Keys 100 Concept of Operations

Situation.  The Keys 100 is a running event that starts in Key Largo and ends at the southernmost point in the United States, Key West.  The event takes place in late May and follows Route 1 across 40 islands or keys.  The course utilizes either the main highway, parallel roads, or existing bike paths.  The weather in May is normally very humid and there is minimal cloud cover.  In this case I plan to run the race without a support team and this will increase the risk of unforeseen issues, but believe it is feasible. 

Mission.  On 19 May 2018, I will run from Key Largo to Key West without stopping forward progress (run or walk) in order to achieve a lifetime goal and to enjoy the scenery.  Goal is to finish within 24 hours.

Execution.  Concept of Operations. I will move from VA to FLA, establish a pre-race preparation station in Key Largo, execute the run, link up with family, and recover in Key West.  Following recovery will move back to VA.

-   Will depart from Williamsburg to Miami International airport on 17 May.  I will likely fly via Richmond on an early direct flight. 

-   Will schedule a shuttle from MIA to Key Largo Holiday Inn Hotel on 17 May. 

-   On 18 May I will finalize preparations, check in at race registration, and attend mandatory meeting.  Final race preps that night.

-   Will stage gear with race organizers early on 19 May and prepare for race start.  This will include my large duffel and 5 drop bags for race.  Pick up of the duffel will take place in Key West after race.

-   Will execute run and finish ~ 24 hours.  Link up with family and stay in Key West for a couple days.

-   Return to Richmond via (likely) Fort Myers airport o/a 22 May.

Coordinating Instructions.

-   Departure date.  17 May.  RIC to MIA. Still need ticket.

-   Shuttle to Key Largo (Time TBD) Still need to schedule.

-   Hotel Reservation in Key Largo from 17-18 May confirmed confirmation number 67267405. Right next to the race start and where the registration is located.  Simple.

-   Registration is 1600-2000 18 May.

-   Mandatory Brief is 1700 to 1800 at Holiday Inn.

-   Drop off duffel bag and drop bags at start. Note:  Drop bags can be left Friday night as well into special containers.  5 x Drop bags. 

-   Start time race day.  0625 is my corral time.  I intend to be there by 0600.  All actions complete.

-   Race completion.  TBD.  Goal 24 hours.  Parents will be there; they have room at Hyatt Centric Hotel through 20th.  Check out 21st and back to Naples/Fort Myers and back home by 22nd. Need to set up flight.

-   Drop Bags.  Need to keep war gaming this.

o   Drop Bag 1 at the 20-mile mark (80).  Simply the “just in case” bag.  An extra bottle with electrolytes and energy stuff in it.  Some body glide. Maybe get by to here with just carrying bottle. Vest in bag?

o   Drop Bag 2 at the 40-mile mark (60).  Same as above.  Some food as well. Vest in bag? Old sunglasses.

o   Drop Bag 3 at the 50-mile mark (50).  Some type of morale food.  Extra bottle/or flasks for the 7-mile bridge.  Definitely vest.

o   Drop Bag 4 at the 60-mile mark (40). Extra socks and bottle.  Is this the best place for night marking stuff?? Here or 50.

o   Drop Bag 5 at the 80-mile mark (20).  Extra bottle, morale food? Drop vest here likely.

-   Gear list for start.  Phone and watch.  Run gear, glide up, band aids.  Pouch for phone, really small vest or none?  Bottle and flask.  Hat and buff.  Sunglasses.

-   Things to still do:

o   Flights both ways.

o   Shuttle.

o   Buy…. Extra bottles, another vest, hot weather hat.  More glide and Vaseline.  Compression shorts, and better run clothes for hot weather. Waterproof sunscreen.

o   Work out drop bag plan exactly.

o   List of food/sustainment items.

o   Duffle bag pack list.  Ie:  where to put wallet and keys.

o   Phone charging.  How to keep it going?