouragement of others. At the aid station where I was puking, a volunteer and a fellow runner told me that I had time to overcome this challenge–that was enough for me to believe I could eventually stop puking and get moving. My wife Christa has been known to shove food in my mouth until I just give up and decide running is better than eating (kidding… kind of).
Who is your support?
I truly believe I have the best crew at races. The excitement of seeing my wife and kids at aid stations always motivates me and helps me keep going. My daughters, Elizabeth and Sophia, are so positive and excited at races. It brings me joy.
For full results of the 2023 Tahoe 200, head here.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
