tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836258045547563992024-03-13T08:21:11.321-07:00High Country DreamingBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-75017850112087531842017-05-18T12:07:00.003-07:002017-05-18T12:07:58.132-07:00My Favorite Trails
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073786111 1 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I was recently asked to make a list
of my favorite trails in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
high school teacher, my summers allow for a lot of travel, a perk I have taken
advantage of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had the privilege
to explore some of the most beautiful areas of the country, though I prefer to spend
most of my time in the mountains of Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Asking me to pick 5 top trails was difficult, so I picked 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even that took a week of narrowing down my
list, no small feat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, my
favorites are the ones with the best views, though sometimes that view takes
many miles and thousands of feet of climbing to reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the pain and suffering goes away as soon
as I gaze out into the vast mountain wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a sucker for high alpine lakes,
especially those that are lightly trafficked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, here’s my list…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#10 – Blue Lakes/Blue
Lakes Pass (Ridgway, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>We rented a house in Ouray in
the summer of 2012, and I had the opportunity to explore the San Juans for 6
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the first places I hiked
was up to Blue Lakes, just outside Ridgway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lower and upper lake, both of which
I visited that summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have since
returned and hiked all the way up to Blue Lakes Pass, which affords you great
views of Mt. Sneffels and down into Yankee Boy Basin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a lung-buster, but totally worth the
effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a book and sit by the
lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to leave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnC1fyfIm80/WR3pHRLPs2I/AAAAAAAAMTI/TEO3hr-1MOQGeJXF7DZV0zuQo8MhvBQNQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnC1fyfIm80/WR3pHRLPs2I/AAAAAAAAMTI/TEO3hr-1MOQGeJXF7DZV0zuQo8MhvBQNQCLcB/s320/IMG_0246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Lower Blue Lake As Seen From Upper Blue Lake) </span></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZToCN0TuUhE/WR3pHUCt2oI/AAAAAAAAMTM/3bIKudShw48V3fg4E4TbuW6PgQVZYHA2wCLcB/s1600/IMG_0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZToCN0TuUhE/WR3pHUCt2oI/AAAAAAAAMTM/3bIKudShw48V3fg4E4TbuW6PgQVZYHA2wCLcB/s320/IMG_0574.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span> (Relaxing At Lower Blue Lake)</span></span></span></b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#9 – Isabelle Glacier
(Indian Peaks Wilderness – Nederland, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Indian
Peaks Wilderness lies just 40 minutes up the canyon from Boulder, so it can get
a little crowded during the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snow
often lingers late into July, so this area was one I hadn’t explored until this
past summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve spent time in
Nederland before (love this town), but last July was my first chance to explore
(albeit briefly) the trails within the Indian Peaks Wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to do an out and back to Blue Lake
(does every town in Colorado have a Blue Lake???) and then do the same to Lake
Isabelle (carved out by the Isabelle Glacier).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This 11.5 mile jaunt has 3,200’ of vertical change and tons of views,
highlighted (for me) by the lakes on either end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are numerous other trails that I’d like
to explore here, with some bigger linkups available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll definitely be back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W31mg0Lk74Q/WR3qqlPsNaI/AAAAAAAAMTU/rxfVLExdIBYaJkciX5NBv6oSguEbVQZhwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W31mg0Lk74Q/WR3qqlPsNaI/AAAAAAAAMTU/rxfVLExdIBYaJkciX5NBv6oSguEbVQZhwCLcB/s320/IMG_4313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Blue Lake) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Q6zp_9axg/WR3qqvunVmI/AAAAAAAAMTQ/Rs4wQH3EURog0lJcpC9jeyE94gcMdYSrgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Q6zp_9axg/WR3qqvunVmI/AAAAAAAAMTQ/Rs4wQH3EURog0lJcpC9jeyE94gcMdYSrgCLcB/s320/IMG_4325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> (Isabelle Glacier)</b></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#8 – Sawtooth Lake (Stanley,
ID)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Until a few
years ago, I had never been to Idaho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While making my way to Oregon, I decided to kill a couple days in the
Sawtooth Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing where I
should stay, I listened to a song (titled “Idaho” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vff-CCarBE)
from one of my favorite bands, Yonder Mountain String Band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lyrics mention 4 towns in Idaho, so I did
some research and settled on Stanley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Sawtooths are spectacular, reminding me a bit of the Tetons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stanley was a neat little town, like a
Colorado town with less people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
able to find a natural hot spring next to the Salmon River, which was a nice
treat after a long day of hiking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdwekfx_82I/WR3rGZ-L6kI/AAAAAAAAMTY/pXDM3FT6e7wIogYeSAGBqKx43oHDTMzeQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdwekfx_82I/WR3rGZ-L6kI/AAAAAAAAMTY/pXDM3FT6e7wIogYeSAGBqKx43oHDTMzeQCLcB/s320/IMG_4105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Sawtooth Lake</span></b></i></span>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#7 – Mohawk Lakes
(Breckenridge, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I
mentioned, I love lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lakes are to me
what waterfalls are to Chris Russell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
when we saw this hike listed in a magazine, we decided to give it a try. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first few miles wind up through the
forest, eventually popping out next to Lower Mohawk Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rocky scramble brought me to Upper Mohawk
Lake, where I thought about stopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remembering
that a local had told me about a series of lakes beyond this one, I continued
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I encountered was one beautiful
lake after another, separated by flower-filled tundra with smooth trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part was I was the only person out
this far, so I had the place to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a nice little 9 mile hike, and I’d recommend it for anyone
visiting the Breckenridge area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dz-DnjYcJf0/WR3rt_JhgsI/AAAAAAAAMTc/xslphjSRFjMmn7sT-Qq8X7S1fPy9Ki_xgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dz-DnjYcJf0/WR3rt_JhgsI/AAAAAAAAMTc/xslphjSRFjMmn7sT-Qq8X7S1fPy9Ki_xgCLcB/s320/IMG_3926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(One of the Many Lakes On This Hike) </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVeTmE_WQck/WR3r-JHy7eI/AAAAAAAAMTg/RflE-ksg_8AiOc4RsCMOZSXLZ9X9ZAFxACLcB/s1600/IMG_3923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVeTmE_WQck/WR3r-JHy7eI/AAAAAAAAMTg/RflE-ksg_8AiOc4RsCMOZSXLZ9X9ZAFxACLcB/s320/IMG_3923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Buff Singletrack) </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#6 – American Basin
(San Juan Mountains, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was told
I couldn’t count the Hardrock course as one big trail, so I’m counting the
American Basin section (including Handies Peak) as my #6 favorite trail in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been on this section of the course three
times, including a spectacular sunrise and and even better sunset (in 2015 when
I ran Hardrock).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any race that makes you
scale a 14er, then descend to 12K, only to go back over 13K before dropping
into an aid station 3,000’ below is sadistic, but that’s what Hardock
does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am particularly fond of the
ascent up Handies in the counterclockwise (odd year) direction, as you are
treated to spectacular views into American Basin when you summit the 14,048’
peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kRY1UiWCcc/WR3suVGdTFI/AAAAAAAAMTk/cxvih4lpXV4vcmCPfiRhFno4VwYY-JQzACLcB/s1600/IMG_4099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kRY1UiWCcc/WR3suVGdTFI/AAAAAAAAMTk/cxvih4lpXV4vcmCPfiRhFno4VwYY-JQzACLcB/s320/IMG_4099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(American Basin Just After Sunrise - Hardock 2016) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXs_VHj-fPU/WR3sujWJKfI/AAAAAAAAMTo/TWWbJgRIyrETn5oRBVQ2OcXedZtlzbgRwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXs_VHj-fPU/WR3sujWJKfI/AAAAAAAAMTo/TWWbJgRIyrETn5oRBVQ2OcXedZtlzbgRwCLcB/s320/IMG_8358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Descending Into American Basin @ Sunset - Hardrock 2015)</span></b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#5 – Bridge of
Heaven/Bear Creek (Ouray, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While some
of the aforementioned trails offer more spectacular views, the Bridge of Heaven
hike in Ouray, CO has a special place in my heart, as it was my “go to” hike
(especially when adding Bear Creek Trail) when I spent a summer in Ouray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “bridge” is a large grassy knoll that
sits at 12,300’ and offers sweeping views of the Sneffels Range to the west, Red
Mountain to the south, and the town of Ouray 5,000’ below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hike can be done from the upper
trailhead, or you can start from town and take the steeper approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done it as an out and back (about 11
miles total), or as a longer outing that connects to Bear Creek Trail (part of
the Hardrock course) before dumping out in Ouray<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>.</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XF-CTE6aS78/WR3tq4d7-4I/AAAAAAAAMTw/vAUvZLsytAMJPCJGXw_INvEibLym_CtVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XF-CTE6aS78/WR3tq4d7-4I/AAAAAAAAMTw/vAUvZLsytAMJPCJGXw_INvEibLym_CtVQCLcB/s320/IMG_4251.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Looking South Towards Red Mountain) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ag-dsW5nmx0/WR3tqz3FJkI/AAAAAAAAMTs/7qJQRSqjluoZ8p7M16FqK1pYieapxW7cgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ag-dsW5nmx0/WR3tqz3FJkI/AAAAAAAAMTs/7qJQRSqjluoZ8p7M16FqK1pYieapxW7cgCLcB/s320/IMG_7201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;"> (Bear Creek Trail)</span></b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#4 – Scarp Ridge/Blue
Lake/Oh Be Joyful Trail (Crested Butte, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Crested
Butte is my favorite town in Colorado, hands down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has something for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can get big vertical or cruise buff
singletrack through the wildflowers for hours on end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the place and go every summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views from high on Crested Butte’s peaks
are hard to beat, offering sweeping vistas of the Elk Mountains and the Maroon
Bells to the north, and numerous valleys all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorite views is from the top of
Scarp Ridge, a narrow path that cuts across the top of peaks from town out to
Lake Irwin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are numerous linkups
you can put together, but one of my favorites is to cross Oh Be Joyful Creek
and head up the OBJ Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The initial
climb out is fairly gradual, but you are rewarded with huge views up the valley
with peaks on either side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several
miles, you have a few options, but I recommend climbing up for Blue Lake for a
dip, then making your way up to the pass and the top of Scarp Ridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here, take the narrow (and at times a
bit sketchy) path over Gunsight Pass and back down towards town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get a little bit of everything on this
trail – steep climbs, high alpine lakes, smooth dirt trails, and of course the
wildflowers that make Crested Butte so famous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLKlGtMF9WM/WR3uchHcDQI/AAAAAAAAMT4/UphE0DfUz60dL1arJ3Du89K98rvrD_4IACLcB/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLKlGtMF9WM/WR3uchHcDQI/AAAAAAAAMT4/UphE0DfUz60dL1arJ3Du89K98rvrD_4IACLcB/s320/IMG_0673.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hiking Up the Oh Be Joyful Valley) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yryTe-idEBg/WR3ucUGLDVI/AAAAAAAAMT0/SHsilWo6mVEpEegGKGqx1SRhf5eu67aQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yryTe-idEBg/WR3ucUGLDVI/AAAAAAAAMT0/SHsilWo6mVEpEegGKGqx1SRhf5eu67aQgCLcB/s320/IMG_3485.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Looking at the Maroon Bells From Gunsight Pass) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeWMZl8aUvA/WR3ucye5FgI/AAAAAAAAMT8/bhnU4O7i3nA0IZIMY5Ve9-9kuuN_lpOUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeWMZl8aUvA/WR3ucye5FgI/AAAAAAAAMT8/bhnU4O7i3nA0IZIMY5Ve9-9kuuN_lpOUgCLcB/s320/IMG_3763.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBDosn5xvjY/WR3uc9cS3EI/AAAAAAAAMUA/DieeRRTUJHkUaxM996G4JBpM800CIVCpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBDosn5xvjY/WR3uc9cS3EI/AAAAAAAAMUA/DieeRRTUJHkUaxM996G4JBpM800CIVCpwCLcB/s320/IMG_4583.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Green Lake Below and the Elk Mountains Ahead) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-US42c4yXML8/WR3udHgAV0I/AAAAAAAAMUE/5rOMGGDccmQYA_3wMAYRa6U1K9eiOAcvwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-US42c4yXML8/WR3udHgAV0I/AAAAAAAAMUE/5rOMGGDccmQYA_3wMAYRa6U1K9eiOAcvwCLcB/s320/IMG_4598.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Descending the Ridge) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7qWOCLpOVc/WR3udc05kSI/AAAAAAAAMUI/jnLEzl29AZgbkeuxZnWPVMKvmhC9c-7yQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7qWOCLpOVc/WR3udc05kSI/AAAAAAAAMUI/jnLEzl29AZgbkeuxZnWPVMKvmhC9c-7yQCLcB/s320/IMG_4900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (A Cold Dip In Blue Lake)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#3 - Sneffels
Highline Trail (Telluride, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After my
first year of teaching, I decided to take advantage of my summer and go check
out the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
soon as I hit the San Juans, I was hooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you’ve ever been to the festival or seen the San Juans, you
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to describe the
beauty of this area, but it feels like home to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like all mountains, but the rugged beauty
of the San Juans are at the top for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
Crested Butte has become my favorite town in Colorado, the sheer beauty of
Telluride is hard to beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nestled in a
box canyon with 13,000’ peaks on 3 sides, Telluride is a slice of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t enjoy steep and nasty, stay
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t like waterfalls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Telluride isn’t for you either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent that week waking up early to play in
the mountains all morning and listen to bluegrass all afternoon into the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It took me
several trips to Telluride before conditions were good for exploring the
Sneffels Highline Trail on the north side of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bluegrass festival is in June, and
typically there is still too much snow in the high country to attempt this run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One year I got lucky, as it was a low snow
year, so I set off on the 14 mile loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was spectacular to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found myself all alone, feeling like I was hours from
civilization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were huge peaks,
cascading waterfalls, and wildflowers bursting with color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although I have yet to run this trail since, I rank it as one of my
favorites of all time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3GQY9-r7b8/WR3vT1ROSMI/AAAAAAAAMUM/NL3OZXUUyW8Yxzg5LJNjpO7psmKTl6y0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3GQY9-r7b8/WR3vT1ROSMI/AAAAAAAAMUM/NL3OZXUUyW8Yxzg5LJNjpO7psmKTl6y0ACLcB/s320/IMG_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Mt. Wilson in the Distance) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agyHDbvwMgY/WR3vUO-YNII/AAAAAAAAMUQ/eMctxG30wz8A_5zm6l9PVOBrKsrTy5_6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_4718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agyHDbvwMgY/WR3vUO-YNII/AAAAAAAAMUQ/eMctxG30wz8A_5zm6l9PVOBrKsrTy5_6QCLcB/s320/IMG_4718.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Telluride Beauty)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#2 – Island Lake/Grant
Swamp Pass (Silverton, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If someone
wants to know what Hardrock looks like, just show them a picture of Island Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they want to see if Hardrock is for them, take
them to the top of the Grant Swamp Pass at over 13,000’ and look over the other
(north) side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s steep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, steep doesn’t do it justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s ridiculously steep, and the rocks and
dirt move with every step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t run
down so much as ski/slide/surf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
scary feeling at first but is actually a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Runners hit Grant Swamp at mile 15
(clockwise) or 85 (counterclockwise), and they are often greeted by a cheering
section of people who have hiked up to watch from the best seat in the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to run this section every
time I’m in Silverton, and it never disappoints.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScT2OtwLqyw/WR3vvR1nvOI/AAAAAAAAMUU/ABbhB-gafm0uF7ATH55_MTsyVG2NTAT7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScT2OtwLqyw/WR3vvR1nvOI/AAAAAAAAMUU/ABbhB-gafm0uF7ATH55_MTsyVG2NTAT7ACLcB/s320/IMG_3971.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Steep Side of Grant Swamp Pass) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywSls2yiHo0/WR3vvbd_QEI/AAAAAAAAMUc/UalXBckx1oocEKpFfLohgfNjZV91zkP_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_4210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywSls2yiHo0/WR3vvbd_QEI/AAAAAAAAMUc/UalXBckx1oocEKpFfLohgfNjZV91zkP_QCLcB/s320/IMG_4210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sunset Over Island Lake) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1s8sfZrg9fA/WR3vvXmPqHI/AAAAAAAAMUY/BXgKWgsTqsQzyNRvWFueHpei8qXi1nuawCLcB/s1600/IMG_4228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1s8sfZrg9fA/WR3vvXmPqHI/AAAAAAAAMUY/BXgKWgsTqsQzyNRvWFueHpei8qXi1nuawCLcB/s320/IMG_4228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Jason Showing Off His Scree Surfing Skills on the "Easy" Side of the Pass)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvovLmGBP-A/WR3vv1s-PnI/AAAAAAAAMUk/TM13j6O0YwIh_PTdNEIoTGz6rCTBqvjBQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvovLmGBP-A/WR3vv1s-PnI/AAAAAAAAMUk/TM13j6O0YwIh_PTdNEIoTGz6rCTBqvjBQCLcB/s320/IMG_8439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(A Still-Frozen Island Lake During Hardrock 2015) </span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLDVkpuh9jA/WR3vv0Uwd3I/AAAAAAAAMUg/dJep_n86VSQhbYRCeT3Vr-xd2y1krH6FQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cLDVkpuh9jA/WR3vv0Uwd3I/AAAAAAAAMUg/dJep_n86VSQhbYRCeT3Vr-xd2y1krH6FQCLcB/s320/IMG_8494.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (On Top of grant Swamp Pass @ Mile 85 of Hardrock 2015)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#1 – Columbine Lake
(Silverton, CO)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This hidden
gem is tough to find, and even tougher to run (round trip is 9 miles with over
6k vertical change). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Situated just
north of Silverton, between Silverton and Telluride, most people have never
heard about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never heard of it
until, after pacing a friend at Hardrock in 2012, another friend suggested we
check it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After fording a creek in
my car and parking on the side of a rutted-out road, we began the steep (over
1,000’ of small loose rock in the first mile) climb to the first saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here you traverse across snow and ice
(this was mid July) into a huge basin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Upon entering the basin, we lost the trail and couldn’t figure out where
we needed to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After locating
Columbine Pass high above us, we figured we would cut across the tundra
(through water, snow, and mud) and gain a better vantage point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the pass you can see across into one of
the many valleys leading down into Telluride, and the majesty of the San Juans
is on full display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Figuring we had
somehow missed the lake, we turned to head back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon doing this, we were greeted by views of
the bluest lake I have ever seen in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have since shown pictures of Columbine Lake to friends, who inevitably
give me grief about having photoshopped an image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, it truly is this blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw no one on the way up or the way down,
got big views of the San Juans, and hung out by the most beautiful lake I’ve
ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For these reasons, the
Columbine Lake trail is my favorite trail in the U.S.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcXHYUYZdWw/WR3w4H7mZuI/AAAAAAAAMUo/vEHZDbfihSEGy1eynxRu5pBbomGr7eT9QCLcB/s1600/5-DSC_4928-Columbine-Lake-by-Sigrid-WerbitschWeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcXHYUYZdWw/WR3w4H7mZuI/AAAAAAAAMUo/vEHZDbfihSEGy1eynxRu5pBbomGr7eT9QCLcB/s320/5-DSC_4928-Columbine-Lake-by-Sigrid-WerbitschWeb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Columbine Lake)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-13289839236248195962016-05-28T11:50:00.002-07:002016-06-13T09:19:57.768-07:00High Times in the Low Country: My Hypoxico Experience – Part 1<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
-->
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Pursuing a passion for
the mountains can be a challenge when you live at less than 1000’ above sea
level. I am lucky because as a high school teacher, my job allows me time
to get out to the mountains well ahead of any Summer race so I can
acclimatize. Still, I’ve always wanted to bypass that 2 week period where
gasping for air is inevitable as my body makes the necessary adaptations
allowing me to run and play above 10,000’. For several years I have looked
into buying a Hypoxico system, but they are an expensive investment. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7D9_7wxRVI/V0nmsgqC2yI/AAAAAAAAL_A/7Q03QteeKjA8PDy9s53EUTBIKzOx4RsLgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7D9_7wxRVI/V0nmsgqC2yI/AAAAAAAAL_A/7Q03QteeKjA8PDy9s53EUTBIKzOx4RsLgCLcB/s320/IMG_8353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(My Idea of Paradise)</span></span></b></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYaYyYDukB8/V0nluDqpDKI/AAAAAAAAL-4/VuXb2KBuB28Cp02kuzS7DbSaUh3xIlwDgCLcB/s1600/hypoxico-delux-bed-tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYaYyYDukB8/V0nluDqpDKI/AAAAAAAAL-4/VuXb2KBuB28Cp02kuzS7DbSaUh3xIlwDgCLcB/s320/hypoxico-delux-bed-tent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>(Hypoxico Tent)</b></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
</span></span><br />
-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
</div>
-->
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This Spring my coach and
friend Joe Sulak developed a Performance Lab at Stratton Sport and Spine in the
Stone Oak area of San Antonio, Texas. They recently purchased a Hypoxico
altitude simulator to help athletes maintain aerobic conditioning while
recovering from injury as well as assisting mountain athletes get a head start
in the adaptation process. Brock Stratton, the clinics mastermind and
owner, and Joe brought me in to test out the unit. After 6 weeks I am a
believer. Joe devised a protocol that, in 3 workouts of 30 minutes each
per week, would have me mountain ready by June. We started relatively
low, usually beginning at 5,000’ and working up to 8,000’, running at speeds
ranging from 5mph to 6mph. Now I begin at 10,000’ (7mph) and work up to
fast intervals (10mph) at 12,000’. Aside from feeling better, my oxygen
saturation levels (SpO2) prove that my body is adapting to the stresses of
higher elevations. That’s the cool thing about working with Joe and
Brock…their methods are always driven by science. </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMAIq6wDiuw/V0noCZQ09lI/AAAAAAAAL_M/UWOBM_vcNwoTbzl8HkLd77j0KVf98iVGwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMAIq6wDiuw/V0noCZQ09lI/AAAAAAAAL_M/UWOBM_vcNwoTbzl8HkLd77j0KVf98iVGwCLcB/s320/IMG_2265.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>(It Puts the Lotion In the Basket)</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
<br />
-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
</div>
-->
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today I can run faster at
higher elevations than when I began which is proof of the application of the
adaptations made in the clinic. We have added a few “passive” sessions into the
protocol, where I sit around at 22,000’ reading a book. This sounds easy,
but your brain doesn’t initially function well at that altitude. I
usually have to remain seated for a few minutes afterwards so I don’t pass
out. It’s a surreal experience. I am excited about my mountain
fitness and can’t wait to test it out for real next week. </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLnD_ebUCbg/V0noWPySbAI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/QI9HMmSqLcghYJDFfYbzr4OsbVmLc9UqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLnD_ebUCbg/V0noWPySbAI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/QI9HMmSqLcghYJDFfYbzr4OsbVmLc9UqgCLcB/s320/IMG_2358.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>(Light Reading at 22,000' Above Sea Level)</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-71833082949300226652015-08-04T13:13:00.002-07:002015-08-04T13:13:50.021-07:00“You Can’t Pick Up Any White Women Driving Slow” – My Hardrock Experience (Part 1 – Before the Race)
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I fell in
love with the San Juans in the summer of 2007 on my first trip to
Telluride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just finished my first
year as a teacher and decided to travel to Colorado for the Telluride Bluegrass
Festival and to explore places I’d only heard about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minute I crested the pass and saw Trout
Lake ringed by snow-capped peaks just outside Telluride, I knew I had found
paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place was special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have since spent many hours in the
mountains, exploring some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to
offer, but I still find myself drawn to the San Juans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve been there, you get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, well, it’s difficult to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are massive, rugged, and undeniably
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in awe every time I go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly feels like home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have since gone back to the Bluegrass
Festival 6 times, and it never gets old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I look forward to my yearly trip and can’t think about anything else the
last few months of school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get to run
in the most beautiful mountains in the U.S. for hours, then listen to bluegrass
music until the early morning hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
doesn’t get much better than that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1v41Jr7H7dY/VcENQXHapHI/AAAAAAAALPg/pncVsb_ikGY/s1600/IMG_6910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1v41Jr7H7dY/VcENQXHapHI/AAAAAAAALPg/pncVsb_ikGY/s320/IMG_6910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;">(Trout Lake)</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The summer
of 2007 also marked my first mountain ultra, the White River 50 Miler in
Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suffered quite a bit that
day, but I was hooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 years later I
