Nate Boyer gazed upwards as he embarked on his journey up Hope Pass, a grueling section of the Leadville Trail 100-mile race that stretches 40 miles into the course. This four-mile stretch requires runners to ascend 3,200 feet in elevation, reaching a staggering height of 12,600 feet above sea level. Boyer braced himself for the daunting task ahead, knowing he would have to conquer the steep grade, run seven miles down the other side, reach a turnaround point, and repeat the grueling process. With the scorching sun beating down on him, and no shade in sight, Boyer couldn’t help but find it ironic that this arduous section of the race was named “Hope Pass” as it filled him with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. He described the feeling of pushing himself to the limit, taking each step with all his might, yet making no progress.
At mile 47, Boyer accidently injured his left foot, getting it jammed under a rock. His shin swelled up and his leg throbbed with pain. Despite the setback, he told himself to keep moving, reminding himself that he still had 53 miles to go.
In contrast, David Vobora, a former N.F.L. player, faced a different kind of challenge as he began his ascent of Hope Pass. He found himself throwing up as he climbed, alternating between walking and jogging while battling nausea. At one point, a fellow runner stopped to offer him comfort, rubbing his back as he hunched over in distress. Boyer and Vobora crossed paths on the trail and shared a moment of encouragement, their past experiences with physical challenges setting them apart from the other runners.
Vobora, who was famously known as “Mr. Irrelevant” after being the last pick in the 2008 N.F.L. draft, had worked his way up to become a starting linebacker for the Rams and Seahawks during his four-year career. Boyer, on the other hand, was a former U.S. Army Green Beret and played football at the University of Texas as an undrafted free agent. Both men were attempting to become the first former N.F.L. team members to complete the punishing 100-mile race within the 30-hour cutoff time.
Vobora, after retiring from football, founded the Adaptive Training Foundation in Dallas, a nonprofit organization that provides free training and support for wounded military veterans and civilians. His interest in running Leadville sparked after pacing a friend for 18 miles in 2021. This led him to start running during the pandemic, gradually pushing his limits until he completed a marathon and even attempted to run 100 miles within 24 hours.
To prepare for Leadville, Vobora followed an intense training schedule, giving up alcohol and adopting a diet consisting only of meat and fruit. He focused on shedding weight, going from 255 to 205 pounds to achieve a more runner-like build. His motivation shifted from simply taking on the challenge and earning the finisher’s belt buckle to a deeper determination in fulfilling a promise to himself. He poured every ounce of energy into training, reminiscent of his football days, and relished the opportunity to push his limits once again.
Boyer, known for his work as a filmmaker and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players, a nonprofit organization aiding combat veterans and former professional athletes, had gained confidence in his running ability after completing the Austin Marathon and a 50K race. The lack of bone and joint soreness following the 50K race made him believe that he may be better suited for longer distances. This led him to embrace the challenge of Leadville, driven by the desire to explore the depths of his own capabilities. Boyer viewed it as an opportunity to overcome deep-seated insecurities and achieve something extraordinary in his life.
The Leadville 100, with its varied terrain, high-altitude sections, and technical trails, proves to be a true test of endurance, spanning over 15,000 feet of elevation gain. The race began in the early hours of the morning, with 700 runners between the ages of 18 and 72 embarking on the daunting journey. Only 365 runners managed to finish within the time limit of 30 hours.
Boyer reached Twin Lakes, an aid station at Mile 37.9, six and a half hours after the start of the race. His support crew provided him with energy-boosting snacks such as gummy worms, bars, and gels, along with pretzels and other treats. Taking a moment to rest, Boyer changed his socks and shoes, replenished himself with coconut water, blueberries, and a banana, and candidly expressed the physical toll the race had taken on him.
Shortly after, Vobora arrived at Twin Lakes as well. Surrounded by his eight-person support crew, he focused on the task at hand, discussing his ailments and taking measures to address them. He was determined to push forward and conquer the climb up Hope Pass for the second time, fully aware of the cutoff time he had to beat.
Unfortunately, Vobora’s body reached its breaking point, vomiting persistently during the climb up Hope Pass and experiencing intense cramping. Medical officials advised him to withdraw from the race, leaving him devastated. As he rode down the mountain on the shuttle, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions, including frustration and determination to come back stronger next time.
Boyer, on the other hand, had arrived in Leadville fully prepared mentally, staying focused on the upcoming miles rather than letting himself become overwhelmed. He understood that constantly fixating on the distant mountains would only discourage him. The physical challenge of an ultramarathon, according to Boyer, transcended the realm of running itself and delved into the depths of one’s capabilities. He acknowledged that his motivation sprang from a deep-seated insecurity, a drive to accomplish something extraordinary with his life.
In the end, both Boyer and Vobora experienced the highs and lows of the Leadville Trail 100-mile race. While Vobora was unable to complete the race due to physical setbacks, both athletes gained invaluable lessons from their experiences. Their journey pushed them to explore their physical and mental limitations, ultimately leaving them with a sense of gratitude and a renewed appreciation for what their bodies were capable of achieving.
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