The North Texas Ultra Review

Craft team Rivs SS tech Tee
Craft 2 in 1 trail shorts
Swifwick crew socks
OutDoor Essentials dri fit hat
Asics Superblast 1 (gambled the trail was good for road shoes, was correct)
Hand held: Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask  Hydration: LMNT in addition

Back ups
Rabbit Half zip (did not need)
Saucony 1/4 socks, did change out after second loop due to sweat
Darn Tough Crew socks (put on for last loop, warmth on toes)
Leggings: adidas Men's Core Own the Run Tight Black 
adidas Men's Own The Run 7” Shorts

Nutrition
LMNT
Paleo Valley superfood bars
Honey Stinger mini Waffles
Water
Various on course offerings

For this run they had a 1 hour packet pick up the day before and the morning of options.  We went to the day before as we also set up our tent for my wife to hang out in while I was having fun on the trails.  The packet pick up was efficient and well organized.   Love the shirt and buckle.  I like their race bibs as they are small enough to go on my shorts.  Easy to find location that is pinned in an email from the group on exactly where to go. 

There was a full refuel (Food and hydration) station at the start/finish, 4.4/11 mile and then hydration at the 7.8 turn around.  They were all well stocked and very supportive.  The crew at the 4.4/11 spot were cheering everyone on and did a fantastic job cheering us on.  I appreciated the well placed porta potty at this station as well. 

The course is an out and back.  The circuit is 15.5, which is done four times for the 100K, which was my course.  The route goes into some wooded areas, through a field, along a retention wall for the lake, along the lake in multiple areas, through a historical site and through some farm areas (cows!)  The surface was mostly loose gravel, with some dirt road, minor paved areas about 500ft of elevation per loop.  

At the end of the run I had close to 2000 ft of overall elevation.  The route was very scenic in areas, we could hear fisherman talking to each other along the route.  I heard cows, roosters and a coyote early in the morning.  

The runners were all very supportive and rooting each other on.  The support volunteers and race staff are all great and supportive.  The trail got a little busy on the first loop when all distances were on course, but overall it was not a crowded trail run.   I got time to myself, but enough other runners to have company every now and again, root each other on and really get to enjoy the nature we were running in.

I performed beyond expectations on the run.  It was my second 100K.  My first 100K was slightly different surface (more sand and dirt, less gravel) with similar elevation gain.  I finished this 4 hours quicker than my first one.  My knee gave out about 50 miles in on the first one, this one all systems stayed strong.   

My only iffy moment was I think I took too much hydration at 1 point and my stomach starting feeling a little off.  I ensured to take more water in for a bit and my stomach settled.  

If you ever get a chance to run with the Texas Outlaw Running company, I strongly recommend it.  I have done 3 runs with them and they have all been well supported, well organized, great staff feedback and enjoyable runs.