tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85984523807032429842024-03-12T16:20:42.004-07:00I Keep RunningScott McMurtreyScott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-6235937320769811302019-06-30T18:26:00.001-07:002020-09-22T07:42:26.355-07:00RIP Sadie the Ultra Dog<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rest In Peace</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sadie</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">July 2006-June 2019</span></b></div>
<br />
I got Sadie when she was a puppy in 2006, almost a year before I started running seriously. I wanted a high-energy dog that would force me to stay active.<br />
<br />
We began running regularly when I decided to train for my first marathon in 2007. From early on, it was clear that she was born to run trails (and herd sledders on snowy hills).<br />
<br />
She even joins me during dog-friendly ultramarathons. She's completed several 50k races and has been as far as 47 miles in a single day.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my favorite photos of Sadie over the years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TTojdg2tAHI/AAAAAAAALfA/qraW42uTQtg/s1600/blue+collar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TTojdg2tAHI/AAAAAAAALfA/qraW42uTQtg/s320/blue+collar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Out on the trails at a young age.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b></b></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>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUS2NqBVlI/AAAAAAAAH6E/mdyUd0CTRyc/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUS2NqBVlI/AAAAAAAAH6E/mdyUd0CTRyc/s320/IMG_1123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Paradise Point, Moscow Mt., ID</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUSIU-p-cI/AAAAAAAAH5s/uzPeza4qlnw/s1600/IMG_2401.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUSIU-p-cI/AAAAAAAAH5s/uzPeza4qlnw/s320/IMG_2401.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hells Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TTB-17RIDyI/AAAAAAAALck/TsXw4h3ufPY/s1600/Sadie+on+Aneroid.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TTB-17RIDyI/AAAAAAAALck/TsXw4h3ufPY/s320/Sadie+on+Aneroid.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Aneroid Mt., OR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUSm3wNxmI/AAAAAAAAH58/5frQl9EgCjE/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUSm3wNxmI/AAAAAAAAH58/5frQl9EgCjE/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Moscow Mt., ID</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUTopnHA3I/AAAAAAAAH6g/RUTpGfGCCS0/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUTopnHA3I/AAAAAAAAH6g/RUTpGfGCCS0/s320/IMG_3806.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Heyburn State Park, ID</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUSaK-vmYI/AAAAAAAAH50/5WC9BGX8yyc/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUSaK-vmYI/AAAAAAAAH50/5WC9BGX8yyc/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Moscow Mt., ID</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUTtvtmLoI/AAAAAAAAH6o/oTgc82RcUjI/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUTtvtmLoI/AAAAAAAAH6o/oTgc82RcUjI/s320/IMG_2217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Southern Utah - 2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUTAEpW1DI/AAAAAAAAH6M/9CzrbylRKNY/s1600/IMG_0700.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TAUTAEpW1DI/AAAAAAAAH6M/9CzrbylRKNY/s320/IMG_0700.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">At the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TTB-1jovT9I/AAAAAAAALcg/kuKOxOPRvLE/s1600/Sadie+in+AZ.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TTB-1jovT9I/AAAAAAAALcg/kuKOxOPRvLE/s320/Sadie+in+AZ.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Humphreys Peak, AZ - 2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TD6J5dCPjQI/AAAAAAAAIdo/Q54jtVnNXHc/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Cp0ptf5FUgs/TD6J5dCPjQI/AAAAAAAAIdo/Q54jtVnNXHc/s320/IMG_5347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Chipman Trail, Pullman, WA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7R_0QEy9sDIcLrBU-fdqRjLvY1PDZr0RyDX0pTXZdrJx80lhaOTgDT9-NWxfpWvK3fGtmTaq-xXaRgCmj6D8td3TZYVhXRO7_2Rh-E5VJt5vSoU2Gp9soU7FDmC5iS1dkQH74lLM90v7/s1600/Sadie+at+Goblin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7R_0QEy9sDIcLrBU-fdqRjLvY1PDZr0RyDX0pTXZdrJx80lhaOTgDT9-NWxfpWvK3fGtmTaq-xXaRgCmj6D8td3TZYVhXRO7_2Rh-E5VJt5vSoU2Gp9soU7FDmC5iS1dkQH74lLM90v7/s320/Sadie+at+Goblin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Goblin Valley 50k - 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_yePYAdpjM/Trr9_yGoMhI/AAAAAAAAN1s/s2bz6V3S7pE/s1600/Sadie+with+ball+for+website.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_yePYAdpjM/Trr9_yGoMhI/AAAAAAAAN1s/s2bz6V3S7pE/s320/Sadie+with+ball+for+website.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sadie and her tennis ball<br />
(photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Video of a 42-mile trail run with Sadie in the Wallowa Mountains - Sept 2012.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj1ABO4_Y0NiUSQM7suboxTe1XOK_Fj3qQEEyWezS_ewH2g__5ylny6_2UPc7msbyAZK7ZFb0VLreqk3tr3Ekwq_0AywAzo8gbS0aAo2kxZbIM66O-wz2_DZIvvKAJQDtUy07DyVpTNAX/s1600/Sadie+Timp.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj1ABO4_Y0NiUSQM7suboxTe1XOK_Fj3qQEEyWezS_ewH2g__5ylny6_2UPc7msbyAZK7ZFb0VLreqk3tr3Ekwq_0AywAzo8gbS0aAo2kxZbIM66O-wz2_DZIvvKAJQDtUy07DyVpTNAX/s320/Sadie+Timp.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mount Timpanogos, UT - 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38CCOYYpjs7hkEuwekomuDOJ5Ukor_nPD9MQezKc0W7Ng9HVNFTEzUbn5aLVfZB622JYq9xLqCSRERglRR6m_tO1IUm0-I-8FgWdK-83T-YmGTqhBe4rcUUc5GXAoy6daYQyb8i8TK2Gc/s1600/Sadie+Uintas+Bald+Mountain.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38CCOYYpjs7hkEuwekomuDOJ5Ukor_nPD9MQezKc0W7Ng9HVNFTEzUbn5aLVfZB622JYq9xLqCSRERglRR6m_tO1IUm0-I-8FgWdK-83T-YmGTqhBe4rcUUc5GXAoy6daYQyb8i8TK2Gc/s320/Sadie+Uintas+Bald+Mountain.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bald Mountain, UT - 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY5s1qxdX_rRxi6SyJsUXFiH9w5aBJX6YaKUcTUjiIR3HS-LsuHxxt7YDomK-4DGtEyeong8tBxO3b5KZe1uYThhVkBtMc7geve1nPntt-mSeHVDNiXC5SxDiYpKayJYkP5_Ptb3DzCNy/s1600/Sadie+Uintas.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY5s1qxdX_rRxi6SyJsUXFiH9w5aBJX6YaKUcTUjiIR3HS-LsuHxxt7YDomK-4DGtEyeong8tBxO3b5KZe1uYThhVkBtMc7geve1nPntt-mSeHVDNiXC5SxDiYpKayJYkP5_Ptb3DzCNy/s320/Sadie+Uintas.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Uintas, UT - 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTIGMHJn7oYIwqMZMlkx1TduXjJBRPkpu8_E-DiU3I_8fHOXaOOtm4yOwdwbAt0k9HjjM2RC3CJnrOHfhtw98kOyl-0u0cD5tWQgucR0pYYJYhYU2IwzUZu2Q1GIEXyw1uHAT_5bzb1v_/s1600/LND_79ED4FA7-B509-410F-89B3-0B6FF009DC6F.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTIGMHJn7oYIwqMZMlkx1TduXjJBRPkpu8_E-DiU3I_8fHOXaOOtm4yOwdwbAt0k9HjjM2RC3CJnrOHfhtw98kOyl-0u0cD5tWQgucR0pYYJYhYU2IwzUZu2Q1GIEXyw1uHAT_5bzb1v_/s320/LND_79ED4FA7-B509-410F-89B3-0B6FF009DC6F.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sadie's last hike - June 17, 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-39856892012819683732016-09-27T10:43:00.000-07:002018-10-17T09:04:08.681-07:00Wahsatch Steeplechase, the Kidney Stone, and a Baby Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
June 11, 2016 was a long day. It was so long that it needed two days to fit everything in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Part 1: Wahsatch Steeplechase</b></span></u><br />
I limited my summer racing plans to an everyone-says-it's-a-blast local race called the <a href="http://www.wahsatchsteeplechase.com/">Wahsatch Steeplechase</a> on June 11. With a baby due on June 26 and Annie getting increasingly pregnant by the day, I thought for sure June 11 would be a safe date for a close-to-home race. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Wahsatch Steeplechase is a tough, local favorite that has a lot of flavor. The course is about 16 miles long but it packs a punch in the middle part of the course that includes some gnarly (for me) scrambling over a rocky crags with some decent exposure along the ridgeline. The pre-race briefing warns of rattlesnakes, cougars, and thunderstorms. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7er0Xn19MZSBMmNOPMyIyXiQjWoZX7yRSA7c9FGr8HqPoEKO5inZpwjKccGaJHnS9F-3JPPDZUDrFAi5Bv1SR0B14aNxyrkZ0LOAvgMZFm5TSS4B8FoFtyCGrkq0cKQMy37ydBXZLrO5/s1600/wsprofile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7er0Xn19MZSBMmNOPMyIyXiQjWoZX7yRSA7c9FGr8HqPoEKO5inZpwjKccGaJHnS9F-3JPPDZUDrFAi5Bv1SR0B14aNxyrkZ0LOAvgMZFm5TSS4B8FoFtyCGrkq0cKQMy37ydBXZLrO5/s640/wsprofile.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">race profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had scouted out the course a couple times in the weeks before the race. The first scouting mission resulted in an 'oh shit' moment when I came upon the craggy section, and I detoured around the scrambly bits thinking 'no way the course goes over that section' (turns out it does). The second scouting mission was a success, and I made my way over the scrambly bit after some online re-assurance from vets of the race. A third attempt at the course the weekend before the race ended up being cut short after I crashed hard on some rocks about five miles in (not even on a particularly technical section) and banged knee pretty good. I limped back to the car.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I guess I was ready.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In my mind, the course is broken into four very distinct sections -- </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. the long, gradual ascent to the base of Black Mountain, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. the steep ascent up to the ridgeline and the technical, scrambling sections to the peak, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. the steep and twisty descent from Smuggler's Gap, and </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. the long, very fast City Creek descent (with a few miles on pavement).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ1WVr7GEuoomEKpJeUcAwIpd6EXDawSlc0ihoj1RD7WfljklDsK91Ry5_wn9yaC0wakNexbxSGQ3QooWUskgSUZ-ngZI3pkiJvLrDP4o5E8zCGwlMRMB45fk5VztQ9DI9SnYCPoMqIkX/s1600/scott+wahsatch+steeple+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ1WVr7GEuoomEKpJeUcAwIpd6EXDawSlc0ihoj1RD7WfljklDsK91Ry5_wn9yaC0wakNexbxSGQ3QooWUskgSUZ-ngZI3pkiJvLrDP4o5E8zCGwlMRMB45fk5VztQ9DI9SnYCPoMqIkX/s400/scott+wahsatch+steeple+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzksvVY_Dh_roM9Bq940U7_yxjBRZsOf4DQDfm-l2aYHdNjdU03aVCjMBYBl4VLtNbb6OK42WszuAssWvbATZDVbQJAAMksWw9wnVv8cf3WUuKoApGoaiCvtpHHPnMyqJeO7gXwCrXt6Y/s1600/scott+wahsatch+steeple+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzksvVY_Dh_roM9Bq940U7_yxjBRZsOf4DQDfm-l2aYHdNjdU03aVCjMBYBl4VLtNbb6OK42WszuAssWvbATZDVbQJAAMksWw9wnVv8cf3WUuKoApGoaiCvtpHHPnMyqJeO7gXwCrXt6Y/s400/scott+wahsatch+steeple+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Section 1 was uneventful besides the usual leapfrogging for positioning that comes on single-track ascents early in races.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgWySEDTKbrz9O8dimB2t38Kz5KwdjLZvnBp82a9d3mxf1Fa29UmcDePkoggb16A7-60ADUXYRXadrnbRDZ5gMrrR7QDiI0cIirmbhoCNJ4shV_0blh9Cttjz0DPw0IcHOVcjTrXgHDMV/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgWySEDTKbrz9O8dimB2t38Kz5KwdjLZvnBp82a9d3mxf1Fa29UmcDePkoggb16A7-60ADUXYRXadrnbRDZ5gMrrR7QDiI0cIirmbhoCNJ4shV_0blh9Cttjz0DPw0IcHOVcjTrXgHDMV/s400/FullSizeRender+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from the course that I took on one of my scouting missions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lw7yKkOCt7ZzWQJ4tBHvsfacxqIokf8e8UVWidt6Q4dK53dtS-E1L3IqFowR7JJlF2sTiBaHblsfiXMqqgffWaRr_QZOs2kzxbfXoEVr4VC9D0Fm5vlll9CcfBrFjqY3CVWC2m9LhsAk/s1600/scott+wahsatch+steeple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lw7yKkOCt7ZzWQJ4tBHvsfacxqIokf8e8UVWidt6Q4dK53dtS-E1L3IqFowR7JJlF2sTiBaHblsfiXMqqgffWaRr_QZOs2kzxbfXoEVr4VC9D0Fm5vlll9CcfBrFjqY3CVWC2m9LhsAk/s400/scott+wahsatch+steeple.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.spongeaamp.com/#/photo?url=%2Fphoto%2Fevents%2F2016_wahsatch_steeplechase">SpongeAAMP</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Section 2 was tough. The ascent is steep and the ridge is technical. I felt much more confident on the crags than on my first scouting mission. There were even some volunteers at the more 'exciting' parts that were there to try to, I assume, keep runners from falling off the cliff. I made it to the summit of Black Mountain by roughly the time I was hoping. I felt strong and ready for the long descent to the finish line.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91fLd85K8MnsnLXPjtiA4KyWUX9hT2tFCqnHDA5iwnxhzq4KZQAIc1n8MwUY6imUhjyuAdPJN7yiJq_w9-G9QUxYSeawCBlLg78YgeT1I9xRSoBGCTj8lfz8s1Uew3O8hT-Jllz5Rt-rv/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91fLd85K8MnsnLXPjtiA4KyWUX9hT2tFCqnHDA5iwnxhzq4KZQAIc1n8MwUY6imUhjyuAdPJN7yiJq_w9-G9QUxYSeawCBlLg78YgeT1I9xRSoBGCTj8lfz8s1Uew3O8hT-Jllz5Rt-rv/s400/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo of the crags from one of my scouting missions<br />
(here's a <a href="http://mrc-ultra.blogspot.com/2012/06/wahsatch-steeple-chase-2012.html">blog </a>from a previous year's race with good photos of this section)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Section 3 is usually the kind of steep downhill trail I thrive on, but I think I might be getting older (despite my attempts otherwise). I settled into a comfortable rhythm and chopped my feet down the mountain without any incident. I think I could take a couple minutes off this section next year if I get a little younger.<br />
<br />
Section 4 is the ultra-fast City Creek descent. It's a 7-mile bomb straight down on a very fast grade with a few miles of pavement thrown in to make it even faster. It's why the smart racers wear racing flats for this race despite all the scrambling and crag-hopping of section 2. (I didn't wear racing flats because I was too scared about the scrambling and crag-hopping of section 2.) I knew after the first couple miles of pavement that I didn't have as much left in the tank as I hoped I would. The wheels started shaking with about two miles to go, and then with about a half a mile to go the wheels fell off and I staggered to the finish line.<br />
<br />
I don't remember ever having a bigger (non-ultra) bonk than this one. I sat on the grass with a very pregnant Annie for about thirty minutes just drinking water and Gatorade. At the time, I had no idea that things would just go downhill from there.<br />
<br />
Results: <a href="http://www.wahsatchsteeplechase.com/results">http://www.wahsatchsteeplechase.com/results</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Strava: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/606008060">https://www.strava.com/activities/606008060</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZMYXdGqU5BomchYqk790s8rK_qwNTklzrSERonfzyhPZErBb5PUVJc1HujVYOdK7Tii8KdGwR8Wkua9IQGW9YqEwamNXSQzZ5gs4OPk1fpvccOzcWzn4h0nrEx9COZPyDsDda4TMQzI3/s1600/scott+wahsatch+steeple+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZMYXdGqU5BomchYqk790s8rK_qwNTklzrSERonfzyhPZErBb5PUVJc1HujVYOdK7Tii8KdGwR8Wkua9IQGW9YqEwamNXSQzZ5gs4OPk1fpvccOzcWzn4h0nrEx9COZPyDsDda4TMQzI3/s400/scott+wahsatch+steeple+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is me bonked, and this wasn't even the worst part of my day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Part 2: The Kidney Stone</u></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a nice post-race lunch with Annie, I spent most of the afternoon putting together a pack-n-play. That took more energy than the race did, I'm sure. Then Annie and I settled in for some dinner and a movie on the couch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>6:45pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"I don't feel great," Annie says to me. She's been saying that for the past seven months, so neither of us think much of it. We're two weeks from our due date.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>7:00pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"I don't feel great," I say to Annie. I thought I might have eaten something bad at lunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>7:15pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"I don't feel any better." I'm now moaning in the bathroom not sure what's going on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Maybe you have a UTI..." says Annie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"uuuuugggggggggghhhhhh," I say.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"You may have a kidney stone," says Google.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>7:30pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"uuuuugggggggggghhhhhh," I say much louder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Do we need to get you to a doctor?" Annie says. I'm already halfway in the car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>8:30pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Can someone help us?!?" Annie pleads in the hallway of the 'urgent' care center. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been in our holding cell for over thirty minutes and by now I've already made a few trips to the bathroom to throw up because the pain is so bad.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm squirming in pain and poor Annie is feeling helpless.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>8:45pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"We need a urine sample," the doctor says.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I haven't been able to urinate for two hours. My bladder feels like it's going to explode. The pain in my bladder is the second most painful thing I've experienced. The most painful? -- the pain in my lower left side that's happening at the exact same moment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Want to try to urinate again?" asks the doctor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"I'd rather you dig out my bladder with a spoon," I say.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Would you like a catheter?" asks the doctor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"For the love of god...yes. Now. Yes. Please. Anything to relieve my bladder," I whisper in a very respectful manner.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Catheter in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"We're not getting any urine," the nurse says to the doctor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"We need to get you to the emergency room," says the doctor. "I think you probably have a kidney stone. One of the symptoms is that you feel like you need to urinate when you don't have a full bladder. We don't have a CT scanner here, but they do at the ER. Oh, and would you like some ibuprofen?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>11:17pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're in the emergency waiting room now. I feel like we've been waiting too long. The super-dose of ibuprofen I was given at the urgent care center is starting to wear off. A Saturday night emergency room crowd isn't one for small talk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>11:45pm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"We need a urine sample," says the nurse after I've been in-processed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I look at him and almost throw up again from the pain I'm in. The super-dose of ibuprofen is really wearing off now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>12:05am</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After explaining that I can't urinate and that my bladder is, despite what the urgent care doctor said, painfully close to bursting, the ER doctor orders the nurse to do a bladder scan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Your bladder is empty," says the nurse. Impossible, I think.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"One possible side-effect of a kidney stone is a bladder spasm. A bladder spasm can make it feel like you have a full bladder," says the doctor. I haven't had a drink of water in close to six hours at this point and I'm dehydrated. They put an IV in me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"We have you scheduled for a CT scan but you're after a couple other patients, so it might be an hour or so. I'm sure you have a kidney stone, but we'll need the scan to confirm," the doctor reports. "How's your pain?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"It hurts. My pain hurts real bad." I'm starting to writhe around again. The doctors tells the nurse to give me some morphine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"That's much better," I say as the morphine hits. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXD8Gktev-xUQ9Hm-X5K56HC2g995ob1-mXs92iYOeT5Pw0DM5JCYY__AhBY-vhTafwyu1gzkD7X-q5dWjT5N1elFtWuz1vbqhtOt7tbR_HGJkzbwakTS8Ewzihq1I59Jm4HuY4WZLggV/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXD8Gktev-xUQ9Hm-X5K56HC2g995ob1-mXs92iYOeT5Pw0DM5JCYY__AhBY-vhTafwyu1gzkD7X-q5dWjT5N1elFtWuz1vbqhtOt7tbR_HGJkzbwakTS8Ewzihq1I59Jm4HuY4WZLggV/s400/IMG_0253.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie captures my moment of morphine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>12:12am</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After my dose of morphine quickly and mercifully settles in, the nurse begins to push his cart out of the room and the doctor turns to leave. Annie stands up to give them room to leave.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Um, I think this might be bad timing," Annie hesitantly exclaims as she's standing in a large puddle, "but I think my water just broke."