Running the Cascade Crest 100: How Experience Momentum Helped Me Reach the Finish Line
We are thrilled to introduce Eric George who is not only a talented Licensed Massage Therapist at Experience Momentum, he is also an incredibly dedicated ultramarathon runner. Eric recently finished a 100 mile mountain race and we couldn't wait to hear his story.
Why the Cascade Crest 100 is One of the Toughest Ultra Marathons in the Pacific Northwest
After a knee injury forced me to drop out in 2022, and with the knee injury still at play, completing an altered course in 2023, I wasn't satisfied. I wanted to conquer the full, unaltered Cascade Crest 100.
Eric George
One of my favorite ultra events in the Pacific Northwest is the Cascade Crest 100. This race isn't just another trail run; it's a grueling, old-school mountain race, made special by its 100% volunteer-run operation. All proceeds from the race go to the Washington Trails Association (WTA), the Pacific Crest Trail Organization (PCTO), and the Easton Fire Department, who generously host the event. With 23,000 feet of elevation gain, a mile-long rope-assisted descent, a 2.5-mile dark train tunnel, and the infamous "trail from hell," Cascade Crest is a race that challenges every fiber of your being.
My relationship with this race began in 2018 when I volunteered at the Hyak aid station. In 2019, I crewed and paced my wife, Nicole, as she took on the challenge, and in 2021, I returned to volunteer at the remote No Name Ridge aid station after the pandemic hiatus. By 2024, Cascade Crest had become an annual event for me, in some capacity —I was determined to complete the original loop course after a knee injury forced me to drop out in 2022, and with the knee injury still at play, completing an altered course in 2023, I wasn't satisfied. I wanted to conquer the full, unaltered Cascade Crest 100.
How I Trained for the Cascade Crest 100: Tips for Runners Preparing for Ultra Events
This year, both Nicole and I were lucky enough to get spots in the lottery, and we were determined to tackle this journey together, supported by our crew of friends. Training for such a race is no small feat. I started building my base in mid-February, logging 20-30 miles a week. But as any runner knows, the road to race day is rarely smooth.
I faced issues with my knee that have plagued me since my teenage years, and in the final big weekend of training, I tweaked my ankle. Thanks to the incredible Physical Therapists at Experience Momentum, I was able to rehab these injuries before the race. Doctor of Physical Therapy Jordan Mugarura worked on my knee, while Doctor of Physical Therapy Emma Pahl helped me with my ankle, both providing me with exercises that I diligently performed 3-4 times a week. Their guidance, combined with the Strength Training for Runners classes and my weekly "2 for Tuesday" routine (Anthony's 9 a.m. bootcamp class followed by a lap around Lake Union), laid a strong foundation for race day.
But running isn't just about muscles and miles—it's about recovery too. Working alongside another amazing Licensed Massage Therapist, Lauren, I scheduled massages every 3-4 weeks to address a sore hamstring and stiff hip. This holistic approach—melding the expertise of physical therapy, strength training, and massage—helped me feel confident in my body as the race approached.
Racing the Cascade Crest 100: My Journey of Resilience, Recovery, and Community Support
The day of the 2024 Cascade Crest arrived, and despite feeling tired and off-kilter, Nicole and I made the hour-and-a-half drive to Easton. The energy at the start line was palpable, but as we began the race, I struggled to find my rhythm. The first 40 miles, with 10,000 feet of climbing, were a battle. I fought to keep pace with Nicole, trying to manage my breathing and stay hydrated in the warm weather.
It wasn't until nightfall, when the temperatures dropped, that I began to feel like myself again. Seeing our crew at mile 52 gave me a much-needed boost, and the next 15-mile section—climbing and descending 3,000 feet under the light of a headlamp and full moon—felt like a fresh start. By mile 69, as the sun rose and a breakfast quesadilla provided a much-needed pick-me-up, I was ready for the next challenge: the "Trail from hell."
This slow, technical section tested every ounce of my endurance, but I pressed on. The climb to No Name Ridge, with a number of steep climbs and descents, known as the cardiac needles, and exposed out-and-back to Thorp Mountain, pushed me to my limits. Yet, every time doubt crept in I reminded myself of how hard I worked for this —the strength I'd built, the injuries I'd healed, and the confidence I'd gained.
Every time doubt crept in I reminded myself of how hard I worked for this —the strength I'd built, the injuries I'd healed, and the confidence I'd gained.
Eric George
Finally, as Nicole and I descended to the last aid station, the end was in sight. We ran the final 4 miles together, through heat and sun, until we crossed the finish line—32 hours, 24 minutes, and 12 seconds after we began. It was the hardest race I've ever done, but also the most rewarding. The backing from my incredible team at Experience Momentum, from massage to strength training, helped me get to the finish line. The expertise, support, and care were with me every step of the way, helping me turn what felt incredibly challenging into something achievable.
After crossing the finish line, we spent the rest of the day cheering on the other finishers as they made their way back to Easton. It was a celebration not just of the race, but of the strength, resilience, and community that makes it all possible.
If you ever have the chance to volunteer, crew, or run the Cascade Crest 100, do it.
Follow us on Instagram @experiencemomentum to hear more stories about our community accomplishing their goals!