signed up for my first 100 mile trail race, the Wasatch Front 100 in Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was rugged and beautiful, and it just
happened to be a Hardrock qualifier (although this was the furthest thing on my
mind when I registered).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to
put my name in the Hardrock lottery, but I was not chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor was I chosen the next 5 times I tried,
and with each passing year (accompanied by more trips to the San Juans) my
fascination with Hardrock grew until I could barely contain myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I HAD to run that race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the perfect combination of rugged
beauty and extreme challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
race grew in popularity, the chances of getting selected in the lottery grew smaller
and smaller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lucky enough to pace
a friend (John Sharp) in 2012, so I got to experience firsthand the final 54
miles in the clockwise direction (the race alternates direction each
year).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was both frightened and
enthralled by the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally,
after 6 tries, my name was called.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGRUQDsVw0c/VcEPDcyqM8I/AAAAAAAALPs/cXMq5crZzRs/s1600/IMG_0265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGRUQDsVw0c/VcEPDcyqM8I/AAAAAAAALPs/cXMq5crZzRs/s320/IMG_0265.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Finishing the White River 50 in 2007 - my first mountain ultra)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had followed the previous 5 lotteries via Twitter, waiting
anxiously with friends to see if any of our names were called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year I was in the mountains of northern
Georgia running a 50k with a friend in some of the most horrendous conditions
(the mud was laughable), so there would be no waiting by the phone or
constantly hitting refresh on my computer screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that friends and family would let me
know if my name was drawn, and I anxiously awaited the end of my race so I
could check my messages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got back
to the car (and had time for my numb hands to dry and thaw out), I saw dozens
of messages congratulating me on being selected for the 2015 running of
Hardrock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been waiting 6 years for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the euphoria wore off, I was left with
a slight sense of dread and worriedness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How would I train for this race, with it’s 67,000’ of cumulative
elevation change and average elevation of 11,400’, in San Antonio?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hills, but no mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was going to be quite the challenge, one
I was ready to tackle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
sitting down with my coach and close friend Joe Sulak, we hammered out a plan
that would prepare me for 100 miles of “wild and tough”, as the race’s motto states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We carved out weekend trips to the Guadalupe
Mountains in West Texas, countless hours of incline work on the treadmill, and
a couple mountain races to test my fitness along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I totally trust what Joe says, so I knew that
whatever he had me doing would work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would continue my weekly strength workouts with Joe, which I firmly believe
have made me a better runner over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would arrive in Colorado 3 weeks before the race, giving me ample time
to acclimatize to the altitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the
plan in place, I began counting down the days until school was out and I headed
West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent hours watching You Tube
videos of the race, reading reports from past years, and talking with Joe
Prusaitis (who has 7 Hardrock finishes and offered a wealth of
information).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I studied maps and
memorized elevation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>profiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the course is marked (“sparsely
marked” in the words of Course Director Charlie Thorn), there are section where
navigating can be difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snow, fog,
and animals eating flagging all wreak havoc on the marking, so anyone
attempting Hardrock should have a fairly good understanding of where the should
be and where the course goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prepared
for this race like none before, because it was a race like none I had ever run
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to leave anything
to chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to do it right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE1GBB_Z0bI/VcERgRpMhAI/AAAAAAAALP4/1yZX1_ycvmg/s1600/IMG_6399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE1GBB_Z0bI/VcERgRpMhAI/AAAAAAAALP4/1yZX1_ycvmg/s320/IMG_6399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(The Guadalupe Mountains - my "local" mountain)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzmEZ22eoSo/VcERwMbUKEI/AAAAAAAALQA/wfx3YfJ_TUE/s1600/IMG_4912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzmEZ22eoSo/VcERwMbUKEI/AAAAAAAALQA/wfx3YfJ_TUE/s320/IMG_4912.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Fun at 40%)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The second
semester of school whizzed by, and before I knew it I was wishing my students a
happy summer and packing my car for the month-long adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan was to spend 5-6 days in Telluride
(by way of Taos and Rico), another few in Ridgway, followed by 10 days in
Crested Butte before moving over to Silverton the week of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had received an email in mid April
detailing the snowpack conditions on the course and predictions for the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snow had been sparse in the San
Juans and we could expect a mostly dry course come July 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then a funny thing happened in May in
Colorado (and elsewhere) – it snowed…a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By some accounts the San Juans received more snow in May than any other
month this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the rumor was that
this could be one of the snowiest Hardrocks ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I live in South Texas, I have limited
experience with training and running in snow, especially the deep stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made my mental plans of routes I wanted to
hit, peaks I wanted to bag, sections of the course I wanted to scout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I stopped in Taos, NM on my way out
to Colorado, I realized the snow in the high country was going to make these
tasks very difficult, if not impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdOdHoBItKI/VcEYAzYDwfI/AAAAAAAALQQ/ZVUKg0QV3sk/s1600/IMG_6871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdOdHoBItKI/VcEYAzYDwfI/AAAAAAAALQQ/ZVUKg0QV3sk/s320/IMG_6871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;">(Lots of this while I was in Colorado)</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I tried (unsuccessfully)
to summit Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest peak at over 13,000’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it to just under 11,000’ before the
waist-deep post holing began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a
few minutes of this I realized I was fighting a losing battle and headed back
down to try another approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it
all the way (through snow) to Williams Lake at 11,000’ before turning
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would repeat this same scenario
numerous times over the next 10 days as I trudged up and down the peaks around
Telluride and Ouray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The days were warm
and clear, and the snow was melting fast, but there was a whole lot of snow to
melt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran solo most days and enjoyed
the solitude, although it was nice to have a familiar face join me a time or
two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a few days in Crested Butte
before one of my pacers, Dave Brown, arrived with his family and dog (who
apparently is immune to leaps from second floor balconies).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We explored the Elk Mountains and Maroon
Bells surrounding Crested Butte, a place I would move to in a heartbeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am obsessed with that town, maybe more so
than any in Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was so
green, and the contrast against the reddish hue of the Maroon Bells was
spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made tapering very difficult,
and I found myself cutting a few outings “short” at 16 miles and wanting
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t resist summittng a pass,
and I’m a sucker for high mountain lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwRekfTflrc/VcEYogdnvjI/AAAAAAAALQY/B82Z3ZQ393o/s1600/IMG_7781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwRekfTflrc/VcEYogdnvjI/AAAAAAAALQY/B82Z3ZQ393o/s320/IMG_7781.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Copper the Wonderdog) </b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LX6bHK-05jM/VcEZDpmlOTI/AAAAAAAALQg/tEiNq5rCoUk/s1600/IMG_7515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LX6bHK-05jM/VcEZDpmlOTI/AAAAAAAALQg/tEiNq5rCoUk/s320/IMG_7515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><b>(The Maroon Bells) </b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cindy joined us in Crested Butte for a few days before we
headed to Silverton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had experienced
great weather for 95% of my trip, but that all changed in Silverton, where it
rained for much of the week leading up to the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess this could be seen as a blessing, as
I wasn’t tempted to spend countless hours exploring the mountains so close to
Hardrock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hiked the 4 mile section
from the Bear Creek (Ouray – there are 3 different Bear Creeks on the HR
course) trailhead to Ouray AS and out to Camp Bird Road with Dave and Eric
White since Dave and I would be hitting that at night and wanted to be familiar
with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris (crew, chief napper) and
Liza (pacer) drove up from San Antonio a couple days prior to the race, and we
all had fun seeing other runners and crews walking around town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat through the “shortened” (2 hours
instead of the typical 4+) course briefing, during which Charlie Thorn detailed
the various ways we could die on the “sparsely marked” course, none of which
made Cindy laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several of us walked
the last few miles of the course to make sure we knew the route and could find
our way home in our oxygen-depleted state at the end of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I packed my drop bags (ask Chris for a detailed
account of this), bought some souvenirs, and stopped at the local coffee
shop/brewery for one final beer before settling down at the house for what I
knew would be a very restless night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
what I can only describe as one of the funniest conversations I’ve ever
overheard, a local miner detailed life in Silverton to Cindy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After boasting that he had once driven from
Silverton to Ouray in 17 minutes (if you’ve ever driven this road, you know how
ridiculous that sounds), our new friend remarked (with a sheepish grin) that
“you can’t pick up any white women driving slow”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJAHl2YjogE/VcEZi5oS0rI/AAAAAAAALQo/d1dWr_32AFk/s1600/IMG_8179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJAHl2YjogE/VcEZi5oS0rI/AAAAAAAALQo/d1dWr_32AFk/s320/IMG_8179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Helping the local economy)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKikbvy2D0Q/VcEbLc0owVI/AAAAAAAALRE/NsldF9mIK2s/s1600/IMG_8190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKikbvy2D0Q/VcEbLc0owVI/AAAAAAAALRE/NsldF9mIK2s/s320/IMG_8190.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Dave exploring the climb out of Ouray)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJqXr0Ko7Wk/VcEbZ7QyM1I/AAAAAAAALRM/vJ_0WAIdw3I/s1600/IMG_8214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJqXr0Ko7Wk/VcEbZ7QyM1I/AAAAAAAALRM/vJ_0WAIdw3I/s320/IMG_8214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Mineral Creek - mile 98.5)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDbYBrhIZSY/VcEcipaI4SI/AAAAAAAALRc/ZwkszGi85ak/s1600/IMG_8197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDbYBrhIZSY/VcEcipaI4SI/AAAAAAAALRc/ZwkszGi85ak/s320/IMG_8197.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Even aliens want a picture with the Cactus Kid)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-Cqq-uzlWE/VcEc4mq0cCI/AAAAAAAALRk/xV3zEERiNqg/s1600/IMG_8201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-Cqq-uzlWE/VcEc4mq0cCI/AAAAAAAALRk/xV3zEERiNqg/s320/IMG_8201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;">(Ready to go)</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-5838413935747027762015-07-02T04:48:00.002-07:002015-07-02T04:48:16.950-07:00Goin' Out West - Week 1
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tuesday (6/16)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
spending the night with friends outside Taos, NM (very different town than I
had envisioned), I drove to the Taos Ski Valley to make an attempt to summit
Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s tallest mountain at just over 13,000’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had summited the previous year from the
other (Red River) side, but I wanted to see the Bull of the Woods Trail and its
beautiful ridges from the Taos side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
same storms that have brought devastating flooding to Texas dumped massive
amounts of spring snow in the mountains, so I had my work cut out for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, after only 3.5 miles, I hit
impassable (for me) amounts of snow, still 5 miles from the summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disappointed, I turned and headed back down
the mountain, unsure how I would get my 15 miles in for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once at the Ski Valley again, I explored and
found another trailhead (Williams Lake) and followed it up to the lake at
11,000’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encountered a good bit of
snow along the way in the woods, forcing me to follow the blue blazes on the
tress since the trail was buried much of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed several groups of people who were
coming down from the lake, and they warned me that there was a bear and her cub
roaming around the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to my
dismay, the bears were nowhere to be found when I arrived at the lake, which
was beautiful and ringed by high snow-covered peaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a storm approaching, I quickly made my
way back down through the snow to my car, hit the local brewery for a burger
and beer, and made the drive to Rico, CO, where I had managed to find a hostel
run by a guy who went to my high school in Memphis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mileage – 14.8</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time – 4:36</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ascent – 3967’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Descent – 3967’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total Vertical - 7934' </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waking HR/Pulse Ox – N/A</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8TbiER7K_Q/VZC1MdFdHXI/AAAAAAAAHOA/6-pTOLReovE/s1600/IMG_6814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8TbiER7K_Q/VZC1MdFdHXI/AAAAAAAAHOA/6-pTOLReovE/s320/IMG_6814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;">(Lots of Snow) </span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9heQanSwpwY/VZC1QQ6IOLI/AAAAAAAAHOI/7vzoULdESCI/s1600/IMG_6830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9heQanSwpwY/VZC1QQ6IOLI/AAAAAAAAHOI/7vzoULdESCI/s320/IMG_6830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Williams Lake) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzo_fGYj9jk/VZC1T3bYvgI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/f9wClK0uANU/s1600/IMG_6839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzo_fGYj9jk/VZC1T3bYvgI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/f9wClK0uANU/s320/IMG_6839.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Rio Grande Gorge)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wednesday (6/17)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I chose
Rico in part because the hostel was cheap and owned by a guy from Memphis, but
also because it offered quick access to the trails in the Lizard Head
Wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been coming to the
San Juans for 7 summers, but I have yet to explore this area around Lizard Head
Peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided I would try to make it
to the pass (12,600’) but knew I might not be able to due to the snowpack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set out under a clear blue sky and cool
temps, and sure enough, I turned back after 2.5 miles and headed down to my car
due to the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove a few miles to
another trailhead, hoping for better luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made it another couple miles before I had to cross several snowfields
in which the snow came up to my waist at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After 30 minutes of this (and seeing no break in the snow ahead), I
again turned back and headed to the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although I only logged 10 miles, my legs were worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t easy (at least not for me) to work
your way up the mountain through deep snow, and the run back down was no picnic
either as the melting snow created rivers of mud and cold water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stabilizer muscles got quite a
workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After my run I drove to Trout
Lake and soaked my feet in the water while soaking up some Rocky Mountain
sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful day, and I was
headed to Telluride for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, my annual journey
into the San Juans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see how well I
was acclimating to the altitude, I brought a pulse oximeter and would be
measuring my waking heart rate and oxygen saturation in my blood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mileage – 10.3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time – 3:34</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ascent – 2234’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Descent – 2234’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total Vertical - 4468' </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waking HR/Pulse Ox – 66/90</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbkO-uKC5NY/VZC3nY3cbYI/AAAAAAAAHO8/MMKK4-zxTS4/s1600/IMG_6871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbkO-uKC5NY/VZC3nY3cbYI/AAAAAAAAHO8/MMKK4-zxTS4/s320/IMG_6871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Theme For the Trip) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdEKZZxoClk/VZC3OyKViKI/AAAAAAAAHOo/6jYL3tIBA1I/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdEKZZxoClk/VZC3OyKViKI/AAAAAAAAHOo/6jYL3tIBA1I/s320/IMG_6885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Love the San Juans) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Km1TF0JfU/VZC3OkkfAbI/AAAAAAAAHOk/PYr-zsCguUg/s1600/IMG_6890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Km1TF0JfU/VZC3OkkfAbI/AAAAAAAAHOk/PYr-zsCguUg/s320/IMG_6890.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Lizard Head Peak) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zby_mYzfa8/VZC3XvnNzVI/AAAAAAAAHO0/0SUwtnAeB_o/s1600/IMG_6910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zby_mYzfa8/VZC3XvnNzVI/AAAAAAAAHO0/0SUwtnAeB_o/s320/IMG_6910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Trout Lake)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thursday (6/18)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Telluride, what more can I
say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hooked the first time I saw
that box canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve ever been,
you get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waking up early a bit tired
and stiff after late night of music, I looked out the window to see bright blue
skies and snow-covered peaks inviting me to come play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal was to log about 4 hours of
running/hiking, so I took the gondola down into town and headed for Tomboy Road
in hopes of making it up to Imogene Pass at 13,100’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road is fairly tame by CO jeep road
standards in terms of footing, but it gets steep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it all the way to the abandoned mining
town of Tomboy (roughly 11,400’) before running into a snowplow that was
clearing the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The snow drifts on
either side were well above my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This road is popular with jeep enthusiasts in the summer, as it links
the towns of Telluride and Ouray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
turned around and headed back down, then hopped on the Jud Wiebe trail for a
couple more hours of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all it
was a good first day in Telluride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mileage – 15.2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time – 4:14</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ascent – 4334’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Descent – 4334’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total Vertical – 8668’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waking HR/Pulse Ox – 80/89</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dmY5_TsN8A/VZC46M4vl0I/AAAAAAAAHPI/sT_V8h3mLfA/s1600/IMG_6953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dmY5_TsN8A/VZC46M4vl0I/AAAAAAAAHPI/sT_V8h3mLfA/s320/IMG_6953.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Probably the Only Property In Telluride I Could Afford) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAyFLFL9Rt0/VZC5DAhNBSI/AAAAAAAAHPY/aOhOWotmr7Q/s1600/IMG_6955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAyFLFL9Rt0/VZC5DAhNBSI/AAAAAAAAHPY/aOhOWotmr7Q/s320/IMG_6955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Looking Up Towards Imogene Pass) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csC-vlubUks/VZC4-jQSVkI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/wwFMlhZeSzU/s1600/IMG_6965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csC-vlubUks/VZC4-jQSVkI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/wwFMlhZeSzU/s320/IMG_6965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Almost To the Snowplow) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPAU4iFdlQA/VZC5HVGEBhI/AAAAAAAAHPg/x-1SMSTU-q0/s1600/IMG_6991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPAU4iFdlQA/VZC5HVGEBhI/AAAAAAAAHPg/x-1SMSTU-q0/s320/IMG_6991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> (Looking Down On the Festival)</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Friday (6/19)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>Friday’s workout was just that –
a workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing “fun” about
this one, just a quad-pounding downhill-focused couple hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shortest “trail” from the top of the
gondola (10,500’) down into Telluride (8,750’) drops roughly 1800’ in 2.6
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My day would consist of running
down and taking the gondola back up, a total of 5 times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs felt surprisingly good, and I even
managed to get faster on the 3<sup>rd</sup> rep and maintain a decent
pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is definitely something I
couldn’t have done in San Antonio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mileage – 13.1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time – 1:43</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ascent - 0</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Descent – 8264’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waking HR/Pulse Ox – 79/90</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xyVT9E1GPA/VZUimTmFzYI/AAAAAAAAIOM/B4KPOka_s6I/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xyVT9E1GPA/VZUimTmFzYI/AAAAAAAAIOM/B4KPOka_s6I/s320/IMG_7017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Headed Down There x5)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saturday (6/20)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I took
today off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My quads were screaming, and
the lineup of good bluegrass music was long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d spend my day baking in the sun listening to good music.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mileage – 0</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time – 0</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ascent - 0</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Descent – 0</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waking HR/Pulse Ox – 73/90</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NadoCWrCj4/VZUjT_8N-nI/AAAAAAAAIOY/YVvTy7MDMfg/s1600/IMG_7035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NadoCWrCj4/VZUjT_8N-nI/AAAAAAAAIOY/YVvTy7MDMfg/s320/IMG_7035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>(Beautiful Festival Weather) </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoiXdcZhAvE/VZUjUOFWCyI/AAAAAAAAIOc/CnJlyVSDCYM/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoiXdcZhAvE/VZUjUOFWCyI/AAAAAAAAIOc/CnJlyVSDCYM/s320/IMG_7044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Hard To Beat Telluride Sunsets)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sunday (6/21)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today was
scheduled as a longer (8 hour) day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend
Eric drove over from Durango (he lives in SA) to meet me and see the San
Juans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was his first time here, and I
was eager to show him around some of my favorite trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started from the St. Sophia gondola
station at 10,500’ and headed up a service road aiming to hit the top of the
Gold Hill ski life (just under 12,000’) and then head down to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were close to the top when I noticed a
deer (maybe an elk) atop the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was some snow to cross, but we decided to follow the hoofprints to the
top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got there, much to our
surprise we saw a figure standing on a mound of snow, staring off into the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out to be local
runner Ricky Denesik, who knows the trail around Telluride better than
anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed us around and led us
on a rather scary scramble up some loose rock (we had to down climb using
cables on the return trip), but the view from the top of Gold Hill (over
12,500’) was incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snow surrounded
us, and the perfectly blue sky provided the perfect backdrop to the towering
San Juan peaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ricky told us about his
race that he is putting on in August and then led us down the mountain towards
a trail that would take us to Bear Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We said goodbye, and Eric and I headed up to view the falls at Bear Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly because it’s relatively easy and
convenient to access from town, this trail was full of people wanting to catch
a glimpse of the impressive falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
took a few pictures and cooled off in the spray of the falls, then headed to
the other side of town and up Tomboy Rd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We made it a few miles before Eric and I both decided that we were ready
to turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cruised back to town
and grabbed fries and a beer at the local pub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterwards, Eric got on the gondola to head back to his car and drive to
Durango, while I took the trail up and did a fee more hours of hiking/running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, it was a very productive training
