It was so cool we decided to
come back this year and invite Devon, Craig, and Brian. Kinda like a family conference. Hey, if we talk about
important stuff, can we deduct the expenses? Ok, I digress, the race.
I was searching on stuff
going on our vacation week and the same trail race I mentioned last year was
happening. Woooo, a bonus! Brian is taking summer classes and could not make
the trip and Devon, Craig decided running in Goshen Indiana would not prepare
them for the climb, so just me this year.
There were about 220 runners
of all ages, and as it turns out mostly Coloradians. Hanging out pre-race the
runners looked crazy fit at all ages. The middle aged and older runners had no
body fat and crazy defined calves. I sat next to a girl about 25 and we chatted
about races we had done this summer. She joked about the people walking around,
stretching, and even jogging which you do not see at ultras. The warm up
happens in the first 5 miles or so. She was from Texas and also happened to be
in the area for vacation.
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| Let's do this! |
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| I'm in Orange on the far right |
I lined up near the back as
the climb starts immediately and I did not want to block the single track that
started in a ¼ mile. I ended up moving out to the side and passing as I found
my pace. Once we hit the trail, it was strictly single file and no chance to
pass. It was like passing on a two lane road with 20 cars in front of you. So
be patient and go with the flow and walk when they walk. Eventually it started
to spread out and the groups were about 3 to 5 which did allow passing with
short bursts. The worry was to expend so much passing you would redline only to
be passed right back, as there were no flats to gather yourself.
I spent most of the climb
following someone’s butt and when I sensed they were slowing I would pass them
and latch on to the next butt. J I also could hear the people behind me and there was
no chit-chat like; passing on your left, or pass when you like. Everyone was
gasping for air and I did not hear anyone talking.
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| Sue, I'm watching the trail :) |
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| Drafting Snyder |
A good portion of the trail
was so steep and layered with roots, everybody around me were “power hiking”
those sections. I’m sure the top few runners were somehow bounding up those,
which is amazing.
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| I took this last year, typical of climb |
As we left the woods and started the last ¼ mile climb up a
fire road to the finish, I saw two older guys in front of me. I passed the
first one and finished 30 seconds behind the 2nd one. As it turns
out that one was in my age group and got 3rd, poop. I got 4/9 in age
and 135/219 OA.
I attached the results
because I found the demographics and home bases interesting.
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| Last stretch home |
Sue Devon and Craig had
taken the gondola to the top and were cheering me on the last stretch, cool. We
hung out and took a few “postcard” pictures at the top after the awards
ceremony. This was a very well run race, and I just loved the experience.
ps
The winner finished in about 35 minutes. Greg Ruckman
http://coloradorowing.com/coaches
These are not "regular" people.
The winner finished in about 35 minutes. Greg Ruckman
http://coloradorowing.com/coaches
These are not "regular" people.