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Part 3: A Baby Boy</u></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A team of nurses rushed in to sweep Annie upstairs to the delivery room. We weren't planning to deliver at this hospital. And our doctor wasn't at this hospital either -- though she was in Tanzania until the following week so that wouldn't have mattered anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My nurse came back about thirty minutes later to assure me that everything was going well with Annie and that she was in constant contact with Annie's nurse to keep me updated while I waited for my CT scan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After another thirty minutes or so, I'm finally wheeled away to get my scan. Then I had to wait another 45 minutes to one hour for the scan results.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back in my room again, my nurse came in with an update.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Everything's fine, but Annie's at 8cm now," she says."But don't worry, there's no way you'll miss the delivery," she assured me. I don't remember replying to her with much more than an "okay, thanks" with a goofy smile on my face. I went back to watching ESPN or whatever else I had on TV. The morphine had diminished all sense of urgency I should have been feeling at that moment. My wife was upstairs in labor! We were about to have a baby! But I didn't seem to care too much about that because I was catching up on the baseball scores.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, the doctor came in with my results and said I had <b>two </b>kidney stones. TWO! The one on my left side was causing all my pain and it had moved a long way down already. The one on my right side had just started to move down, so I'd feel it once the pain medication wore off -- but the doctor said it looked like it may be breaking up so there was a chance it wouldn't be so painful. He said it could take anywhere from a day to two weeks to pass the stones. Great...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I was finally cleared to be discharged from the ER. The doctor gave me my orders and my prescription for pain meds, and he gave me one pain pill for the road. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"How long will this pain pill last?" I asked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"About four hours," said the doctor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"What time does the pharmacy open?" I asked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"9am," he said. I looked at my watch and it was just past 2:00am. It was 2:00am and my wife had been upstairs in labor for almost two hours already! We're going to have a baby! The morphine had worn off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"So what should I do when this pill wears off three hours before the pharmacy opens?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Just pop back down and we can help. Oh, and drink a lot of water. If you are hydrated enough, then there's a possibility that you can pass the stone pain free." Challenge accepted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I filled up my two-liter water jug and rushed upstairs to Annie's room. And by 'rush' I mean that I was wheeled up there in a wheelchair by one of the nurses. It seems that word had spread around the delivery wing that one of the soon-to-be mothers had a husband with a kidney stone downstairs because when I was wheeled through the doors heads started poking out of rooms to look at me. They couldn't hide their snickering. I believe I was the first man ever to be wheeled directly from the ER upstairs through the doors of the delivery wing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Annie was doing great. I commented at how well she was managing the pain and then she told me she already had the epidural. While I was downstairs in the ER doped up on morphine watching ESPN without a worry in the world, she was going through the most painful part of her labor. It wasn't until a few days later when I had a moment to reflect that a wave of guilt hit me because I wasn't with her through it all. I was supposed to be there with her then -- that's when I could best use the tools/techniques I had learned from the birthing class. But at the time everything was such a blur. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was no time to reflect because Annie was in the middle of heavy duty contractions. After one contraction, I'd chug. After the next contraction three minutes later, I'd run to the bathroom in our room to pee. After the next contraction, I'd chug. And so on for two hours. If there was any chance that the more hydrated I was equaled a less painful passing of the stone, then I was going to turn myself into Aquaman. I was hydrating like an Olympic hydration champion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around 5:00am, Annie was at 10cm and ready to push. It was so surreal. Not because I was about to be a dad, but because I had never been so hydrated in my life. I was peeing so much and so often that it was almost like an out-of-body experience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For almost two hours it was <i>PUSH </i>for Annie then <i>PEE </i>for me. <i>PUSH</i>. <i>PEE</i>. <i>PUSH</i>. <i>PEE</i>. The race was on. Nurses were betting on if Annie would give birth first or if I would pass my stone first. Most of them were betting on Annie, which clearly meant that they had no idea how hydrated I was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't remember if it was the sixty-seventh or sixty-eighth time that I peed when there was a magical little 'clink' at the bottom of the strainer I had been aiming at for the last two hours.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Yes!" I yelled, and I heard the nurses clap from the room. The stone was out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dayshift came on at 7:00am. After the shift change and between pushes, Annie's new nurse checked her just to see how things were progressing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Ummm, nothing to worry about, but I need to go get the doctor." A few minutes later the nurse came in with the day shift's head doctor. The doctor checked Annie for what seemed like a long time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"So," the doctor says apologetically, "there's been a mistake. You're only at 5cm. We can stop pushing for now." She explained to us that it could have been easy for the night shift doctor to think Annie was at 10cm because of how membrane-thin her cervix was. I could tell the doctor was upset at the night shift doctor's mistake and that she was trying to bite her tongue from saying anything damning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Sorry, we'll just have you rest for a few hours and check on you regularly."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That was a huge bummer. Annie was very disappointed. It's tough to be pushing for two hours hoping to hear "we see the head!" like we had imagined only to be told to rest up and try again later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we both rested and tried to sleep, but most of that time I was on my phone keeping everyone updated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
About six hours later Annie was actually at 10cm, so we began to push again. I'm not sure I've ever been more proud of Annie than that day. She full of so much strength. She was amazing. She was a rock star. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After another couple of hours of pushing, the doctor started to talk to us about options if the baby didn't progress from where he was currently. Annie wanted so badly to avoid a c-section. She used her power of persuasion to convince the doctor to give us another hour of pushing, and then another hour. As long as the baby wasn't in any danger, then Annie wanted to push. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the baby wasn't progressing at all anymore. Counting the two wasted hours of pushing Annie did in the early morning, she had been pushing for seven hours. So the two head doctors conferred and told us that it was time to get the baby out via c-section. Annie burst into tears at the disappointment, and it seems like it was the next second that they started wheeling her into the operating room. I was held back for about fifteen minutes before they escorted me to be with Annie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The c-section was already in progress when I got to her. Annie was scared and I tried to comfort her. For the first time in the past 24 hours time seemed to have stood still. We were moments away from the excitement of being parents, yet it was hard to get past the fact that Annie was strapped to a table with her insides opened up. She was shaking uncontrollably (which is normal, they told us) and scared and kept saying, "I can feel it. I can feel everything." Even though she wasn't feeling pain, Annie could feel the pressures and tugs and movements of the surgery. In all our preparations, we didn't prepare for what a c-section would be like, so everything was quite unsettling at the time. The moments felt like minutes and the minutes felt like an hour. But Annie was strong and ready to be a mom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Would you like to see your son?" I heard someone say.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At 7:24pm on June 12, 2016, over 19 hours after Annie's water broke while I was doped up on morphine in the emergency room, Oliver Ernest McMurtrey took his first breath. I stood up and looked over the sheet toward Annie's feet to see our slimy little purple monkey for the first time. His first couple cries were a little weak, but then he let it roar. I can't remember if I walked or floated over to him while three from the delivery team were doing their checks on him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uldlsSW3oveGR2wNezJC2X9adY7RSEaJgELaW0cM0zGeyUEctWcAQ0lBh3vjHxjr0yXcdcXrKk7mhqdsJxV0afcMKhGJ61aoBF8BiBOdEsl1a4wTB8xj5gO8JwU_WBJC0XXcJaJu8QeX/s1600/oliver+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uldlsSW3oveGR2wNezJC2X9adY7RSEaJgELaW0cM0zGeyUEctWcAQ0lBh3vjHxjr0yXcdcXrKk7mhqdsJxV0afcMKhGJ61aoBF8BiBOdEsl1a4wTB8xj5gO8JwU_WBJC0XXcJaJu8QeX/s400/oliver+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver's first minute of life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"You can touch him," one of the doctors said to me as I stood there not knowing what the heck to do. "Really?" I thought, not sure to believe that I had any business being near this little human. I reached down and touched his hand and he grasped my finger. After they cleaned him up, put a diaper on him, and swaddled him in a blanket, they handed him to me. "What am I supposed to do with him?" I thought. They must have seen the hesitation/panic on my face because one of them said, "You can take him to his mom."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I brought him over to Annie. Even through her heavy medication I could see her eyes meet her son's. We had a couple minutes together as a family before the doctors took Oliver and I stayed with Annie until her surgery was finished.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Annie was eventually wheeled back to her room, and we learned that Oliver had to make a quick stop in the NICU just to double-check some things regarding his initial weak cry. He was all right and already back into the nursery. My dad and his wife, Janie, had been at the hospital for a few hours and they were finally able to join us in Annie's room. The nurse said I could go see Oliver, so my dad and I went to the nursery while Janie stayed with Annie.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was quite the thing to see a little humanoid wrapped up in a blanket in the nursery and to know that he was ours. It was scary, overwhelming, and awe-inspiring. The nursery nurse finished her routine checks on Oliver and told me I could take him to our room. So we went on our first walk together -- my dad at my side and my little son in the bassinet before me.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we arrived back in the room, I took Oliver to Annie and laid him against her skin. Holding her son for the first time as he nuzzled into her chest, Annie whispered beneath her hours of pain and restlessness, "I can't believe it."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgP_TENPCaQR3xg1Cy6fwA-VIWwr7vhjd3xHq95rLX05ubDLhGn-h3_oDQR5uznPCj7gf8uDyDD9WFy_J1IR022gOMR6kdNmU2zd4GPcRub0t7lAndmEuZt98hBeGZ1il_TZ_EOjZ-8yu/s1600/mcmurtreys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgP_TENPCaQR3xg1Cy6fwA-VIWwr7vhjd3xHq95rLX05ubDLhGn-h3_oDQR5uznPCj7gf8uDyDD9WFy_J1IR022gOMR6kdNmU2zd4GPcRub0t7lAndmEuZt98hBeGZ1il_TZ_EOjZ-8yu/s400/mcmurtreys.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family portrait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then the day was over, and we were parents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep running!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Scott</div>
<br />
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-9671423501800720202016-05-06T13:56:00.000-07:002016-05-06T13:58:34.040-07:00Bloomsday 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/">Bloomsday</a> is my favorite annual race. It's a big-party-of-a-road-race that's hilly enough to make it a pain in the ass to keep it in a top gear. This year was my seventh time running it. It was the <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2007/05/bloomsday-run-2007.html">very first</a> race I ran when I began my running career back in 2007.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When <a href="http://onerunnersheart.blogspot.com/">Annie </a>and I moved to Salt Lake City in 2014, we both agreed that this was an event worth coming back for each year. Sure we have friends in Washington that we get to see too...but they all know that Bloomsday is the real reason we come back. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Early in the year I had big plans to PR Bloomsday, but those plans fizzled away pretty quickly when I wasn't getting in the miles I had hoped to. But Bloomsday has a way of being a blast even when a PR chance is off the table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started the race with a few fellow Beer Chasers: Graham, Buzz, Dan F, and the legend Doug J. From the gun, Graham and Buzz shot out like rockets, and I tried to keep up with Buzz for a couple miles, but then my legs reminded me it wasn't a PR day. I held on through the heat and hills expecting Dan and Doug to pass me on the homestretch. It's always more nerve-racking racing with friends because yearly Bloomsday bragging rights is a serious business.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I crossed the finish line in <a href="http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/results/all-finishers?yr=2016&bn=711&fn=&ln=">46:56</a>, two minutes off my PR.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bloomsday has been offering race photos for free the last few years. They put on such a user-friendly event. I can't recommend this race enough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some 2016 action shots!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_WY_ahv5_Z2FUYJIWkvZ0qMRYViVUOyQkKDrbAHpXuo6lfOW7Pa3LsEqck0mPv-ln9nySPC7LILYcsb121J_E37F9CHWXyWI75MStpFdLxSZD2Os0eKhs8RushX-lF7AuIZ4zJMwZ8iC/s1600/bazu-8018590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_WY_ahv5_Z2FUYJIWkvZ0qMRYViVUOyQkKDrbAHpXuo6lfOW7Pa3LsEqck0mPv-ln9nySPC7LILYcsb121J_E37F9CHWXyWI75MStpFdLxSZD2Os0eKhs8RushX-lF7AuIZ4zJMwZ8iC/s400/bazu-8018590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzFQiYlvatJWFRPC13ApE2tlPJBhJEtxBord-icB11j5btavuwCvfAGFTyNj_KNB3xUJ2qRijmTOAP7w2j4A_7IyQN9tL2aonnZLDgluf1DG-5VgcoqpBYAgoEUtc-S_rjvEqJutLF_6K/s1600/bazu-8091738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzFQiYlvatJWFRPC13ApE2tlPJBhJEtxBord-icB11j5btavuwCvfAGFTyNj_KNB3xUJ2qRijmTOAP7w2j4A_7IyQN9tL2aonnZLDgluf1DG-5VgcoqpBYAgoEUtc-S_rjvEqJutLF_6K/s400/bazu-8091738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN9WJk6UQ9abnMG1fJBOVv9_rnRvGAurP8_a0CeZVdbRdAEVXwncWPrmprMjmeIFjVRY7vQeM7DDrWoJV-UTCKPuoi2vYf8xIbPCKBAi2Y8uITnTXfM9iPHegPEXQzlJ3viVOrnKNfJGZ/s1600/bazu-8013838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN9WJk6UQ9abnMG1fJBOVv9_rnRvGAurP8_a0CeZVdbRdAEVXwncWPrmprMjmeIFjVRY7vQeM7DDrWoJV-UTCKPuoi2vYf8xIbPCKBAi2Y8uITnTXfM9iPHegPEXQzlJ3viVOrnKNfJGZ/s400/bazu-8013838.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJeaw8k5slRm8fHI4C0qfphvubcWAzsjxBvpHidOtP2s5XhQhnFZ6T96-W-GJrly2n9B_KL9J2fnDJyroi9vOJ-2D3kob_m0BxuDfcrRRLKh4gBSPDaDWM_bChJ18rYWTi5HbZfSqmUGB/s1600/bazu-8034444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJeaw8k5slRm8fHI4C0qfphvubcWAzsjxBvpHidOtP2s5XhQhnFZ6T96-W-GJrly2n9B_KL9J2fnDJyroi9vOJ-2D3kob_m0BxuDfcrRRLKh4gBSPDaDWM_bChJ18rYWTi5HbZfSqmUGB/s400/bazu-8034444.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDSsR6aAA_rukLtBOy0Oj2wNX0ox3F3xmmmkMwY1uyq2mP21WQCRnA3G3vOO2ekqshafg9wtA9VDOhHEalXReXw0T8zj15HP3AMxVn-sM7PZYktiZpNOnmMqldFJkU9VwB5ZAcSwYUKi5/s1600/bazu-8026428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDSsR6aAA_rukLtBOy0Oj2wNX0ox3F3xmmmkMwY1uyq2mP21WQCRnA3G3vOO2ekqshafg9wtA9VDOhHEalXReXw0T8zj15HP3AMxVn-sM7PZYktiZpNOnmMqldFJkU9VwB5ZAcSwYUKi5/s400/bazu-8026428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQrz_UgSc25QCA3ViO-PeAzaehZVMFx0ao3vcsN8Ws20azuZHBqumNqQKrFoV0-Fde257By4L3YLla4INcLxL8CstSEqacfen_FZ4h2byT1CKXio1Ez0aD0aeMr47nJpnPzGJ426_iqre/s1600/bazu-8024280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQrz_UgSc25QCA3ViO-PeAzaehZVMFx0ao3vcsN8Ws20azuZHBqumNqQKrFoV0-Fde257By4L3YLla4INcLxL8CstSEqacfen_FZ4h2byT1CKXio1Ez0aD0aeMr47nJpnPzGJ426_iqre/s400/bazu-8024280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChow9QLGkYNnH_7Uf0V6aiAoAOeTxNVpie6IunOS3Yls03cLrZmOCfqw4frSsiiSPb_4j81kD8ZPK6BU9nEnaGS9euhPAo3U8aQdiFNbrbEbVSiqUuTqFui8S56ZAMeQuzBCECOyyosJE/s1600/bazu-8115415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChow9QLGkYNnH_7Uf0V6aiAoAOeTxNVpie6IunOS3Yls03cLrZmOCfqw4frSsiiSPb_4j81kD8ZPK6BU9nEnaGS9euhPAo3U8aQdiFNbrbEbVSiqUuTqFui8S56ZAMeQuzBCECOyyosJE/s400/bazu-8115415.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY_OwM7ALORzJqmVRLEY3QTuuLy10W9MS2LxTajWfvEVzXwbR8yGdrBbADFRQso5Xv8a8ckboFwP3hw1Ax2aGAYKg50ZNPuzUqPgqAkJDSmVVsI7rBfC3QCcegRDrJPqGiMrETt_YYRfz/s1600/bazu-8042009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY_OwM7ALORzJqmVRLEY3QTuuLy10W9MS2LxTajWfvEVzXwbR8yGdrBbADFRQso5Xv8a8ckboFwP3hw1Ax2aGAYKg50ZNPuzUqPgqAkJDSmVVsI7rBfC3QCcegRDrJPqGiMrETt_YYRfz/s400/bazu-8042009.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next up are a couple local trails races and then (gulp) the birth of our first kid.<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-ScottScott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-23634413211124741022016-03-20T11:59:00.001-07:002016-04-07T05:21:31.830-07:00MSIG Sai Kung 50k (Hong Kong) - race report<div style="text-align: left;">
When I became a runner in 2007, I already had a bad case of travel-itis. So way back then I recognized that my love of travel and my new-found love of running would be the perfect match, so I decided that I'd travel to a new country each year to run a marathon. Other than 2013 when I was injured and couldn't race during our Germany trip, I've toed the line at an international race each year.<br />
<br />
When Annie and I were first together, we each made our own top 10 travel destination wish list and then compared. We've already knocked out the trips that were on both our lists, so now we're basically going with each other's remaining top pick every other year.<br />
<br />
This year's trip-planning hit a big snag though -- we found out Annie was pregnant (due in June!). She decided early on that she didn't want to travel while pregnant but that I was free to go wherever I wanted...as long as it wasn't some place she ever wanted to travel to too. So that narrowed my options considerably. In fact, China and India are really the only two places on my must-do wishlist that Annie isn't thrilled about visiting as well. So as I began searching for early seasons races in India and China, I came across several in Hong Kong. I know, I know...it's not <i>exactly</i> China, but the timing was right for the <a href="http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/past-events/2016/2016-msig-sai-kung/overview.html">Sai Kung 50k</a> in Hong Kong so Annie gave me the green light to sign up.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
My sister, Megan, joined me on the trip. She's joined me for other international races in Iceland, South Africa, and Scotland, and she's been my globe-trotting partner for many trips long before I was ever a runner. After a 17-hr flight, we arrived in Hong Kong the Thursday night before the race. Hong Kong is 15 time zones ahead of Salt Lake City and I didn't get more than an hour sleep on the flight, so it was a little rough sleep-wise heading into the early morning race on Saturday. But even if it means little rest and acclimatization, I prefer to have the race as early in the trip as possible to 'get it out of the way' so I can spend the rest of the trip eating and drinking and not worrying about race-day. We spent most of Friday on a foodie tour around one of the neighborhoods north of Kowloon and had a great intro to Hong Kong cuisine, then got back to the hotel in time to catch a few hours of much-needed sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Race</b><br />
It was raining at 4:30am Saturday morning when I caught a cab to the shuttle bus location across town. Then it was a rainy, rickshaw-slow shuttle ride to the race start at Sai Kung Country Park. Megan would join later in the day to spectate at the finish line.<br />