day for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mileage – 26.8</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time – 7:56</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ascent – 7956’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Descent – 8917’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total Vertical – 16,873’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waking HR/Pulse Ox – 76/90</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A great kickoff to my mountain training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Totals for the week…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mileage – 80.2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time – 21:53</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ascent – 18,491’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Descent – 27,716’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total Vertical – 46,207’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJb6C2j13CY/VZUj7h6VgwI/AAAAAAAAIOo/UU887c3kAYA/s1600/IMG_7050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJb6C2j13CY/VZUj7h6VgwI/AAAAAAAAIOo/UU887c3kAYA/s320/IMG_7050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Another Great Sunset)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfgNHgY-FAE/VZUkD3h3hwI/AAAAAAAAIOw/62qxQj8jdtI/s1600/IMG_7076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfgNHgY-FAE/VZUkD3h3hwI/AAAAAAAAIOw/62qxQj8jdtI/s320/IMG_7076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> (Top of Gold Hill)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHbOj27Cdzc/VZUkGkaxHBI/AAAAAAAAIO4/wyv2TmHFPWA/s1600/IMG_7079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHbOj27Cdzc/VZUkGkaxHBI/AAAAAAAAIO4/wyv2TmHFPWA/s320/IMG_7079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;">(Running Down With Eric and Ricky) </span></b></span></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-18438802079483386522015-04-01T11:46:00.000-07:002015-04-01T11:46:07.621-07:00One Crazy Week - Georgia Death Race Report Part 1It's been awhile since I've posted anything, but here is part 1 of my race report from the Georgia Death Race. It was my second year in a row running the race, which occurs during my spring break and is a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday (3/9)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I caught an
evening flight into Memphis to spend a few days with family before flying to
Atlanta for the Georgia Death Race in the mountains of northern Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I leave I call to confirm my
reservations at the lodge at Amicalola Fall State Park, where packet pickup is
on Friday and the race will end sometime around midnight on Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose to stay here so I wouldn’t have to
drive anywhere post race and wouldn’t need to move my car, choosing instead to
catch the 3:30AM shuttle over to the race start at Vogel State Park at
6AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a short layover in Houston, I
arrive in Memphis to find my bags soaking wet from the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday (3/10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I didn’t
set an alarm and slept in for the first time in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents and I went to breakfast (breakfast
is hands down my favorite meal) and then ran some errands with my sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received an email from the RD letting us
know a big announcement was forthcoming later that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not thinking much about it, I visited with my
sister and then had dinner with more family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After dinner I checked my messages and saw the announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to issues with the Forest Service (heavy
rain in the forecast was creating concern over potential trail damage), the
race would now be run in the opposite direction and start at 8AM instead of
6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may sound like an fairly
insignificant change, but it meant the race would now begin with 50K of forest
service roads, with lots of climbing but still pretty runnable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big change would be the finish, which
would consist of 35(ish) miles of super steep and gnarly singletrack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of getting this section (half of
which is run on the infamous Duncan Ridge Trail) done early in the race while
the legs are still fresh, we would tackle it at night on tired quads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 60% of the elevation change (roughly 25,000’
of the 40k total) would occur in the last 25 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, since we would now start at Vogel and
finish at Amicalola, they would be busing us from Vogel over to the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I could keep my room at the lodge and
sleep in, or I could get a room closer to the finish so I would have my car there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The later start meant more time running at
night and a later finish, thus less sleep post race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly searched around a found a small
cottage located inside Vogel State Park, about 100 yards from where I would
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be perfect!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I booked this and canceled my reservations at
Amicalola.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTIl5qboCTA/VRw5odk4ohI/AAAAAAAAG-c/C7As0VXoCXo/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTIl5qboCTA/VRw5odk4ohI/AAAAAAAAG-c/C7As0VXoCXo/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;">(Nothing Beats A Good Breakfast)</span></b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> <style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</span></b></span></i><div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday (3/11)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I slept in
again and felt great when I woke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, great except for the horrible chest cold and cough I had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the course now reversing directions, I
had to re-work my drop bags and pacing chart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The more I thought about it, the more I got excited about the new
challenge, which the RD promised would be much harder than the originally
planned direction that I completed last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I spent much of the day visiting with family and relaxing, even managing
to squeeze a little work and a nice 6 mile run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1baT5wJhiow/VRw6bV3IX-I/AAAAAAAAG-k/T_9HFCJDjO4/s1600/IMG_6117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1baT5wJhiow/VRw6bV3IX-I/AAAAAAAAG-k/T_9HFCJDjO4/s1600/IMG_6117.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(Hanging With My Niece Hannah)</span></b></i></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRV4HF2rWuk/VRw6beA_2yI/AAAAAAAAG-o/lfISX32v0R8/s1600/IMG_6127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRV4HF2rWuk/VRw6beA_2yI/AAAAAAAAG-o/lfISX32v0R8/s1600/IMG_6127.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (See the Resemblance)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday (3/12)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Awakening
to rain for the 3<sup>rd</sup> straight morning was getting old, and when I
checked the forecast for the race I saw that I could expect more of the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, my last 4 races had
been run in sloppy rain and mud, so this shouldn’t have been surprising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stuffed myself with some good Memphis BBQ
(pork, the way it should be) and then headed to the airport to catch my flight
to Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for me, I connected
through Baltimore (sarcasm intended).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could have driven to Atlanta in less time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After 2 uneventful flights, I arrived in Atlanta, picked up my rental
car (was mistakenly given a Jeep Wrangler), and drove to a high school friend’s
house to grab a few hours of sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5cH1_b9FY/VRw67MjeptI/AAAAAAAAG-0/b_x2reWiee0/s1600/IMG_6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5cH1_b9FY/VRw67MjeptI/AAAAAAAAG-0/b_x2reWiee0/s1600/IMG_6140.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(My Buddy Lance Guarding My Door in Atlanta)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</span></b></i></span><div class="MsoNormal">
Friday (3/13)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After a
restless night, I awoke (tired) and visited with Doug, a good friend from high
school who paced me last year at the GDR and ran a 50K with me in these same
mountains last December (where it poured rain and was incredibly muddy).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After spending the morning with Doug and his
wife and kids, I headed to meet 2 friends from college for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scott, Walt, and myself had graduated
together and played basketball at Washington & Lee, where we were the only
3 seniors from our class that played all 4 years (11 started together as
freshmen).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t seen them in several
years, so we had plenty to talk about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After lunch I stopped in to a growler store to sample some local brew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The keg ran out as he was filling my growler,
so he gave me the imperial porter for free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This had to be a good sign of things to come.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
making the hour and a half drive north into the Georgia mountains, I arrived at
Amicalola State Park for packet pickup and the race briefing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many European races, the GDR requires
runners to carry a number of mandatory items at all times throughout the race,
ranging from a rain jacket and thermal top to headlamp and space blanket (plus
spare batteries, water bottle, warm hat, and whistle).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part, I deem these items as
“things no idiot would go into a mountain race without”, but some people show
up totally unprepared for the changing weather the mountains like to dish
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The RD runs quite a few races in
Europe (I met him at a 100K around the Eiger), and it is typical of Euro races
to require certain gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up my
bib and sat through the trail briefing from RD Sean “Run Bum” Blanton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The briefing can best be described as a PG-13
rant against the Forest Service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
explained why he needed to reverse the route (totally justified in my opinion)
and apologized for any inconvenience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
also stressed that the word of the day (I learned this when I ran the race last
year) would be “ish”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in, it is 8ish
miles from one aid station to another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The race would be anywhere from 63 to 68 “ish” miles and no one should
complain if their Garmin said something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDmCeRgRRMs/VRw7Z4cI9kI/AAAAAAAAG-8/nOBCipyBmBQ/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDmCeRgRRMs/VRw7Z4cI9kI/AAAAAAAAG-8/nOBCipyBmBQ/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2dCQnLV1jI/VRw7Z3cneKI/AAAAAAAAG_A/05XDvl3bZFE/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2dCQnLV1jI/VRw7Z3cneKI/AAAAAAAAG_A/05XDvl3bZFE/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After the
briefing, I quickly made my way to the car, wanting to complete as much of the
hour plus drive to Vogel State Park (where my cottage awaited) in the fading
daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew the road was winding
and would fill with fog and rain, so I wanted to get going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, the rain came down harder and
the fog thickened as I wound my way up to the top of the mountain and over the
other side towards Vogel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going
20mph at times in an effort to keep my Wrangler on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually I pulled into Vogel and went to
the office to grab my key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had called
earlier in the day to let them know I’d be there well after they closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told it was no problem, that they would
leave an envelope on the board with all my info and key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scanned the bulletin board for my name, but
it wasn’t there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmmm, this is
weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked again, and nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew which cottage I had rented, so I
walked into the pitch black night to find it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I quickly located it and checked the door – locked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The windows were locked too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wasn’t good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back to my car to see if I could muster
any cell signal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just enough to
find the reservations number and call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All I got was a recording telling me they were closed for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the email containing my reservation
and noticed that I had indeed booked the cottage for Friday and Saturday nights
--- of the following week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I was sitting in the parking lot in the
rain with no room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew there were hotels
(not many and none that were decent) in the small town of Blairsville 20
minutes away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered passing the
Blood Mountain Cabins at the top of the mountain a few miles away and thought
it would be worth giving them a call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The man who answered informed me that he could help me out and had a
cabin available, but that it was a few miles down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No problem, I just needed a place to
stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I headed back up the mountain into
the fog and knocked on the door at the general store that served as the front
desk for cabin rentals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man gave me
a map and explained where my cabin was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He even apologized for not having anything smaller, but I wasn’t
complaining since I now had a bed to sleep in and the price was cheaper than a
hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove back up the road and
turned off the main highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say this
area was desolate would be an understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m pretty sure this is where the guys from Deliverance go to unwind and
relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several wrong turns, I
found the cabin and pulled into the driveway, careful to keep my car running
with the headlights on in case I needed to make a quick getaway from a bear or
these guys...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL0j2SzYJco/VRw7m0o1MII/AAAAAAAAG_M/8t6SXgbgu28/s1600/deliverance-duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL0j2SzYJco/VRw7m0o1MII/AAAAAAAAG_M/8t6SXgbgu28/s1600/deliverance-duo.jpg" height="149" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cabin was great, equipped with a fireplace and full
kitchen to go along with the 3 bedrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I unloaded and re-packed my race gear and settled in for a few hours of
restless sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up and drove back
down the mountain to Vogel to catch the 6AM shuttle (Sean told us the buses
would leave at 6 sharp).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got on the
bus at 5:55 along with several other runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rain was coming down, and we chatted about the adventure that lay
ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the bus was still parked at
6:15, the bus driver told us he was waiting for the RD to come give him the ok
to depart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would have been great,
except the RD was at the start, over an hours drive away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up leaving just after 6:30 and made
the long (we were in school buses) drive over the mountains to Amicalola, where
Sean informed us the start would be delayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Great, this meant more time running in the dark of night and less sleep
post race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made one final bathroom stop and said hi to
Jason Bryant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 8:15, we headed off up
the road to the stairs that would take us to the top of the falls.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc-89x6AjTc/VRw72LMgKnI/AAAAAAAAG_U/31v0qgsl6Kw/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc-89x6AjTc/VRw72LMgKnI/AAAAAAAAG_U/31v0qgsl6Kw/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-3084539113538836312014-09-30T12:52:00.000-07:002014-09-30T13:07:37.323-07:00Just Around the Corner: Wasatch 2014<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The Wasatch 100 was my first 100
mile race back in 2009, so it will always be special for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That first year was all about finishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last 2 attempts have been in search (in
vain) of that elusive sub 30 hour finish and the turquoise buckle that would
come with such a feat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I found out
I had been accepted into the 2014 running (if only my attempts to get into
Hardrock were as successful as my Wasatch lotteries have been), I immediately
started thinking about what it would take to break 30 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I changed the background on my phone to a
picture of the sub 30 buckle (cheesy, but I needed to see what I would be
working towards over the next 6+ months).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started doing more hill training, with the key difference this year
being I was running most of the hills instead of power hiking them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve made the mistake in the past of hiking
many hills in training, rationalizing this in my head by noting that I wouldn’t
be running too many hills in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was a mistake, so I forced myself to run as many hills as I
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I ran them, the stronger
I got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stronger I got on hills, the
easier all other aspects of my running became.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hit the gym once a week, focusing on lunges, squats, and other
movements that would strengthen my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took several trips to the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas and 2 more
trips out West in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I
logged some miles in the mountains, I wasn’t feeling particularly strong until
I ran the Siskyou Out and Back 50K in Ashland, OR in late July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the race (and in the weeks afterwards),
things seemed to click.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to the
race, I hadn’t logged a ton of running miles, doing more hiking in the
mountains and enjoying the cooler weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The SOB 50K convinced me that I was doing the right thing and was almost
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Telluride Mountain Run sealed
the deal for me mentally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was psyched
to run Wasatch, more pumped than I’ve ever been for any race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With 3 finishes under my belt, I knew what to
expect and was confident that my course knowledge and training would put me in
a good position to earn that turquoise buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We arrived in Salt Lake City on
Thursday afternoon feeling healthy and rested (2 years ago I arrived and ran
with the flu – not fun).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Larry (he
was running the “fun run” of 53 miles) and one of my pacers, Joe T and his
girlfriend Kris, who would help Cindy with the crewing duties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After depositing my drop bags, I checked in,
listened to the 8 minute race briefing, and grabbed a bite to eat (and one of
the best oatmeal stouts I’ve ever had) before heading to Park City to check
into our hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always prefer to stay
in the heart of the mountains versus the city if possible, and Park City is the
perfect place to do just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made
some last minute preparations, set my alarm for 2AM, and crawled in bed for a
few hours of sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvfUvwhXnsI/VCMgReKSoXI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/dhXCKLOJ74w/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvfUvwhXnsI/VCMgReKSoXI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/dhXCKLOJ74w/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Legendary Dinner)</span></b></i></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
At 2AM, I heated up my breakfast
(sweet potatoes, bacon, and eggs, and threw on a pot of coffee for the drive to
the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We picked up Larry at Lamb’s
Canyon (he was extra excited to be up so early to accommodate my pre-race
“rituals”) and headed north to the start line, where we would begin our
adventure at 5AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aside from Larry
stepping in a huge pile of stinking poop (not mine), nothing too exciting
happened as runners milled about the parking lot awaiting the RD to send us off
into the Wasatch Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I normally
set 3 time goals for a race, and this year was no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My “A” goal was to break 30 hours, my “B”
goal was to PR (needed to break 33:31 to do that), and my “C” goal was just to
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To accomplish these goals, I set
several other goals, such as trying to limit my total time in aid stations to
no more than an hour (I spent over 2.5 hours stopped at aid stations when I had
the flu in 2012), not puking (this would be a major accomplishment for me in a
100 mile race), and pushing through the pain in an attempt to run as
comfortably hard as I could, even when it hurt to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right at 5AM, 320 runners set off into the
dark morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF1_H33LLEo/VCMgWo9G9AI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/0qWe9EGYJss/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF1_H33LLEo/VCMgWo9G9AI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/0qWe9EGYJss/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Larry and I at the Start)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The first few miles of Wasatch are
on nice rolling singletrack trails, making it a good warmup for the legs but
difficult to navigate the conga line of runners that stacks up as the trail
narrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air was cool and cloudy,
and I started in shorts and my standard race shirt, a plaid button-down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As runners kicked up dust on the trail, I
settled into a nice slow trot for the early miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we wound our way across the Bonneville
Shoreline Trail, we could see the lights of the still sleeping city below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 5+ miles of rolling terrain, the trail
began to climb as we hit the first (and longest) ascent on the course, a 4500’
grind up to the summit of Chinscraper, about 6 miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nursed my bottles of Carbo Pro/Skratch mix,
intending to drink one bottle an hour until I ran out or got hungry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had enough stashed in drop bags to last at
least 15 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the first aid
station over 18 miles away from the start, I would carry 4 bottles on the
climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having spent several weeks in the
mountains over the summer, I was confident in my ability to hike uphill
quickly, and the climb up Chinscraper felt very easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself getting a bit frustrated with
how slowly the pack was moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the
rare occasion the trail offered a place to pass, I would dart ahead of 6-8
other runners, still trying to keep things easy and relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have passed 25-30 people on the last
few miles of the climb, and soon I was scrambling over the top to the summit,
which offered beautiful views (despite the light rain that was now falling) of
the Great Salt Lake and urban sprawl below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next several miles would take us across the first of many ridges we
would traverse in the race, then spit us out on a jeep road where we would
descend several thousand feet to the first aid station at Francis Peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wanting to push myself, but not wanting to
trash my legs on the first downhill of the day, I was happy to settle into a
comfortable pace and chat with a local named Dodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived at Francis Peak and grabbed 4 fresh
bottles of CP/Skratch from my drop bag, filling 2 with water and stuffing the
other 2 into my Ultimate Direction pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In just under 2 minutes, I was headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xajmevQU6eQ/VCMgk8FOqZI/AAAAAAAAG2o/7Q3p9EZ9rl8/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xajmevQU6eQ/VCMgk8FOqZI/AAAAAAAAG2o/7Q3p9EZ9rl8/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Looking Back Down Final Climb Up Chinscraper)</span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THuqKZ9loQU/VCMgpXV0sEI/AAAAAAAAG2w/lqBxznbyhzo/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THuqKZ9loQU/VCMgpXV0sEI/AAAAAAAAG2w/lqBxznbyhzo/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(View of Salt Lake From Chinscraper Sumit)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XED5Cl7jdrE/VCMgf3HdmnI/AAAAAAAAG2g/sKWfpcwr7Tg/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XED5Cl7jdrE/VCMgf3HdmnI/AAAAAAAAG2g/sKWfpcwr7Tg/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Typical Wasatch Terrain)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In years past, I have had to
jog/walk much of the road leading out of the Francis Peak AS, but this year I
was determined to run every step until I hit the next climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In doing so, I managed to pass several
people, something that usually doesn’t happen for me on flat stretches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple miles of undulating road, we
turned off onto our next ascent, where I passed a few more people before
veering onto the singletrack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dipped
my visor in the cool mountain stream and began the short but steep grunt up to
the Bountiful B aid station at mile 24.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told myself that I wouldn’t compare my actual time to the projected 30
hour splits until I reached Big Mountain at mile 39, so I quickly filled 2
bottles of CP/Skratch and trotted out of the Bountiful in under 2 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The next few miles leading to the
Sessions aid station would be mostly “flat” jeep road and then a downhill into
the aid station itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was enjoying
the cool air and cloud cover as I hiked/ran across the beautiful terrain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was cresting a hill, I noticed a guy
sitting in what looked like a recliner on the side of the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I got closer, I realized that he was indeed
sitting in a recliner, which was on top of carpet and next to a full bookcase
and lamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if he had
transported his entire living room to the top of the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I passed, he said hello and acted like it
was perfectly normal to see this in the middle of nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I stopped to adjust the laces on my shoe,
another runner passed by and said we should be at the aid station within 10
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we had at least 2
miles to go, so this guy had to be wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure enough, as I topped out on the next hill I saw the aid station
buried in the trees below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as the
guy said, we were there in less than 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling great, the weather was perfect,
and things couldn’t have been better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew the next section was a bit longer and had given me trouble in the past (I
had puked on this section in each of my previous 3 Wasatch finishes), so I took
a 3<sup>rd</sup> bottle so I could stay on top of my hydration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 bottles of mix and one of water should be
plenty I told myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked the volunteers
and headed out, again taking 2 minutes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As I climbed out of the Sessions
aid station, a cool breeze blew in, and we entered a shady forested section of
pristine singletrack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pleased with
how things were going, knowing I was almost 30 miles into the race and would
picking up my first pacer (Joe T) at mile 39.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took a sip of CP/Skratch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life
was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it happened…I puked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything I had consumed in the past hour+ was now on the side of the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple runners passed and asked
