First things first, huge shout out to JT and everyone else involved in putting this run together. Course was well marked (with the exception of Red Mountain which a group of us skipped out on since we didn't see the turn off) and the great after party had plenty of food, beer, old friends and new. As for the trails themselves, simply awesome!
It wasn't till late Friday afternoon that I was clear of any Saturday work conflicts which allowed me to make it down to the Springs. A late night at work left me with maybe 5 hours of sleep for the 7am start. Temps were already in the upper 30's and a sunrise just minutes away.
I have never been on the incline before and I was pretty excited for the adventure up that bitch. I started my lap button way to early (at the gate), mix in a photo, taking off my jacket and readjusting my gear and I was finally stepping on the first step.
Non-stop and just working the best I could. Lap said 36 minutes and 41 seconds. I'm guessing it was closer to 33 had I timed it accurately. None the less I was worked and only 11 miles into a 30 mile run.
A minute later PG came up and we spent the next 10 or so catching our breaths, admiring the views and me watching him throw down a PBR. Took a mile or so to get my body and legs groving again and thankfully they did. The Waldo aid station honestly came up much quicker then I initially thought it would. Body feeling good and looking forward to the second half of the course.
Waldo and Williams canyon had the most ice on the course but thankfully manageable. Better yet, the views offered up of Pikes Peak were downright amazing. Was such a treat to finally set foot on these canyon trails.
By the time we hit mile 25 on Rampart Range Road, it was nothing but a long downhill grind to JTs house. PG and I caught up to S O'D at this point and we just cruised on in with some fun conversation.
Stats can be viewed here:
Skipping out on Red Mountain accidental probably left off like 500 feet of climb and .5 to .75 miles on the day. Never hit stop on my watching and guessing moving time was closer to 5 Hours 40 Minutes for the day. Thought the vert would be closer to 7,500, but then again, who the hell cares.
In our defense, there was a big "RED" with an arrow headed up the mountain. Cuts off more like 2.5 miles for the out and back.
ReplyDeleteI start my watch from the gate for my Incline times, so my times are slower than a lot of folks (well, that, and I'm just slower overall than a lot of folks). That 36 from the gate is pretty solid, especially for running over there.
That was a REALLY fun run. Still grinning about it. Didn't know we missed part of the course. Oh well...next time.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you.
I lost my Incline virginity, too. What a climb! Nice work out there.
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