<br />
The rain died down as everyone gathered in the dark for the start of the 50k. 55 degrees is winter in Hong Kong, so most of those at the starting line were decked out in their winter gear -- layers of jackets, tights, arm warmers, leg warmers, and buffs. In my short-shorts and t-shirt, I briefly worried that everyone else knew something that I didn't know about the weather forecast.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I situated myself in the front third of the 300+ starters. If I was going to do anything correctly at this race, it was to not go out too fast. I knew my legs weren't really ready for the vert, so I planned to start at an easier pace than I normally would. Salt Lake City has had more snow this winter than last winter, so I didn't get much vert at all through my training cycle since I tend to stay away from the steep and deep snow. Anyway, I knew it was going to be a tough course.<br />
<br />
The course was going to be closer to 55k this year after a route change. And though runners never get higher than 1,400' above sea-level at any single point in the race, the course still manages to accumulate roughly 8,500' of ascent.<br />
<br />
<u>Start to CP 1 (mile 0-7)</u><br />
After a mile or so on a road heading out of the main park area, everyone squeezed into a skinny, steep, stone-stepped, jungle trail. Light was in the sky now and the rain had all but stopped. One thing I wasn't expecting on the course were the endless stone steps.<br />
<br />
Up and up wet stone steps.<br />
<br />
Then down and down wet, very slick stones.<br />
<br />
This section was highlighted by a lot of falling. Mostly on the steep, slick downhill sections. Lots of mud. Lots of wet rock. I found that the best strategy for this section was to slide down from tree to tree. The fun parts were when you'd slide past the tree you were aiming for.<br />
<br />
So it was slow going for most of this section. It certainly helped me not go out too fast!<br />
<br />
Once the sun rose, the rain clouds started to burn off, and I started to get clear views of the South China Sea and the jagged green peaks of Hong Kong. It was quite beautiful, and worlds apart from the seven million people crowded together fewer than 20 miles away.<br />
<br />
I came through CP 1 in 67th place.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>CP 1 to CP 2 (mile 7-13)</u><br />
As scenic as the course was, this section was the most scenic. It was a lollipop loop across a couple sandy beaches and then some great ridge running along a peninsula for some breathtaking views of the open sea.<br />
<br />
The sun was out now and sparkled against the blue horizon, but the stone covered trails were still wet and slick. On one particularly rocky descent the runner behind me fell and hit his head. "I'm okay," he said. I walked with him for a very short bit to see if he was okay. When we reached the bottom of the descent he started running again. It reminded me of a big crash I had a few years ago on a fast, rocky descent where my head had just missed hitting rocks. That's always in the back of my mind when I'm screaming down a technical trail.<br />
<br />
I'd been keeping a relatively even pace up to this point, but now I was starting to pass several others who presumably went out too fast.<br />
<br />
During the out-n-back section the race leaders came flying by (some pros from France and Nepal). It's always fun to see the pros in action. Despite this being the most scenic section of the day, the out-n-back sub-section wasn't the best place to do an out-n-back. The trail was very narrow and rocky. By the time I was coming back it was quite the logjam. <br />
<br />
I hit CP 2 (same place as CP 1) in 50th place.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u>
<u>CP 2 to CP 3 (mile 13-19)</u><br />
After another beach crossing and more steps and then another beach, we started climbing again. The trail seemed to be drying out some as the sun got higher and hotter.<br />
<br />
At this point the 50k course met up with the 25k runners who started an hour after us. For the first part of this two-part climb there was a lot of "on your left" and "looking good!" and "oh god, are those more stone steps?!?" as I weaved up and through the slower crowd.<br />
<br />
We eventually split from the 25k course and started up another climb. I was starting to feel warm from the sun and tried to conserve energy up the climb.<br />
<br />
On the big descent at mile 17, my quads were screaming at me as if it were the final descent of the day. I walked a bunch of this steep descent in hopes of saving my quads for later. But I was only halfway to the finish line, so I grew increasingly concerned that it was going to be a rougher-than-hoped second half, and my spirits reached their low point of the day.<br />
<br />
This section ended with a flat mile or so as we crossed the big High Island Reservoir dam. The flat was a wonderful relief to my legs.<br />
<br />
I came through CP 3 in 40th place.<br />
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>CP 3 to CP 4 (mile 19-27)</u><br />
This section was the break my legs needed. It was the <strike>flattest</strike> least jagged section of the day and even included a few rolling miles on pavement along the reservoir. Pavement isn't usually what my legs are craving when they need a break, but at this point anything smooth (dirt, pavement, ice, slip-n-slide) was desired more than those damn stone-covered paths.<br />
<br />
We were now winding our way back in the direction of the start/finish, and since my legs were getting a mini second wind, my spirits got a much-needed jump start. The sun was warm, and I was dousing my head with as much water as I was drinking.<br />
<br />
At the end of this section, we got to within a quarter-mile from the finish line...making it very tempting to just skip the last section and go home with a memorable 27-mile dnf (it was too tempting for many, as my sister Megan said she saw a bunch of people do just this.)<br />
<br />
I came through CP 4 in 32nd place.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u>
<u>CP 4 to finish (mile 27-34)</u><br />
If the finish line being only a quarter-mile away at CP 4 wasn't enough of a punch in the stomach, then the big climb awaiting us was a potential knock-out punch.<br />
<br />
It was the biggest climb of the day at the hottest point of the day with the least amount of shade of the day with the most uneven stones of the day with the best views of the day.<br />
<br />
The crux of the climb was less than a mile long but gained over a thousand rugged feet. I passed a couple guys who seemed to be barely moving, which was much-needed proof that I was actually moving as well. No one looked happy, not even the photographer sitting near the summit.<br />
<br />
I hit the top of the climb wondering if it might be quicker to get to the finish line just going back the way I came instead of continuing on. I decided to continue on because deep down in my heart I never, ever wanted to see any part of the trail I just climbed again.<br />
<br />
In the cruelest joke of the day: the final descent was the stoniest, messiest, hottest, descentiest section of the day. That's all I'll say about that.<br />
<br />
I crossed the finish line in 7hr43min, good for 23rd place. (<a href="http://www.actionasiaevents.com/assets/images/Events/HK50_Series_Sai_Kung/2016/2016%20MSIG%20SK50%20Provisional%20Full%20Result%2050k%20v3.pdf">official results</a> / <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/497620830">strava</a>)<br />
<br />
This is a tough, early season course. Hong Kong has a ton of trail races to offer, so I can't compare this event to others, but overall I'd give it a thumbs-up. Aid stations were pretty minimal (water and fruit), but other than that everything was well-run.<br />
<br />
And Hong Kong exceeded all my expectations. I'd love to go back if given the opportunity.<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-Scott<br />
<br />
Now enjoy some photos of the course.<br />
<br />
<u><br /></u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWx7klYQTMvRgQp-qT39ocDgx0ClnplkSgn-_6vcVlFQdyr909OqEMbLDEZjGsRhVkTWWYlBeVy31iR9uDZd6Q79uysRGvtg-caM9PxDAQOx5cyuiTvMHGHrv8VS7MNN9PP6b7G7DYRvk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-06+at+11.24.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWx7klYQTMvRgQp-qT39ocDgx0ClnplkSgn-_6vcVlFQdyr909OqEMbLDEZjGsRhVkTWWYlBeVy31iR9uDZd6Q79uysRGvtg-caM9PxDAQOx5cyuiTvMHGHrv8VS7MNN9PP6b7G7DYRvk/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-03-06+at+11.24.15+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">map reference</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnCIRY28UNutEpMhVDZjmBlPqRC9_jhE-OTyrfihUQB2u-FAosGoK_RV3VxnsDyomdJ6LNmYBySQL5LYQeLIw47F2NYV2ckSRP_SO5vEiiR3yOcWDYmKeRbrUOOeg-CxpI2CttFs0cbJ-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-06+at+11.20.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnCIRY28UNutEpMhVDZjmBlPqRC9_jhE-OTyrfihUQB2u-FAosGoK_RV3VxnsDyomdJ6LNmYBySQL5LYQeLIw47F2NYV2ckSRP_SO5vEiiR3yOcWDYmKeRbrUOOeg-CxpI2CttFs0cbJ-/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-03-06+at+11.20.01+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">elevation profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgullqSLcSpDB-WpGzfX8hv9r42AKaWM5aBmSC8DOGCVsV17GvXFXywQM7PykuZHv5C3mEhikNv2tmNUFzT-rFm_8PUjrZIyBhOmWJeA9hKQUv8P6mD8CIKl33yKS1pxRVW0M_AM69OtlWf/s1600/IMG_9009+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgullqSLcSpDB-WpGzfX8hv9r42AKaWM5aBmSC8DOGCVsV17GvXFXywQM7PykuZHv5C3mEhikNv2tmNUFzT-rFm_8PUjrZIyBhOmWJeA9hKQUv8P6mD8CIKl33yKS1pxRVW0M_AM69OtlWf/s400/IMG_9009+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gathering at the start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaV0kOAY7OHGvnIe324daR2OuhUhKkxO-Pz8Brl-yAZv9nGUpY_7ALMFVehOEjJ6Mdm0VmN-4KCQp7uB9zfkE4DqVWSBY2fTpS04qtCwP3iDRamB5j0FFC0gwov4Bv-QsmHHQbtwDVvsO/s1600/IMG_9013+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaV0kOAY7OHGvnIe324daR2OuhUhKkxO-Pz8Brl-yAZv9nGUpY_7ALMFVehOEjJ6Mdm0VmN-4KCQp7uB9zfkE4DqVWSBY2fTpS04qtCwP3iDRamB5j0FFC0gwov4Bv-QsmHHQbtwDVvsO/s400/IMG_9013+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on an early climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mXdCmxbhnoy6zQ7mcQn4SJMMW6QAz9z9LI4O3163kN1HW540G_NWJr6eBS-1jb3poqjinCmuP9spWdq4WuFl073KNn7DpTXa41FOyMohE_gl27xzaxs6SKAkhdYtMkwLmgVxS-VKCICx/s1600/12764726_10153526335417807_3779305059846589923_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mXdCmxbhnoy6zQ7mcQn4SJMMW6QAz9z9LI4O3163kN1HW540G_NWJr6eBS-1jb3poqjinCmuP9spWdq4WuFl073KNn7DpTXa41FOyMohE_gl27xzaxs6SKAkhdYtMkwLmgVxS-VKCICx/s400/12764726_10153526335417807_3779305059846589923_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">early morning (courtesy of event)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mXdCmxbhnoy6zQ7mcQn4SJMMW6QAz9z9LI4O3163kN1HW540G_NWJr6eBS-1jb3poqjinCmuP9spWdq4WuFl073KNn7DpTXa41FOyMohE_gl27xzaxs6SKAkhdYtMkwLmgVxS-VKCICx/s1600/12764726_10153526335417807_3779305059846589923_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKoxS38yeQg3LGkZJ2Y4P9MqhZ9uoZGXA5Mb6FPeeAUtZeiFgZOEduxsos-KUL1Gf0k-vS1lvmBuAJzJy4XbVvV4XwPMYyN8VhkfxUR2cnj-eIIM-eyVTf7cSF7sWdQeMn7tFQn2AkEPM/s1600/IMG_9021+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKoxS38yeQg3LGkZJ2Y4P9MqhZ9uoZGXA5Mb6FPeeAUtZeiFgZOEduxsos-KUL1Gf0k-vS1lvmBuAJzJy4XbVvV4XwPMYyN8VhkfxUR2cnj-eIIM-eyVTf7cSF7sWdQeMn7tFQn2AkEPM/s400/IMG_9021+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnl0q5UDJs7bKoaulbjQyJ8MA9dxIATpYKPZx2LPXNs8VyyLYEDvgKgDFgW6LtmxsEkcQj-fFkkYNZDRQ7MtEFVBsdESxgGGlhS_hdrXrDLfwW1V1jldcr3Fi3sdB4_DAGNjv_EDIKq6T/s1600/IMG_9024+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnl0q5UDJs7bKoaulbjQyJ8MA9dxIATpYKPZx2LPXNs8VyyLYEDvgKgDFgW6LtmxsEkcQj-fFkkYNZDRQ7MtEFVBsdESxgGGlhS_hdrXrDLfwW1V1jldcr3Fi3sdB4_DAGNjv_EDIKq6T/s400/IMG_9024+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">steep, slick, rocky, muddy descent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33ppL7YidXK_A2oxUlTdz_bGkbfR4nj0vGoFkbTpqUptUSAGcYKBdn2wptTKSM_Mqtz6PF2GJRRG0zfE4j69zkVB3pq51BGA2QLravOXBoJe82AKw7GAn0GdFMxo5sMkiSlumxuJhyphenhyphenkt1/s1600/IMG_9027+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33ppL7YidXK_A2oxUlTdz_bGkbfR4nj0vGoFkbTpqUptUSAGcYKBdn2wptTKSM_Mqtz6PF2GJRRG0zfE4j69zkVB3pq51BGA2QLravOXBoJe82AKw7GAn0GdFMxo5sMkiSlumxuJhyphenhyphenkt1/s400/IMG_9027+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this would have been a nice aid station if it were open</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRdCc7IhIB9c7uKA_TYIS94NNuEeSGKqMOGI23nJVGJzvdDePPeOwrCu9K_Jsw7hu1eKnPRkgy8YZCCmPU7j4R6jWrDtlWF93KhSJY61tPTGRrYAdyLmShqiaU-RQSh0umsKmxBzmj9V0/s1600/IMG_9034+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRdCc7IhIB9c7uKA_TYIS94NNuEeSGKqMOGI23nJVGJzvdDePPeOwrCu9K_Jsw7hu1eKnPRkgy8YZCCmPU7j4R6jWrDtlWF93KhSJY61tPTGRrYAdyLmShqiaU-RQSh0umsKmxBzmj9V0/s400/IMG_9034+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">approaching first beach crossing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMLDV9DPhZdoxxoCmBjEs5YTB0mZhNQWtIKZo_TlyjtcU5zFYt8hdhkFWLz1g6wNMMxdt1wd7LGTBbD9AhSpDDEI54LKkXgwCoQDzPE8zDu597NnAStvEaGjyIKC5Hcfjd8aglHZhIsd5/s1600/IMG_9035+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMLDV9DPhZdoxxoCmBjEs5YTB0mZhNQWtIKZo_TlyjtcU5zFYt8hdhkFWLz1g6wNMMxdt1wd7LGTBbD9AhSpDDEI54LKkXgwCoQDzPE8zDu597NnAStvEaGjyIKC5Hcfjd8aglHZhIsd5/s400/IMG_9035+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">along the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceI8FjIipogjxRBXdzxszt-s2l9-8LpOcLzz6Qli9hsSONv_PkYRuosuffxIM8QcP8cnD6yR_yt6fvckTQH8c0EVFf71WRxGaJKqHbncnKK6a5W-Le14kSzTDSD9dex-agIGLQ7ZHmFoD/s1600/IMG_9037+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceI8FjIipogjxRBXdzxszt-s2l9-8LpOcLzz6Qli9hsSONv_PkYRuosuffxIM8QcP8cnD6yR_yt6fvckTQH8c0EVFf71WRxGaJKqHbncnKK6a5W-Le14kSzTDSD9dex-agIGLQ7ZHmFoD/s400/IMG_9037+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading out to the Cheung Tsui Chau peninsula out-n-back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jeYLjjcDd9UgPPBUX5OHc4K24o7Suw8sTMxJoLazNUcKqX4z1FO6tshvvlR0bWpEOCl9HGXnLyQH1zf-HYR8mBqZPJbsb7f2BtamGMCkYQOpAHluUbAR1gyncs48PF3C6DXrs7Kyt88f/s1600/IMG_9045+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jeYLjjcDd9UgPPBUX5OHc4K24o7Suw8sTMxJoLazNUcKqX4z1FO6tshvvlR0bWpEOCl9HGXnLyQH1zf-HYR8mBqZPJbsb7f2BtamGMCkYQOpAHluUbAR1gyncs48PF3C6DXrs7Kyt88f/s400/IMG_9045+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the tip of Cheung Tsui Chau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yoCBC8CoN2CaQ8-ZwbOv5bE9xARgXLvbYrX83MS79ruLRycTv3UNGLYmffY2eq4MRfTm-6rU50lKS4PZGjRL43X01St06ItpI2nLCTT0LqfkKre-MWVMMexneErugeZq67kfel8e60bd/s1600/IMG_9053+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yoCBC8CoN2CaQ8-ZwbOv5bE9xARgXLvbYrX83MS79ruLRycTv3UNGLYmffY2eq4MRfTm-6rU50lKS4PZGjRL43X01St06ItpI2nLCTT0LqfkKre-MWVMMexneErugeZq67kfel8e60bd/s400/IMG_9053+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what goes down must go up again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3EAB2u786lxjPrDTFK4JpKBIfxAE3YTQ85JWipAi5aX7SPooaXX-eYropLNCY-K1lpELiLR4BiN9m03yMOHCEkQMUr659yFaC1aWFkq_JeON-qzcxP7lld9B9PsUJpQ7jUnjWCeCkOno/s1600/IMG_9057+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3EAB2u786lxjPrDTFK4JpKBIfxAE3YTQ85JWipAi5aX7SPooaXX-eYropLNCY-K1lpELiLR4BiN9m03yMOHCEkQMUr659yFaC1aWFkq_JeON-qzcxP7lld9B9PsUJpQ7jUnjWCeCkOno/s400/IMG_9057+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">typical view: stone steps, lush vegetation, jagged horizon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWDnSkooMj9cygd0iZtSxKR__O4uPyDIIJ9rNOBvT56wJvqPtQbcKfRoIndAzxtyo18LPUpcL51ul8iegG8VX4JhoXGnnYAWxF7j_5VoTZvO09Bj_5PjLAzgNJe7SzCXFQOQEWwscdokz/s1600/IMG_9062+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWDnSkooMj9cygd0iZtSxKR__O4uPyDIIJ9rNOBvT56wJvqPtQbcKfRoIndAzxtyo18LPUpcL51ul8iegG8VX4JhoXGnnYAWxF7j_5VoTZvO09Bj_5PjLAzgNJe7SzCXFQOQEWwscdokz/s400/IMG_9062+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another typical view: Sexy Scott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmubyERl3VBd40RLHO2S2BzG7yurDU9haByvkDs2yN5_9nA0nRL6vw3urdzZb3gpgltsL4Hcs-qX6OmF0CUJIuzIKpvo2WhUCNLK_qTQ9tC6q1LRVvRu9j6LkopsT91dPdo_8TX593DsY/s1600/IMG_9064+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmubyERl3VBd40RLHO2S2BzG7yurDU9haByvkDs2yN5_9nA0nRL6vw3urdzZb3gpgltsL4Hcs-qX6OmF0CUJIuzIKpvo2WhUCNLK_qTQ9tC6q1LRVvRu9j6LkopsT91dPdo_8TX593DsY/s400/IMG_9064+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the short sections along the beaches were<br />
the only respites we had from the ups and downs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tmA1PFkadJsAz5lslcRae_u8LT-79ZD5bvdfsTqKm1Rfc3NImG0D12UnhBicWom8H9VpUu2zfQ4wtN7NspgsweXZ9z9IbsVHPSDX-saZV3vXja71izM-ohxSYC8nudkVkMmaxQ_WCDvs/s1600/IMG_9065+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tmA1PFkadJsAz5lslcRae_u8LT-79ZD5bvdfsTqKm1Rfc3NImG0D12UnhBicWom8H9VpUu2zfQ4wtN7NspgsweXZ9z9IbsVHPSDX-saZV3vXja71izM-ohxSYC8nudkVkMmaxQ_WCDvs/s400/IMG_9065+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Ke Wong from above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EbwEX2FbJP07HSOfjpQKSp2-Jr0K-sEkUUbXAlPUm2NrKhLRILNCgNhQLRmKY8TunWnOHBVrHqNLzsF3N_-K_AkonO513BVpGR0JPA4oJbBWzi-TnOAQUd72Lrx7nm4Hj6-J8xQNy-4E/s1600/IMG_9069+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EbwEX2FbJP07HSOfjpQKSp2-Jr0K-sEkUUbXAlPUm2NrKhLRILNCgNhQLRmKY8TunWnOHBVrHqNLzsF3N_-K_AkonO513BVpGR0JPA4oJbBWzi-TnOAQUd72Lrx7nm4Hj6-J8xQNy-4E/s400/IMG_9069+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more stone path leading into the sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvISMCtPFEClZpJuquezp__I78439_X14Mt4LwTSJsvXtqhoexcq_UtT6VXvckk8oN0L_cc9AFRyW16sMuyvtBpOFjh0clPBnkUfnd2cSIcQQgVGNDLvC6tL6LVqcjRAhn6pxnwZMC0yR/s1600/FullSizeRender+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvISMCtPFEClZpJuquezp__I78439_X14Mt4LwTSJsvXtqhoexcq_UtT6VXvckk8oN0L_cc9AFRyW16sMuyvtBpOFjh0clPBnkUfnd2cSIcQQgVGNDLvC6tL6LVqcjRAhn6pxnwZMC0yR/s400/FullSizeRender+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pano near the top of the final climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVixMTG2HNqSpZxCWhiVTEGpdAmQ22uGvNIIm3lzML5y9A3_cKf71WMpsAwC6l76t-Z6KlfL8Zt_n3Ua83c8iP3L7W5aSX7CJToSR6FLy9YRnrhrQOjQWFyQPKNgwOuww9BFqfo0277WcS/s1600/IMG_9078+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVixMTG2HNqSpZxCWhiVTEGpdAmQ22uGvNIIm3lzML5y9A3_cKf71WMpsAwC6l76t-Z6KlfL8Zt_n3Ua83c8iP3L7W5aSX7CJToSR6FLy9YRnrhrQOjQWFyQPKNgwOuww9BFqfo0277WcS/s400/IMG_9078+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">approaching the top of the final climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAH7EmZWiETf_Y_2XWKeUkOL3pSmCUJlGgzlfpgyPZpnmKL9ojQv3wCrY4kwwW-6Oydo2Cw2MhFDiwx9ky9r1n8Ij3U64mt0NUxN8Enf2QZQ2ksaV6suHSnSoX7PYk0qoJEDPBtmuFlT0/s1600/10603962_10153526627707807_8146308039342289992_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAH7EmZWiETf_Y_2XWKeUkOL3pSmCUJlGgzlfpgyPZpnmKL9ojQv3wCrY4kwwW-6Oydo2Cw2MhFDiwx9ky9r1n8Ij3U64mt0NUxN8Enf2QZQ2ksaV6suHSnSoX7PYk0qoJEDPBtmuFlT0/s400/10603962_10153526627707807_8146308039342289992_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-73647871725334921562015-12-01T08:54:00.003-08:002015-12-07T14:33:03.627-08:00Summer faded into an off-seasonI haven't been running much in the last couple months. We moved into a new house last month, and working on the house has been taking up most of my free time. And that was after our move-in date was delayed a month but our apartment we had been living in would not give us an extension on our lease (argh!) so we had to go through the hassle of moving all of our stuff into storage and then living in an air-bnb and then hotel for a month. It wasn't fun. (But we love the new house!)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So basically I've been in a forced off-season. My legs feel too rested though, and I've put on a few more pounds than is usual for my off-season. But things have finally settled down...so back to work!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news:</div>
<div>