if I needed anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discouraged, I was
prepared for this (I was now 4 for 4 in puking on this section, so I shouldn’t
have been surprised) and was determined not to let this misfortune derail my
plans of breaking 30 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt much
better now, but I was weak and sluggish as I became dehydrated and in a caloric
deficit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next 6 miles were brutal,
marked by another steep climb and several rocky descents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I wouldn’t be able to consume any more
CP/Skratch mix (I made it 7 hours), so I nursed my one bottle of water for the
next 2 hours as I slowly made my way to the Swallow Rocks aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I needed calories, so I ate a bag of
Honey Stinger chews, which seemed to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I must have been passed by 30 people in this stretch, but I knew it
would get better once I got fluids and calories in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had spent nearly 20 minutes at Swallow
Rocks in 2012 contemplating dropping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
vowed not to let the same happen this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nearly 9 hours after starting, I arrived at Swallow Rocks (mile
34.6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chugged a bottle of ice cold
water, guzzled a cup of Coke, and scarfed down some much needed calories before
heading out with a bottle of water and another of Gu Roctane brew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I almost instantly felt better now
that I had some calories in me and my stomach had settled down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing the first couple miles were uphill
out of the aid station, I settled into a fast hike and even managed to pass a
few people who had passed me when I was struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gave me a mental boost, so I decided to ride
this high and put on some music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Skid Row’s “18 and Life” came on my iPod, I smiled and started to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The middle of this stretch of the race took
me through a forest full of aspen trees, then a beautiful meadow, followed by 2
miles of screamingly fast singletrack leading into the Big Mountain aid
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt awesome, managing to
click off a couple miles in a low 7 minute pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew my crew and pacers would be there with
a new pack and fresh bottles, so I ran as hard as I could into the aid
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at my watch and saw
that I was 1:45 ahead of my projected 30 hour pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t intentionally trying to bank time,
but rather was running on feel and trying to push the pace when I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that if I ran hard when my body allowed,
I would be setting myself up to give a go at a sub 30 finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped off my pack, stepped on the scale
(down only 2 pounds), and grabbed my new pack and bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I normally spend at least 5 minutes at this
aid station, but Joe and I left after only 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjxH3Ojb8-o/VCMlvxOIYzI/AAAAAAAAG3A/rYqa8yUxnmU/s1600/IMG_4970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjxH3Ojb8-o/VCMlvxOIYzI/AAAAAAAAG3A/rYqa8yUxnmU/s1600/IMG_4970.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Leaving Big Mountain)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Having Joe pace me was a huge
boost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a condo in nearby Ogden,
so he is familiar with the terrain we would be covering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hiked up the initial climb out of the aid
station while I took in some calories, passing a few people along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the crest of the big climb, we were
treated to views in all directions as we ran along the ridge of the Wasatch
Crest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing that struck me was the
colors of the trees, ranging from bright orange to yellow and varying shades of
green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fall had already arrived in the
Wasatch, and the cool air and falling leaves made for some great running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hiked most anything that went up and ran
the flats mostly on ridges and through groves of aspen trees) and all the
downhills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just over 8 miles after we
left Big Mountain, Joe and I descended down the rocky terrain into the
Alexander Ridge aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
section took less than 2 hours, a good bit faster than any of my previous
finishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The volunteers at Alexander
Ridge always dress up, and this year they were barnyard animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fueled up with Coke and Gu Roctane and
headed out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Si6lze6Aw/VCMl2n5_7VI/AAAAAAAAG3I/i_-LLSs37RU/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Si6lze6Aw/VCMl2n5_7VI/AAAAAAAAG3I/i_-LLSs37RU/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Huge Views)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The weather had been perfect all
day, but this next stretch would see the emergence of the sun, which baked my
neck as we made our way across an exposed section near an oil pipeline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, this was way better than I had
expected, so I stayed on top of my hydration and ran when I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon we were heading back into the trees for
a short (I had remembered this climb as much longer and told Joe we were in for
a tough one) climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we popped out
of the trees, we were treated with views of the highway below and Lamb’s Canyon
aid station below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time I ran
Wasatch, this section had played mind games with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail goes past the aid station, then
turns and goes back by it, only to turn once more and pass it yet again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a proper bushwhack through trees and
muddy muck, you can hear and see the crews cheering runners on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never arrived at Lamb’s this early in
the race, and I felt great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Rachel
(she had just flown in from Chicago and would be pacing me from mile 75 to the
finish), Cindy, and Kris, and they quickly grabbed my pack and switched out new
gear as I weighed in (down 9 pounds but still within the acceptable range of
gain/loss) and grabbed a few calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had traditionally spent 10-15 minutes at Lamb’s, but I was out in only 5 this
year, sticking to my plan to make up time at aid stations.<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I walked up the paved road as I
down a bottle of Ultragen, topping off my calorie stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt pretty good and was able to hike at a
decent pace the 2 miles to the bottom of the Lamb’s Canyon trailhead where I
would jump onto a section of singletrack that would take me up 1500’ in 2 miles
to Bear Bottom Pass and then down the other side to Millcreek Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After only a couple minutes, I pulled out a
bottle of Gatorade to take a sip and almost immediately started throwing up on
the side of the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great, not
again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This continued for a couple
minutes until I was able to gather myself and head back up the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later I looked behind me and
didn’t see Joe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caught up shortly and
told me he was having some issues with the altitude and that I could go ahead
if I needed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around this time we passed
a race volunteer who had a bunch of race flagging in his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He informed us that someone had pulled
markers and sabotaged part of the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is never good, as it puts people’s safety (and their possibility of
finishing) at risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we climbed, the
trail bent to the left, and I started second guessing myself, sure that we
should be heading right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped,
yelled back to Joe that I thought we might be headed the wrong direction, and
eventually turned around and headed back down the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we ran into a couple more runners who
assure me that we were on the correct trail and that we would eventually bear
right and head toward the pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure
enough, we topped out at the pass and found the familiar trail down to
Millcreek Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my legs were
getting sore, I was able to jog most of the downhill, following the 2 other
runners with Joe on my heels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit the
paved road and turned left, heading up a gradual 3 mile climb to Millcreek aid
station at mile 61+.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grade was just steeper
than what I could run at the moment, but I was able to stretch my legs out and
hike past several runners as the final rays of light set over the mountain,
leaving us in darkness as we entered the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This aid station had always been one of the
coldest on the course, so I grabbed a light jacket, arm sleeves, and gloves
before grazing at the food table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joe
made his way to the table and informed me that the altitude was slowing him
down and that he was going to catch a ride to Brighton and meet me there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew the next 13 mile stretch had some
steep climbs, but I was feeling good and knew I’d be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked him for his help (he pushed me
faster than I would have gone solo) and trotted out of the aid station.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Once on the trail again, I fixed my
headlamp and grabbed my iPod, knowing my music would drown out any noises that
might spook me in the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I later
learned that several moose had been spotted on this trail, but I never saw
any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly warmed up on the climb,
forcing me to take off my arm sleeves to cool down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed a few day hikers/spectators who were
coming in for the night, but otherwise the trail was very quiet and lonely,
just perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climb out was longer
but more gradual than the steep one coming out of Lamb’s Canyon, so I was able
to settle into a nice consistent rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About an hour and forty minutes after I left Millcreek, I reached the
aid station and campfires at Desolation Lake (mile 66), where I topped off my
water and Coke and grabbed a handful of snack off the table before walking out
with a cup of hot mashed potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As I was making my way up the next
climb, I wondered if I had remembered to check out of the last aid station (I
hadn’t).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, no big deal if I
hadn’t (the results list me as being at Desolation Lake for 10 minutes, but in
reality it was closer to 2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The short
steep climb out of Desolation Lake to the ridge was relatively painless, and
the clear views of the cities below and stars above made it all
worthwhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made
my way across the ridge and could make out the next aid station off in the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In previous years I had found
myself hunkered down in this aid station trying to cram down calories and stay
warm, but this year I was determined to get what I needed and get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived at Scotts Peak aid station a little
over an hour after leaving Desolation Lake, topped off my fluids and took off
around the bend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The first half mile out of the aid
station is flat/slightly uphill, but the next couple miles drop down a bumpy
and rocky jeep road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs weren’t
fresh, but I could still run, so I cranked up my tunes and let gravity do the
rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple miles of this, the
road turns to a paved stretch that ultimately leads to Brighton Ski Lodge,
where my crew would be waiting to assist me for the final time before the
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joe had mentioned that he was
going to try to head back towards me from Brighton if he managed to find a
ride, so when I saw a shadowy figure approaching me, I yelled out, “hey Joe!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, it wasn’t Joe and my
excitement was met only by bewildered stares from the stranger I had mistaken
as Joe T.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After another couple minutes I
saw 2 lights approaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning from
my previous mistake, I said nothing to these 2 mysterious runners heading
towards me, but as I got closer I realized it was Joe and Rachel, who had come
to lead me into Brighton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to
see them and recounted my last few hours on the trail as we ran (and walked)
into Brighton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spent close to 30
minutes here in the past, fueling up and changing clothes, but this year I
managed to cut it to 9, taking only enough time to use the restroom and eat
breakfast (those were some of the best eggs and hash browns I’ve had).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make life even better, I washed this meal
down with a couple cups of Sunny Delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling satisfied,
Rachel and I headed out of the lodge and back onto the trail, where we would
begin climbing to the highest point on the course at over 10,400’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imVmu7k9KEw/VCsMFNOi7tI/AAAAAAAAG5o/WZYpnLeHqFM/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imVmu7k9KEw/VCsMFNOi7tI/AAAAAAAAG5o/WZYpnLeHqFM/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Beautiful Sunset)</span></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuKMnRptvZk/VCsMKlYbjVI/AAAAAAAAG5w/2GNxIr3ADkY/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuKMnRptvZk/VCsMKlYbjVI/AAAAAAAAG5w/2GNxIr3ADkY/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" height="149" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Bright Lodge Aid Station - Mile 75)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The last 25 miles of Wasatch is
generally filled with plenty pain and soreness, and this year was no
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climb up to Point Supreme
was brutal, but the descent may have been worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My toes had been bothering me a bit up to
this point, but the pain grew more intense as I kicked what felt like every
single rock on the way down the backside to Ants Knoll aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know that I was running
somewhere near 40<sup>th</sup> place at this point, over 75 miles in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never made it this far in the dark, and
I still had several hours to go before sunrise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I grabbed solid food at Ants Knoll and made my way up the Grunt, a short
but very steep ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down to Pole Line
Pass and out we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t able to
run any of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My quads were shot, and
my toes were on fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like both
big toenails had been ripped off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
struggled along, and although my energy was decent, my legs wouldn’t allow me
to move very fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still way ahead
of projected pace and knew that I had a legitimate shot at breaking 30, the
first time I’d truly allowed myself to think about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel was awesome, keeping me entertained
and my mind off the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last 12
miles were different than in pervious years, as the Park Service was doing some
serious maintenance on several sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The end result was a slightly easier finish, although I wasn’t able to
fully take advantage of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time I
tried to run, my quads or toes would make me stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was passed by 30-40 runners in the last 25
miles, but my focus was not on them, rather on breaking 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That had been my singular focus for the past
6 months and I wasn’t going to let anything deter me now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometime after my 90<sup>th</sup> mile, we
switched off our headlamps, and I began to feel the end coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last 6 miles wound around and above a reservoir,
keeping the finish line constantly out of sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel and I kept thinking that it must be
“around that next corner”, but each corner only brought another corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After what felt lie an eternity, we saw the
trail drop down to the road, only to find we still had a long stretch (it
seemed long anyway) of pavement to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cindy and Joe met us on the road, and I waddled the last few yards
across the line in 28:20, a PR by over 5 hours and good enough for 81<sup>st</sup>
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat in a chair and gingerly
examined my toes, which were the worst they’ve ever been after a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would remain bruised (and infected) for
nearly 2 weeks after the race, and I lost both big toenails, but it was more
than worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had achieved what I set
out to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrvsgP1ScSI/VCsLsK8X1zI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/pGIUCtBdaO8/s1600/IMG_4979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrvsgP1ScSI/VCsLsK8X1zI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/pGIUCtBdaO8/s1600/IMG_4979.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Late In the Race)</span></b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuamXQLbZMs/VCsLwSd4R1I/AAAAAAAAG5Y/J_UlwIizXwA/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuamXQLbZMs/VCsLwSd4R1I/AAAAAAAAG5Y/J_UlwIizXwA/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b> (Mt. Timp Looming Over the Course)</b></i></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DzX_dhg7COk/VCsL2KC2YpI/AAAAAAAAG5g/z6NItN9xESg/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DzX_dhg7COk/VCsL2KC2YpI/AAAAAAAAG5g/z6NItN9xESg/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Finally Under 30 Hours)</span></b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3 weeks have passed since I
finished, and I am still thrilled with how things played out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than some soreness that lasted a few
days and the gnarliest toes I’ve personally experienced, the biggest imprint
Wasatch left on me was the mental confidence that I can run 100 miles in the
mountains faster than I had previously thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a consequence, I am totally redefining my own running goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to get back into serious
training for Bandera, and Wasatch has given me the confidence to attack that
training with even more vigor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris
Russell asked me the day I finished if I was done with Wasatch for a while now
that I have accomplished my goal of breaking 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I told him I was, but after a few
days that all changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be back, sooner
than later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My new goal is 10 finishes
and that coveted ring. I can't thank my pacers and crew enough. Without them there is no way I would have been able to keep my aid station stops to only 57 minutes. They were awesome. Next up - Hardrock lottery!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-E6oqFop6U/VCsLJGIgsLI/AAAAAAAAG4w/IOnhhLGl8hQ/s1600/IMG_4971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-E6oqFop6U/VCsLJGIgsLI/AAAAAAAAG4w/IOnhhLGl8hQ/s1600/IMG_4971.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ouch)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdSxP67QZI0/VCsLNj15T9I/AAAAAAAAG44/-UsoKxp7uIc/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdSxP67QZI0/VCsLNj15T9I/AAAAAAAAG44/-UsoKxp7uIc/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dinner In Park City With Rachel and Larry)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BU87Lc_cts/VCsLcaMBQ4I/AAAAAAAAG5I/iVbwDhEV4dQ/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BU87Lc_cts/VCsLcaMBQ4I/AAAAAAAAG5I/iVbwDhEV4dQ/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sub 30 Buckle and Finisher's Plaque)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-49866252071885000292014-07-08T09:08:00.002-07:002014-07-08T09:08:43.918-07:00Georgia Death Race - Part 2
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The climb out was relentless, and I
knew what was coming since we had just descended this same trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was uplifting to see other runners headed
by me down to the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grunted
up to the top, waved at the volunteer, and tried to chase down a couple guys in
front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting warm, and
the sun was taking its toll on my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I repeated the process of catching people on climbs only to be passed by
them on the downhills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything felt
good until I was less than a mile from the next aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to feel that all too familiar feeling
in my gut, and soon everything I had consumed over the previous few hours was
deposited on the side of the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
continued several more times until I had northing left to sacrifice to the
trail gods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling better (but devoid
of calories), I jogged into the Point Bravo (mile 28) aid station, the largest
station on the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my stomach
wasn’t feeling great, I opted for only one bottle of Skratch/Carbo Pro,
choosing to fill my other bottle with watered down Coke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I repeated this process for the
next 17 miles, though I did manage to keep from puking in this stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climbs were tough, the descents even
tougher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in survival mode, nursing
my Coke and water between aid stations, trying to ingest any calories I
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few miles from the Winding
Stair Gap aid station (mile 45), where I would meet Doug and pick up Rebecca as
my pacer, we emerged from the woods onto a rough jeep road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a creek on one side and rock walls
on the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a bonus treat, there
was the occasional spring cascading down from a crevice in the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took full advantage of these and would stop
to soak my visor and neck under the refreshingly cold water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran these miles with a local guy who kept me
entertained (or frightened) with tales of his training runs in the area in
which he would encounter rattlesnakes, copperheads, and even an angry mother
bear with her cubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This helped pass the
time, and soon I had arrived at the aid station and saw Doug and Rebecca
waiting for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Rebecca would pace me the next 8
miles, and Doug would pace the final 9, 11, or 15 miles (depending on who you
believed about the final race distance).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sean had told us that the stretch from Winding Stair Gap to the finish
would be mostly downhill road (gravel) running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My legs were sore, and my mind didn’t want to run, but I didn’t want
Rebecca to come all this way to simply hike 8 miles, so we started to trot out
of the aid station and soon caught the local guy I had been running with
earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice to catch up with
Rebecca, and the conversation helped take my mind off the pain shooting through
my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We certainly weren’t setting
any speed records, but we did manage to keep a sub 9 minute pace (fast for at
this point in the race) for most of the downhill section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued to drink Coke and water, which
seemed to be working for the most part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had mentioned to Rebecca that I had a friend from San Antonio (John
Sharp) running somewhere ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After I described what he looked like, she laughed and said, “We saw him
come through the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
was talking about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was loud and
made quite an impression”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, that’s
John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon we all hit the Jake Bull aid
station (mile 53), where I would drop Rebecca off and pick up Doug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As Doug and I left the aid station,
I picked up a couple white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tasted great, and I could feel my energy
return almost immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit a
short section of singletrack, and I picked up the pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doug even commented how fast I was running
for this stage of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about how my mom
“blames” Doug for getting me into running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, Doug ran a marathon before I did, but he never steered me down the
path of ultras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a talented runner
who has turned in some fast road marathon times and just completed his first
trail ultra this past fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nice
singletrack soon gave way to a paved road, and almost instantly my stomach
revolted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Doug that I needed to
pull off to the side to toss my cookies (literally), much to the surprise and
enjoyment of two little boys who happened to be riding their bikes past us as I
was puking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thought it was
hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think it was as
funny, but couldn’t help but laugh anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The surrounding area we were running across reminded me off the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deliverance</i> (insert banjo joke
here).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I wanted to run, my
stomach said no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few more miles
of paved road, we hit a dirt road that would take us up the last (big) climb of
the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We switched on our lights
and trudged up the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As bad as I
felt, we never once heard another runner or had anyone pass us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This race was tough on everybody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, we hit the last aid station,
Nimblewill (mile 61), where as sign greeted us that we had 7 miles to the
finish (guess the race really was 68 miles long).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I grazed through the aid station food, my
eyes lit up as I saw a blast from my childhood past, Bagel Bites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t eaten one of these in nearly 20
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With only 7 miles to go, I
figured it couldn’t hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy did they
taste good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
After consuming at least 7-8 of
these little gems, I took my bottle of Coke and water and set off for the final
stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next 7 miles were
relatively uneventful (no puking or banjo sounds in the woods), and I had a ton
of fun re-living old stories with Doug from our high school days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had 5 miles of road and then a nasty
descent down from the top of Amicola Falls to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17 hours and 11 minutes after I began the
Georgia Death Race, I crossed the finish line – alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sean handed me my railroad spike for
finishing, 30<sup>th</sup> overall out of 111 finishers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy with how things had played out
