This week was clearly highlighted by the first true test of the year and to see if the training has paid off. I would say it has paid off after the results at Collegiate Peaks.
The race was in Buena Vista, CO east of Collegiate Peaks that tower over BV. The race was a 25 mile horseshoe type loop, see below. The race started off relatively flat on some dirt and paved road, the first couple of miles were fast, probably a little faster than I wanted but I felt comfortable. The first climb started around 2.5 miles and we quickly got up to 600 feet in about 3 miles, I was feeling really good and staying within myself. Once we topped out around 8600 feet, we had a quick drop then a 3.5 mile climb from 8400 feet to little over 9200 feet. The climb was still feeling good and I was checking my altimeter more than the miles to see where we were on the climb. The runners had really stretched themselves out and I was basically alone at this point and it remained that way for a while, which I was happy with. I was still feeling good staying on top of my nutrition and hydration. The temp was still cold probably high 30s and my hands were really cold, despite having gloves on. Once we topped out on the first climb we descended on some perfect trail to around mile 14 to an aid station. I filed up both handhelds and started the long 4 mile climb of almost 1000 feet to the top of Lenhardy Hill. I ran 95% of this including the section through the beach sand type volley ball court section, which sucked. Once we topped out on Lenhardy, it was a rapid descent of 7 miles down to the turnaround. My stomach starting going south after mile 16 that was when I had my last gel and started to fire back some S-Caps to stabilize my stomach. I took a quick stop behind some boulders dropped the shorts and did my business. I felt better. I continued the descent down to the turn around and hit the half way mark around 4:15 which I was happy with. At the turn around I addressed stomach distress. I went back to what worked and took down an entire container of fresh mellon and kiwi. I also took back a Peach Mango Vita Coco, awesome! At this point I also dropped a handheld ran over to the turnaround so they could record my split and took back about 10 orange slices and took some as well. I was dreading the 7 mile climb back to Lenhardy Hill but said to myself, "run it, push yourself and learn". I was feeling really good and ran all of it until the last push. I filled my water bottle took some bananas and started the long descent back down which I ran all of and was feeling really good. Miles 36-40 were brutal it was another 4 mile climb that took a toll on everyone that I had to walk some run some walk some. Miles 41 to 43 was back to running and then it was a power walk / trot the rest of the day. The thought the counter-clockwise loop was significantly tougher than the clockwise loop. The section that states "Loopy Loops"was long and frustrating. During all of this I stayed on water, S-Caps and banana. The aid stations sucked, chips and pretzels.
I was pushing as hard as I could for under 9 hours but it wasn't happening, soft sand and just being at mile 45 of a race that I pushed hard on all day took its toll, but I am happy I pushed as hard as I did. I learned a lot about myself.
I think my training, diet and core strengthening have significantly helped with my overall ability as well as the Chris Cappellini school of Hard Knocks Ultra Training.
As a side note, thanks to my friend Walter, for driving me around Colorado and housing me, especially at the high elevation camp. Great to see Meg, Team Leader, new edition Brady and Rebel the soap licking dog.
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| 25 mile loop, run clockwise then counter-clockwise |
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| Elevation Profile |
Here are some additional pictures from scouting the Leadville Aid Stations and the sights along the way.
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| May Queen Aid Station |
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| Mount Massive, heading over to Fish Hatchery |
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| Mount Hope, with Hope pass off to the left. View from Twin Lakes |
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| View of Northern Massif of Huron Peak from Winfield Aid Station. |
Totals for the week:
65.66 miles of trail running
6,650 feet of vertical
11:25:10 time on feet
You are a beast. I was taking notes. Top 30 finish with a fast field, awesome job! Your commitment to your plan continues to pay off. The 2.5 hour drive back down to Denver was no joke either. Thanks for driving. We would be stuck in a river if I had to drive.
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