I have picked my overseas race for 2016. I'll be traveling to Hong Kong in late February for the <a href="http://www.actionasiaevents.com/our-events/upcoming-events/2016-msig-sai-kung/overview.html#content">MSIG Sai Kung 50k</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More to come!</div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-86390198720538710712015-08-06T12:07:00.003-07:002015-08-06T12:07:48.626-07:00A few Mount Timpanogos photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some photos from my last two outings on Mount Timpanogos. The first five are from a summit run I did solo (no Sadie due to injured paw), and the rest of them are from a hike with my dad and Sadie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Solo trip to summit</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNQx3ePkZ6csFKbccAvkuMcsMv9UTFOaVqggwsr4SbH61oNPnWLe7vZxaUpOvxvaZ2IKlvuqcVopqfNCARo9QWfu-1Htkc4o8ohuUC8-0HBUXDc9VjaZpb1LlcLiDg6TnqAeBnvUqD41f/s1600/IMG_6868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNQx3ePkZ6csFKbccAvkuMcsMv9UTFOaVqggwsr4SbH61oNPnWLe7vZxaUpOvxvaZ2IKlvuqcVopqfNCARo9QWfu-1Htkc4o8ohuUC8-0HBUXDc9VjaZpb1LlcLiDg6TnqAeBnvUqD41f/s400/IMG_6868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZqKiqj3lt-M_v2eg3tH2D0VlneNcn2NI_k-v92oiKNbNyTyU7HJF_FwPsryrWuHxeyd3KXwXp1Yhyphenhypheno4g9AsYTnX7uwsl670EaFJpw1YD3070ItfqMsxH9c-dqpR6k4pfalBxpeC8ewSW/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZqKiqj3lt-M_v2eg3tH2D0VlneNcn2NI_k-v92oiKNbNyTyU7HJF_FwPsryrWuHxeyd3KXwXp1Yhyphenhypheno4g9AsYTnX7uwsl670EaFJpw1YD3070ItfqMsxH9c-dqpR6k4pfalBxpeC8ewSW/s400/IMG_6869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeyLVardDsv8exED9SBC-LqbYCYD59o6ojPUULe_abJ1RMcLIKj0h3gngGvNMaOB5KHn7tT__LpUBrtkf5gCnJG5lF8Zif9aVFwVvQsn4CKh7UCb6u-ENffr7i7u9M7J2QHRXoWyP39ct/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeyLVardDsv8exED9SBC-LqbYCYD59o6ojPUULe_abJ1RMcLIKj0h3gngGvNMaOB5KHn7tT__LpUBrtkf5gCnJG5lF8Zif9aVFwVvQsn4CKh7UCb6u-ENffr7i7u9M7J2QHRXoWyP39ct/s400/IMG_6885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYByZujzvTDCSPdr0qAd6DT0lRAMDUvHdezIGkMRvoratE2ZjcF8wJKsluEYnmZzLHJvznyP5OqTVBIEU6teKw6eJrSUM5IC7qXmox6DOo-okOFfQzYzkqHIsKSoTqwkOqncWNiZSICIgU/s1600/IMG_6892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYByZujzvTDCSPdr0qAd6DT0lRAMDUvHdezIGkMRvoratE2ZjcF8wJKsluEYnmZzLHJvznyP5OqTVBIEU6teKw6eJrSUM5IC7qXmox6DOo-okOFfQzYzkqHIsKSoTqwkOqncWNiZSICIgU/s400/IMG_6892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKHQOUZnCycSdcGiNevRraAfh-fHltUaEltReEBObrKVaVerBFSvTIYHkqjEQrCp-WO2T3M6u6kRLPqE9pGgrD54E7WOKfSnM6kOesM5K-brDmGlaX9CDYiYS8X0tlyyLAl6Q-xthjBD7/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKHQOUZnCycSdcGiNevRraAfh-fHltUaEltReEBObrKVaVerBFSvTIYHkqjEQrCp-WO2T3M6u6kRLPqE9pGgrD54E7WOKfSnM6kOesM5K-brDmGlaX9CDYiYS8X0tlyyLAl6Q-xthjBD7/s400/IMG_6893.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Hike with Dad and Sadie</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPF0HqVKD0CLmTaz-VEmpl9jNfGOgoeGN0GNWlOTMBOwu2y8cKBlXnvJEHJsTsv34ridPBMf0mqG_O9YQByT1ikTXFzOcjuhyphenhyphenSET8b18a8CF2fT-T8A-gnek171bpkZN9ws1B4L3WeMjv/s1600/iPhone+2780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPF0HqVKD0CLmTaz-VEmpl9jNfGOgoeGN0GNWlOTMBOwu2y8cKBlXnvJEHJsTsv34ridPBMf0mqG_O9YQByT1ikTXFzOcjuhyphenhyphenSET8b18a8CF2fT-T8A-gnek171bpkZN9ws1B4L3WeMjv/s400/iPhone+2780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbS7Yf0oJZkrOsFNuVPCo6ywmxesZCchE6qbnDZm4f1EE4hwtZOxcb5mLd8Q5Tv2RJMqp4T3QLDJt8ZECIRMiIeCor0ge2xxLPDcGb1XKctyWNOIcJX_VH8EVQbtpMwXiuvYRtf84KAoD/s1600/iPhone+2784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbS7Yf0oJZkrOsFNuVPCo6ywmxesZCchE6qbnDZm4f1EE4hwtZOxcb5mLd8Q5Tv2RJMqp4T3QLDJt8ZECIRMiIeCor0ge2xxLPDcGb1XKctyWNOIcJX_VH8EVQbtpMwXiuvYRtf84KAoD/s400/iPhone+2784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWjLZiCva-DYeJYdN9NGRjUnSbwylG2nPOLqEOtchUrcqJ9xUfMDfgBy0TEAGd9QKwJkXV2Vp2yyA6wbRvT_oyfD37JL7Qe_H10AsmbFCEwYee52T6Jv8_Ou1vTDOt3MpvHarzp3osNlp/s1600/iPhone+2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWjLZiCva-DYeJYdN9NGRjUnSbwylG2nPOLqEOtchUrcqJ9xUfMDfgBy0TEAGd9QKwJkXV2Vp2yyA6wbRvT_oyfD37JL7Qe_H10AsmbFCEwYee52T6Jv8_Ou1vTDOt3MpvHarzp3osNlp/s400/iPhone+2792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6qEUQwW1fhW1EXJEjQfdcYaRT0KeG0DS4vzO9m_E54V177S6y8YMoJdzsELcjXElsPZaGeYOKyMluH1WZIN5Pi4fyEF8VvCm-e3f7-ICEupuLquum2wDK3K2OtePKlFAuW3GSAJiytP7/s1600/iPhone+2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6qEUQwW1fhW1EXJEjQfdcYaRT0KeG0DS4vzO9m_E54V177S6y8YMoJdzsELcjXElsPZaGeYOKyMluH1WZIN5Pi4fyEF8VvCm-e3f7-ICEupuLquum2wDK3K2OtePKlFAuW3GSAJiytP7/s400/iPhone+2796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMSBCV2har07zHX8Db6I6CkzXzF92uGvnwpRBrgMxXYn-ThQbsAC895PitlWnbUeK-xvakjYZb0fH3XmrwzLsezEE6w1YM3RxfUWEf2NaHvHChCpe347M8S4PdDQeqm-hI3xM3tuSVrQQ/s1600/iPhone+2803.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMSBCV2har07zHX8Db6I6CkzXzF92uGvnwpRBrgMxXYn-ThQbsAC895PitlWnbUeK-xvakjYZb0fH3XmrwzLsezEE6w1YM3RxfUWEf2NaHvHChCpe347M8S4PdDQeqm-hI3xM3tuSVrQQ/s400/iPhone+2803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr2xucWV4N3IHe5J1JmWDfSr8eFh58cdctItj8JtpbX2aEbCFQBeR5t9NCCzuvG7_UL-feSh1MbBigRU8Big1334CcGe9VOPNGOVfPlAP5CztfpIVgSv-HUQq6Pku2-V0ucVjT2NcUwJt/s1600/iPhone+2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr2xucWV4N3IHe5J1JmWDfSr8eFh58cdctItj8JtpbX2aEbCFQBeR5t9NCCzuvG7_UL-feSh1MbBigRU8Big1334CcGe9VOPNGOVfPlAP5CztfpIVgSv-HUQq6Pku2-V0ucVjT2NcUwJt/s400/iPhone+2808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oPg47NHEMnV1Atxt02egu2v7w2YQ6k7dH66s4baoAmT0Sx1kixD138igqkquKP4odQa22w787Vk2MxH_D-ePPBaC8uxi5HtlqWzZ-pYbSfQbnoBR-dI92OMmM4S5Kxdlh7kn9tZnNlvI/s1600/iPhone+2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oPg47NHEMnV1Atxt02egu2v7w2YQ6k7dH66s4baoAmT0Sx1kixD138igqkquKP4odQa22w787Vk2MxH_D-ePPBaC8uxi5HtlqWzZ-pYbSfQbnoBR-dI92OMmM4S5Kxdlh7kn9tZnNlvI/s400/iPhone+2815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI72n6ANBStXbkjJHG1Z2USRlkmepwZRurlq5TJ-aJ9qQiJJVmTsBd17Xao4gpemu91w6hi9-MWc_D5IJH9OimKzqyqc9EcyCZBFISW3snpMkMMLG2_iMG3QrWvxQjNcpRWEu8FrmqwBb-/s1600/iPhone+2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI72n6ANBStXbkjJHG1Z2USRlkmepwZRurlq5TJ-aJ9qQiJJVmTsBd17Xao4gpemu91w6hi9-MWc_D5IJH9OimKzqyqc9EcyCZBFISW3snpMkMMLG2_iMG3QrWvxQjNcpRWEu8FrmqwBb-/s400/iPhone+2833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViI2LTtpDVEMjcXLO5AVPgtkYwx1hBvwzt9uCReh_KnlN1Rsj_Kjm19oUBAGk4d_wEBvo8PbK0JWpF-zx6PDnigE-FTN775eDl26l897ioKxWPsUnJFKYaykp610rqlMWyBR7Z4q6DRnl/s1600/iPhone+2835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViI2LTtpDVEMjcXLO5AVPgtkYwx1hBvwzt9uCReh_KnlN1Rsj_Kjm19oUBAGk4d_wEBvo8PbK0JWpF-zx6PDnigE-FTN775eDl26l897ioKxWPsUnJFKYaykp610rqlMWyBR7Z4q6DRnl/s400/iPhone+2835.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM1UlgZCldv-UmVW36GRH3my9sFb3nYghqpV4onF6X9Mg6JxRMtkzirOCSnaqXEEiBrxbWY_NFr2otcuNoocgLnMg9pFTp_p06v9Sb2N8Iqxu_J9F9nFgzCQDw2BrYo0O-PZY58EaW92c/s1600/iPhone+2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM1UlgZCldv-UmVW36GRH3my9sFb3nYghqpV4onF6X9Mg6JxRMtkzirOCSnaqXEEiBrxbWY_NFr2otcuNoocgLnMg9pFTp_p06v9Sb2N8Iqxu_J9F9nFgzCQDw2BrYo0O-PZY58EaW92c/s400/iPhone+2841.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDAKNioIzdGwi7UESCrFbT9iBe6fYniNdFVY5v9k9JfuZfd7FsVEdf4S-mGqGsgVVBQxiI9dKCsVaG2_iOSXXkwnhAUAPxPgKOfY4jg8ZpLkQeNo_3Okct0GKqCh-yeZ1STnt55wFWVZP/s1600/iPhone+2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDAKNioIzdGwi7UESCrFbT9iBe6fYniNdFVY5v9k9JfuZfd7FsVEdf4S-mGqGsgVVBQxiI9dKCsVaG2_iOSXXkwnhAUAPxPgKOfY4jg8ZpLkQeNo_3Okct0GKqCh-yeZ1STnt55wFWVZP/s400/iPhone+2868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKtlYKgkqashhS05jxZTY9Mao5c7Kf9kEKmtfmjl3WdijfFQFV7iUbrygy5GyNsMM33HiI2Y8PrUZTJDBgZkPywBesrtGFlpBEiEe5oMUecZGpbWdoFs1Wa_7fyOfsk0jncR8vhqhfJLY/s1600/iPhone+2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKtlYKgkqashhS05jxZTY9Mao5c7Kf9kEKmtfmjl3WdijfFQFV7iUbrygy5GyNsMM33HiI2Y8PrUZTJDBgZkPywBesrtGFlpBEiEe5oMUecZGpbWdoFs1Wa_7fyOfsk0jncR8vhqhfJLY/s400/iPhone+2873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtgvCSYCgEV34T5tZg-mVFLcM0tNSGo_Q6og_ZdGf6v6Fgh1f-aJd5ZJD0XYfBADEB8n1tqNdONTL1F9DjBJnmb74emvfEtVI36RW-6vfVPpRNeXapSmys9H5ZIclaHLJ3v548Ma-PAIQ/s1600/iPhone+2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtgvCSYCgEV34T5tZg-mVFLcM0tNSGo_Q6og_ZdGf6v6Fgh1f-aJd5ZJD0XYfBADEB8n1tqNdONTL1F9DjBJnmb74emvfEtVI36RW-6vfVPpRNeXapSmys9H5ZIclaHLJ3v548Ma-PAIQ/s400/iPhone+2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgfLsmAqugSPeARDf5Dtou0u38yRhltmsGC5B6EbqLcljuOc1wNQitbjLB42cyIY580lAcz08sZHIlQLwSv3lSzDgVfAKVLNLAiHRRP0ZGbaslaBkIqcw4GU3QVYI8YoD2szbmjiGPuT0/s1600/iPhone+2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgfLsmAqugSPeARDf5Dtou0u38yRhltmsGC5B6EbqLcljuOc1wNQitbjLB42cyIY580lAcz08sZHIlQLwSv3lSzDgVfAKVLNLAiHRRP0ZGbaslaBkIqcw4GU3QVYI8YoD2szbmjiGPuT0/s400/iPhone+2880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMZMDhQR-l97lDjb5PQx_lmd2xq6fiIhCPvGfvIRpyshOgf9SGEVVh5ksHa4zlEMAu5JSuWHOBTlAaY19V4lk3Qae0OlLhf20maLTJg1Yq4wiqdfPp-CyEsDaSHKg51PUYsmtKCId7A3-/s1600/iPhone+2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMZMDhQR-l97lDjb5PQx_lmd2xq6fiIhCPvGfvIRpyshOgf9SGEVVh5ksHa4zlEMAu5JSuWHOBTlAaY19V4lk3Qae0OlLhf20maLTJg1Yq4wiqdfPp-CyEsDaSHKg51PUYsmtKCId7A3-/s400/iPhone+2889.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hitchhiked from the Aspen Grove TH<br />back to the Timpooneke TH where we started</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-68710872157984092722015-07-20T11:22:00.000-07:002015-07-20T11:22:09.196-07:00High Uintas Wilderness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been three weeks of almost complete rest (a couple shorts hikes here and there) since the West Highland Way Race and all systems seem to be a go. I've come back too soon after previous one hundred mile efforts and ended up hurting myself, so this time I wanted to take extra care not to push things too soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd been itching to get into the High Unitas since moving to Utah last August. I've especially wanted to check out the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highline_Trail_(Utah)">Highline Trail</a>. Sadie cut her paw a couple days before, so she didn't get to join me on my first Highline and High Uinta experience. I borrowed a route from an experienced Uinta explorer that was listed as about 21 miles long knowing that I could make it an out-n-back if my legs simply weren't up to it. 95% of this route is over 10,000ft.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some photos from the route.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnkAmv1Sq8mJDMWbL8SprvCl6A8KUqlGu_7NMg_nRjPd26dtwmFP2HfIAqYT0ZOZ3cJIqOJEtWlXToqaMMGDFcGE-UovsF_Cc8FldnAj4kQd9UaQbUyf6724KRhfQjb0s3m67BouPmssm/s1600/IMG_6806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnkAmv1Sq8mJDMWbL8SprvCl6A8KUqlGu_7NMg_nRjPd26dtwmFP2HfIAqYT0ZOZ3cJIqOJEtWlXToqaMMGDFcGE-UovsF_Cc8FldnAj4kQd9UaQbUyf6724KRhfQjb0s3m67BouPmssm/s320/IMG_6806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbN0GKytGJpBEN35Rxpqk_fu7zZYhUJgRJMzolVBCOnN-jDHi1M2T5FNjGop1uj6BkEMPtvi2_5qlERcHUSoF8vGwEAjw_gRXoeqL33gXsvzkcHuZ2EcqDw1wt400SNLj_s8tPSUpDMWN/s1600/IMG_6808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbN0GKytGJpBEN35Rxpqk_fu7zZYhUJgRJMzolVBCOnN-jDHi1M2T5FNjGop1uj6BkEMPtvi2_5qlERcHUSoF8vGwEAjw_gRXoeqL33gXsvzkcHuZ2EcqDw1wt400SNLj_s8tPSUpDMWN/s320/IMG_6808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scudder Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-MP8y6QPo9SePnC64cH_RFjlO0uGp5raYSN66mRIcj6q1cxYpoktcuXYXyaBCegTfhm34Jzu_hqaIYo3c71e_O1vWzkBEqUuu9roNnR6yOjnu0zEWr-GtCeCnR-qA9ISqzL_sfEdO1QS/s1600/IMG_6811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-MP8y6QPo9SePnC64cH_RFjlO0uGp5raYSN66mRIcj6q1cxYpoktcuXYXyaBCegTfhm34Jzu_hqaIYo3c71e_O1vWzkBEqUuu9roNnR6yOjnu0zEWr-GtCeCnR-qA9ISqzL_sfEdO1QS/s320/IMG_6811.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Uintas are famous things other<br />than buttery-smooth trails.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxmeK11KEW3zci0fb_Jts72BRZEZK3gWeduVRH2lsazKb0Wg0H-mEXOXgG6pYdohgdcDk8FwkdbF0Dp4KMKxeIa0x88OwOqaeGX8myugurA3RbU3rhDk3Jf9ZUHSke9PtLesv-qInqrYL/s1600/IMG_6813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxmeK11KEW3zci0fb_Jts72BRZEZK3gWeduVRH2lsazKb0Wg0H-mEXOXgG6pYdohgdcDk8FwkdbF0Dp4KMKxeIa0x88OwOqaeGX8myugurA3RbU3rhDk3Jf9ZUHSke9PtLesv-qInqrYL/s320/IMG_6813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU1A5hR9aZh8Aoo7X6c7tx5_CIM0oM6BipodTKb-F_NorC00trny1glJ5IHxgG72CIDbigv_4BW7aRTDjQqHSchIddHwCCZJ3xR6Zo29y5ovULxgHdAr-JT4sj9BnXWQnbWex23UZTKC-/s1600/IMG_6814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU1A5hR9aZh8Aoo7X6c7tx5_CIM0oM6BipodTKb-F_NorC00trny1glJ5IHxgG72CIDbigv_4BW7aRTDjQqHSchIddHwCCZJ3xR6Zo29y5ovULxgHdAr-JT4sj9BnXWQnbWex23UZTKC-/s320/IMG_6814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing toward Rocky Sea Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u0rLd7tXer9LIGXVIKbGMJyW0Ajgfh2lpJ5tdh1enUdDbvaqLLfI1CJhcfwrULHfUKmWm29SPOerPiDUvMLnBd7xJlZQBBy9hNm2VmVr9eCn0i5rOI0zzIQYLt3OaO3Mo1ZTfgs1fm4p/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u0rLd7tXer9LIGXVIKbGMJyW0Ajgfh2lpJ5tdh1enUdDbvaqLLfI1CJhcfwrULHfUKmWm29SPOerPiDUvMLnBd7xJlZQBBy9hNm2VmVr9eCn0i5rOI0zzIQYLt3OaO3Mo1ZTfgs1fm4p/s320/IMG_6816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0szLMHA4gDO4tqqm7-vKbVr2YW3s9X5yVDxAFfcR_ssJDYGe717M7th5X1vp8ia8uhiwDyuaosDIZmUniZJJs5oD26ayyz8cS1mH_5cJ1BXRAXokIWClmGHGuyXdt_eSTFmGeiR6P2mbS/s1600/IMG_6818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0szLMHA4gDO4tqqm7-vKbVr2YW3s9X5yVDxAFfcR_ssJDYGe717M7th5X1vp8ia8uhiwDyuaosDIZmUniZJJs5oD26ayyz8cS1mH_5cJ1BXRAXokIWClmGHGuyXdt_eSTFmGeiR6P2mbS/s320/IMG_6818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost to Rocky Sea Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jTiBIaxL8pTm8j2sHLf8Q_lnM3Jb0MdxZ070ASdr89uWPvjjr6iQmUNG_L_vMvwAjV-YyJIT76713wbb6xY2a5Cty3PrKzmMfABnpN2mq6uYesmP12oonExHgMPsTJfgW8W9LK3pzawv/s1600/IMG_6819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jTiBIaxL8pTm8j2sHLf8Q_lnM3Jb0MdxZ070ASdr89uWPvjjr6iQmUNG_L_vMvwAjV-YyJIT76713wbb6xY2a5Cty3PrKzmMfABnpN2mq6uYesmP12oonExHgMPsTJfgW8W9LK3pzawv/s320/IMG_6819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLiH2HQ8Ebdu6PaIiRZQaAEIkLdbhQmJ9Q3Ld8akeVrrdGL_EVwOuJXF396FkNw2JINcCPh_YGIbpOTWV7vfd3kVigA8BcMkIU37PNbwOIAgO0rrza0HX0bJu4fpLeWMoVHxQ7XV6q4j1/s1600/IMG_6821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLiH2HQ8Ebdu6PaIiRZQaAEIkLdbhQmJ9Q3Ld8akeVrrdGL_EVwOuJXF396FkNw2JINcCPh_YGIbpOTWV7vfd3kVigA8BcMkIU37PNbwOIAgO0rrza0HX0bJu4fpLeWMoVHxQ7XV6q4j1/s400/IMG_6821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFny7c_sRidxFFVahOl1gnsN2IPmUz735SMgoNDB878oi8BQqe_eNcf2VXuFzuldpTkA7D5raRFeVZInpwzuBhbnpeFP2wNNRQondhP5p3z9EY6wqHHC8D__n67m2rHxdEWNSEadUZHVPn/s1600/IMG_6824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFny7c_sRidxFFVahOl1gnsN2IPmUz735SMgoNDB878oi8BQqe_eNcf2VXuFzuldpTkA7D5raRFeVZInpwzuBhbnpeFP2wNNRQondhP5p3z9EY6wqHHC8D__n67m2rHxdEWNSEadUZHVPn/s400/IMG_6824.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east from Rocky Sea Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJXFup7KH6MpKWOt7wcF9uwMB5xnRQdq9TyMqnWFrtCMysHtRnuHUuQix0QN1MsyF5e6Ns7Y-JvdO-lf1Kmsn0tG9_QD0rzTHDjZRPdO0IuyAOhljsnqY3SSa8Oj7RX3UCgxaDH2LT_pD/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJXFup7KH6MpKWOt7wcF9uwMB5xnRQdq9TyMqnWFrtCMysHtRnuHUuQix0QN1MsyF5e6Ns7Y-JvdO-lf1Kmsn0tG9_QD0rzTHDjZRPdO0IuyAOhljsnqY3SSa8Oj7RX3UCgxaDH2LT_pD/s320/IMG_6829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6soiRyoExExx04Za8X03_GyvmSrqKf-rbBJ2K-IthvJu3cE-KKyWazVRAPGWmI626GooOkGednS4UKbBWbNeAT6Y-NiWdMajYQXakknFur1zSWCKZHVGlkQEWO9v-ahGEwzYFLpuoQGaR/s1600/IMG_6831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6soiRyoExExx04Za8X03_GyvmSrqKf-rbBJ2K-IthvJu3cE-KKyWazVRAPGWmI626GooOkGednS4UKbBWbNeAT6Y-NiWdMajYQXakknFur1zSWCKZHVGlkQEWO9v-ahGEwzYFLpuoQGaR/s320/IMG_6831.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean Lake and Dean Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUIHUn7otSKwVJPNf5T1tTJgP5PTzVXJQCJZnwJ2sxjEdncns15I85dNrqFVGeIa3gdDeYsIRIuXvR6JVt7sP-91x34NP0kh7M89NeG8KvWvlbHLsEI-9qYb9Cydq8lQlEsQanvEc-DEB/s1600/IMG_6834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUIHUn7otSKwVJPNf5T1tTJgP5PTzVXJQCJZnwJ2sxjEdncns15I85dNrqFVGeIa3gdDeYsIRIuXvR6JVt7sP-91x34NP0kh7M89NeG8KvWvlbHLsEI-9qYb9Cydq8lQlEsQanvEc-DEB/s320/IMG_6834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPDlxyY-V3MK-7PQ5g4hR9qhlJQ2uqwXohGP0L3TEgv0zgL_iWi2dPA6xCfb_yVIwYTFMkQbrT5rE_bgt8Fbm7K1wPNutXSll5kVQCnS8LPz2K9STkGS2J1ycCJ1WXLEJCR0Y1WoyWKqT/s1600/IMG_6838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPDlxyY-V3MK-7PQ5g4hR9qhlJQ2uqwXohGP0L3TEgv0zgL_iWi2dPA6xCfb_yVIwYTFMkQbrT5rE_bgt8Fbm7K1wPNutXSll5kVQCnS8LPz2K9STkGS2J1ycCJ1WXLEJCR0Y1WoyWKqT/s400/IMG_6838.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Governer Dern Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmnrejbxgvZCrCsVGablLCRDSV9ZsNaqZGsyYvWE9ebUdFjGkQoGXU5d1WRcZKEyxF_21ELwCf1LMMClU-FJhhKuv6BIWJBk6VfeJbE4zxoWucry40_aOPk_y6PZ33eI41P-n7mwI7h4u/s1600/IMG_6840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmnrejbxgvZCrCsVGablLCRDSV9ZsNaqZGsyYvWE9ebUdFjGkQoGXU5d1WRcZKEyxF_21ELwCf1LMMClU-FJhhKuv6BIWJBk6VfeJbE4zxoWucry40_aOPk_y6PZ33eI41P-n7mwI7h4u/s320/IMG_6840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horses plus rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I can't wait to check out more of the High Uintas. I don't have anything on the race calendar for the rest of the year. My plan was to wait until after Scotland to make sure I wasn't injured before I signed up for anything else. I have my eyes on a couple upcoming races, but I may just use my weekends for exploring some more of the wilderness.<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
Scott<br />
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-16183672730866824302015-07-05T17:33:00.000-07:002016-06-01T15:03:50.146-07:00West Highland Way Race 2015 - race report<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's a photo of me at the end of my <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2012/07/west-highland-way-race-race-report-dnf.html">2012 West Highland Way Race </a>attempt after a torn calf muscle forced me to withdraw at mile 81 (only 14 miles from the finish line!). I've been itching to get back to Scotland for three years.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-GW6rR4VbMTnTeg-QcpkQSg-WYfvmdsMfFpqoRJ52wOYBx-KO0jWPZtPe8XZZQJJ9AUC172jVgj6HGuwME4_3XY_cc2mambAOcPw01hqVaZ9RwkOJsjT2AhFB72s1Ej5gTx5AvFLds9x/s1600/IMG_8777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-GW6rR4VbMTnTeg-QcpkQSg-WYfvmdsMfFpqoRJ52wOYBx-KO0jWPZtPe8XZZQJJ9AUC172jVgj6HGuwME4_3XY_cc2mambAOcPw01hqVaZ9RwkOJsjT2AhFB72s1Ej5gTx5AvFLds9x/s320/IMG_8777.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My 2012 attempt ended early</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <a href="http://westhighlandwayrace.org/">West Highland Way Race</a> has held steady at #1 on my race bucket list since I heard about it in 2007, the year I started running. Even after (especially after?) my devastating DNF in 2012, it remained #1 on my list. But this race involves a bit more than just wanting to attempt it. You're required to have at least two crew members with you through the entire race, meeting you at checkpoints along the way. So, coming from the States it isn't the easiest thing to convince two others to join me at their own expense.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My wife, Annie, wrote in her travel journal in 2012, "I'm never coming back to do this!" It was a terribly emotional race for her, too, watching me suffer as I did for as long as I did. She knew I wanted to come back to attempt the race again if possible, but she was certainly hoping that I was satisfied enough with my first attempt to be able to move on to other races and other countries. (Let's just say that Scottish rain is not her idea of great vacation weather.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, of course, I couldn't move on. This was one of those things I very much needed to do -- I needed to make it to the finish line of this race. So with much (much!) persuasion, I was able to convince Annie to join me for another attempt. And Aaron, who joined us on the 2012 attempt too, was surprisingly easy to convince to join again -- but turns out he was most interested in coming back for the whisky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So with a crew confirmed, I submitted my race application in November and had to wait several brutal weeks before the final entrants list was confirmed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">RACE DETAILS</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The course trudges 95 miles with over 14,000' of ascent from the little town of Milngavie (pronounced mill-GUY) just north of Glasgow all the way to Fort William near the base of the Ben Nevis. The race starts at 1:00am on Saturday, and participants have until noon on Sunday to cross the finish line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Weather? "There will be some," we were told dryly. The Scottish Highlands are predictable for their unpredictable weather. Except the rain -- you can expect the rain. If I learned anything from my 2012 attempt, it was this: there is waterproof gear, and then there is WATERPROOF gear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde4CGHCMM-8gjnOsAql2Se-NWxSpGzaD5VJNWTIjHDsUDg-XjiX6vgDHNKbs66UKe24NvBrIUKNnfJiZgoN1-JRCxkgbPL27Rpbzc9duSZ_rkybIICD-B_xXJAmojdTFPUJTX_LC4ws2d/s1600/west_highland_way_map_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde4CGHCMM-8gjnOsAql2Se-NWxSpGzaD5VJNWTIjHDsUDg-XjiX6vgDHNKbs66UKe24NvBrIUKNnfJiZgoN1-JRCxkgbPL27Rpbzc9duSZ_rkybIICD-B_xXJAmojdTFPUJTX_LC4ws2d/s400/west_highland_way_map_.jpg" width="336" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">course map</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8RygsTGjwctdQ6QsZqYEAj4pJnE8NZd379BaiY8sE6pUXchQmdmzFCdnEFRtbWZk_imJLAhvLWAi2Gw9m4N77aid1oQAFizh8_huxzSbWWrgxxj8Gsn-rZVWTtTltpjz1_HdvGLYgYoa/s1600/WHW+elevation+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8RygsTGjwctdQ6QsZqYEAj4pJnE8NZd379BaiY8sE6pUXchQmdmzFCdnEFRtbWZk_imJLAhvLWAi2Gw9m4N77aid1oQAFizh8_huxzSbWWrgxxj8Gsn-rZVWTtTltpjz1_HdvGLYgYoa/s640/WHW+elevation+profile.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">elevation profile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">and checkpoint locations</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /><b></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">PRE-RACE</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /><b></b>