and was glad Doug and Rebecca were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had picked up my rental car from the start (over 2 hours away) and
driven it to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had planned
on taking a shuttle bus back to my car and sleeping a few hours in the back
before driving back to Memphis, but they drove it back to Atlanta to their
house, where I enjoyed a hot shower and a decent night’s sleep in a real
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Aside from the puking, I had a
great experience at this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
course was brutal, which I loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
volunteers were superb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would highly
recommend checking it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sean has
reportedly found more climbs and added extra vertical for the 2015 version,
advertising 40K of total elevation change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then again, who knows how many miles or how much vertical there really
will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s all part of the mystery
and allure of the Georgia Death Race.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FGtGkykVS4/U7wW7Wr_04I/AAAAAAAAGy4/tl0KIwfY3v8/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FGtGkykVS4/U7wW7Wr_04I/AAAAAAAAGy4/tl0KIwfY3v8/s1600/photo-1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILxXgM0khdQ/U7wXcLr88xI/AAAAAAAAGzA/0pBZm_QU2CI/s1600/Unsaved+Preview+Document.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILxXgM0khdQ/U7wXcLr88xI/AAAAAAAAGzA/0pBZm_QU2CI/s1600/Unsaved+Preview+Document.png" height="143" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-87762607318817137982014-03-28T13:09:00.001-07:002014-03-28T13:09:15.462-07:00Tempting Death In Georgia - Part One<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I first met
Sean “Run Bum” Blanton last summer before a race around the Eiger in
Switzerland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked for awhile as we
ran the first few miles of one of the toughest races I’d ever run, and he kept
telling me about a race he puts on in the mountains of northern Georgia called
the Georgia Death Race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any race that
takes places in the mountains has the word death in it is right up my
alley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I found out the race would
fall during my Spring Break, I knew I had to sign up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an added bonus, my good friend from high
school lives in Atlanta, and he and his wife agreed to pace me the last 23
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My training leading up to the
race had been decent, with my focus being on getting in as many hills as
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t been that excited
about a race in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t
wait to get to Georgia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nafEY9bppFM/UzXUHF6l5hI/AAAAAAAAGt4/mZH6Fa4cYII/s1600/IMG_2978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nafEY9bppFM/UzXUHF6l5hI/AAAAAAAAGt4/mZH6Fa4cYII/s1600/IMG_2978.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(Finisher From Last Year's Race)</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I flew into
Memphis the week of the race to visit family and then drove to Atlanta on
Thursday to stay with a good friend from high school (Doug) and his wife
(Rebecca). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ask my mom or Doug’s
mom, he’s the one who got me into running long distances (not completely true),
and he gets blamed for some of my adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was great to catch up with Doug and Rebecca and get a decent night’s
sleep before making the 2 hour drive north to the race start in
Blairsville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way up, I stopped at
Amicalola Falls State Park (where the race would finish) to see the impressive
sights and get an idea of what lay in store for me on Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dropping my gear off and checking into
my hotel room in Blairsville, I hiked up Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in GA
at just over 4700’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views were
spectacular, and I sat on a picnic bench and popped a beer to savor the
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then headed over for the
mandatory gear check and race briefing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As per Forest Service regulations, the RD was making us carry a thermal
top, gloves, headlamp, emergency blanket, whistle, hat, and weather proof
jacket AT ALL TIMES.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out that I
would only use my gloves (for a couple hours) and headlamp, but I carried
everything with me for 68 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
theme I sensed during the race briefing was that the word of the day would be
“ish”, as in the race is anywhere from 60ish to 68ish miles long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finish banner advertised a 60 mile race,
but our race bib had 68 miles printed on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the briefing I went to dinner with fellow San Antonio runner John
Sharp and his friend Gina, as well as Mike from Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After sampling the local trout and sweet
potato fries, I made a few last-minute preparations and crawled into bed for a
few hours of restless sleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLQTIWzrMyI/UzXUY6QmJVI/AAAAAAAAGuA/O-agJ-wkHkk/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLQTIWzrMyI/UzXUY6QmJVI/AAAAAAAAGuA/O-agJ-wkHkk/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(My New Buddies Collins and Cooper) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4O-46padgp8/UzXUmoFR1vI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/NOCjG8gr-LQ/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4O-46padgp8/UzXUmoFR1vI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/NOCjG8gr-LQ/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Highest Point In Georgia) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEJYjzOaoRo/UzXUkxQSk6I/AAAAAAAAGuI/a5RJkR3UsZc/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEJYjzOaoRo/UzXUkxQSk6I/AAAAAAAAGuI/a5RJkR3UsZc/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Typical Northern GA Terrain) </span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The 3AM
alarm came all too quickly, but I tend to sleep restlessly the night before a
race anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike and I gathered our
gear and made the 20 minute drive over to Vogel State Park, where the race
would begin at 5AM(ish).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a cool,
crisp morning, but the forecast called for the rain to hold off until late
Saturday evening, giving us extra incentive to run fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A full moon illuminated the ridge high above
the start and provided a beautiful backdrop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I positioned myself in the middle of the pack, and soon after 5AM, we
were on our way up a wide paved road that would lead us out of Vogel and onto
the singletrack where we would spend the next 30+ miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having the race start with about a mile of
road allowed me to warm my legs up as I ran the modest incline, but it also
allowed the field to thin out a bit before we hit the trail, making it slightly
less crowded once we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goals for
this race were simple – finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no
real time in mind (although I wanted to finish before midnight), and this
wasn’t necessarily a “goal race” for me, as all of my training and effort is
focused on Wasatch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to keep the
pace easy, run as much as I could, and hope for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sean had told us that if we could manage the
first 38 miles properly, we would make up lots of time on the last (more
runnable) 30(ish).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds easy enough,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was fairly narrow, full
of fallen leaves that covered up the occasional root or rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran most of the gradual climbs, energized
by the cool morning air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some flats,
some climbs, and soon we crossed the only water of the day, less than 4 miles
into the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sean had warned us that
there was no dry way across, so I jumped right in and enjoyed the cold mountain
creek water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing I would have wet
feet for over 60 miles, I wasn’t excited about what my feet would look like,
but I figured I would just suck it up and deal with it, not wanting to waste any
time changing socks along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8
miles in we hit the first aid station at White Oak Stomp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the sun still down and only 5 miles to
the next aid, I decided to refill just one of the 2 handheld bottles I was
carrying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My nutrition plan was to drink
a bottle of Carbo Pro/Skratch mix every hour, a plan that had worked in several
previous races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would give me
roughly 300 calories an hour, and I would throw in a gel or aid station food
along the way if I felt I needed more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a quick fill, I was out and headed up the steepest (and worst
according to Sean) climb on the course, Coosa Bald.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Settling
into a nice power hike, I was able to pass a few people on the climb (only to
be passed on the descents, a trend that would continue most of the day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one thing that stood out most on these
trails was the lack of switchbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you had 1000’ to climb, it would be straight up the hill, not the twisting,
winding way I was accustomed to ascending in the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This made the climbs tough but the descents
even tougher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was starting to
peek out above the eastern ridges, providing glimpses of the surrounding
mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the views were
partially obscured by trees, but you could tell that we were in the heart of
the southern Appalachians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very
pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hitting the top of Coosa
Bald, we began the Duncan Ridge section of the course, which previous finishers
had warned about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They told of the
relentless nature of this section, how you would climb 500’ – 1000’, only to
drop down an equal amount and repeat the process over and over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing this (and realizing I had nearly 9
miles to the next aid station), I filled 2 bottles with Carbo Pro/Skratch at
the Mulky Gap AS (mile 13).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temps
were still cool, and although I was sweating pretty good, I felt like 2 bottles
would be enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EgNHbIEwL3Y/UzXViNwF7CI/AAAAAAAAGuc/iNZ1MRKZSPU/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EgNHbIEwL3Y/UzXViNwF7CI/AAAAAAAAGuc/iNZ1MRKZSPU/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Beautiful Morning) </span></b></i></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH8Jsnwhw5c/UzXVmLlHxNI/AAAAAAAAGuk/Asp6VnusI00/s1600/IMG_2982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH8Jsnwhw5c/UzXVmLlHxNI/AAAAAAAAGuk/Asp6VnusI00/s1600/IMG_2982.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Rare Flat Section Early) </span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next 7+
miles were just as tough as advertised, as we rolled up and over countless
ridge tops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The terrain underfoot was
nice, but the leaves hid any rocks or roots that might want to grab your foot,
preventing me from really opening up the legs (can I even do that?) on the
descents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel myself applying
the brakes a bit on each drop, knowing my quads would pay for the effort
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall I felt pretty good, but I
still had a long way to go over some rough terrain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top of a ridge, a volunteer pointed me
to the right and let me know I had a 1000’ descent over 1.5 miles and that I
would head back up this same trail after reaching the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a quad-crushing descent, but I enjoyed
seeing other runners headed the other way, even though most of them looked like
they weren’t enjoying the climb back out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I saw Sharpie headed up and figured he was a mile or two ahead of
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After surviving the ride downhill, I
arrived at Skeenah Gap AS (mile 21.5) and saw Sean there greeting runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As volunteers filled my bottles, Sean asked
how I was enjoying the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is
my kind of stupid fun” was my response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While struggling to pour my Carbo Pro/Skratch
mix into a bottle, I did learn an eat new trick (at least it was new for
me).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of opening the baggie from the
top and pouring the contents in, I found that it was much easier to bite off a
corner of the bag and dump it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Way
faster and less messy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed my
bottles and started the climb back out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw7K4qkx3M4/UzXWUGXrYqI/AAAAAAAAGu4/rQINKU-5PdM/s1600/IMG_2986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw7K4qkx3M4/UzXWUGXrYqI/AAAAAAAAGu4/rQINKU-5PdM/s1600/IMG_2986.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Climbing On Duncan Ridge) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2FTYTfAIEo/UzXWK0bAQVI/AAAAAAAAGuw/-j4_dtRI6xk/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2FTYTfAIEo/UzXWK0bAQVI/AAAAAAAAGuw/-j4_dtRI6xk/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Race Director Sean "Run Bum" Blanton)</span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-87155661150650110912014-02-14T08:17:00.002-08:002014-02-14T08:18:23.355-08:00Wasatch and The Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0C5mlomEZAw/Uv0nbdGNdNI/AAAAAAAAGrg/Bp6Fgj6rFxI/s1600/Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KumeRD4yIdA/Uv5AtKC0mcI/AAAAAAAAGsY/O8ilXI_vOUI/s1600/Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KumeRD4yIdA/Uv5AtKC0mcI/AAAAAAAAGsY/O8ilXI_vOUI/s1600/Moon.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Moonlight on Top of The Wall)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpNmgNhE-TU/Uv5A7pFJDNI/AAAAAAAAGsg/wVe5G-PNH7I/s1600/Sunrise.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(Sun Coming Up over SA)</b></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-JdK-heOkw/Uv0ncz3xSrI/AAAAAAAAGro/Bp3CgVFSokg/s1600/Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
</div>
-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I haven’t blogged in quite awhile,
as life and work always seem to get in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot has happened over the past few months,
some of which I hope to write about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most recently, I was accepted into the Wasatch 100, so I will be heading
out to Utah in September trying for finish #4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a very definitive goal this year, to break 30 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything I do between now and the weekend
after Labor Day will be with Wasatch in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is my only goal race for 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure, I will run other races, but my focus is on Wasatch and Wasatch
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that in mind, I headed out
to Stone Oak yesterday for some hill repeats on “The Wall”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love using this hill, as it is a mixture of
grass, dirt, and rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be making
The Wall and The Crossing a regular part of my routine as I prepare for the
52,000’+ of elevation change Wasatch will throw at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited about the challenge that lay
ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I just have to train.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I56-Jqr_fXA/Uv5BeppEbyI/AAAAAAAAGso/rLwVwJD47GQ/s1600/IMG_2200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I56-Jqr_fXA/Uv5BeppEbyI/AAAAAAAAGso/rLwVwJD47GQ/s1600/IMG_2200.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(My Focus for 2104)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-JdK-heOkw/Uv0ncz3xSrI/AAAAAAAAGro/Bp3CgVFSokg/s1600/Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-81593338518720493552013-05-23T08:37:00.001-07:002013-05-23T08:37:40.602-07:00Massanutten 100 Race Report
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> As I sit here sta</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">ring at my puffy feet, which are still too
swollen to put on shoes, I am still trying to process </span>what transpired this past
weekend in the mountains of Northern Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ran my best 100 mile race ever, with nearly everything going perfectly
and totally exceeding all of my expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be honest, the race is still a blur to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually remember minute details, but this
one seemed to pass so quickly that I can’t recall everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is etched in my mind are the incredible
aid stations, my unbelievable pacer and crew, and the rocks – oh the
rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is my attempt to recap my
experience at the Massanutten Mountain 100.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNSbLIQiP1I/UZzPPRlG_QI/AAAAAAAAGks/5aO_F_V8gqo/s1600/Massanutten+Profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNSbLIQiP1I/UZzPPRlG_QI/AAAAAAAAGks/5aO_F_V8gqo/s320/Massanutten+Profile.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Just a few hills) </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I met my friend Dave (he was running Massanutten as well),
his wife Kim, and pacer Liza (more on her in a bit) at the airport, grabbed
some much-needed caffeine, and squeezed into a very uncomfortable middle seat
(I’m 6’6” – guys like us don’t fit into these seats very well) for the 3 hour
flight up to Baltimore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon arriving in
Baltimore, we met up with Dave’s friend and pacer, Sean, who had procured some
snacks for the drive down to northern VA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a good thing he did this because the drive took us 4 hours (I
think I’d go crazy if I had to deal with DC traffic on a daily basis).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the campground that would serve
as the start/finish for our race, dropped off my drop bags, and grabbed our bib
numbers for the adventure we would set off on in the wee hours of the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After having dinner in the
nearby town of Luray, we settled into the bunk beds at our cabin (a 5 minute
walk from the start) for a few hours of sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As has been the case in my last 3 races, my bed was far from
comfortable, as I had a top bunk which was a good deal shorter than my body,
causing my legs to stick out pretty far off the edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, it seemed to work out fine at
Syllamo and Miwok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvoRuXzXNOY/UZzQPO3Nf9I/AAAAAAAAGlE/YnFKpMqm_zI/s1600/IMG_1667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvoRuXzXNOY/UZzQPO3Nf9I/AAAAAAAAGlE/YnFKpMqm_zI/s320/IMG_1667.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Liza carrying all my stuff - just kidding)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1hOroB5U-0/UZzPeTNL9mI/AAAAAAAAGk0/B3KSY46GVfo/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1hOroB5U-0/UZzPeTNL9mI/AAAAAAAAGk0/B3KSY46GVfo/s320/IMG_1661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dave and I before the start) </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just before 3AM, the alarms went off and we all started to
prepare for the 4AM start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I
didn’t sleep well, it was really nice not having to drive anywhere for the
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10 minutes before we were
scheduled to take off, we walked down from our cabin to the starting area,
where race director Kevin Sayers sent us off into the woods at precisely
4AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dream goal for this race was to
break 30 hours, although I figured a more realistic “A” goal was to set a 100
mile PR (31:49 from Tahoe in 2011).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was going to be tough since the course was notorious for its climbs and
rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone talks about the rocks at
Massanutten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was curious to see how
they stacked up to the rocks we have here in South Texas (at Bandera).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to this the fact that the course was
103.7 miles and this was sure to be a wicked trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYgT-j7MSlk/UZzPyWnSF7I/AAAAAAAAGk8/5B5DbyI2nj8/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYgT-j7MSlk/UZzPyWnSF7I/AAAAAAAAGk8/5B5DbyI2nj8/s320/IMG_1651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Massanutten has lots of rocks!)</span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first 4 miles are run up a gradual incline on a dirt
road, which I really liked because it allowed me to ease into the race and
slowly let my legs warm up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
allowed runners to separate themselves a bit before we hit the singletrack
climb up Short Mountain at mile 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
Liza, Kim, and Sean were planning on meeting us at the first crew-accessible
aid station (Edinburg Gap – mile 12), I started with only one handheld water
bottle and a flask filled with my EFS “Slurry” concoction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I topped off my water at mile 4 as we veered
sharply onto the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing
that hit me was the rocks..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big, small, and everything
in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the entire course was
like this, it could be a long day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up
Short Mountain we went, climbing over rocks the entire time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt good and tried to maintain a
consistent hiking rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My plan was to
push (but not overdo it) during the daylight hours, knowing it would be tough
to move over the rugged terrain at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I carried a card with me that had the average arrival time of people who
finished around the 30 hour mark last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wanted to check my progress every few aid stations to see if I could
stay on this pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 hours and 45
minutes after we started, I ran into the Edinburg Gap aid station, where Liza
handed me my Ultimate Direction pack (which I would carry for the rest of the
race) and a new Slurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling good, I
ran out of the aid station and headed for the next climb.</div>
<span></span><br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-- </style>The general flow of the course was to ascend steeply to the
ridgeline, traverse over gently rolling terrain at the top, then descend down a
rocky trail to the next aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This pattern was repeated over and over until we had completed nearly
104 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had 8 miles between
Edinburg Gap and the next aid station at Woodstock Tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to hike the uphills hard, jog the
flats (there weren’t many on this course), and run the downhills as hard as I
comfortably could without trashing my quads or rolling an ankle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took consistent nips on my Slurry every 20
minutes, trying to keep a steady flow of calories in my system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drank plain water as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the Slurry mix had electrolytes in it,
I was able to only have to use 2 sCaps the entire race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice not having to worry about popping
pills every hour despite the humid (but relatively comfortable) weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My shirt was drenched with sweat from the humidity,
but overall I felt pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRJMXIBT1Gs/UZzQ4yrl-CI/AAAAAAAAGlM/bENnfU2VLnQ/s1600/Massanutten+-+Bobby+Gill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRJMXIBT1Gs/UZzQ4yrl-CI/AAAAAAAAGlM/bENnfU2VLnQ/s320/Massanutten+-+Bobby+Gill.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo by Bobby Gill)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After grabbing a few things from a small drop bag I had at
Woodstock (mile 20.3), I set out for the fairly flatish section between there
and the next aid station at Powell’s Fort (mile 25.8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly couldn’t tell you much of what
happened between Woodstock and Elizabeth Furnace (mile 33), but I remember I
felt great coming into the aid station, where I startled Liza by arriving so
early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She quickly helped me top off my
water and off I went.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between Elizabeth Furnace and Shawl Gap (mile 38), things
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day was warming up and I
entered the point of the race where my stomach didn’t want to take in any
calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t nauseous or sick, but
nothing sounded good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This usually
happens to me when I push the pace or the temps start to rise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I entered Shawl Gap (mile 38) a bit behind on
both fluids and calories, and my crew could see it in my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down briefly while Sean and Liza filled
my bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly drank one down and
filled it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple minutes,
I trudged off down the road, where a 3.5 mile stretch of gravel road
awaited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing I was in need of fuel,
I tried to nibble on some Stinger chews I had in my bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seemed to help a bit and soon enough I
was at the Veach Gap (mile 41.1) aid station, where the volunteers were extra
friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grazed at the food table and
managed to wolf down enough calories to convince myself I was ready to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhHIQxXs6Ik/UZzSFq2lZPI/AAAAAAAAGlc/8fkv0sRAVJc/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhHIQxXs6Ik/UZzSFq2lZPI/AAAAAAAAGlc/8fkv0sRAVJc/s320/IMG_1669.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Headed out of Veach Gap - Photo by Aaron Schwartzbard)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span> </span></span></b></i>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a brief section of runnable trail, we started climbing
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of the course is buried
beneath the lush greenery of the Virginia Mountains, but every once in awhile
you are rewarded with beautiful views of the valleys below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was starting to feel much better after
catching up on calories and fluids, and now that I had my music on, the descent
down into Indian Grave (mile 51) was fast and furious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my estimation, I need to be at this aid
station at roughly 12-13 hours to have a chance at a sub 30 finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I glanced at my watch and saw that it
read 11:21, I was shocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost halfway
done, and I was ahead of schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still
a long way to go I reminded myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things can change quickly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHMrfbHLdqw/UZzZx_esTWI/AAAAAAAAGls/paIvB26-TKo/s1600/Massanutten+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHMrfbHLdqw/UZzZx_esTWI/AAAAAAAAGls/paIvB26-TKo/s320/Massanutten+Photo.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(High on a ridge - Photo by Aaron Schwartzbard)</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a few things from the aid station
and headed out for a rolling 4 miles of country roads, during which time it
started to drizzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed the brief
sprinkle, as well as the tunes I had blaring on my iPod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed a few runners (I had passed lots of
people since mile 20 and had yet to be passed by anyone since then) and jogged
into Habron Gap (mile 54), where Liza was waiting to take care of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down (something I normally try not to
do in a race) and let the wonderful volunteers (and Liza) do their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After handing me a popsicle (I hesitantly put
