‘Third time’s a charm’ for Vian resident

If you’re wondering how long it takes to run 100 miles in scorching heat, ask Blu Cloud.

Cloud, 42, of Vian conquered the Habanero 100, 2023, in 28 hours, 56 minutes and 37 seconds, taking 13th place overall and 12th in his gender.

The Habanero 100 was held on August 12 at 7IL Ranch just outside of Bellville, Texas, where horses have used the same trail for the past 150 years. With a mix of single track, open meadow running and creek crossing along the property, the course is a nontechnical trail designed to put the runner through extreme situations, both physically and mentally. Hundred mile runners are required to run 16 loops (6.21 miles per lap) through the course beginning at 12 noon on run day, according to Habanero 100 rules and regulations.

And the third time was a charm for the Vian resident, who finished within the 30 hour time frame.

“The first year Isaac Barnoskie and I came down to Habanero, I was in the best shape I had ever been in and around 35 miles, I got a migraine and was out,” Cloud remembered.

Cloud’s friend and a fellow runner, German Garcia, said when he talked Cloud into running in the event for the first time and he had to stop due to the migraine, he never thought Cloud would compete again.

“The second year, I shouldn’t have signed up since I had a walking boot on for eight weeks,” Cloud said. “I had one month to get some running in before the race. I made it to the 100k that year, but did 62 miles.”

“Most people come out and try one time and say “that’s it” or “never again,”” Garcia said. “I’m not going to lie, I was surprised he (Cloud) kept showing up. But this year, he said he was ready.”

So this year, Cloud took his time training leading up to the event, beginning in January.

“I was able to prepare and train, running during the hottest parts of the day and I felt like if nothing crazy happened, I had a good shot to finish this beast!” he said.

Cloud said during the first two laps/12 miles of the run, they had five medical emergencies with emergency medical services on site, with one being severe and requiring hospitalization.

“I kept going but was thinking these peeps are crazy,” Cloud said.

“Every time I saw him out there, we tried to stay positive and give each other encouraging words,” Garcia said. “I would say something like ‘the heat is brutal this year’ and he would say ‘just keep moving forward, it’s a new race once the sun sets.’ I just kept telling him I would see him at the finish line.”

Cloud said the entire way, he never thought about quitting. “There will be no failing this year,” he told himself as he ran.

Cloud said by mile 40, blisters had started and he was experiencing hallucinations.

“I was running through sand and telling myself only 60 miles to go!” he said.

Barnoskie, a training partner and runner, crewed Cloud for the last 30 plus miles.

“He endured the heat even more after running several hours himself,” Cloud said.

“The Habanero 100 mile buckle is finally mine,” he said. “And to complete on the hottest year ever makes it that much better! Thanks to everyone who cheered me on and to Isaac for crewing for me.”

“These races aren’t meant for you to succeed every time, that’s the beauty of them,” Garcia said. “So when it does come together, slow down and enjoy it. Don’t take it for granted. If it wasn’t your day, don’t get discouraged, it’s all part of the process. The ultra journey has no finish lines, you have a year to process it and I hope I’ll see you at the starting line!”