We left the States on Wednesday and - via NYC and Dublin - landed in Glasgow on Thursday. We made it to our hotel in Milngavie a little after noon and only 36 hours before the race was to begin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We knew that getting into the country on Thursday would make for a very short acclimatization period, but that's just how the airline fares worked out best for us. Sure, it would have been nice to have a week or so in-country before the race, but we'd rather get the race done with early on in the trip so that we could spend the bulk of the trip relaxing and vacationing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I spent most of Friday sprawled out on the hotel bed trying to rest as much as possible. That evening, Aaron and Annie hopped a train to go pick up our rental car in Glasgow. Then we went to the grocery store to pick up race supplies that we didn't pack in our suitcases -- water, cookies, fruit, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We got back to the hotel room and tried to sleep an hour or two, but that was pointless. With the race only a few hours away, there wasn't much sleeping. Around 11pm, we loaded the rental car and headed to the town hall for check-in. After a smooth check-in, we sat in the car and impatiently waited for the 12:30am race briefing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Aaron brought the last of a small bottle of special whisky that he'd been holding on to specifically for this day. Moments before the start, all three of us huddled off to the side in the darkness and took a sip of the whisky for good luck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_beKIAK_tJrPZ0Uv-04S21ahoq0-sjnqqw1k8TxaK7A_1cGA7oTEmTSE4JlmJVVb7l-sJzHLNQElrgfOR0Dh5lZ6bkEC8PKgrc3RJBg4fhj8y10IfShgYxbhAGMvdSuo9GJNg-045P7U/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_beKIAK_tJrPZ0Uv-04S21ahoq0-sjnqqw1k8TxaK7A_1cGA7oTEmTSE4JlmJVVb7l-sJzHLNQElrgfOR0Dh5lZ6bkEC8PKgrc3RJBg4fhj8y10IfShgYxbhAGMvdSuo9GJNg-045P7U/s400/IMG_5732.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Walking around Milngavie on Thursday.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKajhPRqAxma3oenGq-8KiuvjPNb6ueBWjSplOzRvPPom9R2Xf3W8pc1JfSyo2i8gSryBKDdVZFjOnBhxeFBeangAEG3s2UygLn0Bh4sP0I4pVJBeZKR-jCQpZG6OEBoqvljEEBktdTCP/s1600/IMG_5749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKajhPRqAxma3oenGq-8KiuvjPNb6ueBWjSplOzRvPPom9R2Xf3W8pc1JfSyo2i8gSryBKDdVZFjOnBhxeFBeangAEG3s2UygLn0Bh4sP0I4pVJBeZKR-jCQpZG6OEBoqvljEEBktdTCP/s400/IMG_5749.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Organizing my gear a few hours before the race.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmR1iFCd1xlqgNPYXsIqFOQ27VlzKb5pmOLB34zGP59mwMeeH73hYMQi8hI5ONEzHqVOzm1JFI1AMMtYjCLxflKPRA9YUqCQ_Ag9-Y5IE7got7iNwWK6nxbLvhZSZFZO_Z3KCm4To-vBW/s1600/Photo+Jun+19%252C+4+09+39+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmR1iFCd1xlqgNPYXsIqFOQ27VlzKb5pmOLB34zGP59mwMeeH73hYMQi8hI5ONEzHqVOzm1JFI1AMMtYjCLxflKPRA9YUqCQ_Ag9-Y5IE7got7iNwWK6nxbLvhZSZFZO_Z3KCm4To-vBW/s400/Photo+Jun+19%252C+4+09+39+PM.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">11:00pm, check-in.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR9Rb9FGJPO94nLRqz1wofmDSI1FmcUwI_REgz0dSg3LE8gCUmUoSacUcuiE6zGc_M38e97WFOVd_5co7BrUBnzeAZirtexq1Lvj61Pak61L4HCUPU_922i8aoCKuUM9VEBFiVATEIIpq/s1600/Photo+Jun+19%252C+4+17+18+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR9Rb9FGJPO94nLRqz1wofmDSI1FmcUwI_REgz0dSg3LE8gCUmUoSacUcuiE6zGc_M38e97WFOVd_5co7BrUBnzeAZirtexq1Lvj61Pak61L4HCUPU_922i8aoCKuUM9VEBFiVATEIIpq/s400/Photo+Jun+19%252C+4+17+18+PM.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">11:00pm, check-in.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFPUBtPf_2zCwTiLgb0A_q6f6r1d00C_pfn92FWvuaA9DOdTGwhnENkx5tVWb4OWVATPte07foKgEysJw4a2hnjmozyowjVTHLrkLo5Dget_NIo93HGqZM-SHJEV0IhBR9fA20eIFfHXw/s1600/Photo+Jun+19%252C+4+20+41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFPUBtPf_2zCwTiLgb0A_q6f6r1d00C_pfn92FWvuaA9DOdTGwhnENkx5tVWb4OWVATPte07foKgEysJw4a2hnjmozyowjVTHLrkLo5Dget_NIo93HGqZM-SHJEV0IhBR9fA20eIFfHXw/s400/Photo+Jun+19%252C+4+20+41+PM.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">12:10am, me and my crew.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3dWrpMaLdcBzoar_J8EWl6t5JZV9O2BOcOQHHjE008nPjJsMetXHs34RLOEuqFRCuFKf7YdPjOyw8chERjcCeyMtpGg5VM_DlHsbpsVQqNiblncinY2FoHQe6ajNZwusHzWo1ttD1EAV/s1600/11709987_10206065287423414_6383582521519260791_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3dWrpMaLdcBzoar_J8EWl6t5JZV9O2BOcOQHHjE008nPjJsMetXHs34RLOEuqFRCuFKf7YdPjOyw8chERjcCeyMtpGg5VM_DlHsbpsVQqNiblncinY2FoHQe6ajNZwusHzWo1ttD1EAV/s400/11709987_10206065287423414_6383582521519260791_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Final preparations.<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh6ugras8RIu0JCSQo2Iss3c4iyK_rNvDfldjvkqdPUJSIjPYTCV-BTwTMVdfav3ZHGsaiq-hn395Al01bsJxUvxvK6ZVRwRZ9rcfkPOWnxumP8jsGNU30wU4a2DDSie62fPTrrk04HvL/s1600/Photo+Jun+19%252C+5+31+29+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh6ugras8RIu0JCSQo2Iss3c4iyK_rNvDfldjvkqdPUJSIjPYTCV-BTwTMVdfav3ZHGsaiq-hn395Al01bsJxUvxvK6ZVRwRZ9rcfkPOWnxumP8jsGNU30wU4a2DDSie62fPTrrk04HvL/s400/Photo+Jun+19%252C+5+31+29+PM.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">12:45am, Aaron and me (back turned in green jacket)<br />at the pre-race briefing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWqnPchgDe5p4plm8xB6e0w7TAYaZhQtvXi-Do7IEaP05RsuraYN4JKkdkdPu7r_h7Rp6LYSNfMQ5rot9lRD7keF2ApsilS8O-M8wxHAVQgvOvqrO9Hy-hEElHJFfsr8EDc5dLQncLd04/s1600/11032589_968521019859742_7607555905568393043_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWqnPchgDe5p4plm8xB6e0w7TAYaZhQtvXi-Do7IEaP05RsuraYN4JKkdkdPu7r_h7Rp6LYSNfMQ5rot9lRD7keF2ApsilS8O-M8wxHAVQgvOvqrO9Hy-hEElHJFfsr8EDc5dLQncLd04/s400/11032589_968521019859742_7607555905568393043_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Pre-race briefing.<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.monumentphotos.co.uk/">Monument Photos)</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">RACE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">190 anxious and sleep-deprived runners huddled together at the little pedestrian tunnel near the Milngavie train station and counted down the final seconds before we took off into the dark, early morning, past cheering and equally sleep-deprived supporters and spectators.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkNGBc_mFgM7hAn32bBxdstljx78bxFQ9a_VNNwBleCH3apUsqSWIaNwvPprBsTOh9nLFD9Rj7cc3jXrlSo-B9Ewjp_Pfx45f-k_65QWAnuFVhQWLmK_V7bsOHuY72sx_ZAZEzOLwitWe/s1600/11406356_968521576526353_3416548337891725683_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkNGBc_mFgM7hAn32bBxdstljx78bxFQ9a_VNNwBleCH3apUsqSWIaNwvPprBsTOh9nLFD9Rj7cc3jXrlSo-B9Ewjp_Pfx45f-k_65QWAnuFVhQWLmK_V7bsOHuY72sx_ZAZEzOLwitWe/s400/11406356_968521576526353_3416548337891725683_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Moments before the start.<br />I'm out of sight a few rows back.<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.monumentphotos.co.uk/">Monument Photos)</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQlAWhcC1tHbYVt9OT-wR9O-BnF6dUiGtGEsaXny4jeA-loCFcIjXQ2a9aTu4H6VCYdkyE572O5tU1pGTc90mgxugYE4y9Tc6QJDaS1Y5PzAqi4psAvkavELT5W9QLOu10Hxeaj562Rtl/s1600/11705780_10206065289143457_4445179767037362704_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQlAWhcC1tHbYVt9OT-wR9O-BnF6dUiGtGEsaXny4jeA-loCFcIjXQ2a9aTu4H6VCYdkyE572O5tU1pGTc90mgxugYE4y9Tc6QJDaS1Y5PzAqi4psAvkavELT5W9QLOu10Hxeaj562Rtl/s400/11705780_10206065289143457_4445179767037362704_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Waving to Annie and Aaron moments after the start.<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Milngavie to Balmaha </span></u></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Start to checkpoint #1</span></b></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miles 0-19</span></b></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">This first section is by far the easiest of the course, even in the dark. Not only do you have your freshest legs on this section, but the path is generally wide and well-groomed, and there are even a couple miles on pavement leaving the Glasgow suburbs. It's not until Conic Hill around mile 16 that the race finally feels like a true trail race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I kept a comfortable pace and walked even the tiniest of hills; it was going to be a long day. My training had gone as well as expected, so I was confident that I was fit enough to make it to the finish line -- but the same could be said for my 2012 attempt. Much of the intrigue in these very long distance races is the challenge of the unknown. Sure, you may be physically prepared to do the distance...but are you mentally and emotionally prepared to handle the unknown challenges that can only be experienced in such distances. What will you do if you roll an ankle at mile 5? What will you do if you can't keep food down? What will you do if you take a hard fall? What will you do when the sleep deprivation hallucinations come?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finishing the race was obviously the main goal, but I had a few lesser time goals in mind to help keep me moving forward anytime I needed a mental push. I knew that a sub-24-hour finish would be well within my ability if things went anywhere close to as planned. I figured that a 'perfect' race might see me sneak in around 20 hours - but a perfect race is a rare thing at this distance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I rolled my ankle hard around mile 5. This is common practice for me though, so I didn't worry too much. I just walked it off and started running again a minute later. But it was certainly my first 'uh-oh' moment. I guess the main goal of races like this is to have as few uh-oh moments as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By the time I reached the climb up Conic Hill around 3:30am the sky was beginning to show signs of light. The climb up Conic Hill was one of the most memorable sections in 2012 as the torrential rains made the trail more waterfall than footpath. Though it was still wet and drizzly most of the day, this year's weather had very little in common with my 2012 experience....thank goodness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Checkpoint #1 was at the bottom of the hill, and I cruised in right on schedule and very happy to see Annie and Aaron. They were a fantastic crew all day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall time - 3:06:28</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall position - 27th</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjbvlcUUxK8AyzvIpQ51N-tonlG0s7dfYkUrmr3DZLE58bt9l-3DGro2BjIQFwo1I8yd9hiJ9gTtg5JPqP2HweY7MK08hUn4nqORQuQ1KT3nwoRk0oVpIo9wZB2M_bqb8UxL87h2Ln4vR/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjbvlcUUxK8AyzvIpQ51N-tonlG0s7dfYkUrmr3DZLE58bt9l-3DGro2BjIQFwo1I8yd9hiJ9gTtg5JPqP2HweY7MK08hUn4nqORQuQ1KT3nwoRk0oVpIo9wZB2M_bqb8UxL87h2Ln4vR/s400/IMG_5754.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Headlamps on a foggy, blurry<br />climb up Conic Hill.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxx4vpzG029wKaeOtvyx4z0K2KzFRoqSNUvT4rLEZabGr7I8o0s4qKozA2HUGMRNyDt-_dgcDLTnLDmVlwrwXMCMPwVsqff4pi4qG0IQhCT6K-E4U3UWZuBRoXXtYSWkrxK53Ut37k96t/s1600/Photo+Jun+19%252C+9+07+19+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxx4vpzG029wKaeOtvyx4z0K2KzFRoqSNUvT4rLEZabGr7I8o0s4qKozA2HUGMRNyDt-_dgcDLTnLDmVlwrwXMCMPwVsqff4pi4qG0IQhCT6K-E4U3UWZuBRoXXtYSWkrxK53Ut37k96t/s400/Photo+Jun+19%252C+9+07+19+PM.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Arriving at checkpoint #1.<br />Me with headlamp on, Aaron to the right.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Balmaha to</b><b> Beinglas Farm</b></span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Checkpoint #1 - #2</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miles 19-41</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the elevation chart, this looks like it should be the easiest section of the course. It follows along the shoreline of Loch Lomond with no significant single climb. But this section is infamous for its wet, rocky, and rooty ankle traps. It's slow going for a good chunk of it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a couple miles on the most technical stretch, I started to feel a pulsing, straining sensation in the top of my upper left calf. This is the exact same spot that tore in the 2012 race.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"You've got to be kidding me!" I thought. Looking back to 2012, I wonder if this was what happened to me -- acute stress led to eventual tear. "No no no no," I mumbled. "This can't be happening again."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This section is also the longest distance between checkpoints, and the slow going meant for an even longer timeframe. I was nervous about my calf and anxious to get to the checkpoint to take a rest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The course finally passed the northern tip of Loch Lomond and popped over a little hill to checkpoint #2. I rushed in, changed my shirt, and grabbed the tiger tail to roll out my left calf for a few minutes -- then the right calf. I grabbed something to eat and chugged some gatorade while Annie kept at my left calf with her hands. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Satisfied that we loosened my calves, I kissed Annie goodbye and headed back up the trail.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall time - 7:43:46</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall position - 20th</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE9rNmXzO_rEBM3wkAj_Mb-dhoT8Z5uiHYMfm8XJHgjicFFxZissFi_-s3jX5_IjxfSZsrmB4Oj1_DGNpkT_6MqlDXRhCMC9W7c8fatHLYSVHPPRL3VyVamZU4nDbpe1q8kWepLymi9AB/s1600/IMG_5756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE9rNmXzO_rEBM3wkAj_Mb-dhoT8Z5uiHYMfm8XJHgjicFFxZissFi_-s3jX5_IjxfSZsrmB4Oj1_DGNpkT_6MqlDXRhCMC9W7c8fatHLYSVHPPRL3VyVamZU4nDbpe1q8kWepLymi9AB/s400/IMG_5756.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">It was a foggy morning on Loch Lomond.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH78zAjL5WnlGdKQ0FUP7rZ5LzOEigv4jhqgMT7Jdt0fFR_4DQP1xvevjbCqGEiy4MNsdlMMhGruDu4Cbc2lNc86WqdXOOZ5_GfwWfaXm3bG7lB0R16xoSeUV-LG9AynjfUpkVPm3CtzXg/s1600/IMG_5758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH78zAjL5WnlGdKQ0FUP7rZ5LzOEigv4jhqgMT7Jdt0fFR_4DQP1xvevjbCqGEiy4MNsdlMMhGruDu4Cbc2lNc86WqdXOOZ5_GfwWfaXm3bG7lB0R16xoSeUV-LG9AynjfUpkVPm3CtzXg/s400/IMG_5758.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Misty Loch Lomond.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHywMNsuH9-bITHeNA20fHsH_lTMZ1Uip1BPUz-bA4ukwqZ3wSj1htw3oZ6mfOVR7bYBdyz_IccSmnshsvW_i3uUA8mv9SI8Jqvy4FNwIJI4pAog5YpPKC9TExHnFHHvN1E3nEofJZK3T/s1600/IMG_5761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHywMNsuH9-bITHeNA20fHsH_lTMZ1Uip1BPUz-bA4ukwqZ3wSj1htw3oZ6mfOVR7bYBdyz_IccSmnshsvW_i3uUA8mv9SI8Jqvy4FNwIJI4pAog5YpPKC9TExHnFHHvN1E3nEofJZK3T/s400/IMG_5761.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Footbridge crossing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="background-color: white; clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2OhE0s9MwsYdvAsYVyhQozV630NMjyqEjFCB94z5AmXnOiKebavm4EaQN_lvBGKIajUfyhaaUA-4KZFsksmHEe1rJbm2WmrWAeeEI5OxGuV4nmuprn02hcf2KHe_wuDNPdzM6Yvv8ypT/s1600/IMG_5763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2OhE0s9MwsYdvAsYVyhQozV630NMjyqEjFCB94z5AmXnOiKebavm4EaQN_lvBGKIajUfyhaaUA-4KZFsksmHEe1rJbm2WmrWAeeEI5OxGuV4nmuprn02hcf2KHe_wuDNPdzM6Yvv8ypT/s400/IMG_5763.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Along Loch Lomond.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_Q6BURurjRFlfr5hMtFMHSwAEegwuvQLLJKYHvI5f-H20wCiywQb04xXUst1mOWPyDmRm8G8nL_7qyKMQkUjnayOIUPz54njRNPDsAYDDxIt7vzkXHJhnq07HMYhJAuTJVtWYGAX1wnY/s1600/WestHigh-61102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_Q6BURurjRFlfr5hMtFMHSwAEegwuvQLLJKYHvI5f-H20wCiywQb04xXUst1mOWPyDmRm8G8nL_7qyKMQkUjnayOIUPz54njRNPDsAYDDxIt7vzkXHJhnq07HMYhJAuTJVtWYGAX1wnY/s400/WestHigh-61102.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">On the course<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.thatonemoment.co.uk/west-highland-way-race-2015">That One Moment</a>) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K0hk8GcEHOYQ-DkqIqrsJuGgX263J-fqJDzHVPkRWz2_oZNRy6hQQuajHaeuCxSlg_rXTt1RDZT4GQbCiVQBTYflDBBtPIhWBzrP50NzNSwWIkG1rC8hLRiXoNdF5BM95ZLd0Nu8sPW4/s1600/IMG_5767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K0hk8GcEHOYQ-DkqIqrsJuGgX263J-fqJDzHVPkRWz2_oZNRy6hQQuajHaeuCxSlg_rXTt1RDZT4GQbCiVQBTYflDBBtPIhWBzrP50NzNSwWIkG1rC8hLRiXoNdF5BM95ZLd0Nu8sPW4/s400/IMG_5767.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A taste of the rocks along Loch Lomond.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCurlBGUfIKHfk7dIvfBtvPsKVDfFkwkso9xkFPLrnt0eSGi6_CUIdIxkDIo20pKYxx0Hf-v3LMbkg3n1P7ONosp1gImr8xtlP4Qt3BpZdP6sAorX16Tx7J-6CdjLlL-m81rfqox1h1yb/s1600/IMG_5764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCurlBGUfIKHfk7dIvfBtvPsKVDfFkwkso9xkFPLrnt0eSGi6_CUIdIxkDIo20pKYxx0Hf-v3LMbkg3n1P7ONosp1gImr8xtlP4Qt3BpZdP6sAorX16Tx7J-6CdjLlL-m81rfqox1h1yb/s400/IMG_5764.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">More slow going.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn4qfogNUxMWDzQxSjvZr6jHim8rApzU0bbsgcgjRT9UUquwKIrNLKN4Ae4v6FTsNDekkmWY5f86q8as8SksyqdUSF8BmpijrwsiCRc6eEAQEqufld9S-yb-_dFxrpKrjn-buNhHXsmi7/s1600/IMG_5772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn4qfogNUxMWDzQxSjvZr6jHim8rApzU0bbsgcgjRT9UUquwKIrNLKN4Ae4v6FTsNDekkmWY5f86q8as8SksyqdUSF8BmpijrwsiCRc6eEAQEqufld9S-yb-_dFxrpKrjn-buNhHXsmi7/s400/IMG_5772.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">All smiles around mile 35<br />even with midges covering my neck.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFNMyXOML4FdyQ8yznTMY_mxDdZu64E1thCD8p1DchdehaIrzcwsgndvgG0o6gE2XgcPA-mgZMg4fGHlnixbmzY1PDtEThYwHl2x55fNGJpy0SU2jDEX2CmYCmnW1vS65ZWnJyYIZ6ByQ/s1600/IMG_5773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFNMyXOML4FdyQ8yznTMY_mxDdZu64E1thCD8p1DchdehaIrzcwsgndvgG0o6gE2XgcPA-mgZMg4fGHlnixbmzY1PDtEThYwHl2x55fNGJpy0SU2jDEX2CmYCmnW1vS65ZWnJyYIZ6ByQ/s400/IMG_5773.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Along Loch Lomond.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA6jaHAeSb-ToBzuQSQyuay8qCtlt_imGBRxMiPQ6f8wEexGLrZkbKFEL-9Rk6RVchN0-BEu5R4XE91orrYL9_ogetPMnkxqL1Qs2ToXMZq6yyqcVUfthgnoIM5CBNPvN_TGf_ZQPVrOr/s1600/11705449_10206065288943452_7175249924819397719_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA6jaHAeSb-ToBzuQSQyuay8qCtlt_imGBRxMiPQ6f8wEexGLrZkbKFEL-9Rk6RVchN0-BEu5R4XE91orrYL9_ogetPMnkxqL1Qs2ToXMZq6yyqcVUfthgnoIM5CBNPvN_TGf_ZQPVrOr/s400/11705449_10206065288943452_7175249924819397719_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Arriving at checkpoint #2<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beinglas Farm to Auchtertyre</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Checkpoint #2 - #3</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miles 41-50</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't remember this section be so difficult. I didn't think I could have studied the course any more than I did, but for some reason I just wasn't prepared for the upcoming 6-mile climb. It wasn't a big climb by any stretch (~1,100 ft over six miles), but the constant uphill grade really challenged me mentally. I was 40+ miles into the race and certainly feeling some race fatigue, but now this was the first time I felt like I was struggling mentally. On a good note, m<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">y left calf didn't seem to be an issue anymore.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The miles went by slowly.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">During the first two sections, I recollected nearly every mile from my 2012 race. But I remembered almost nothing of the first five miles or so of this section. It was a little weird, to be honest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The miles went by slowly.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was also the first section where the course really started opening up to the amazing Scottish landscape. I found myself doing a lot of slow 360-degree turns to soak in the views. The wide-open vistas helped with my mood, for sure.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a steep descent going into checkpoint #3, and for the first time all day I started walking part of the downhills. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Finishing is the only goal," I kept reminding myself. "No sense killing my quads with almost fifty miles still to go."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rain had picked up enough to put my jacket on, but my shirt was already soaked and I started to get cold. I came into the checkpoint with a chill and changed my shirt quickly. Still cold, I was sitting in the back of the rental car shaking. Annie wrapped me in a small fleece blanket for a few minutes to warm me up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I'm at my first low point," I mumbled.</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feeling low on energy (lower than I'd like to feel), I needed something to eat. I was hungry, but none of the food we had sounded good. Chips, bread, nuts, fruit...yuck. I'd been eating a GU every 30 minutes up to this point, but now I needed something warm.<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"> I knew that a couple miles up the road I'd have the chance to see my crew again at one of the official meeting points (other than the mandatory </span><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">checkpoints</span><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">, there were four other authorized meeting points that I was able to see my crew along the course). Annie said she'd try to find something hot to eat for me at the upcoming meeting point.</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I bundled up and walked with Annie through to the end of the checkpoint.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall time - 9:47:48</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall position - 19th</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mn7BgQOgeZWq4P7qGCBvbL86Ykzoiv4VZw0cmJzKBa78JqQP4qES3yziq_BPtPxX653lJ6YnsDdpTRx1s8bq_KAjIOitkWDwiVuaVJcyypTTQlWyqWArfISvP-5_UaNYVYON6_WDdNgO/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mn7BgQOgeZWq4P7qGCBvbL86Ykzoiv4VZw0cmJzKBa78JqQP4qES3yziq_BPtPxX653lJ6YnsDdpTRx1s8bq_KAjIOitkWDwiVuaVJcyypTTQlWyqWArfISvP-5_UaNYVYON6_WDdNgO/s400/IMG_5778.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Cows.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxOcrncXl58NNQZdgwL6_37Rdj71qE1TTaMCiS8hC2sAErjBcV58cLUW4W5xKgtzBrtDOExQedBDzP4x4BFxYc4Z8pY8lDu7qN11NTjxtclWPfbpFnQcZnBQ3QsstlwKHqDfghUDMBT7v/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxOcrncXl58NNQZdgwL6_37Rdj71qE1TTaMCiS8hC2sAErjBcV58cLUW4W5xKgtzBrtDOExQedBDzP4x4BFxYc4Z8pY8lDu7qN11NTjxtclWPfbpFnQcZnBQ3QsstlwKHqDfghUDMBT7v/s400/IMG_5787.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Wet Scottish hills.