it in my mouth as visions of Joe T and his bloody lip flooded my mind), I climbed
back onto the trail for the longest stretch between aid stations of the course,
nearly 10 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the bright side, I
knew Liza would be waiting at Camp Roosevelt to pace me the last 40 miles
(hopefully) to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The climb out of Habron Gap was
brutal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sweating profusely and
felt like my legs were turning to sludge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each step felt labored, but I knew I needed to just put my head down and
keep moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rocks were
huge, and it was often difficult to find a good spot to place your feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having music helped, and despite feeling bad
I wasn’t getting passed by anyone on the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soon I reached the top, where we rolled up and down the ridge on narrow
trail, a steep drop to the left and solid rock to the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say this trail was narrow would be an
understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly 3 hours after
leaving Habron Gap, I arrived at Camp Roosevelt (mile 63.9).</div>
<span></span><br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Liza Howard is a great friend, and as soon as I got into MMT
she agreed to pace me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the interim,
she got pregnant, so I assumed she wouldn’t be able to pace me any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy was I wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pacing someone is difficult enough, but doing
it 4+ months pregnant is unbelievable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t have done the race without her help, and I am very grateful for her
being there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The initial section of
trail leaving Camp Roosevelt led us through an area that had been affected by
fires, but interestingly the fires seemed to only have burned one side of the
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The footing was rocky, muddy, and
very wet in places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up to this point I
had managed to keep my feet fairly dry, but that was about to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs didn’t feel too bad, but I wasn’t
feeling much like running, so I continued to hike as quickly as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daylight was slowly fading, and I hoped we
could make it 7 miles to the next aid without the aid of my headlamp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up and over a steep climb (no surprise here)
and into Gap Creek (mile 69.6) we went, just as darkness was settling over the
mountains. I was in need of a sock change and some solid food, so I sat down
while Liza unlaced my shoes and helped me put on fresh socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A volunteer gave me 2 cups of chicken noodle
soup, which has always been my go-to late night food in ultras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having fresh socks felt like heaven, and
after a few minutes I was ready to tackle the next climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSZcQ8duGd0/UZ0SYPl0G1I/AAAAAAAAGl8/P0Sot064KqI/s1600/Massanutten+Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSZcQ8duGd0/UZ0SYPl0G1I/AAAAAAAAGl8/P0Sot064KqI/s320/Massanutten+Photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Eating soup at Gap Creek - Photo by Aaron Schwartzbard)) </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySHL9fntSZY/UZ4lqlJBm8I/AAAAAAAAGmU/5RlEDcj3lEw/s1600/Massanutten+Photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySHL9fntSZY/UZ4lqlJBm8I/AAAAAAAAGmU/5RlEDcj3lEw/s320/Massanutten+Photo+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(Liza tending to my feet - Photo by Aaron Schwartzbard)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
We made our way up a jeep road that eventually turned onto a
singletrack trail, all the while steadily climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would make this exact climb once more in
the race, at mile 96, so I made a mental note of what to expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first ¾ of the climb wasn’t too bad, but
then we hit a section filled with large rocks that made navigation slow and
labored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to stop briefly a few
times to catch my breath and take in calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This stretch seemed to take a lot longer than I had anticipated it
would, but we still managed to get to the Visitor Center (mile 78) over an hour
ahead of my “goal” time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down and
ate half a hamburger and some quesadillas, washing it all down with 2 cups of
ginger ale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On the way
out of the aid station, we linked up with another runner and his pacer (local
guy) who told us what to expect over the next 25 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He warned abut the climb up to Bird Knob
(mile 81), saying it was steep and that we would face a boulder scramble near
the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this sounded fairly
daunting in my weary, sleep-deprived state of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slogged our way up the mountain, ready for
this boulder scramble we had been warned about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the scramble never came and we found ourselves standing on top of
the climb, we found ourselves relieved and excited that this section had been
far less troublesome than we had anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another mile of running and we arrived at the Bird Knob Aid station
(mile 81.6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We didn’t
stay at Bird Knob long, and I now knew that finishing was no longer in
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a matter of what
my time would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had 21 miles to go
and plenty of time to complete it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
section of trail was pretty neat because once we ascended to the ridge top, we
were engulfed in a cloud, making it difficult to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a fine mist hanging in the air,
which added to the surreal effect of the surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was starting to get sleepy and knew I
needed to find caffeine at the next aid station, but it seemed to take forever
to get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 hours and 15 minutes
after leaving Bird Knob (it sure seemed like it took longer than that), we were
greeted by another round of ultra friendly volunteers at the Picnic Area (mile
87.9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ate several slices of grilled
cheese downed a cup of Coke and one of Mountain Dew while Liza put fresh
batteries in my headlamp, and then we were off again.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Only one
aid station stood between me and the finish line, just under 16 miles
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started doing some mental
calculations and realized I had a good chance to break 30 hours, but I knew it
was no slam dunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still had a nasty
section to navigate between the Picnic Area and Gap Creek, a stretch that would
shoot us straight up a drainage full of rocks, water, and plenty of mud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My feet would remain wet the rest of the
race, and the mud made for slippery footing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d love to say this section was enjoyable, but it wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As dawn approached, I was filled with a
renewed sense of energy, bolstered in part by the caffeine spike from the soda
I drank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With less than an hour to go
before we reached the final aid station, we turned off our headlamps and
enjoyed the quiet solitude of the new day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We broke from the woods out onto a dirt road, and soon we could see the
lights of Gap Creek (mile 96.8), where I would stop for the last time.<span></span> <style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having passed through this aid station earlier in the race,
I recognized a few faces who offered to fill my bottles and get me food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was stripping off any unnecessary gear
to make my pack as light as possible for the final push, a volunteer asked if I
wanted a piece of French toast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck yes
I did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if that wasn’t good enough,
she stuck a huge piece of sausage in the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, talk about hitting the spot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After devouring my piece of toast, we thanked
the volunteers and hiked up the road to begin our final climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We had made
this climb earlier, and while it was certainly steep, the footing was
relatively smooth, making it much easier to navigate than the nasty drainage we
had ascended in the previous section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once we reached the paper plate marking the 98 mile mark at the top of
the climb, I glanced at my watch to see if I would make it safely under 30 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to my surprise, I realized I had a
chance to get under 29 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
ecstatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The descent down the
singletrack to the road that would take us home was far from graceful, but I
managed to stumble/hobble, shuffle most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once we hit Moreland Gap Road, there was a sign that told us the finish
was 4 miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 miles of road to
finish this race – I could handle that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Much to my chagrin, the road gently sloped down, meaning I had no real
excuse to walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I started to jog, my
legs felt really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t setting
a blistering pace like Dave had earlier, but I was able to run much of the 4
miles back to camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liza and I
calculated where we believed the 100 mile mark was and noted that I reached it
in roughly 27:25 (which would have been a 100 mile PR by 4 and a half
hours).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only we could have stopped
right there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran/shuffled/hiked,
laughing and telling stories along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We finally turned onto the property of the Caroline Furnace Lutheran
Camp and saw a sign pointing us to the finish line of the Massanutten 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what seemed like a cruel joke, we turned
again, this time back onto a winding singletrack trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This didn’t last long, and in a matter of
minutes we hit the big grass field, where I could see the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran as hard as my legs would allow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>28 hours and 15 minutes after I left this
exact spot (103.7 miles ago), I crossed the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3oktV4L0iU/UZ4qcV1C2KI/AAAAAAAAGmk/ACOaU7G5PxY/s1600/IMG_1664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3oktV4L0iU/UZ4qcV1C2KI/AAAAAAAAGmk/ACOaU7G5PxY/s320/IMG_1664.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Crossing the 100 mile mark) </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXb5rVzeRV8/UZ4q2RTgCDI/AAAAAAAAGms/hsOUMSQOBrU/s1600/Massanutten+Finish+-+Bobby+Gill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXb5rVzeRV8/UZ4q2RTgCDI/AAAAAAAAGms/hsOUMSQOBrU/s320/Massanutten+Finish+-+Bobby+Gill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (With RD Kevin Sayers - Photo by Bobby Gill)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span>I’m still
shocked that I ran the time I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never
in my wildest dreams did I think I would run sub 30, much less sub 29.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think there is such a thing as a
“perfect” 100 miler, but this was about as close as I could come to having that
magically perfect race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never puked, something
that I would normally do 4-5 times in a race of this distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only consumed 2 sCaps, choosing instead to
get most of my electrolytes from EFS liquid shots and electrolyte drink (most
often in the form of a “Slurry”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best
of all, I had zero chafing, a malady that has crushed me in the past (thank you
Monkey Butt!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My feet got wet, but I
managed to come away with no blisters, thank to my Injinji socks and Brooks
Cascadia shoes, which have always been the perfect shoe for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Joe Sulak had me ready to rock in the mountains. Thanks for all the strength work and killer workouts! </span>Time flew by for me during the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is usually a point in a race (often
more than once) when I get overwhelmed with the distance/time still left to
cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That never happened at MMT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like things were over almost as soon
as they had begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a blast out
there, enjoying my time in the woods and mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While not having Cindy there to help crew was
a bummer, getting to share the experience with other close friends was
special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t say enough about Kim,
Dave, and Sean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Liza was
amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no way I could have
done this without her help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do what
she did (while pregnant) was nothing short of miraculous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed to have such a great group of
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Massanutten was by far the best
overall race I’ve been a part of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
volunteers went above and beyond, always there to get what I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were the best I’ve ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course was both challenging (certainly
tougher than Tahoe and close to being on par with Wasatch) and beautiful.,
playing to my strengths as a decent uphill hiker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MMT is a must do, and I can’t wait to get
back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFd9jlSr1hQ/UZ4uD4vNlLI/AAAAAAAAGm8/zT5_vkvIHX8/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFd9jlSr1hQ/UZ4uD4vNlLI/AAAAAAAAGm8/zT5_vkvIHX8/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sean, Dave, Kim, Myself, and Liza)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4LGLuPOPdE/UZ4uPWHz5EI/AAAAAAAAGnE/BRvsytHa86s/s1600/IMG_1659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4LGLuPOPdE/UZ4uPWHz5EI/AAAAAAAAGnE/BRvsytHa86s/s320/IMG_1659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Buckle #5)</span></b></i></div>
<span><br /></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-53144828885614236962013-05-08T09:46:00.000-07:002013-05-08T09:46:09.536-07:00Miwok 60K Race Report
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc12cXvJayk/UYp89LGnFXI/AAAAAAAAGiU/BLtUZCkSJ0E/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I entered the lottery for the
classic Miwok 100K in the Marin Headlands with no real hope of getting in, but
to my surprise my name was selected, along with San Antonio friends Amanda and
Lalo Alvarado, as well as Jay Danek from Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jay secured a house 100 yards from the beach,
travel plans were made, and training preparations put into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had heard that Miwok was beautiful, though
not as technical as what we are accustomed to running here in South Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Lalo and Amanda for an early (woke up
at 3AM) flight to San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once in
California, we made the hour drive across the Golden Gate Bridge along the
scenic coastal Highway 1, stopping for lunch at the Dipsea Café and visiting
the newly opened San Francisco Running Company store in Mill Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dropped our stuff off at the house, went
to the beach for a bit, then headed into town (a short walk from the house) for
an early dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIlZybrqiDs/UYp7bcLjiyI/AAAAAAAAGhY/7UuTMoDvqwg/s1600/IMG_1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIlZybrqiDs/UYp7bcLjiyI/AAAAAAAAGhY/7UuTMoDvqwg/s320/IMG_1569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Stinson Beach) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_hW6AmJFt8/UYp7b-HZbRI/AAAAAAAAGhk/oCaHwv0jvj4/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_hW6AmJFt8/UYp7b-HZbRI/AAAAAAAAGhk/oCaHwv0jvj4/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79nRfi3_5Yw/UYp7bbAyweI/AAAAAAAAGhU/D4oagz-2G6s/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79nRfi3_5Yw/UYp7bbAyweI/AAAAAAAAGhU/D4oagz-2G6s/s320/IMG_1574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3AM came early (again), but we
needed to be up early so we could walk to the start to pick up our packets by
4:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a cool morning, which
suited me just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the
Stinson Beach Community Center to find runners milling about, but no one seemed
to be picking up their race numbers or packets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s when Jay turns to me and said, “the race has been shortened to
60K due to fire danger, and the start has been pushed back to 8AM (from
5AM)”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely he’s joking, I
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, he was serious, as this
info was written on a board for all to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clearly stunned (and a bit bummed that we wouldn’t get to run the “real”
Miwok course), we trudged back to the beach house to re-group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could have been worse, as many folks drove
in that morning from San Fran and beyond, meaning they would have to sit and
wait at the Community Center for 4 hours for the new start since it was too far
to drive back home and no restaurants were open yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shortened course (basically the same as
the last 37 miles of the normal Miwok course) meant we would need to re-think
our race strategies and re-pack drop bags (there would be one spot for bags,
which we would hit at mile 12 and again at 24).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After making sure all my gear was in order, I crawled back into my 6’
bed (I has to twist myself like a pretzel to sleep) for 45 minutes of
sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Up again, we headed back down to the start to
pick up packets, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One advantage of
an 8AM start was there would be no need for headlamps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, we would be starting the race by
climbing up the famous Dispea Stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon
we were let loose on this cool, clear morning, a rarity in the Bay area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing we were only racing 37 miles instead
of 62, I wanted to push my pace a bit without totally trashing my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was more concerned about running 100+ miles
at Massanutten in 2 weeks than 37 on the smooth California trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I settled into a nice rhythm with Lalo and
Amanda, hiking some parts and running where the terrain allowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed the stairs through dense trees,
occasionally popping out of the woods for a brief view of the ocean and beach
below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting with a 3 mile climb allowed my body
to warm up, and since the trail was pretty narrow I was forced to keep the pace
easy and follow the conga line of runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
<span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0dQH5hnPjM/UYp8B06kN7I/AAAAAAAAGhw/6ALr4fjpm68/s1600/IMG_1577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0dQH5hnPjM/UYp8B06kN7I/AAAAAAAAGhw/6ALr4fjpm68/s320/IMG_1577.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Brothers From Another Mother)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZeO44H2bS8/UYp8BfKKWbI/AAAAAAAAGhs/6KMBzsp8kB4/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZeO44H2bS8/UYp8BfKKWbI/AAAAAAAAGhs/6KMBzsp8kB4/s320/IMG_1612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pre Race)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bd5bzvUKI1E/UYp8PeZCFLI/AAAAAAAAGiA/7ztPXfTlmVE/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bd5bzvUKI1E/UYp8PeZCFLI/AAAAAAAAGiA/7ztPXfTlmVE/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Early In the Race - Stinson Beach Behind Us) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-cEiTwbRKg/UYp8PP4E-tI/AAAAAAAAGh8/YSi-GlMetgU/s1600/IMG_1583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-cEiTwbRKg/UYp8PP4E-tI/AAAAAAAAGh8/YSi-GlMetgU/s320/IMG_1583.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Lalo Climbing the Dipsea Stairs)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
At mile 3 we hit the Cardiac aid
station, but since I still had plenty of water (I carried one handheld and
stuff another bottle in my Ultimate Direction pack), I blew through without
stopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This next section was my
favorite of the course in terms of running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the next 3 miles we would bomb downhill on a soft and wide fire
road, weaving our way through a dense redwood forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told myself to take things easy and not
trash my quads this early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran what I
felt was a conservative pace, but I kept passing people (highly unusual for me
on a downhill), so I glanced at my Garmin to see what my pace was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7 minute miles, while not super fast, is not
what I need to be running for 3 miles this early in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I felt good, so I just went with it,
knowing I’d probably suffer the consequences later in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took an occasional sip of my EFS “slurry”
(this would be the only fuel I would use all day) and was soon headed into the
Muir Beach aid station at mile 8. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc12cXvJayk/UYp89LGnFXI/AAAAAAAAGiU/BLtUZCkSJ0E/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc12cXvJayk/UYp89LGnFXI/AAAAAAAAGiU/BLtUZCkSJ0E/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(Running In the Redwoods)</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span></span><span><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDOIsSiiu08/UYp99PjK-VI/AAAAAAAAGik/ETJYkS45A9w/s320/IMG_1591.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly filled my handheld and backtracked a
quarter mile (saw Amanda and Lalo along the way), where we run past horse farms
and organic fields before beginning our next big (and very exposed) climb of
the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been a good
climber, and today was a good test of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I passed several people as I hiked to the top, where we were afforded
beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Pacific Ocean below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was very smooth and non-technical,
so I was able to run most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
chatted with runners as we passed each other, swapping a story or two along the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon I began the twisty descent
down to the Tennessee Valley aid station, where Jay’s wife Traci helped me find
my drop bag and a new Slurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend
Matt was there, and we chatted for a quick bit before I was re-filled and
headed out on another climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSl0twuY6eA/UYp_jKTdSeI/AAAAAAAAGjE/BQS4WwEh69o/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSl0twuY6eA/UYp_jKTdSeI/AAAAAAAAGjE/BQS4WwEh69o/s320/IMG_1609.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Arriving At Tennessee Valley)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qA8Q3gEWpkA/UYp98nKj13I/AAAAAAAAGig/I2VgSr2kADY/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qA8Q3gEWpkA/UYp98nKj13I/AAAAAAAAGig/I2VgSr2kADY/s320/IMG_1592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2bFTClVwu8/UYp-fB6YHrI/AAAAAAAAGi0/cn2lBFMB3TA/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKzp0XOElto/UYp88YiwS7I/AAAAAAAAGiM/4WXKmv7GltM/s1600/IMG_1587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKzp0XOElto/UYp88YiwS7I/AAAAAAAAGiM/4WXKmv7GltM/s320/IMG_1587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The initial climb was pretty warm,
but the views were some of the best I’ve seen in a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail would take us less than a mile from
the Golden Gate Bridge, affording us views of both downtown San Francisco and
Alcatraz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the sun was certainly
warming things up, the temperature was still fairly comfortable by Texas
standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to conserve energy in
these middle miles, knowing I would need them later for the climb up Cardiac
Hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After stopping at mile 17 for a
water re-fill and popsicle, I was headed back out on the longest section
between aid stations we would encounter – about 7.7 miles before we would hit
Tennessee Valley once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never
felt bad, but I struggled a bit on this section, as the cumulative fatigue was
starting to set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily I was still
climbing well, so I tried to gain back some ground on the climbs since I wasn’t
feeling great on the few flat sections we ran. I didn’t feel great (stomach was
fine but legs were tired), so I just put my head down and forced myself to keep
moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up another hill and back down to
Tennessee Valley, where I swapped out an empty flask for a new Slurry and
headed back out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall I felt like my
aid station management was really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t linger, staying only long enough to get what I needed and then
getting out quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2bFTClVwu8/UYp-fB6YHrI/AAAAAAAAGi0/cn2lBFMB3TA/s320/IMG_1594.JPG" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIGfQXyOikc/UYp-e487RcI/AAAAAAAAGiw/Uhz8EHZsOiM/s320/IMG_1596.JPG" width="320" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(Alcatraz) </b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
After a mile on a flat/downhill
road, we were again climbing again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
favorite part of this section was when we crested a hill and saw giant cliffs
and rocks below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ocean waves were
crashing into the walls, and fog was starting to roll in, creating a mystical
scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran along some rolling terrain
until making the final descent back down to Muir Beach, which was full of
people, some affiliated with the race and others just out to enjoy some sun and
surf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I filled my bottles with ice and
water, some of which I would drink and some of which would end up on my head
and neck in the next section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some
reason I was having difficulty running the flats, which I think was probably
more of a mental barrier than any real physical ailment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I had 2 miles of flat terrain before
tackling the final climb up Cardiac Hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was actually looing forward to the hill, as I knew my climbing legs
were still working and I felt I could pass people on this section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2 miles leading up to the climb, however,
were a different story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t seem
to muster the energy to run for any prolonged period of time, giving a dozen or
so people the chance to pass me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
hopeful I could make up some time on the climb, but each person that passed me
seemed to fly by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we hit the bottom
of Cardiac, I decided it was time to invoke my secret weapon, my iPod, and get
down to business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the next 2.5
miles of steep uphill, I passed over 20 people, some of whom were running (I
hiked the entire way).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gave me confidence
and a renewed energy that I hoped would carry me to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once on top of Cardiac Hill, I filled my
bottle at the aid station and began running, slowly at first, but then faster
as the terrain opened up and started to descend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smooth terrain wound back down through
the trees, broken up by the steep series of steps we had to negotiate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt great on this section, helped by the
cheering hikers we passed as we made our way back down the mountain to the
beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7 hours and 32 minutes after I
started, I crossed the finish line of the first ever Miwok 60K, good enough for
128<sup>th</sup> place (out of 349 finishers).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
While not my favorite trail (the
views were spectacular), I did enjoy the race and will definitely go back to complete
the full 100K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iG1oAZylUyk/UYqAduc5oGI/AAAAAAAAGjg/lzCFeWV6W4Y/s1600/IMG_1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iG1oAZylUyk/UYqAduc5oGI/AAAAAAAAGjg/lzCFeWV6W4Y/s320/IMG_1600.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(Mystical Scene On the Cliffs)</b></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLgcS_sFkJ4/UYqAdfOfvTI/AAAAAAAAGjc/vm6aT8NXAaQ/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLgcS_sFkJ4/UYqAdfOfvTI/AAAAAAAAGjc/vm6aT8NXAaQ/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Amanda and Lalo Finishing)</span></b></i></span></div>
<br /><span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8plhDhCM9A/UYqAcbFZtkI/AAAAAAAAGjU/cQvg4Cs2N1U/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8plhDhCM9A/UYqAcbFZtkI/AAAAAAAAGjU/cQvg4Cs2N1U/s320/IMG_1608.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-NZ_imOx4o/UYqAYvWLbAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/KrawArOF1XM/s1600/Miwok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-NZ_imOx4o/UYqAYvWLbAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/KrawArOF1XM/s1600/Miwok.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Around Mile 7 - Photo by Brett Rivers)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uTwhWvsEic/UYqA_s3TOuI/AAAAAAAAGjs/kXjJLuBrzqY/s1600/Sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uTwhWvsEic/UYqA_s3TOuI/AAAAAAAAGjs/kXjJLuBrzqY/s1600/Sleeping.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">(Catching Up On Sleep)</span></i></b></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-66517104719317060842013-04-29T07:02:00.004-07:002013-04-29T07:02:39.372-07:00Only In Arkansas - My 3 Days of Syllamo Race Report (In A Few Sentences)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgmWlW_0YXA/UX56DhpflkI/AAAAAAAAGhA/vsNMkhWVZ3Q/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgmWlW_0YXA/UX56DhpflkI/AAAAAAAAGhA/vsNMkhWVZ3Q/s320/IMG_1425.JPG" width="320" /> </a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(View From Our Cabin)</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I can’t seem to find the time to
write a detailed report about my experience at the 3 Days of Syllamo stage race
in Arkansas, so I’ll sum it up in a few sentences and let picture tell the rest
of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day 1 (50K) was a
disaster, as most runners got lost (Amanda missed the last aid station
completely, Stefan mistakenly crossed a river and got entangled in a fence, and
I added 7 “bonus” miles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to this
Lalo’s injury and the Train’s illness, and our group was not excited about
running 50 miles the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
much grumbling and soreness, a few of us toed the line early Saturday for the
50 mile (closer to 45) stage, which ended up being my favorite section of trail
in the Northern Ozarks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stefan and I
ended up having good races, temporarily erasing the misery of the day
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jay provided comic relief (wasn’t
funny at the time, and I’m glad he’s ok, but there were some funny moments
looking back on it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After eating some
local pizza, we crawled into bed for a few hours of sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day 3 was cold (low 40’s) and rainy, a far
cry from the mid 80 degree heat we had experienced the previous 2 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this stage was short (13 miles), I
decided to take it out hard and see if I could hold it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stefan crushed the course, and I had a decent
race (so did Amanda and Jay).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within
minutes of finishing, Stefan, the Train, and myself hopped in the car for a
brutal 10+ hour drive back to San Antonio.</div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite getting lost on day 1, I had a blast at
this event and would highly recommend doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think it helps to have friends along for the journey, and I’m not sure
I could have done it without the group we had. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll definitely be bac. </span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poyw6kIMymU/UV8KxWgGQOI/AAAAAAAAGfg/mNe1RwgewBg/s1600/IMG_1434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poyw6kIMymU/UV8KxWgGQOI/AAAAAAAAGfg/mNe1RwgewBg/s320/IMG_1434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Typical Section of Course)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MKTn3tePY8/UV8KyT6d-EI/AAAAAAAAGfo/jBzp0tulBNs/s1600/IMG_1449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MKTn3tePY8/UV8KyT6d-EI/AAAAAAAAGfo/jBzp0tulBNs/s320/IMG_1449.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mObVQ0ygns8/UV8KzMSfIRI/AAAAAAAAGfs/Eb1Rz2kIfuQ/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mObVQ0ygns8/UV8KzMSfIRI/AAAAAAAAGfs/Eb1Rz2kIfuQ/s320/IMG_1452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Amanda Splashing Through One Of Many Creek Crossings)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW3CEHJDfk8/UV8K0JRSMQI/AAAAAAAAGf4/tO5Qq9e829k/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW3CEHJDfk8/UV8K0JRSMQI/AAAAAAAAGf4/tO5Qq9e829k/s320/IMG_1456.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The Fact That They Had To Put A Sign Up Is A Bit Unnerving)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5QxQ03W1Q8/UV8K0cPcZZI/AAAAAAAAGgA/nX-CsWHJDhc/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5QxQ03W1Q8/UV8K0cPcZZI/AAAAAAAAGgA/nX-CsWHJDhc/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(Post Race Music)</b></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-8NxZSbnFM/UV8K0laIa8I/AAAAAAAAGgE/8Hyst1OVcZI/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-8NxZSbnFM/UV8K0laIa8I/AAAAAAAAGgE/8Hyst1OVcZI/s320/IMG_1457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Only In Arkansas)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTobgHqDuJI/UV8K0yRuPZI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/xjyOrT3cN6g/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTobgHqDuJI/UV8K0yRuPZI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/xjyOrT3cN6g/s320/IMG_1466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Post Race Sunday)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVIcFDft2io/UV8K1bXphhI/AAAAAAAAGgY/15qqufJrq4U/s1600/IMG_1481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVIcFDft2io/UV8K1bXphhI/AAAAAAAAGgY/15qqufJrq4U/s320/IMG_1481.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3hmf0LvXkc/UV8K1kBLtCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/dAgCrNRiQRo/s1600/Stefan+Syllamo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3hmf0LvXkc/UV8K1kBLtCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/dAgCrNRiQRo/s320/Stefan+Syllamo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Stefan's Legs After Fighting A Barbed-Wire Fence)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3W56PvTFlYQ/UV8K2QhYBsI/AAAAAAAAGgo/r_US5mbNXPw/s1600/Syllamo+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3W56PvTFlYQ/UV8K2QhYBsI/AAAAAAAAGgo/r_US5mbNXPw/s320/Syllamo+Group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThL467MozP8/UV8LEvKgYeI/AAAAAAAAGgw/EtcuyMQx3aU/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThL467MozP8/UV8LEvKgYeI/AAAAAAAAGgw/EtcuyMQx3aU/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-7816306237163874282013-02-27T06:57:00.003-08:002013-02-27T06:57:57.472-08:00Beautiful MorningIn case you missed it, this morning's sky was pretty amazing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNtSzsHOI_0/US4epxN9vgI/AAAAAAAAGeM/AtbgiuMyhEs/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNtSzsHOI_0/US4epxN9vgI/AAAAAAAAGeM/AtbgiuMyhEs/s320/IMG_1370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Looking West)</span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbMH-Rm3nWQ/US4epx1Hr6I/AAAAAAAAGeQ/JKycteU3IN4/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbMH-Rm3nWQ/US4epx1Hr6I/AAAAAAAAGeQ/JKycteU3IN4/s320/IMG_1369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Looking East)</span></b></i></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-48437443977129286262013-02-25T06:57:00.004-08:002013-02-25T06:57:55.471-08:00Alone On A Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhz2wV35OYg/USt6au6KM4I/AAAAAAAAGdE/x2V83f8y21c/s1600/GC+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhz2wV35OYg/USt6au6KM4I/AAAAAAAAGdE/x2V83f8y21c/s1600/GC+View.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(View From Top of Black Hills Loop)</b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
I love running with people, and my
trail running friends are awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
sometimes it’s good for the mind and the soul to get out on the trails solo,
without a care in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday
was one of those days for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
weather was perfect, the tunes were smokin’, and the trails were in great
shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It marks the last weekend that
the protected habitat trails at Government Canyon will be open until Fall, so I
decided to hit as many of them as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found a new gem, albeit a short one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After cruising my way up Black Hill Loop, I dropped down La Subida and
headed up Sendero Traverso.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy am I
glad I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This little stretch was
perhaps my favorite of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 6
hours of running, my body was tired but my mind refreshed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Days like yesterday are why I run.</div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-35750664481074378902013-02-05T09:58:00.001-08:002013-02-05T09:58:08.797-08:00The Guads 2013 - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk5gWXc2SXk/URFGQVthiEI/AAAAAAAAGb4/WQ3XeWomo3I/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk5gWXc2SXk/URFGQVthiEI/AAAAAAAAGb4/WQ3XeWomo3I/s320/IMG_1287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hunter Peak) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It’s been 5 months since I was last
running in “real” mountains, and I had the itch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I had to get into some thin mountain
air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be good for my body and my
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something about the mountains
makes me feel whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had originally planned
on going solo, but when my friend Dave said he could go, I rearranged my
schedule and headed out Saturday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could ramble on and on about what we saw, but the short version goes
like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove 7 hours (including
one stop by the highway patrol) to sleep under the stars and run 21 miles of
gnarly mountain trail, some of which took us through patches of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then hopped back in the car to drive 7
hours home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we drove 14 hours to
run 21 miles, and it was worth every second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-O94pZ1lVs/URFGPjsXvYI/AAAAAAAAGbw/6Gb5HLVKIRQ/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-O94pZ1lVs/URFGPjsXvYI/AAAAAAAAGbw/6Gb5HLVKIRQ/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Beautiful Sunrise) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0L-rT8NeMQ/URFD7IILLPI/AAAAAAAAGas/Ibpr0qr9hcU/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0L-rT8NeMQ/URFD7IILLPI/AAAAAAAAGas/Ibpr0qr9hcU/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Looking At El Capitan From Guad Peak) </span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_EvTQQ01Ms/URFD7PeaP6I/AAAAAAAAGaw/Od3JO-Ou9g4/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_EvTQQ01Ms/URFD7PeaP6I/AAAAAAAAGaw/Od3JO-Ou9g4/s320/IMG_1293.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7wwjwIx--g/URFGRO6J6uI/AAAAAAAAGcA/Uzm0B41zew4/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7wwjwIx--g/URFGRO6J6uI/AAAAAAAAGcA/Uzm0B41zew4/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Looking Up Bear Canyon)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GPa8vBCiSA/URFD9eLXu6I/AAAAAAAAGbE/gXiU04Xy4HA/s1600/IMG_1303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GPa8vBCiSA/URFD9eLXu6I/AAAAAAAAGbE/gXiU04Xy4HA/s320/IMG_1303.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-by_S3TI-9Gs/URFD9oisyFI/AAAAAAAAGbI/Q8RiNP5tjbM/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-by_S3TI-9Gs/URFD9oisyFI/AAAAAAAAGbI/Q8RiNP5tjbM/s320/IMG_1306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(Looking Down Bear Canyon From the Top)</b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKXsgecDDl8/URFD-0QH5aI/AAAAAAAAGbY/CzE9_ofCGRU/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKXsgecDDl8/URFD-0QH5aI/AAAAAAAAGbY/CzE9_ofCGRU/s320/IMG_1309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (On Top of Hunter Peak w/ Guad Peak Over My Shoulder)</span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOhycyowRow/URFD_XTaHJI/AAAAAAAAGbg/hb_htX5eNdE/s1600/IMG_1313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOhycyowRow/URFD_XTaHJI/AAAAAAAAGbg/hb_htX5eNdE/s320/IMG_1313.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (So Much Fun)</span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSJKdkn-Cgo/URFD_cKR_xI/AAAAAAAAGbk/wxsVOtR2Vpk/s1600/IMG_1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSJKdkn-Cgo/URFD_cKR_xI/AAAAAAAAGbk/wxsVOtR2Vpk/s320/IMG_1317.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Luckily Just A Warning)</span></b></i></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-20111391186348905782013-01-27T15:34:00.000-08:002013-01-27T15:34:11.529-08:00A Tale of Sweat and Mud - Bandera 100K Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fXsPWCs_mw/UPYVeaYBDZI/AAAAAAAAGYo/iF0kzejPdmE/s1600/Bandera+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fXsPWCs_mw/UPYVeaYBDZI/AAAAAAAAGYo/iF0kzejPdmE/s1600/Bandera+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fXsPWCs_mw/UPYVeaYBDZI/AAAAAAAAGYo/iF0kzejPdmE/s1600/Bandera+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fXsPWCs_mw/UPYVeaYBDZI/AAAAAAAAGYo/iF0kzejPdmE/s1600/Bandera+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I had hopes of breaking 13 hours at
this year’s Bandera 100k, but those hopes were quickly dashed with one glance
at the weather forecast.<span> </span>Temps would be
in the mid 60s and humid at the s</span>tart, and rain was a possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to that the storms that dumped inches of
rain on the course a few days prior, and I knew this race would be a slugfest,
a battle of attrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within a few
minutes I was totally drenched, and my shoes were squishing with sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran with friends Rachel and Travis for a
bit, up and down Sky Island (no views today as the fog was thick and wet), over
to Ice Cream Hill (ask Chris how it got its name), and into Nachos aid station
where my Rockhopper friends and family would be waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal was to consume one bottle of Carbo
Pro between each aid station for as long as I could (or until my stash of Carbo
Pro ran out), so I dumped a baggie of powder in my bottle and had Nacho Libre
Bowling filled it with water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I followed
Rachel out of Nachos, and we ran together most of the way to Chapas (mile
11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs felt good, but my breathing
was labored (probably due to the warmer than normal temps and high humidity),
so I tried to walk some of the uphills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was already behind schedule (not surprising given the conditions), so
I focused on doing what I could to stave off the inevitable death slog that was
sure to come later in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
arrived at Chapas and quickly changed out my empty bottle for a fresh one
filled with Carbo Pro and set off for my least favorite section of the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew this stretch would be muddy and fairly
flat, making for some painful running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
ran where I could and hiked where I needed to, and shortly was passed by Tim
Olson, who ended up winning the 50k.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew Joe had shortened the field section and replaced the mileage with a “new
hill”, so I was excited to see what he had in store for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The field section wasn’t filled with
shoe-sucking mud like I expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, it was softer mud that stuck to your shoes and made you feel
like you were running on platform shoes with 5 pound ankle weights attached to
your feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not what I would call
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided it was better for me to
hike (sounds tougher than walk) this section (even the slight downhills), as I
figured running would only speed muscle fatigue and end up costing me more time
later in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I hiked through
the muck, cursing the rain and the humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we crossed over the park road, we veered left instead of right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this was the section Joe had changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to my delight, he added an extra hill,
meaning less mud and more fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up and
over and then into Crossroads for the first of four stops at this aid station
during the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fXsPWCs_mw/UPYVeaYBDZI/AAAAAAAAGYo/iF0kzejPdmE/s1600/Bandera+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fXsPWCs_mw/UPYVeaYBDZI/AAAAAAAAGYo/iF0kzejPdmE/s320/Bandera+.jpg" width="231" /></a><span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Running down Trail 8 - photo by Brian Kuhn) </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span>At
Crossroads I quickly changed out my empty handheld for a fresh bottle of Carbo
Pro, but I also made sure to suck down an extra 10-15 ounces of plain water,
something I would repeat for the remainder of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was leaving I noticed Travis was still
there, taping up one of his toes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
quickly caught up to me, and we ran together for a bit before bumping into our
friend Josh, who was having some stomach issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had intended to run much of this section,
but the 3 Sisters were not in a good mood this morning and would force us to
trudge up and jog down them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the
humidity sucking the energy right out of me, but I knew this would pass once
the sun went down and the temps cooled off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soon the 3 of us were heading down the final descent into Crossroads,
where I would once again grab a fresh bottle and guzzle extra water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8H-0MtOXopw/UPYVTlS8eLI/AAAAAAAAGYU/uc6neM4Ai7s/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8H-0MtOXopw/UPYVTlS8eLI/AAAAAAAAGYU/uc6neM4Ai7s/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a><span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">(Heading into Crossroads with Josh Bart at mile 21) </span></i></b></span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span> </span>I was
dreading the next few miles, as I knew they would be muddy since much of this
section is in the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reward for
enduring the mud would be a climb up Lucky’s Peak, a short but nasty hill that
is a signature of any Bandera race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was expecting mud, and this section did not disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After slogging through 2+ miles of sticky
slop, I climbed up and over Lucky and made a stop at Last Chance (mile
26).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Roger was in charge of this
aid station, and we chatted briefly before I was gone again, this time with a
bottle of plain water (I was out of Carbo Pro).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My plan had been to switch to a higher fat fuel once I was out of Carbo
Pro, and I’d be using Pocket Fuel for the next stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pocket Fuel is a mixture of various nut
butters (peanut, hazelnut, or almond) with some fruit flavoring thrown in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was surprised (not in a good way) to find Cairn’s and Boyle’s (last 5
miles of loop) very muddy, probably the wettest mud I’d seen all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hoped the rocks would be a welcome
change, but they were slick and muddy too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of making up some time on this section as I’d hoped, I had to
pick my way through the mud and try to stay upright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t help that the sun was starting to
peak through the clouds and warm up the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After slowly making my way up and over these two climbs, I hit the short
stretch of flat jeep road that would take me to the Lodge (mile 31) and
turnaround point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw several friends
hanging out when I ran in, and part of me wished I would drop so I could hang
out too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came in around 6:35 for my
first loop, roughly 45 minutes slower than I had hoped (before the mud and
humidity entered the picture).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
thought of running another 31 miles in these conditions didn’t thrill me, but I
wasn’t about to drop now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I grabbed
more Pocket Fuel out of my drop bag, said hello to a few friends, and ran out
with Joe Tamarro (he had run the 50K and wanted to get a few more miles in) for
a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon I was climbing up to the top
of Sky Island, which was even muddier now than the first time we had come
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If every section was muddier
than before, this was going to be a very long loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere between Sky Island and Nachos aid
station (probably after I summited Ice Cream Hill), the heat and humidity began
to take its toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was by far the
worst stretch of the race for me, but I knew it wasn’t anything I could
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to continue to drink
fluids, put calories in my gut, and just keep moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived at Nachos to a warm greeting from
my Rockhopper friends, who filled my bottle with ice cold water, which I sucked
down and immediately re-filled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
collecting myself for a couple minutes, I trudged off, not wanting to get too
comfortable by sitting at the aid station too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Historically, this stretch of the
race is usually when things begin to turn around for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun starts to go down, and the temps cool
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although still a long way from
finishing, you begin to see (dim) light at the end of the tunnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year was no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I steadily made my way from Nachos, past the
park headquarters, and onto Trail 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somewhere along this section I passed a girl who had been in front of me
the past few miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wasn’t
moving any faster than she was, but she decided she needed to stop for a quick
break, and this was just the mental boost I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Passing people in the later stages of a race
always lifts my spirits and seemingly breathes new life into my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I passed her I tried to pick up the pace
a bit, not wanting her to pass me up when she started feeling better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I did, I noticed that my legs felt better than they had in hours,
and I was actually able to move without too much discomfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I convinced myself to try doing this until I
had to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up running the rest
of the way to Chapas (mile 42), where I stopped to assess my growing blisters
(my socks had slipped down, causing the dirt and mud to rub directly against
the bare skin on my heels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Convinced I
would have some nasty blisters the next day but nothing that would end my race,
I ran off, merging onto Trail 9.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I knew the next section would be
muddy as heck, so I told myself I would run until I hit the bad mud, which I
assumed would be less than a mile away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently the cooler temps had been dropped on us by a strong northerly
wind, which also served to significantly dry out (there was still some mud) many
sections of the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Combined with
the music coming from my iPod (mixture of bluegrass and jam bands), I began to
feel great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked down at my Garmin
and was shocked to see I was running sub 9 minute miles, not fast but good for
me this late in a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even found
myself playing “air banjo” a few times as I scooted down the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, I’m both a hillbilly and not afraid to
look stupid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point I was mixing
my Pocket Fuel with the occasional peanut butter Gu, a strategy that seemed to
be working well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stomach felt fine,
and my energy was as good as it had been all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed several people on my way to
Crossroads, which I hit just as it was getting dark.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Larry and Jean saw me come into
Crossroads and quickly helped re-fill my bottles and send me on my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran all the way down Trail 1 (about a mile)
before I turned my headlamp on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
better than I had since the start of the race, so I picked up the pace, even
managing to run up two of the 3 Sisters, a feat I hadn’t been able to
accomplish on this section 31 miles prior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I passed more people here and soon found myself at Crossroads (mile 52)
for the final time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chatted with Chris
Russell, who was about to start the loop I had just completed, with the help of
his daughter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point I knew I would finish, but I was
still uncertain about my time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
good now, but surely that would change at some point, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After doing some mental math in my head, I
decided to run as hard as I could and let the chips fall where they may.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tree-covered section leading to Lucky’s
Peak was drier than before, which allowed me to cover this section quicker than
I had the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up and over Lucky
I went, back to Roger and his crew at Last Chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After refusing all the offerings Roger had
cooked (I was adamant about sticking to the nutrition plan that had worked
splendidly thus far), I grabbed a cup of chicken noodle soup and bid farewell
to the last aid station I would see before the finish (5 miles away).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly downed the soup and started
jogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not 10 seconds later I felt
that all too familiar feeling in my gut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stopped, not wanting to ruin the first perfect 50+ mile race I had
ever experienced in terms of nutrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One more step and I knew it was not to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled off the trail and proceeded
to throw up everything I had eaten over the previous few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fast but violent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was upset that I wasn’t going to make
it through this race without puking (nothing new for me), I knew I had done
everything right the previous 57 miles and would be fine without ingesting any
more fuel over the final 5 miles of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Up and over Cairn’s, same with Boyle’s, and soon I was back on that
glorious stretch of jeep road that leads to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crossed the line in 14:13, the slowest of
my 4 Bandera finishes, but in some ways my most satisfying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joe P was there to hand me my buckle, and
soon I was warming up in the tent the way every ultra runner should –
surrounded by friends and family while sipping on a good home brew.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