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCvzFCxWrEUi_G2ZRHbjthiCmOOGfKmHp7-tLmGOSVeIO4RSx5c00G4RgiNZJqjvWCPklFb_DDHpBNYa3z3k9eTUHLK8qfW3OAd7DcFDvKQTlRlFXuMuKQbzLF7E3_OFeXghkLO-_4LgH/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCvzFCxWrEUi_G2ZRHbjthiCmOOGfKmHp7-tLmGOSVeIO4RSx5c00G4RgiNZJqjvWCPklFb_DDHpBNYa3z3k9eTUHLK8qfW3OAd7DcFDvKQTlRlFXuMuKQbzLF7E3_OFeXghkLO-_4LgH/s640/IMG_5792.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Sometimes it's worth looking back from where you've come.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf4cPxTwmnhWFeyuTWAuCBieL1VpzcnedkTxNHu37iQDS0hUI8cSu2IOZBpmWOeGFJ66gv1Ttr2l0k8trqbotjLOIgQNv04bc6dmWjG2HkPAoIjlOYS03fF68XUn35fpeQDUL6287eXZn/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf4cPxTwmnhWFeyuTWAuCBieL1VpzcnedkTxNHu37iQDS0hUI8cSu2IOZBpmWOeGFJ66gv1Ttr2l0k8trqbotjLOIgQNv04bc6dmWjG2HkPAoIjlOYS03fF68XUn35fpeQDUL6287eXZn/s400/IMG_5796.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Around mile 47,<br />starting to feel a bit tired.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqipP2l6TWwLTXguEfEeegc-7PXJ0hX9o09r-RkqMinTY6S7MwFuS-v_74qdGbCjJmjk8shO6Jwp6bNglfzDZC4nraug-wqpzjluAobHnpn52MzvzVZZjbfFnmR5fIqEvx5iWb8vertbp/s1600/IMG_5797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqipP2l6TWwLTXguEfEeegc-7PXJ0hX9o09r-RkqMinTY6S7MwFuS-v_74qdGbCjJmjk8shO6Jwp6bNglfzDZC4nraug-wqpzjluAobHnpn52MzvzVZZjbfFnmR5fIqEvx5iWb8vertbp/s640/IMG_5797.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I love this race.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvV0wvRgS8zXvs5MHq7r_v9BKIUKSiwLW0XDg8j9NE0wEiTr1LsMW3GykYz0-a54Aq2uVpAAyfSlCENG7YFJPL5ffKcV4vVUVlq-Cdk3xALsCLzrl0ikFo9ij231Xdi3JNigKTyCfKl4k/s1600/11696486_10206065287863425_4029639325704847624_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvV0wvRgS8zXvs5MHq7r_v9BKIUKSiwLW0XDg8j9NE0wEiTr1LsMW3GykYz0-a54Aq2uVpAAyfSlCENG7YFJPL5ffKcV4vVUVlq-Cdk3xALsCLzrl0ikFo9ij231Xdi3JNigKTyCfKl4k/s400/11696486_10206065287863425_4029639325704847624_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Arriving at checkpoint #3<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MwKFVqDPsD8dcoBwA-Ffnu5FMwKEj1o7XxDhK1z0G3_TFzkWTlCsbxaHc9hUQr1eZG8lO_dWunxmkVzfCbTo8CIdvLVOdf-J8dVeKmfbY8QWiKoSIOIGO8ouN1Hr_u8WITmktH7bP6q2/s1600/Photo+Jun+20%252C+3+47+33+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #060202; float: left; line-height: 19.4039993286133px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MwKFVqDPsD8dcoBwA-Ffnu5FMwKEj1o7XxDhK1z0G3_TFzkWTlCsbxaHc9hUQr1eZG8lO_dWunxmkVzfCbTo8CIdvLVOdf-J8dVeKmfbY8QWiKoSIOIGO8ouN1Hr_u8WITmktH7bP6q2/s1600/Photo+Jun+20%252C+3+47+33+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MwKFVqDPsD8dcoBwA-Ffnu5FMwKEj1o7XxDhK1z0G3_TFzkWTlCsbxaHc9hUQr1eZG8lO_dWunxmkVzfCbTo8CIdvLVOdf-J8dVeKmfbY8QWiKoSIOIGO8ouN1Hr_u8WITmktH7bP6q2/s400/Photo+Jun+20%252C+3+47+33+AM.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Always happy to see my crew!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MwKFVqDPsD8dcoBwA-Ffnu5FMwKEj1o7XxDhK1z0G3_TFzkWTlCsbxaHc9hUQr1eZG8lO_dWunxmkVzfCbTo8CIdvLVOdf-J8dVeKmfbY8QWiKoSIOIGO8ouN1Hr_u8WITmktH7bP6q2/s1600/Photo+Jun+20%252C+3+47+33+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy</span></u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Checkpoint #3 - #4</span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miles 50-60</span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I struggled for the next couple of miles before finally getting to Annie and Aaron waiting at a road crossing. They had a big cup of hot vegetable soup waiting for me. <span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">I sat in the front of the car and worked my way toward the bottom of the cup. </span><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">It tasted so good!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"You got to get going," Annie said after a few minutes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Just a couple more minutes," I pleaded.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"You should get going," she reiterated. "I can have another cup waiting for you at the next checkpoint if you want."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most crew members will tell you of that fine line between keeping your runner moving forward and giving them the rest that they need. Annie knew that sitting in the car for ten+ minutes wasn't what I needed to be doing right then. The longer you sit in a comfortable seat, the easier it is to convince yourself that sitting sure beats running. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Let's get going," she nudged again.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Okay, okay -- I'll get up. <span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">With warm food in my stomach, I was feeling better and pushed on.</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The section toward Bridge of Orchy is arguably the most scenic of the course, and a perfect example of why I carry a camera with me.</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hit the checkpoint <strike>with some momentum</strike> <strike>with a little bit of momentum</strike> <strike>with a smile on my face</strike> very tired. I plopped down on the bridge and ate some more vegetable soup.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall time - 12:00:39</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall position - 23rd</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JVyc_cqLSjUywVCuCtCmOtJhHyou4S5Xj3vHsKnmAnCewYCDZ5ADM7PkmzYY2VhcInCzpjjNLu1wSdL8HR70gvMXQiZRfJLtp18XBoRXthaRVdME1UJZCfaBAbm1l01h717eDJx5Ryuu/s400/Photo+Jun+20%252C+4+37+37+AM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hot cup of soup and a coke.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><strike></strike></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0y26Ys3MPQ_G_cFs_ADqpBTuDIkf9OMmeKzBuFheYZg9iHqNIXbXERgcA-Pu8bV5KkaeovhD_jt9JByG9qmDxtPorh5QM-3j9E0-GFSfnboHjg3fWCeV_rmWYXVaeJVfpp27oE9hYIQ7/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0y26Ys3MPQ_G_cFs_ADqpBTuDIkf9OMmeKzBuFheYZg9iHqNIXbXERgcA-Pu8bV5KkaeovhD_jt9JByG9qmDxtPorh5QM-3j9E0-GFSfnboHjg3fWCeV_rmWYXVaeJVfpp27oE9hYIQ7/s400/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">This might be my favorite single<br />stretch of the West Highland Way.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2uJM_ZfsK5_ouA6oI_cV2ZE16vVNzwtJoURhwz0K9JpqJXkNrqZXdy-NDsg6wbTOZtiq1bByuAyUV8R93PrjtEuiFlpxOnirhm61HIlIGGgsK6Wus89kuwNg0xhcId8LFWNzzBpkLoOs/s1600/IMG_5811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2uJM_ZfsK5_ouA6oI_cV2ZE16vVNzwtJoURhwz0K9JpqJXkNrqZXdy-NDsg6wbTOZtiq1bByuAyUV8R93PrjtEuiFlpxOnirhm61HIlIGGgsK6Wus89kuwNg0xhcId8LFWNzzBpkLoOs/s400/IMG_5811.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Sheep.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGHVlxnLxHGF0fyx5xj7_UKevzSQwyg9iinVy5YlN_94zZblZdBrpzEJQicuVH82ULftf9pMUUZeuTkGJ78xhK6pou0-U1lt86TQnEzAeZh88Dh7nc7ioWDUxB1rLBMXhU5sPTbHV8E6W/s1600/IMG_5812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGHVlxnLxHGF0fyx5xj7_UKevzSQwyg9iinVy5YlN_94zZblZdBrpzEJQicuVH82ULftf9pMUUZeuTkGJ78xhK6pou0-U1lt86TQnEzAeZh88Dh7nc7ioWDUxB1rLBMXhU5sPTbHV8E6W/s400/IMG_5812.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">River Orchy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe Ski Area </span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Checkpoint #4 - #5</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miles 60-71</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There's a nice little climb directly after Bridge of Orchy. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About a half-mile up the climb I started throwing up. Everything came out, and then some. And then I kept dry-heaving.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not good. Not good!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With nearly forty miles still ahead of me, I needed to keep food and liquids down. There is no way I finish if I can't eat and drink.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I saw Annie and Aaron at another road crossing a couple miles later.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"My stomach's turning on me," I told Aaron. "I've been throwing up and dry-heaving. I haven't been able to keep anything down." </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't remember if Aaron said anything, but the worried look on his face was telling enough. Annie was running from the car with the body glide that I forgot to put on at the last checkpoint. I told her about my stomach.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Oh no," she whispered.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next nine miles are brutal and I needed to keep food down. <span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">I pushed on.</span><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was the section where my calf slowed me to a crawl in 2012. My calf was fine this year, but now it was my stomach that was slowing me down.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And there is a three mile stretch on this section that hit me with body blow after body blow. It was a tame section compared to much of the rest of the course, but the gradual climb and cobblestone-like surface plus my quickly depleting energy reserves simply made for a big struggle.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It took ten minutes to eat a GU and even then I was struggling to keep it down. I nibbled on a granola bar, but the smell of it was revolting my stomach. Sips of water felt like gallons. But, for a brief couple of hours, I was keeping down the little bit of food and drink I could force down.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The approach to the Glencoe ski area brought me through a moody landscape with miles of lonely views. The terrain dares you to continue.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My calorie intake was hours behind where it should have been, but I simply couldn't force anything down as fast as I needed to.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was able to run most of the mile long descent to the checkpoint where Aaron met me and walked me a few meters up to Annie and the check-in station.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Needing fuel badly, I plopped down on the ground near Annie and tried to force down some calories.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I don't feel great," I said.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Your stomach?" Annie asked.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Yes."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then I start throwing up again. Then again. A lot. I didn't think I had that much in my stomach. After I emptied everything, I kept dry-heaving. Not good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm at mile 71 and I can't keep anything down. 24 miles from the finish line and I can't keep anything down. In 2012, this is where I knew was injured, but we all decided that I was far enough under the cutoff time that I could still walk the final 24 miles to the finish line. (We ended up being wrong, of course.) </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I couldn't keep any food down, then I was less confident that I could make it to the finish line than I was three years before with a torn calf.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I have to keep going," I told Annie and Aaron. No sense sitting there throwing up if I could do that while I'm walking, I thought.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall time - 14:57:14</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall position - 28th</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgldW-p7BB5Z8aQGwbgyxwf-P5JNFAp71dhN2Vwrcjp6W9zrI1wK_3_hDkI9wzeELoNW3_tmlQyIrpYrN09HTKGLBFe2QDpxGXui99IyCbKnI3kRczifFgRdk5zD6CKUHQ0VK9PLiI09z4/s1600/IMG_5804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgldW-p7BB5Z8aQGwbgyxwf-P5JNFAp71dhN2Vwrcjp6W9zrI1wK_3_hDkI9wzeELoNW3_tmlQyIrpYrN09HTKGLBFe2QDpxGXui99IyCbKnI3kRczifFgRdk5zD6CKUHQ0VK9PLiI09z4/s400/IMG_5804.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">At a low point.<br />Can't keep food down.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOI3m4qcr7GUUR2vWD_nvLm8siJ-JvcNIObTcvqD6gTQjDLAjTkDycp4Dus5UuggaGS1M30BDB-1wXHS0iUHZgFb9Eah6xWYKLeu73sO3TeBaxaRpb4zLgV87aH-rHwXt2YdWMGXK8i287/s1600/IMG_5815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOI3m4qcr7GUUR2vWD_nvLm8siJ-JvcNIObTcvqD6gTQjDLAjTkDycp4Dus5UuggaGS1M30BDB-1wXHS0iUHZgFb9Eah6xWYKLeu73sO3TeBaxaRpb4zLgV87aH-rHwXt2YdWMGXK8i287/s400/IMG_5815.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I'm at a low point, but the views are still amazing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMEKX1uginBiXjyRZFdzBJ4N3KCjDZoPXyPhToHv95ZGYgSdjmKC1haPQSNNcjcaxdMdEaITDoSWKbHpQ9Xh9R8_DaMfn6aLDzGRZmeYrcLu96k5IkMRrwbGJ_z8DkPGz0ZYdhnq3B2Yh/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMEKX1uginBiXjyRZFdzBJ4N3KCjDZoPXyPhToHv95ZGYgSdjmKC1haPQSNNcjcaxdMdEaITDoSWKbHpQ9Xh9R8_DaMfn6aLDzGRZmeYrcLu96k5IkMRrwbGJ_z8DkPGz0ZYdhnq3B2Yh/s400/IMG_5817.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Near the top of the short climb<br />out of Bridge of Orchy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEN-h-6AMGeGnQQHX8ozH45Ag1Td75my43vSuV0SyZj8qoLCe_HAxm4VHTZJ311_sFCJZoktbRlXuyYPg5Lza3PQ6K9m2gu9qXPXJUUApIqeKMh7ljwMgLA1-6SRtTBCQ9ZeJbxR2PeNB/s1600/19145700168_a185dc0bfe_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEN-h-6AMGeGnQQHX8ozH45Ag1Td75my43vSuV0SyZj8qoLCe_HAxm4VHTZJ311_sFCJZoktbRlXuyYPg5Lza3PQ6K9m2gu9qXPXJUUApIqeKMh7ljwMgLA1-6SRtTBCQ9ZeJbxR2PeNB/s640/19145700168_a185dc0bfe_k.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Coming off the hill.<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronwhiteman/19145700168/in/dateposted/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZZKRNEMw3aDLyeCuwhZtdovP9bdtykshBswh2sVJdA5NZeVtC7w3dCBC3QVVh4w6JGrOaXqxuv2idAUBqEuLVGBKfB4VPEW3rMmCNCdF7CoAIAP6O3xkdOROhBeH38FdjChQjj2-RAiI/s1600/11289417_10206065288543442_8177694376796124935_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZZKRNEMw3aDLyeCuwhZtdovP9bdtykshBswh2sVJdA5NZeVtC7w3dCBC3QVVh4w6JGrOaXqxuv2idAUBqEuLVGBKfB4VPEW3rMmCNCdF7CoAIAP6O3xkdOROhBeH38FdjChQjj2-RAiI/s400/11289417_10206065288543442_8177694376796124935_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">This is when I saw Annie and Aaron<br />shortly after my stomach turned on me.<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCqGGPqx0XB2V0zcqkTFLwBOV4dMKLPXFSm3ZbsPaSZjLghsv9Yc8i9jnO9zpC9zT4zW5tPPuDqC2QGjiB-zIqzDxqmKIhfFIbPjzHuDDKLzEedudL8z30_ENf1cUAvMLGZGYDFgCufqt/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCqGGPqx0XB2V0zcqkTFLwBOV4dMKLPXFSm3ZbsPaSZjLghsv9Yc8i9jnO9zpC9zT4zW5tPPuDqC2QGjiB-zIqzDxqmKIhfFIbPjzHuDDKLzEedudL8z30_ENf1cUAvMLGZGYDFgCufqt/s400/IMG_5819.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The 'cobblestone' road to Glencoe.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2L0qkZezKF3vcwd3k72ARh-P0zZtz3Moe84a6mCHl1OpBh6SZwzjHieWYXVuV5KgEcbICgnuEzuC_vTlFRmxmJSSYyAdvLUIpC_U-9_dTemsGmeeGn55Xjmc-MIHl3hvESt2q_oLBSIS/s1600/IMG_5822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2L0qkZezKF3vcwd3k72ARh-P0zZtz3Moe84a6mCHl1OpBh6SZwzjHieWYXVuV5KgEcbICgnuEzuC_vTlFRmxmJSSYyAdvLUIpC_U-9_dTemsGmeeGn55Xjmc-MIHl3hvESt2q_oLBSIS/s400/IMG_5822.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Looking back as I get closer to the Glencoe ski area.<br />Another one of my favorite course views.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6yzN8G__sm6NDgJ5MzqKUp_GWma80ulirO5Nqp4DMAqxueWyhyoiwejoNanwgoAY3crerAcRhBosbNvjmYWiWln9KwfbvlgugIK-RHufHzcYYsTsOlLHf6zkca9pbcKLgshPWdkSl5zj/s1600/11722146_10206065288383438_2446770199009824851_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6yzN8G__sm6NDgJ5MzqKUp_GWma80ulirO5Nqp4DMAqxueWyhyoiwejoNanwgoAY3crerAcRhBosbNvjmYWiWln9KwfbvlgugIK-RHufHzcYYsTsOlLHf6zkca9pbcKLgshPWdkSl5zj/s400/11722146_10206065288383438_2446770199009824851_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Arriving at checkpoint #5<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvRCU5wH-A2tPuzWmGd5C8veLDUByh0OyKOE7V2e-yhmcZuAYGWcRjJzXM_hQg3rv62Y_ryrDbuQuBhwC4Xa5Kgl0ycOxnkSYqFklijyKfanSM55DsqV04MRl9wNd0oLj-nWIPy372-jr/s1600/Photo+Jun+20%252C+8+56+56+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvRCU5wH-A2tPuzWmGd5C8veLDUByh0OyKOE7V2e-yhmcZuAYGWcRjJzXM_hQg3rv62Y_ryrDbuQuBhwC4Xa5Kgl0ycOxnkSYqFklijyKfanSM55DsqV04MRl9wNd0oLj-nWIPy372-jr/s400/Photo+Jun+20%252C+8+56+56+AM.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Walking up to the checkpoint with Aaron.<br />Spent my time at this checkpoint throwing up.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Glencoe Ski Area to Kinlochleven </span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Checkpoint #5 - #6</span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miles 71-81</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About four miles up the road is Devil's Staircase, the race's big climb to the highpoint. There's a parking area there that's authorized for crew. Annie and Aaron were waiting for me at the bottom of Devil's Staircase with refueling supplies. I trudged toward them.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Where's the car?" I ask. They point across the street. "I need to sit down and regroup."</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">I was at my low-point. I hadn't been able to keep anything down since Glencoe. My energy was at 0.05%. I felt like I could barely move.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">I threw myself into the front seat and lowered the seat-back a bit.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">"I can't go on like this without any food," I said. "I need to keep something down."</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">I don't remember if I said it out loud or not, "In 2012 it was a torn calf. This year it's going to be my stomach." I was 20 miles from the finish line, and I didn't have the energy to move.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #060202; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I grabbed a banana and slowly worked on it. It took at least thirty minutes to eat. I sipped on some juice. I ate a small shortbread cookie. My feet were swelling so I loosened my laces. I put on a fresh shirt. I closed my eyes and let Annie and Aaron talk to me. I tried to make some jokes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Neither of them said anything about the race, but I knew they were just as worried about my ability to continue on as I was. We were all in this exact same spot three years earlier, down and almost out with a mountain to yet climb.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Should you get going?" Annie asked.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Just a bit more," I said. This was a rest I needed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then, after nearly fifty minutes of sitting in the car, I popped up ready for Devil's Staircase. Aaron walked with me over Devil's Staircase and into Kinlockleven in 2012 -- a 6.5-mile section that took me nearly eight hours on one leg. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This time, I was heading over the Staircase alone. Annie and Aaron had to make a detour all the way to Fort William during this next section so they could check us into our hotel. Our hotel hadn't given us permission for a late check-in, so Annie and Aaron had to find some time to squeeze that in mid-race!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"It might be as long as three hours," I warned them on my expected arrival to Kinlochleven.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Good," they said jokingly. "That will give us plenty of time to get to the hotel and back."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I headed up Devil's Staircase. I didn't feel so bad anymore. Wait, do I feel...good? Was that a magic banana?!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I fell in behind a couple guys who started up the climb ahead of me. I stayed with them for a couple minutes, but then I was actually feeling good enough to push on past them. I sipped on some water and some Gatorade, and my stomach was feeling fine.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I surged to the top of Devil's Staircase, paused to soak in the view from all directions, then started down the big, rocky descent to Kinlochleven. For a couple of miles I felt as though I were bounding. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had new life.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The descent is quite technical is spots, with big rocks slowing me to a walk several times. Even after the rocks fields, there were still rocks pounding at my feet and quads. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was making good time and now started to worry that I was going to beat Annie and Aaron to the checkpoint. I was going to be closer to 1.5 hours than the 3 that I thought it might take. This checkpoint was a medical stop too, so I needed to be weighed before they'd let me continue -- and Annie had my weight card. I pull out my cell phone (mandatory emergency gear) and turn it on to text Aaron that I'd arrive to the checkpoint much sooner than expected. No service, of course!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had to stop for a couple minutes just above Kinlochleven because I didn't know which way to go. There was an unclear intersection and no course markings, so I stood there and waited for another racer to catch up with me who was familiar with the course and he pointed me in the right direction.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I hit the pavement in Kinlochleven, I had a rush of emotion come over me. This was the spot in 2012 where Annie had rushed out to meet me after I was many hours overdue, and this was where I had to withdrawal in the middle of the night. To be running through town and feeling so much better this time was an incredible feeling.