While my 2013 Bandera experience
didn’t produce the fastest time, I was very pleased with my overall
performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually ran (albeit
slowly) more of the second loop than I had the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My climbing felt better than it ever has
before, giving me a tremendous mental boost for the upcoming year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, my Brooks Cascadias were the
perfect shoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never once was bother by
the rocks, nor did I ever feel the need to change shoes during the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My nutrition was the best it’s ever been at
an ultra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will definitely be using the
Carbo Pro/Pocket Fuel combo in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also feel my general nutrition heading into the race was great, as
I’ve really tried to clean up my diet (will write more about that soon), a
change that has helped me shed 15 pounds in the past few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, in what can only be described as a
miracle, I had ZERO CHAFING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the
high humidity and unseasonably warm temps, this was nothing short of shocking
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am really excited about the
upcoming year and can’t wait to get back out on the trail for another
adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sub 13 Bandera finish will
just have to wait another year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm6-5TAE6IE/UPbiq9DpeeI/AAAAAAAAGZo/CvGd7wuNF-4/s1600/Buckle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm6-5TAE6IE/UPbiq9DpeeI/AAAAAAAAGZo/CvGd7wuNF-4/s1600/Buckle.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">(This year's buckle)</span></i></b></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-8396065244146293932012-12-21T08:02:00.000-08:002012-12-21T08:02:25.882-08:00Lottery Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The past 2 weeks have been a roller
coaster of emotions, a myriad of highs and lows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing earth shattering or life threatening
has happened, but my 2013 race schedule has started to take shape after learning
the results of several lotteries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
common question many people ask me is, “are there other people who run these
crazy races you do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckle and try
to explain that many races make you qualify just to get into a lottery, in
which you often have a minute chance of getting into the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, our sport is growing, and lots of people
run these crazy races I like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the
past 10+ days, the results of the lotteries were announced for Western States,
Hardrock, Miwok, and Massanutten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
entered all 4, and my name was drawn in 2 of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not bad, I suppose, but one of the races I
didn’t get selected for is the one race I would give almost anything to do, the
Hardrock 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This marks the 4th straight year I have failed to get into Hardrock. </span>I wasn’t selected for
Western States either, but I was actually relieved about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lucky enough to see my name on the
starting list for the Miwok 100K outside San Francisco and the Massanutten 100 in
northern Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of these races
appear to be spectacular in both their beauty and difficulty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if each isn’t daunting by itself, they are
separated by only 2 weeks, meaning that if I run both, I will have to run 100
miles on rocky mountain terrain after completing a hilly 100K not too long
before. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have friends doing both races,
and both have been on my radar for a few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With the way these races are growing in popularity, it’s no given that I
will be selected again in the near future, so I might as well run them when I
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In May of this coming year I will
travel to both coasts and run 162 miles of mountainous joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, you only live once!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0V4a0hMYI/UNSEyioEpHI/AAAAAAAAGXI/olq-srSOVng/s1600/miwok-100k-trail-run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0V4a0hMYI/UNSEyioEpHI/AAAAAAAAGXI/olq-srSOVng/s320/miwok-100k-trail-run.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(View from Miwok course)</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGw2Hun79cE/UNSEz6X2ZkI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/JQKPluGCMQg/s1600/mmt_tr109_alt-vs-dist_1000x350.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGw2Hun79cE/UNSEz6X2ZkI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/JQKPluGCMQg/s320/mmt_tr109_alt-vs-dist_1000x350.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Elevation profile for Massanutten 100)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUgE8oEzPM4/UNSEH6kv3sI/AAAAAAAAGWo/qIansSWOFwU/s1600/IMG_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUgE8oEzPM4/UNSEH6kv3sI/AAAAAAAAGWo/qIansSWOFwU/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(One day I will get to kiss the rock)</span></i></b></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAw8EGBOwxk/UNSEIzUGMvI/AAAAAAAAGWw/Cf4sSrYgDrA/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAw8EGBOwxk/UNSEIzUGMvI/AAAAAAAAGWw/Cf4sSrYgDrA/s320/IMG_0609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJlxYOGTuN8/UNSEJj03ecI/AAAAAAAAGW4/jvSZKFKGDJ4/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJlxYOGTuN8/UNSEJj03ecI/AAAAAAAAGW4/jvSZKFKGDJ4/s320/IMG_3307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Island Lake from Grant-Swamp Pass on the Hardrock course)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-34025564121711943442012-12-18T12:12:00.000-08:002012-12-18T12:12:16.813-08:00Wasatch In Pictures (And a few words)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I never really got around to writing a proper Wasatch race
report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that life (and laziness)
just got in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The short version
goes a little something like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Summer training was great, but things got crazy once school started, so
training took a backseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A week before
the race I got sick, culminating with my waking up on race morning with a fever
and feeling lousy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This feeling never
really got better, and I was fully prepared to drop at mile 35.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for me, this aid station was on top
of a mountain ridge, meaning I’d have to hike another 5 miles down the mountain
before I could drop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the help of my
crew and pacers (without whom I would not have finished), I somehow stumbled my way to an agonizing 35+ hour
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few pictures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ema_6ZZ710/UNDKaKSh7sI/AAAAAAAAGT0/JB5XAaMGBrM/s1600/IMG_3491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ema_6ZZ710/UNDKaKSh7sI/AAAAAAAAGT0/JB5XAaMGBrM/s320/IMG_3491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Hiking towards Chinscraper in the early morning dawn)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ema_6ZZ710/UNDKaKSh7sI/AAAAAAAAGT0/JB5XAaMGBrM/s1600/IMG_3491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqrxDXnmWcI/UNDKa9zkdxI/AAAAAAAAGT8/UDYC-8GNhDE/s1600/IMG_3493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqrxDXnmWcI/UNDKa9zkdxI/AAAAAAAAGT8/UDYC-8GNhDE/s320/IMG_3493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Chinscraper)</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqrxDXnmWcI/UNDKa9zkdxI/AAAAAAAAGT8/UDYC-8GNhDE/s1600/IMG_3493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSFnLhb1PQ4/UNDKbtQFf_I/AAAAAAAAGUE/0_ZYVRXUZ6E/s1600/IMG_3495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSFnLhb1PQ4/UNDKbtQFf_I/AAAAAAAAGUE/0_ZYVRXUZ6E/s320/IMG_3495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk7J6Qp7iPg/UNDKcr-U-6I/AAAAAAAAGUM/Ip-_uWVyg4g/s1600/IMG_3497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk7J6Qp7iPg/UNDKcr-U-6I/AAAAAAAAGUM/Ip-_uWVyg4g/s320/IMG_3497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Jc_Ce1rm8/UNDKXB6Q3OI/AAAAAAAAGS8/4S5lSyz6fo4/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Jc_Ce1rm8/UNDKXB6Q3OI/AAAAAAAAGS8/4S5lSyz6fo4/s320/IMG_1087.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Feeling lousy - again - on highest point on course) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4rfdGIyBEU/UNDKXoh42aI/AAAAAAAAGTE/eQEiSXsYUlI/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4rfdGIyBEU/UNDKXoh42aI/AAAAAAAAGTE/eQEiSXsYUlI/s320/IMG_1088.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Pretty much how I felt all race) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iagnRaslKms/UNDKXz4aUwI/AAAAAAAAGTM/t54AoByaOC0/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iagnRaslKms/UNDKXz4aUwI/AAAAAAAAGTM/t54AoByaOC0/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(My second pacer, Rachael from Idaho)</span></i></b></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdp-g3ubbTo/UNDKYQdRv8I/AAAAAAAAGTU/UQ8bUu3Krog/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdp-g3ubbTo/UNDKYQdRv8I/AAAAAAAAGTU/UQ8bUu3Krog/s320/IMG_1090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCndp0fNO-4/UNDKYruh3CI/AAAAAAAAGTc/Ku2t7EWO9Kc/s1600/IMG_1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCndp0fNO-4/UNDKYruh3CI/AAAAAAAAGTc/Ku2t7EWO9Kc/s320/IMG_1091.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Taking a break on the trail) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHO6jBJhUxU/UNDKZHR1bqI/AAAAAAAAGTk/VK0gGjDjsX0/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHO6jBJhUxU/UNDKZHR1bqI/AAAAAAAAGTk/VK0gGjDjsX0/s320/IMG_1092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qg3JG4h0sU/UNDKZSqHChI/AAAAAAAAGTs/NRCle8YjKpQ/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qg3JG4h0sU/UNDKZSqHChI/AAAAAAAAGTs/NRCle8YjKpQ/s320/IMG_1093.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjXVeyK193s/UNDKdzV0ffI/AAAAAAAAGUU/bYVIsU-EFtM/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjXVeyK193s/UNDKdzV0ffI/AAAAAAAAGUU/bYVIsU-EFtM/s320/IMG_3507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zf71Xof_bP8/UNDKek3KKNI/AAAAAAAAGUc/EqYnoI8XpSU/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zf71Xof_bP8/UNDKek3KKNI/AAAAAAAAGUc/EqYnoI8XpSU/s320/IMG_3508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(I look forward to Ant Knoll AS at mile 80 every year)</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjlSJaMN16M/UNDMcjw2yLI/AAAAAAAAGVk/BhzdRO9GWzE/s1600/Wasatch+Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjlSJaMN16M/UNDMcjw2yLI/AAAAAAAAGVk/BhzdRO9GWzE/s320/Wasatch+Finish.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYkOorB5gNw/UNDKgKpsyWI/AAAAAAAAGUk/CdJ2IugfUm8/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYkOorB5gNw/UNDKgKpsyWI/AAAAAAAAGUk/CdJ2IugfUm8/s320/IMG_3509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Rachael plunging down The Dive)</span></span></i></b></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-48718338702371080242012-12-05T13:31:00.003-08:002012-12-05T13:31:27.475-08:00Scott Jurek and Spaghetti Squash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wsoP8AKt7c/UL-4hus5gOI/AAAAAAAAGQk/0ePdS9409hI/s320/IMG_1067.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">(Scott Jurek answering questions at Luke's Locker in Austin)</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This past Sunday my traveling buddy
(Lester) and I headed up to Austin to meet Scott Jurek, who was in town for an
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to getting him to
sign my copy of his book, I wanted to ask him a few questions about a new line
of hydration packs Ultimate Direction has come out with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had met Scott a couple times before, and
the one thing that strikes me about him is how unbelievably friendly and down
to earth he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a guy who won 7
straight Western States titles, he is very humble and eager to share his
knowledge with runners of all abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After answering general questions, he signed books and took
pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lester and I ran a few errands
while we were in Austin and ended up bumping into Scott at Whole Foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, super nice guy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
While at Whole Foods I picked up a
spaghetti squash, something I had read about lately but never experienced
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally got around to cooking
it last night, and all I can say is “Why the heck have I not tried one until
now???”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These things are amazingly easy
to cook, and the taste is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
make a great substitute for pasta (more on my nutritional overhaul in an
upcoming post) and pack a ton of nutrients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cooking these gems will definitely become part of my weekly
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqDh3unuUOU/UL-4imUl2QI/AAAAAAAAGQo/2XM29bVO-Dc/s1600/IMG_1068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqDh3unuUOU/UL-4imUl2QI/AAAAAAAAGQo/2XM29bVO-Dc/s320/IMG_1068.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBh9bb5-cxY/UL-4jlNgMaI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/wNYKjD9naSQ/s1600/IMG_1070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBh9bb5-cxY/UL-4jlNgMaI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/wNYKjD9naSQ/s320/IMG_1070.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Lester enjoying the breeze) </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
While at Whole Foods I picked up a
spaghetti squash, something I had read about lately but never experienced
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally got around to cooking
it last night, and all I can say is “Why the heck have I not tried one until
now???”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These things are amazingly easy
to cook, and the taste is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
make a great substitute for pasta (more on my nutritional overhaul in an
upcoming post) and pack a ton of nutrients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cooking these gems will definitely become part of my weekly
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6pSB6Xd1gE/UL-4kWHIUtI/AAAAAAAAGQ4/-PSeC_WLCtc/s1600/Parmesan-Spaghetti-Squash5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6pSB6Xd1gE/UL-4kWHIUtI/AAAAAAAAGQ4/-PSeC_WLCtc/s320/Parmesan-Spaghetti-Squash5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(My new treat)</span></b></i></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-33197422583912627212012-11-26T16:37:00.001-08:002012-11-26T16:37:35.133-08:00Feast Week<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a lot to be thankful for this past week.<span> </span>My parents came to town to visit, and I had a blast getting to spend time with them.<span> </span>The weather here in South Texas was beautiful and made for some enjoyable runs with friends.<span> </span>I had the best week of training I’ve had since I left Colorado in August.<span> </span>I logged two 20+ milers at Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera and three more long runs at Government Canyon here in SA (more than I had logged at GC in all of 2012 up to this week).<span> </span>I capped off a great week with what was quite possibly my best trail run ever.<span> </span>I got to Government Canyon later than planned yesterday, hoping only to log a couple hours on the trails and enjoy the cloudless morning.<span> </span>After 10 minutes, my legs loosened up, and I decided to see what I could do.<span> </span>In what felt like an instant, I was done with the best 12 mile trail run of my life.<span> </span>Not only was it the fastest GC run I’ve done, but it literally felt effortless.<span> </span>My legs weren’t the least bit fatigued or sore, and I left feeling like I could have run forever.<span> </span>Now I just hope I can string together a few more runs like this as I fine tune my training for the Bandera 100K in January.<span> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT_kL8jxcZM/ULQJovrOEOI/AAAAAAAAGOs/ndF7XVO91wU/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT_kL8jxcZM/ULQJovrOEOI/AAAAAAAAGOs/ndF7XVO91wU/s320/IMG_1030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i>(Bandera Sunrise) </i></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5Yoi94om8k/ULQJ34DNxPI/AAAAAAAAGO0/KN1VL4x_APU/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5Yoi94om8k/ULQJ34DNxPI/AAAAAAAAGO0/KN1VL4x_APU/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Atop the 3 Sisters) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgC2TVEf12k/ULQKHS8VgDI/AAAAAAAAGO8/JZEj5v4CxSc/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgC2TVEf12k/ULQKHS8VgDI/AAAAAAAAGO8/JZEj5v4CxSc/s320/IMG_1032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzlIssYVQh4/ULQKkq8dhSI/AAAAAAAAGPU/YJP67omPiPM/s1600/IMG_1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzlIssYVQh4/ULQKkq8dhSI/AAAAAAAAGPU/YJP67omPiPM/s320/IMG_1034.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Chris and Rich headed up the final Sister) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jf9LKt7y6vw/ULQKmVjP0JI/AAAAAAAAGPc/VMmCE9rvP2E/s1600/IMG_1035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jf9LKt7y6vw/ULQKmVjP0JI/AAAAAAAAGPc/VMmCE9rvP2E/s320/IMG_1035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Headed back out for more fun with Chris, Liza, and Vidal)</span></i></b></div>
</span>
<!--EndFragment-->
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-9801435998421673512012-10-31T12:08:00.003-07:002012-10-31T12:08:45.006-07:00Ophelia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The newest addition to my house is another border collie. I had almost forgotten what owning a puppy is like. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pfbHztS5zs/UJF2vLqOSlI/AAAAAAAAGNk/p7fve_WW4eQ/s1600/Ophelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pfbHztS5zs/UJF2vLqOSlI/AAAAAAAAGNk/p7fve_WW4eQ/s320/Ophelia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Ophelia)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5MdKVt_Y9Q/UJF2yLhIbCI/AAAAAAAAGNs/uw3tCkdCKBE/s1600/Ophelia+and+Lester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5MdKVt_Y9Q/UJF2yLhIbCI/AAAAAAAAGNs/uw3tCkdCKBE/s320/Ophelia+and+Lester.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Lester and Ophelia)</span></i></b></span></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-65495971341915972302012-10-31T09:53:00.002-07:002012-10-31T09:53:57.331-07:00I'm Back<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It’s been way too long since I’ve
written anything here, but life gets in the way sometimes, and that has
certainly been the case as of late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Between coaching and teaching, things have been busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much has happened in the past 2 months –
pacing Liza and Larry at Leadville, working an aid station all through the night
at one of Joe P’s races, my struggle to finish Wasatch (report to come, I
promise), and more all-night pacing Jean at Cactus Rose this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s just the running-related
events!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit that my own running
has taken a back seat for a number of reasons lately, but with the cooler
weather I have found a renewed sense of purpose in my running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am enjoying being on the trails again,
having fun training for my next adventure – the Bandera 100K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to get back to writing regularly, as
it swerves as a great outlet for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Until then, I’m off to grade papers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-69058435520963375112012-08-17T14:25:00.001-07:002012-08-17T14:25:25.969-07:00Headed Back To Colorado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The past few weeks have been busy
as I return to “normal” life again, if that’s really possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After running the Speedgoat 50K with friends
Tom “Blaze” Bowling and Joe “Popsicle” Tammaro, I returned to Ouray for a
wonderful week of running and hanging out with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I made the 17 hour drive back to San
Antonio to begin cross country practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While I wasn’t super thrilled to be back, I love the kids I work with,
which eased the transition a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
snuck a 30K night race in the middle, giving me a taste of what I missed all
summer (please send me back to the mountains!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now I’m headed back to Colorado, this time to pace friends at the
Leadville 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The forecast calls for 35
degrees with rain tomorrow night, perfect conditions for running 50 miles in
the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvMhKAoJRKM/UC62W24zkUI/AAAAAAAAGMA/oAylyHRPFyo/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvMhKAoJRKM/UC62W24zkUI/AAAAAAAAGMA/oAylyHRPFyo/s320/IMG_2422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Dave Brown Running Strong at Leadville 100 in 2011)</span></i></b></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vc4k4mA6-vs/UC62XyKG3mI/AAAAAAAAGMI/NUwuvV1FILg/s1600/IMG_2423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vc4k4mA6-vs/UC62XyKG3mI/AAAAAAAAGMI/NUwuvV1FILg/s320/IMG_2423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrSoEp4i0wQ/UC62ZHFDJ5I/AAAAAAAAGMQ/fIng8k_z5KE/s1600/IMG_2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrSoEp4i0wQ/UC62ZHFDJ5I/AAAAAAAAGMQ/fIng8k_z5KE/s320/IMG_2437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Winfield Aid Station - Mile 50)</span></i></b></span></div>
Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-17684578121526563772012-08-05T05:25:00.001-07:002012-08-05T05:25:18.661-07:00Final Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my last days in Ouray, I scrambled to get in as much
as possible, and that included hitting some new trails, of which there were so
many to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to visit Chief
Ouray’s mine high above town, and boy am I glad I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the trailhead located (literally) right
on my door, all I had to do was walk outside and start climbing (sounds like
the beginning of every other trail in town).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The climb up to 10,000’ was tough because my legs were feeling pretty
flat, but the return trip was nothing short of spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After visiting the mine and carving my name
in Chief Ouray’s house, I put in my headphones and bombed down the smooth
singletrack back to the house, passing no one on the way down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On my final
day in town, I went out exploring again, taking a few familiar trails until I
found a new one that led to the old Alpine Mine and Weehawken Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overlook into town was one of the best I’d
seen all summer, and the singletrack that snaked through the aspens was second
to none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’m going to miss this
place, but I know in my heart that I will most definitely be back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAOiAFFWfdA/UB5huRByWlI/AAAAAAAAGJs/mb61OtnbQy4/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAOiAFFWfdA/UB5huRByWlI/AAAAAAAAGJs/mb61OtnbQy4/s320/IMG_3439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Red Mountain Seen From Chief Ouray Mine Trail)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OoudbErCU0/UB5h1mf0g_I/AAAAAAAAGJ0/aIyuPwrvdPA/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OoudbErCU0/UB5h1mf0g_I/AAAAAAAAGJ0/aIyuPwrvdPA/s320/IMG_3444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Chief Ouray's House) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBab764k5wk/UB5h8OWTl3I/AAAAAAAAGJ8/XRC-3iP7Ga0/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBab764k5wk/UB5h8OWTl3I/AAAAAAAAGJ8/XRC-3iP7Ga0/s320/IMG_3445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KikkeBrjvhY/UB5iCntCoPI/AAAAAAAAGKE/BT7ig6vbzVo/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KikkeBrjvhY/UB5iCntCoPI/AAAAAAAAGKE/BT7ig6vbzVo/s320/IMG_3447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fG9aSVpjTjI/UB5iLK8QrOI/AAAAAAAAGKM/acsbNM6I_WE/s1600/IMG_3451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fG9aSVpjTjI/UB5iLK8QrOI/AAAAAAAAGKM/acsbNM6I_WE/s320/IMG_3451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Visitors In My Yard)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9wjFJX_XrQ/UB5i6vEH7vI/AAAAAAAAGKU/Tfv0HhUJV9Y/s1600/IMG_0628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9wjFJX_XrQ/UB5i6vEH7vI/AAAAAAAAGKU/Tfv0HhUJV9Y/s320/IMG_0628.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Trail Leading Up To Alpine Mine and Weehawken Creek)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGbnGALSPmI/UB5jBqca5CI/AAAAAAAAGKc/rx_WgJmDs6M/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGbnGALSPmI/UB5jBqca5CI/AAAAAAAAGKc/rx_WgJmDs6M/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(First Overlook Where I Sat For Awhile)</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyI9EfNal8g/UB5jMZvMv1I/AAAAAAAAGKk/75jV8bbU1yU/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyI9EfNal8g/UB5jMZvMv1I/AAAAAAAAGKk/75jV8bbU1yU/s320/IMG_0636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Alpine Mine Ruins) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miIHBjyoLrQ/UB5jTdRVb7I/AAAAAAAAGKs/AHcqtq_HtK4/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miIHBjyoLrQ/UB5jTdRVb7I/AAAAAAAAGKs/AHcqtq_HtK4/s320/IMG_0637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Looking Down Into Ouray From Alpine Mine Overlook) </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVi21-16h4k/UB5jZXlmCGI/AAAAAAAAGK0/iFKIAAPk_Ms/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVi21-16h4k/UB5jZXlmCGI/AAAAAAAAGK0/iFKIAAPk_Ms/s320/IMG_0641.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUT8QJv2REw/UB5jlFq_vrI/AAAAAAAAGK8/GUKC1qkaCIU/s1600/IMG_0644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUT8QJv2REw/UB5jlFq_vrI/AAAAAAAAGK8/GUKC1qkaCIU/s320/IMG_0644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Heavenly Singletrack)</span></i></b></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apcZVBxVULs/UB5ju3Z0cxI/AAAAAAAAGLE/W4dKf_bMwL8/s1600/IMG_0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apcZVBxVULs/UB5ju3Z0cxI/AAAAAAAAGLE/W4dKf_bMwL8/s320/IMG_0646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Resting at Weehawken Creek)</span></i></b></span></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783625804554756399.post-58364969944047095602012-08-01T16:16:00.002-07:002012-08-01T16:16:47.643-07:00Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As my time in Ouray draws to a
close for this summer, I’ve started to reflect on my last 2 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I cannot recap everything or remember
some of the best moments (I will come up with a list at some point), the
overwhelming feeling I’ve had during my stay here is that of true
happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I sit here typing this, I
can honestly say I’ve never been happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As long as I continue to live each day here to the fullest and to focus
on the moment, I can’t help but have a smile on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I set out from the house and headed
for Imogene Pass, where I could see Telluride way down below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not wanting to get caught in a lightning
storm, I scurried down the mountain as I was being chased by the storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I never got any lightning (I heard
plenty of thunder), I got plenty of cool rain that made my run great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself splashing through creeks and
hopping down the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy, yes, I
was truly happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is so simple
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place is magical, and I will
be back, hopefully sooner than later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-de3qoOiuTnI/UBlubLEXDvI/AAAAAAAAGII/t7cdjje5Y1A/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-de3qoOiuTnI/UBlubLEXDvI/AAAAAAAAGII/t7cdjje5Y1A/s320/IMG_0625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KV7DeZuW_1Y/UBlujvs-D1I/AAAAAAAAGIQ/wIJGl0kRPpM/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KV7DeZuW_1Y/UBlujvs-D1I/AAAAAAAAGIQ/wIJGl0kRPpM/s320/IMG_3415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Imogene Pass In the Distance)</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHK90LGmlQU/UBlurg8xPwI/AAAAAAAAGIY/x3dTqqY08bs/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHK90LGmlQU/UBlurg8xPwI/AAAAAAAAGIY/x3dTqqY08bs/s320/IMG_3423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Looking Down At the Route I Took Up To Imogene)</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5U65_MOZk20/UBluwxVgzTI/AAAAAAAAGIg/sAY8FAkmekw/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5U65_MOZk20/UBluwxVgzTI/AAAAAAAAGIg/sAY8FAkmekw/s320/IMG_3427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Looking Down At Telluride From Imogene Pass)</span></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Fa22uSSpjI/UBlu2L2R0iI/AAAAAAAAGIo/wY77TF0zoeU/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Fa22uSSpjI/UBlu2L2R0iI/AAAAAAAAGIo/wY77TF0zoeU/s320/IMG_3434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(Marmot Up High)</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354993562915624749noreply@blogger.com1