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Still, I was unsure if Annie and Aaron had made it to the checkpoint yet. I was running along the street and turned a corner to the checkpoint when a car pulled up beside me and I heard "Woooo!!!! Go Scott!!!!!!" It was Annie, and they were just arriving. Perfect timing!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"This is what a second wind looks like," I said to Annie and Aaron. We were all smiles.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was fourteen miles from the finish line, and I knew that I was going to finish.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall time - 18:29:03</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall place - 36th</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4FYo0iWVZxZ-ks34Z02CUsjpBUXfT0PTW19C6aTdFGByysvYaj25Pr4LaS3m4rWVIB0USJE6HeOv_OmJVulmISEKIRaYmwfTXRcWtOVX7h1U7empS1lzguDcKlfEndSDPCQwvexnVAhy/s1600/IMG_5826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4FYo0iWVZxZ-ks34Z02CUsjpBUXfT0PTW19C6aTdFGByysvYaj25Pr4LaS3m4rWVIB0USJE6HeOv_OmJVulmISEKIRaYmwfTXRcWtOVX7h1U7empS1lzguDcKlfEndSDPCQwvexnVAhy/s400/IMG_5826.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Just before Devil's Staircase.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4GHGjIvthwGgdULMFnMlynpAXrc_dWSPavVoEIX-R7_U5wVWypZ3MosxSeD3zGWy7f_JbcuHm3Y_UUo3meYJQpSSosS9PcJLGbVHgjMw0x82iUxAbXrV4l4mcJIH-4yUthmI8XFQzpfR/s1600/11705491_10206065288663445_122953293122084363_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4GHGjIvthwGgdULMFnMlynpAXrc_dWSPavVoEIX-R7_U5wVWypZ3MosxSeD3zGWy7f_JbcuHm3Y_UUo3meYJQpSSosS9PcJLGbVHgjMw0x82iUxAbXrV4l4mcJIH-4yUthmI8XFQzpfR/s400/11705491_10206065288663445_122953293122084363_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Annie waiting for me at Devil's Staircase.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">This is the look of a concerned crew chief.<br />And this is where I sat in the car for <br />nearly an hour to eat a banana.<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV5uBvP7IqjgeH1lRQVoh_hI7BFwOmNXCSp2onlNQcMYsz3X44SNx61B7tzIwKZcc5z6sZA-ONu6EWH9n66oee5bXm0ASQkLCVymdD_z0OycVVQLMK_jR-uPAhZihHCprIKN77cxZFlsF/s1600/IMG_5831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV5uBvP7IqjgeH1lRQVoh_hI7BFwOmNXCSp2onlNQcMYsz3X44SNx61B7tzIwKZcc5z6sZA-ONu6EWH9n66oee5bXm0ASQkLCVymdD_z0OycVVQLMK_jR-uPAhZihHCprIKN77cxZFlsF/s400/IMG_5831.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My second wind!<br />Feeling better near the top of Devil's Staircase.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdWXJ1QrVt0U5FNBTdEWAnwOiNYJNUO_4debqh2gwJxbgdtaTUTe_2snkWexnU05iWVCYugACraVuJRiZWLwVxJ0MNxjKM8yKrL6Sqn3mC9LhwrUKYEbCgP8hZeQCCVEM0GQMBkg7kiwU/s1600/IMG_5830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdWXJ1QrVt0U5FNBTdEWAnwOiNYJNUO_4debqh2gwJxbgdtaTUTe_2snkWexnU05iWVCYugACraVuJRiZWLwVxJ0MNxjKM8yKrL6Sqn3mC9LhwrUKYEbCgP8hZeQCCVEM0GQMBkg7kiwU/s400/IMG_5830.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Looking back down Devil's Staircase.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dyjPPOfn4yUH4gvUJv9Wb5Ca5QK1EFjsO5Ep_8HP03SdE4Ul8-u4uJvgdDNCTE-G4nggu56PrfxG_zIeoQih73L1V6BXNkCSaUSL4SPhG402CqU5-JAJRP6qYM0ZWvTvMFwzHgYfvFK_/s1600/IMG_5835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dyjPPOfn4yUH4gvUJv9Wb5Ca5QK1EFjsO5Ep_8HP03SdE4Ul8-u4uJvgdDNCTE-G4nggu56PrfxG_zIeoQih73L1V6BXNkCSaUSL4SPhG402CqU5-JAJRP6qYM0ZWvTvMFwzHgYfvFK_/s400/IMG_5835.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Top of the descent on the other side of Devil's Staircase.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEEs3erZJPKEL4U7BwT56cMVDnjg4-Q_PrOKGNEMDtKN0tcVetbzwLc3A2Y4PDDz3gUQDXuCLDw0-JT2FGfryeocGdJLIrwYeaMsW3FnJ4nDFSTLUEcBPBo5Sq3ixkwKcIaOnjOd9iC3w/s1600/IMG_5836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEEs3erZJPKEL4U7BwT56cMVDnjg4-Q_PrOKGNEMDtKN0tcVetbzwLc3A2Y4PDDz3gUQDXuCLDw0-JT2FGfryeocGdJLIrwYeaMsW3FnJ4nDFSTLUEcBPBo5Sq3ixkwKcIaOnjOd9iC3w/s400/IMG_5836.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A mile or so down the descent into Kinlochleven.<br />Two runners up ahead. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kinlochleven to Fort William </span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Checkpoint #6 - finish</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miles 81-95</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">I left Kinlochleven with a burst of adrenaline. This was all new territory for me; I'd never stepped a single foot on this part of the course. There's a nice climb leaving town, and then the course meets up with an old, rocky road through a breathtaking valley. The sun was getting low, and dark clouds were forming to make for some dramatic skies. I must have stopped twenty times to take a photo and look around. </span><span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">Sheep, rocks, rain.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was feeling quite blessed to be able to do what I do and to be able to be where I was at that exact moment in time. I don't think I took anything for granted, and I certainly hope that I never will.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Annie and Aaron were meeting me around mile 88. This would be the last place that they could see me before the finish. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since Devil's Staircase, I had been doing fine with stomaching GUs and fluids. But my twelve-mile high was starting to wear off. I was laboring more. GUs weren't going down as easy. The rocky road was doing a number on my feet. (Curse the rocks!)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remember reading somewhere that the mile 88 meeting point was in a forest. There wasn't a tree in sight.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Are you kidding me? I must be getting close!" I said out loud to the tree-less expanse.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally, after what must be the longest seven miles ever recorded, I turned a corner near the bottom of the valley and saw the trees and some cars parked in the distance.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"My second wind is gone," I smiled to Annie and Aaron as I shuffled up to them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I huddled up to the bonfire for several minutes to keep warm. We had debating on whether or not Annie would pace me for the final section to the finish line but ultimately decided that I'd push alone. The sun was just about to set and I put on my headlamp and headed up a little climb that felt like it was headed to the moon.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My feet weren't in great shape from the last few hours of rock pounding. I was hoping that the section through the forest to Fort William would be smooth and soft. And maybe it was, but after 90 miles every nighttime root and rock was starting to feel like mini-explosions underneath my feet.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's was getting close to midnight when the course finally left the forest and opened up to a valley below with the lights of Fort William in the distance. Across the valley stood Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, its shape silhouetted in the sky by faint moon and starlight. Dotted across the face of the mountain was a line of headlamps zigzagging toward the summit, climbers making their way in the dark. It was such a cool thing to see.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Below and not-so-far away, the lights of Fort William taunted me. It was a long descent downward, the path now a gravel (rocky!) service road. I ran the first mile or so, energized by runnable downhill so close to the finish. But that didn't last; my feet were shot and my quads had called it a day a few hours before. I walked the final section of the descent as several runners passed me obviously more energized than I was to be so close to the finish.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My stomach had turned again, and I hadn't been able to keep anything down in at least two hours, it seemed. So my energy was getting very low again. But I wasn't too concerned anymore because I knew I could crawl in from here. Sure would have been nice to have a little more finishing strength, though.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had made finishing before midnight a short-term goal back at mile 88, but I was still a little over a mile out when that goal came and went. I had reached the pavement of Fort William, and someone from a dark car yelled out that I was less than a mile from the finish. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About then I came upon a runner in a bit of distress. He was walking and wrapped in an emergency blanket. His pacer had her arms around him in a big bear hug to help keep him warm. I asked if everything was okay and she said he had just gotten really cold in his wet clothes. I offered my emergency blanket (required gear) and they gladly accepted. I dug it from the bottom of my pack and had a surprisingly difficult time getting it open. I guess my fingers were colder than I thought. I helped wrap the second blanket around him and asked if they needed any additional assistance. They thanked me and said they'd be just fine making it in the last little bit. I wished them well, then set off in a slow jog.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was getting deeper into Fort William and now there were people scattered here and there yelling well-wishes and congrats to me as I passed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"400 meters to go!" someone yelled.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My pace quickened. And it must have been a dusty part of town because my eyes starting watering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Left turn and there's the end of my journey: the Lochabor Leisure Centre and Annie's joyful scream. I swiped my timing card and handed it to the race official. "Congratulations," he said.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I finished.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall time - 23:10:12</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall position - 45th of 187 starters</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx9NjVUzpsgbzCGMvTvthep7RraO9L96GkvEDbG4qtoaQyroj1rHMNHhPiyLCx8ye8y7q5r_-gWzmKUhtBf7peyQMUEO7xAjCvHuzvjCNdsj4CJtb1YGSZ_tvw8ATK57Wi3MUQZ5yh0Na/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx9NjVUzpsgbzCGMvTvthep7RraO9L96GkvEDbG4qtoaQyroj1rHMNHhPiyLCx8ye8y7q5r_-gWzmKUhtBf7peyQMUEO7xAjCvHuzvjCNdsj4CJtb1YGSZ_tvw8ATK57Wi3MUQZ5yh0Na/s400/IMG_5843.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Looking back down into Kinlochleven.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMUm15D_0FQehklJYWqRlgnMxBH9nDi5S4KpEMxYhIPj0FnDgpgCMTUACpKd_xBXZl7ronAZLExvf1DuKG1ZyiDl7c7ZFaqcPw-kEYuEAPYo3viGszP29G_QhANAW4FlMKqNLHBPFgsrX/s1600/IMG_5842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMUm15D_0FQehklJYWqRlgnMxBH9nDi5S4KpEMxYhIPj0FnDgpgCMTUACpKd_xBXZl7ronAZLExvf1DuKG1ZyiDl7c7ZFaqcPw-kEYuEAPYo3viGszP29G_QhANAW4FlMKqNLHBPFgsrX/s400/IMG_5842.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Rocky climb out of Kinlochleven.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7oxinswXPW3xNxkbp34h6_rVKBtDHTxDzlwyNkmnHellEXNFcf1-P4ccR7de3rB3zJpNAQ6P30NSWvz-Kp2DNP_RhEF9aRhyphenhyphenJKjLGD8182ZywrOtCP3IJf2lAedrrtvSFko6pAy-bRLK/s1600/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7oxinswXPW3xNxkbp34h6_rVKBtDHTxDzlwyNkmnHellEXNFcf1-P4ccR7de3rB3zJpNAQ6P30NSWvz-Kp2DNP_RhEF9aRhyphenhyphenJKjLGD8182ZywrOtCP3IJf2lAedrrtvSFko6pAy-bRLK/s400/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Moody sky.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_gPD7GcvkqKDmgIJjLSh2Wya8e9bXhDUdShtanZpAhN_WEkoc_51LrsjsPI2XwC6nyDrrioHT2F8wTpIBxKIQgoNphn4dGiRi-brHhh2MDgctkT39f4ips9ilV0gZP_w4RH7N7ZaHwWn/s1600/IMG_5848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_gPD7GcvkqKDmgIJjLSh2Wya8e9bXhDUdShtanZpAhN_WEkoc_51LrsjsPI2XwC6nyDrrioHT2F8wTpIBxKIQgoNphn4dGiRi-brHhh2MDgctkT39f4ips9ilV0gZP_w4RH7N7ZaHwWn/s400/IMG_5848.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Moody sky and rain.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2CewMjoBezsivz75dpnriFgo9Or0zTWxbjj4n7QGQYDzex_h5SE-mULPgP-crcy9QK_X31JzRDPGv1ssmbck_22Pi-y6jB0KCb0JPV9miq_3BFaussm6Fyd9v8Sf8t_yekM-sagc-12p/s1600/IMG_5852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2CewMjoBezsivz75dpnriFgo9Or0zTWxbjj4n7QGQYDzex_h5SE-mULPgP-crcy9QK_X31JzRDPGv1ssmbck_22Pi-y6jB0KCb0JPV9miq_3BFaussm6Fyd9v8Sf8t_yekM-sagc-12p/s400/IMG_5852.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Miles of this was no fun with tired feet.<br />I wish I had worn my Cascadias for the last 20 miles.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZK3W1y1WiuEkS_25KBfYCxXRWYjtGu1H3xzLzMJ3ojOFDwBnjnKI8Hayp1SGQrBOBANy1hfI6SWwvnXKRzYinOjNn8x6_ytPcbaU4t5i1gLIterK8vvzQdTrP40yRzeG-VIF0LXgIvcS/s1600/11011500_10206065293783573_1177194253783553178_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZK3W1y1WiuEkS_25KBfYCxXRWYjtGu1H3xzLzMJ3ojOFDwBnjnKI8Hayp1SGQrBOBANy1hfI6SWwvnXKRzYinOjNn8x6_ytPcbaU4t5i1gLIterK8vvzQdTrP40yRzeG-VIF0LXgIvcS/s400/11011500_10206065293783573_1177194253783553178_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Coming into the mile 88 meeting point.<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEGEyE1qfx2O0DcsDtHOP4E9h5aY_mKfGL8Ab6g6Lg5_IOK6tlqb0G2O3j92Mz9gjJYCb6ZOAPjK8-5mjKCaSoYqQLYhusI38W91_AOa94rnC0svXNQ9pkdpBVom2lihNYwxXaNoAuUdy/s1600/11699080_10206065290743497_3008136311854996012_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEGEyE1qfx2O0DcsDtHOP4E9h5aY_mKfGL8Ab6g6Lg5_IOK6tlqb0G2O3j92Mz9gjJYCb6ZOAPjK8-5mjKCaSoYqQLYhusI38W91_AOa94rnC0svXNQ9pkdpBVom2lihNYwxXaNoAuUdy/s400/11699080_10206065290743497_3008136311854996012_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Finishing!<br />(photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/aaronwhiteman/">Aaron Whiteman</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">REFLECTIONS</span></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This wasn't possible without my amazing crew, Annie and Aaron. (And Joe and Megan who were with us in 2012!) I think they know how much I appreciate them being there for me. It's a sacrifice, of course. They didn't have to do this for me, but they did anyway. I'll be forever grateful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And a special thanks to my beautiful wife Annie. As hard as it is to deal with me and my adventures, she's as supportive as they come. None of my running would be possible without her.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">The West Highland Way family truly feels like a family. Even from thousands of miles away, I feel like I'll always be a part of the family. They are a welcoming and supportive bunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the end of my 2012 report I wasn't sure I'd ever have the opportunity to go back to Scotland and attempt the race again. I feel incredibly lucky that I did get another shot at it. This race has followed me since the very beginnings of my running career in 2007. It's been quite the journey, and I'm so proud that we were able to finish it this time.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">I finally got my goblet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7iumZsfsGnwJMLdhEBHMgb8UnxJnX8oh1aB661GUuo_YARSOI-Qkjc0h3LgYKc03D4Sf2EVpuy4kSp-M9dLCR_CIwcVQOaCD0Y8C6W4cZ_d53W6MN-h0LfM9akYbdOSAwsO1b7LyalXT/s1600/WestHigh-31817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7iumZsfsGnwJMLdhEBHMgb8UnxJnX8oh1aB661GUuo_YARSOI-Qkjc0h3LgYKc03D4Sf2EVpuy4kSp-M9dLCR_CIwcVQOaCD0Y8C6W4cZ_d53W6MN-h0LfM9akYbdOSAwsO1b7LyalXT/s400/WestHigh-31817.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm all smiles after receiving</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> my goblet at the prize-giving ceremony Sunday afternoon.<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.thatonemoment.co.uk/west-highland-way-race-2015">That One Moment</a>)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #060202; line-height: 19.4039993286133px;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4VnlvyrttdVevq4n-ExWgZyCkqZB2rMTZxe0GFn5IgUQxoBOfAng3s-x-tumdK6L8Oh5lqQhGOnYUEIPAJmAwCXjSv1kznv0YW0Uab8DsoAYHh9xNgBOfiauMXCLaAX_2KEMqADry94Z/s1600/FullSizeRender+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4VnlvyrttdVevq4n-ExWgZyCkqZB2rMTZxe0GFn5IgUQxoBOfAng3s-x-tumdK6L8Oh5lqQhGOnYUEIPAJmAwCXjSv1kznv0YW0Uab8DsoAYHh9xNgBOfiauMXCLaAX_2KEMqADry94Z/s400/FullSizeRender+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My goblet.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-37777505830058407362015-05-04T09:59:00.000-07:002015-08-04T09:59:20.790-07:00Bloomsday 2015<a href="http://www.bloomsday.org/">Bloomsday </a>is such a fun event. Even though I live in Salt Lake City now, I didn't want to miss it. Hopefully we can make the trip to Spokane each year for this race. So much fun!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It wasn't my fastest Bloomsday, as I expected, but I did qualify for second seed again which was my main goal. Dan and I ran together for most of the race.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://bloomsday.org/results/all-finishers?yr=2015&bn=721">RESULTS</a></div>
<div>
Official finish time - 46:33<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifA5fE0roNUgcMPsubsWkKOvYVOkbFRvUZj6mkYRJzGLRNoCXZ4_4SRER1bVwS6TzvrXRK8LvWpOg4wRsXj66UdlUlaf5-e60NeEPXtxe0NfMI0TDruw7LH3IKcQVwh05qalgjggLgrQr/s1600/bazu-6039195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifA5fE0roNUgcMPsubsWkKOvYVOkbFRvUZj6mkYRJzGLRNoCXZ4_4SRER1bVwS6TzvrXRK8LvWpOg4wRsXj66UdlUlaf5-e60NeEPXtxe0NfMI0TDruw7LH3IKcQVwh05qalgjggLgrQr/s400/bazu-6039195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWwkSMhCiAhiqXQ-xhkk3Dip-BQU_eUux5XaVnbPeZYDCYY5D-eYX2Z2zRJRSZR57msyBTAoKCaMfZJU3uknMx7USHI3Qj7gq0m1TNa1uUXGEU_VdSMFuL-_U8RJnIzndBfqgtUcZHAaB/s1600/bazu-6039230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWwkSMhCiAhiqXQ-xhkk3Dip-BQU_eUux5XaVnbPeZYDCYY5D-eYX2Z2zRJRSZR57msyBTAoKCaMfZJU3uknMx7USHI3Qj7gq0m1TNa1uUXGEU_VdSMFuL-_U8RJnIzndBfqgtUcZHAaB/s400/bazu-6039230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BhN_3f_WGCHWzh-e6ywYPrp6oP7yZ0ScUUZTMiIoDgUk72a-VRiZBgTUgSGoP8RPbZPgVKGn8gF-ztm4TDd0Lg13nIxtDlSaHhBaQFbYLsJWG9kqq1N6tazC8W-NZulnMyUCDgftAcY9/s1600/bazu-6086929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BhN_3f_WGCHWzh-e6ywYPrp6oP7yZ0ScUUZTMiIoDgUk72a-VRiZBgTUgSGoP8RPbZPgVKGn8gF-ztm4TDd0Lg13nIxtDlSaHhBaQFbYLsJWG9kqq1N6tazC8W-NZulnMyUCDgftAcY9/s400/bazu-6086929.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxonYNtfW8c94_QZxJsfkAbVpYsauO-OhyphenhyphenOyye81q0bKryAJFrLMQfAIgqjNyuMi8jzPZUnCLSC1AniUazHp_ux2D8Ps95f7QtcBjTprSfs54oXu0xhIRTe7-MQ2bgjSCM2DTy_cC3o_p/s1600/bazu-6014304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxonYNtfW8c94_QZxJsfkAbVpYsauO-OhyphenhyphenOyye81q0bKryAJFrLMQfAIgqjNyuMi8jzPZUnCLSC1AniUazHp_ux2D8Ps95f7QtcBjTprSfs54oXu0xhIRTe7-MQ2bgjSCM2DTy_cC3o_p/s400/bazu-6014304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr2zW4SviyDberJ5AEx4DAbNbfrny8OeX1krhvYCTYMbnWPq94A3rHbeV-WVTFh6ic0GKx4W9cq9mqztwMxpZXxDj5JoudwFymuQEDIbwjOh4iiwCkmy7nKtYe6v02YWbJg74jhlBrwLm/s1600/bazu-6019582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr2zW4SviyDberJ5AEx4DAbNbfrny8OeX1krhvYCTYMbnWPq94A3rHbeV-WVTFh6ic0GKx4W9cq9mqztwMxpZXxDj5JoudwFymuQEDIbwjOh4iiwCkmy7nKtYe6v02YWbJg74jhlBrwLm/s400/bazu-6019582.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD_Jg0msjeY7cxqr0ZNC3qheeb7h_VaI0pTLeYiZA8GUkUC_ZjccUBbH6SoYq6uPj5OUK-6CeKcfj3vGtolYw6z7lKfTd3YiiKyW9d8Ne33yPhiOiNZJSZcekAvr-_barEXjH3DU_9x4k/s1600/bazu-6071248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD_Jg0msjeY7cxqr0ZNC3qheeb7h_VaI0pTLeYiZA8GUkUC_ZjccUBbH6SoYq6uPj5OUK-6CeKcfj3vGtolYw6z7lKfTd3YiiKyW9d8Ne33yPhiOiNZJSZcekAvr-_barEXjH3DU_9x4k/s400/bazu-6071248.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNMnG6-CiAvJCnllbDeFVYs6ICfAEcuD4ifn90g2jQgT9HEAbRANPAOMUjJimLBPDrhH3VTek369PWx2wCFM5OtEa6xw4lfC9n3UUBh6kCIZn25H-Poa1jRD_5oOySZEFuYWgh3e6zEF6/s1600/bazu-6089912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNMnG6-CiAvJCnllbDeFVYs6ICfAEcuD4ifn90g2jQgT9HEAbRANPAOMUjJimLBPDrhH3VTek369PWx2wCFM5OtEa6xw4lfC9n3UUBh6kCIZn25H-Poa1jRD_5oOySZEFuYWgh3e6zEF6/s400/bazu-6089912.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-17120437425748047332015-04-06T08:26:00.002-07:002015-04-08T15:14:22.566-07:00Grand Canyon Trip - March 2015A few photos from our weekend trip to the Grand Canyon last month. It was my third time there and second time running in the canyon.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still haven't done the R2R2R, but there are plenty of other miles to see. My big run for the weekend was the Hermit-Tonto-Bright Angel route at about 24 miles long.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke-I19DXVUY4ojyCxZvh4UiquqTfFUeN3-uSMSfIe3gWthf4eimStZ5tk5JWraONNDYsymezkaAmJ6iBDE-zkrpawCQ-uhTiM6JvniaQIRtkrPf3bkyHLAc8LqrC78cZ5eKAOSnIh-6z8/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke-I19DXVUY4ojyCxZvh4UiquqTfFUeN3-uSMSfIe3gWthf4eimStZ5tk5JWraONNDYsymezkaAmJ6iBDE-zkrpawCQ-uhTiM6JvniaQIRtkrPf3bkyHLAc8LqrC78cZ5eKAOSnIh-6z8/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Bend overlook near Page, AZ<br />
(on the way to the Grand Canyon)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuSiY4NIwlDwgHKpBFNScwPfNPc_y5vEpoLsocSgjOUzq8jJDMWnAWWQY_SkWntNTEdYks-DC-dOu_N2wdKWwWEF4-wg_Q3FMN-tUJRJSqybgW1aykMliMfNJ5shtxmxGGOTjySbms9HX/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuSiY4NIwlDwgHKpBFNScwPfNPc_y5vEpoLsocSgjOUzq8jJDMWnAWWQY_SkWntNTEdYks-DC-dOu_N2wdKWwWEF4-wg_Q3FMN-tUJRJSqybgW1aykMliMfNJ5shtxmxGGOTjySbms9HX/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" height="125" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermit Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtgzLG9bWiFdB7hE5Qgv89hIpzRuv4m_Am8K6FoYyk4NyGdQAtNYNr4WvIr8xBOBwcsHRrPtZVCUj4ijFBmYG4Zd6K61RcyfsY6dUdTBPrb53GtC8eVkVQZwJVgDYTk3HGGS-uSXql1sM/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtgzLG9bWiFdB7hE5Qgv89hIpzRuv4m_Am8K6FoYyk4NyGdQAtNYNr4WvIr8xBOBwcsHRrPtZVCUj4ijFBmYG4Zd6K61RcyfsY6dUdTBPrb53GtC8eVkVQZwJVgDYTk3HGGS-uSXql1sM/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" height="114" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermit Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWJTQS2xb4T4z4JpGJK3wMU0klB4Hh-sfMcFGMeuy0uvI8CUCatjAg7KdBzVXKgSiC1jP39lnJ_gDWq5mP_zhUjzAfy__iSq9CG28D-ZNbRbJHUFDktisyVka7UcW6YwootCoJRZHOGsx/s1600/IMG_4975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWJTQS2xb4T4z4JpGJK3wMU0klB4Hh-sfMcFGMeuy0uvI8CUCatjAg7KdBzVXKgSiC1jP39lnJ_gDWq5mP_zhUjzAfy__iSq9CG28D-ZNbRbJHUFDktisyVka7UcW6YwootCoJRZHOGsx/s1600/IMG_4975.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermit trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8JFHDWpJozuoFEY4swxYvxOxRXpPPPq329GHaY1PlwyaQkOfmuDqCfSYJh4mNrgYgJz86G7APz-wDrq6NdI9JxsqpVNdcWqVzI6kWKJFl5wZAH-Z_FLUvtqEK_Y-9pFFqpiogOdiCb_j/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8JFHDWpJozuoFEY4swxYvxOxRXpPPPq329GHaY1PlwyaQkOfmuDqCfSYJh4mNrgYgJz86G7APz-wDrq6NdI9JxsqpVNdcWqVzI6kWKJFl5wZAH-Z_FLUvtqEK_Y-9pFFqpiogOdiCb_j/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" height="165" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Steps on Hermit Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh251YGd1_5V1z7zE18G1p2_uy4gK-phs3KUy6b9mKlhz9QqRPAwGfBE1flwnlIxiV1KhUTHxLQKmZuMbj4OhI6GQXapqYx_PFEYaayjij_v2IuGodxkpF7W2wldjLcAX-1sCcVf3opE8F8/s1600/IMG_4977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh251YGd1_5V1z7zE18G1p2_uy4gK-phs3KUy6b9mKlhz9QqRPAwGfBE1flwnlIxiV1KhUTHxLQKmZuMbj4OhI6GQXapqYx_PFEYaayjij_v2IuGodxkpF7W2wldjLcAX-1sCcVf3opE8F8/s1600/IMG_4977.JPG" height="142" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzcgdAORo3FKOQ0CgM0G5Lwrmjyh8HrVo5k98guIe1CCsMFl2Kk1LIcBzzLO6zSzmXXv91zrTQjSw1W7iPf1hE0LHEFoLCkfX6rMYtBw9Cu49gMELnelm25h5xBUXmmn1neJlliDGkmvw/s1600/IMG_4979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzcgdAORo3FKOQ0CgM0G5Lwrmjyh8HrVo5k98guIe1CCsMFl2Kk1LIcBzzLO6zSzmXXv91zrTQjSw1W7iPf1hE0LHEFoLCkfX6rMYtBw9Cu49gMELnelm25h5xBUXmmn1neJlliDGkmvw/s1600/IMG_4979.JPG" height="130" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfgbES6RHOyRAXJ_A7PoICEjlsEHn4eTryCHPj2l9ekg4xPp6JbHgBjZNwoYJrkFJ_1Iri7xMuLqcVK4EpGxqCzripbqoc-jiL2S5Zhq-MdDwkpaLVyeV6lKpFlS0sel4AFklwP5xO46s/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfgbES6RHOyRAXJ_A7PoICEjlsEHn4eTryCHPj2l9ekg4xPp6JbHgBjZNwoYJrkFJ_1Iri7xMuLqcVK4EpGxqCzripbqoc-jiL2S5Zhq-MdDwkpaLVyeV6lKpFlS0sel4AFklwP5xO46s/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" height="146" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt2QZc0NuKs_fwkLNxsRuNGLqiFjTweXPOHDybX0dZ_U0wfhjYUsiWWtW8zifsLQr3Y8eB_odyCkbRA5sOdJxZtxAEBF9GrE6-O7QunlqtPrezPjWZ1aOPKlnbZbSKHfRZ7I1WZlJnSdH/s1600/IMG_4980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt2QZc0NuKs_fwkLNxsRuNGLqiFjTweXPOHDybX0dZ_U0wfhjYUsiWWtW8zifsLQr3Y8eB_odyCkbRA5sOdJxZtxAEBF9GrE6-O7QunlqtPrezPjWZ1aOPKlnbZbSKHfRZ7I1WZlJnSdH/s1600/IMG_4980.JPG" height="137" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh46dyxf50YHdEtCwaFwu14o2H0U9G-0cYuy9vbsIe99zS_O0d8hhpSGru63s7L0AjBwGLh2lTrvxUIn07YCniEVpui4ESlemQtLF9lgE5ceiXWVK1ldVGvcNXqzZfixaC0sZ08oI06bkI/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh46dyxf50YHdEtCwaFwu14o2H0U9G-0cYuy9vbsIe99zS_O0d8hhpSGru63s7L0AjBwGLh2lTrvxUIn07YCniEVpui4ESlemQtLF9lgE5ceiXWVK1ldVGvcNXqzZfixaC0sZ08oI06bkI/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" height="113" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjoDqX54HMN_HfFVq9JSjj-5iux5G2-Z32kN8miRtTnWKQADl9QqBX1WviwzTHB-YBVyWX6pjCIeZHfZZJH5fNJVFmmSn_afrrRmIGh7b-uBxDSNWldyIsPjF6cLNjsMEBHh__MFBWIkL/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjoDqX54HMN_HfFVq9JSjj-5iux5G2-Z32kN8miRtTnWKQADl9QqBX1WviwzTHB-YBVyWX6pjCIeZHfZZJH5fNJVFmmSn_afrrRmIGh7b-uBxDSNWldyIsPjF6cLNjsMEBHh__MFBWIkL/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" height="132" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKkH_WtiRdVhxadwFXv5OAlZoUK4wyGaocn-b-lm7Q4Z8DXUdj2A_wxC5R6zWGhJ8S8bOhbuF7AHCKYGZiCIyJfH4jrlHE3Mx7_8_ofm6qCXCOrI5fJFSiwx7kWSGWO1LpwhPoXtpV9DZ/s1600/IMG_4983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKkH_WtiRdVhxadwFXv5OAlZoUK4wyGaocn-b-lm7Q4Z8DXUdj2A_wxC5R6zWGhJ8S8bOhbuF7AHCKYGZiCIyJfH4jrlHE3Mx7_8_ofm6qCXCOrI5fJFSiwx7kWSGWO1LpwhPoXtpV9DZ/s1600/IMG_4983.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Angel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-19193321832549950672015-02-11T17:19:00.002-08:002015-02-22T09:35:51.329-08:00Rocky Raccoon 50 - race report<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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>
Well, that was fun!<br />
<br />
I consider Rocky Raccoon my hometown race, even though it's been over a decade since I moved away from Texas. I grew up just south of Huntsville State Park and remember visiting the lake and trails when I was a kid. Rocky is always a 'maybe' as I plan my race calendar each year. Not only is it a fantastic race with great ultrarunning history, famous aid stations, and high energy all day long, but it's also close to all my family who still live in the area and it's a great excuse to visit.<br />
<br />
This is my second time running the <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/Rocky50.html" target="_blank">Rocky Raccoon 50</a>. I also ran the 100 a couple years ago.<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2008/02/rocky-raccoon-50-mile-trail-run-race.html" target="_blank">2008 Rocky 50 race report</a> - with my dad)<br />
(<a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2013/02/rocky-raccoon-100-race-report.html" target="_blank">2013 Rock Raccoon 100 race report</a> - my sister ran the 50)<br />
<br />
Below is a photo of me and my dad on the 50-mile course back in 2008. This was less than a year after I started running, and it was my dad's first 50-mile finish.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwseC5SHyMVQ7hHmXvtzlwZ8bQXrEo_J4dOIceXeO5XUWZqEd11smDqNlt_RYIJE88biER20MbdPaRqMxwSfWHNAFstiiDbDlwRwLFQKriq5Yoi3KUiIUWkyIjsZ7Cd87Enx80wjMOigJs/s1600/Dad+rocky+2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwseC5SHyMVQ7hHmXvtzlwZ8bQXrEo_J4dOIceXeO5XUWZqEd11smDqNlt_RYIJE88biER20MbdPaRqMxwSfWHNAFstiiDbDlwRwLFQKriq5Yoi3KUiIUWkyIjsZ7Cd87Enx80wjMOigJs/s1600/Dad+rocky+2008.JPG" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008 Rocky Raccoon 50 with my dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And here I am with my sister before the 2013 100 (me) and 50 (her). Rocky Raccoon is always a family affair.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhSbb0mQbwVNZNgKhFnezkodC8nwWzTYZu-yoT_3GhJsMbYgfCH_kd9C20IMGbsZvCOJfID_lHYVtptc-yxqWG1vWBOC1VthmjjjrtY2U9iszcUVKYwtkWtPKU84i-XDupWBKXwnwGVOs/s1600/Mel+rocky+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhSbb0mQbwVNZNgKhFnezkodC8nwWzTYZu-yoT_3GhJsMbYgfCH_kd9C20IMGbsZvCOJfID_lHYVtptc-yxqWG1vWBOC1VthmjjjrtY2U9iszcUVKYwtkWtPKU84i-XDupWBKXwnwGVOs/s1600/Mel+rocky+2013.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Melanie before the 2013 race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Pre-race</b></u><br />
<br />
Late last year, my buddy, Buzz, was throwing around the idea of doing Rocky for his first 50-mile race. He asked if I would be interested in running it with him. I said, 'of course!'<br />
<br />
As always, my main concern with a winter race is training for it. Buzz was training in Springfield, Illinois, and I was training in Salt Lake City. Luckily, it's been a super-mild winter my first year in Salt Lake City, so training was about as good as I could have expected. Buzz was dealing with colder temperatures than I was, but he said training was going pretty well too. We'd touch base every couple of weeks to see how training was going.<br />
<br />
When January hit, we started thinking about some race goals. This was his first 50, and this was going to be my first time racing a flat, non-mountainous 50. So neither of us knew exactly what to expect in terms of a finish time. We hoped to run together as long as we could and finish together if possible. But we were both 'racing' it, so if one of us felt better late in the race he would shoot ahead.<br />
<br />
In early January, we set our finish time goal as sub-8 hours; this time seemed safe and reasonable to both of us.<br />
<br />
By the end of January, we had decided that we should go for 7h30m.<br />
<br />
The week before the race, I noticed that the Rocky <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/docs/Rocky50__Age.html" target="_blank">age record</a> for 25-year-olds (Buzz's age) was 7h10m, so I suggested we set that as our A-goal knowing that we'd have some room to still get under 7h30m even if we crashed a bit.<br />
<br />
The day before the race, I said we might as well go out on a sub-7 pace just for the heck of it. Buzz said, 'Sure. Why not.'<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nkPkck_Pg-of_CDkG3RjdHsvdMEn5_GAxlFjVMlBV0WBIrbmwqfFXX0Ta1IDr_GRqiRJrHlzFrdzZuv_TiLUxZ7AHoAYQtb-xAeM5TC-AXDQP5rkVerDU4Fmobex_QD9hSR3yLgGeMf/s1600/map_RR50_course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7nkPkck_Pg-of_CDkG3RjdHsvdMEn5_GAxlFjVMlBV0WBIrbmwqfFXX0Ta1IDr_GRqiRJrHlzFrdzZuv_TiLUxZ7AHoAYQtb-xAeM5TC-AXDQP5rkVerDU4Fmobex_QD9hSR3yLgGeMf/s1600/map_RR50_course.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course Map<br />
3 x 16.67 loops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCjAgB7udhNGHtMDwM453QDM5iJNaNuvQG0zztLUz7q4X3tgJccN8cIwLg76_8aUjT4Kbh3yEd8friRpDW0YVeCJnJoNMLQo8lG5HuMtskbwdE_pZbroP7YwdB2wLFb1JqIhuP0i-y8AT/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCjAgB7udhNGHtMDwM453QDM5iJNaNuvQG0zztLUz7q4X3tgJccN8cIwLg76_8aUjT4Kbh3yEd8friRpDW0YVeCJnJoNMLQo8lG5HuMtskbwdE_pZbroP7YwdB2wLFb1JqIhuP0i-y8AT/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Buzz a few minutes before the start,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Loop 1 (Mile 0-16.67)</b></u><br />
<br />
You'll read how great the volunteers and organizers are in any Rocky Raccoon race report you see. The people there are a huge reason why this race consistently receives high praise. And the looped course through the state park allows for quite a few places for friends, family, and spectators to pull up a chair and watch the race. The start/finish area is bursting with energy from about 5:00am through the end of the race. This was the second year that the 100 and 50 have been split into separate weekends, so there wasn't <i>quite</i> the buzz this year as there was in other years I've done this (since there were fewer runners and spectators), but it was still a great atmosphere at the start.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOKmvFqvvFvBUIXFArIEtqLTVlIgL7C273n6L7Y97nt5LaLpqTQcya1w953n9fGHLRnPU2t1us_oRh-8onRP6QmvT7lyM6JzwesHeMD_a0D-VAZ6bm_b-Go7MrHf4xM8zh2LSElvky-nY/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOKmvFqvvFvBUIXFArIEtqLTVlIgL7C273n6L7Y97nt5LaLpqTQcya1w953n9fGHLRnPU2t1us_oRh-8onRP6QmvT7lyM6JzwesHeMD_a0D-VAZ6bm_b-Go7MrHf4xM8zh2LSElvky-nY/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6:00am start.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Buzz and I knew a 7h30m finish would likely put us in close to the top 10, so we worked our way toward the front of the start line. The first hour of the race is in the dark, so we hoped to get in an uncrowded position early on so we didn't have to deal with the course's infamous roots in a crowd in the dark. By mile 1 we saw only a handful of headlamps in front of us and only a few behind us.<br />
<br />
By the first aid station a little past mile 3, our Garmins were reading significantly different mileage (we were both wearing 310xt). By mile 10 or so, our mileage was reading about half a mile off from each other. We weren't sure whose was closer to accurate, but we played it safe and started using the shorter reading as our pace maker. Finishing the first loop (a known 16.67 miles) would be when we'd calibrate how far off our Garmins were.<br />
<br />
The sun came up and there was a beautiful, foggy mist through the pine forest and across the lake. We saw two, maybe three people in front of us on the straightaways where we could see ahead of us for several hundred meters, but we didn't know how many had shot out of sight early on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzO1pm9D8xB2QU_uW83PRowFbXdDxHqtKrFqd0c7uHoDRocxIsfIVP4b-aHwXoSPAH1TQmmWaaVAN3PT5o-oYXc9UbaNMM2sL7UiTWAncCjl5gQQOJCiIByWol3BsrqBeNyeyMdRlfz5or/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzO1pm9D8xB2QU_uW83PRowFbXdDxHqtKrFqd0c7uHoDRocxIsfIVP4b-aHwXoSPAH1TQmmWaaVAN3PT5o-oYXc9UbaNMM2sL7UiTWAncCjl5gQQOJCiIByWol3BsrqBeNyeyMdRlfz5or/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foggy Lake Raven at daybreak.<br />
This photo is from Annie when she rented a boat <br />
and went fishing during our first lap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We wanted to hold 8:30min/miles as long as we could, which would put us on pace to finish just over 7 hours. Around mile 10 or 11 someone sped up behind us as though he were out for a walk in the park. He ran with us for a few minutes and we all chatted. His name was Derek, he forgot his headlamp so had held back early on to run near groups of headlamps, and he had run competitively in college.<br />
<br />
That's about when one of Rocky's infamous roots popped up to roll Buzz's ankle and send him into a somersault on the trail. Buzz walked it off but had a noticeable limp in his gait for the next mile or so. We were a bit worried, but after a couple more miles his gait was back to normal and his ankle strong enough to keep at the current pace.<br />
<br />
Derek's buddy had caught up with us, and then they both shot ahead looking to push the pace. We were holding at our A-goal pace, so we had no desire to follow. We guessed we were in 5th or 6th place, but we wouldn't know for sure until the out-n-back at the end/start of the loop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeT7dbr5CVLOYH4lZy_Eq3up_aCb0jhNCRnTVklVZ8TOrG2WZ3Bz4AuhcFqSTQUIfyQxAlhlLuYgEO-YOIojfGYBc4rvDhV3Iu-A3EvV8O59tHZ9VvuBacAtwpevopx1Gmsj-vDZfYK4U/s1600/129017-001-006f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeT7dbr5CVLOYH4lZy_Eq3up_aCb0jhNCRnTVklVZ8TOrG2WZ3Bz4AuhcFqSTQUIfyQxAlhlLuYgEO-YOIojfGYBc4rvDhV3Iu-A3EvV8O59tHZ9VvuBacAtwpevopx1Gmsj-vDZfYK4U/s1600/129017-001-006f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun is up and the smiles are out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoc4Jj3sYDzp7YCDHVKl6DfyJBoGp6ULA_5Ju5t8b0LSluy68CHx0BHASKm9ZZQInCw6AR8RwBexQWK6do5US8TAz1B0MQqVq8_FBskPDQ919mxD2BHCb-RsxZRbKJ92bj3JmF0PgUFbZ/s1600/129017-029-032f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoc4Jj3sYDzp7YCDHVKl6DfyJBoGp6ULA_5Ju5t8b0LSluy68CHx0BHASKm9ZZQInCw6AR8RwBexQWK6do5US8TAz1B0MQqVq8_FBskPDQ919mxD2BHCb-RsxZRbKJ92bj3JmF0PgUFbZ/s1600/129017-029-032f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A forced smile only 15 miles in?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We saw the lead runners on the out-n-back section at the end of the first loop. We guessed the first two guys were about a mile ahead of us. Another two (Derek and his friend) must have been only a few minutes up. Another guy passed us just before the turnaround. So we counted ourselves as 6th and 7th place. And our Garmins were way off -- we were running a bit faster pace than our watches said and we came in over 3 minutes faster than our A goal. "At least we weren't slower than we thought," we said to each other. Not too big of a deal, we just knew to re-calibrate our pacing to slow down a bit for the second loop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gallery.backprint.com/gallery/4531442/129017-062-015f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://gallery.backprint.com/gallery/4531442/129017-062-015f.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzz and I approaching the end-of-loop turnaround area.<br />
Dropping off my headlamp and refilling my vest.<br />
#96 passing us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Loop 1 time = 2:16:59<br />
Loop 2 time = ---<br />
Loop 3 time = ---<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Loop 2 (Mile 16.67-33.34)</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
The sun was out (and it still wasn't too warm). There were a bunch of people cheering at the end of the loop. We were energized.<br />
<br />
We had settled into a nice rhythm and were feeling strong. We briefly entertained the idea of picking up the pace to 'give it all we got' but quickly laughed that off because we still had 33 long miles to go.<br />
<br />
I'd changed my fueling plan from previous races to increase my gel intake. Instead of a gel every 45 minutes, Buzz convinced me to take one every 30 minutes. I was a little worried how my stomach would handle this change, but it seemed to have been a smart decision all day long.<br />
<br />
Loop 2 was all about being smart. We let the other guys pull away from us until we couldn't see them anymore on the few straightaways. The famous 'DamNation' aid station folks had fun with our closely matching outfits. (We didn't plan it, we promise!) Runners hit this aid station twice each loop, so they were sure to let us know each time we passed that we had by far the best bromance on the course. It's hard not to leave any of the Rocky aid stations without a smile on your face (though it's easier when you're running the 100...).<br />
<br />
Around mile 28, we passed Francisco Garza, the guy who was running in a close second place when we saw him near the turnaround over an hour before. He was bent up against a tree trying to stretch. We asked if he was okay and he said he was just feeling a bit tight. We wished him well and moved on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7o9_cUF8kCjVsisCUgoIz_mwCFCJk5flIYplB98H5GUoA3DZlADGwlh8bKh8bpFtY85S5lFcuSfYWInhj_4hEEuCBgx5qEAU9yw8YcFmQ7tJn-3VxhiPy3N5Qnooj1VSDXd8XHo6L_6s/s1600/129017-031-006f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7o9_cUF8kCjVsisCUgoIz_mwCFCJk5flIYplB98H5GUoA3DZlADGwlh8bKh8bpFtY85S5lFcuSfYWInhj_4hEEuCBgx5qEAU9yw8YcFmQ7tJn-3VxhiPy3N5Qnooj1VSDXd8XHo6L_6s/s1600/129017-031-006f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping pace near the end of loop 2.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I knew some of my family were going to try to make it to part of the race. They hoped to be there for at least the end, but it was possible they would be there earlier. It gave me a burst of joy and adrenaline when we approached the end of loop two and saw my brother Adam and his family (Jen and two twin infants), my sister Lisa and her family (Travis and two girls), and Annie cheering wildly for us. (Annie didn't catch any fish.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBkheHcusOKehCSGPwDFal0OcEgIfRq3uOxrtvoUIC1rO3J-N_bZAutQvpqcCrYqVtG2L0zPByjHjDLjzzGm7Zbv9ESQgox2AEPGBMyjasPp_FWxHJkxiBmrKzIP4b7tReuBUGWB1QYWG/s1600/129017-094-007f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBkheHcusOKehCSGPwDFal0OcEgIfRq3uOxrtvoUIC1rO3J-N_bZAutQvpqcCrYqVtG2L0zPByjHjDLjzzGm7Zbv9ESQgox2AEPGBMyjasPp_FWxHJkxiBmrKzIP4b7tReuBUGWB1QYWG/s1600/129017-094-007f.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing loop 2 and deciding it was time to raise the roof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We had only seen one person (Derek) on the out-n-back section, and he was about a mile up on us. We saw another guy, #96, at his drop bag. So where did everyone else go? We guessed the guy leading after loop 1 must have put a big enough gap on us that we missed him on the out-n-back section, but Adam says he only saw one guy leave.<br />
<br />
Buzz and I made a quick transition and left for loop three thinking we might - somehow - be in 2nd and 3rd place. (Turns out there had been a couple of drops in front of us.)<br />
<br />
Loop 1 time = 2:16:59<br />
Loop 2 time = 2:20:01<br />
Loop 3 time = ---<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Loop 3 (Mile 33.34-finish)</b></u><br />
<br />
As we hurried out for loop 3, #96 had finished at his drop bag and was only a few meters behind us. Again, Buzz and I resisted the temptation to make a big push this soon, and we agreed to keep our own pace. We still weren't 100% sure that we were 2nd and 3rd, but we both said out loud, "how cool would that be if we both made the podium?"<br />
<br />
And a sub-7 was still on my mind. We'd have exactly 2h23m (only three minutes slower than our 2nd loop) to hit 7 hours. Hold steady!<br />
<br />
After a mile or so, we no longer saw #96 behind us...but the thought that he was probably <i>just around the corner</i> behind us gave us some nervous excitement.<br />
<br />
The DamNation folks at mile 39 confirmed that our bromance was tied for second place at the moment with the leader, Derek, about six minutes in front of us. "Reel him in!" they said, but Buzz and I knew that he'd have to come back to us if we were to catch him.<br />
<br />
About then is when Buzz started walking some sections that I wanted to run. After a couple more miles (back through DamNation again) and a couple more walk breaks, I told Buzz I was going to push ahead.<br />
<br />
I was certainly starting to feel the fatigue, but I felt strong enough to hold at the current pace. We had slowed a bit with some of our walk breaks, and I thought a sub-7 was probably just out of my reach. My attention turned to trying to break 7 hours. The lead runner would have to crash hard for me to pass him, so I wasn't dwelling on where he was ahead of me.<br />
<br />
By the last aid station, with 4.5 miles to go, my arithmetic was getting a little fuzzy but I figured I still had an outside shot at sub-7, so I tried to push it. (My 48th and 50th miles were two of my three fastest of the day.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tKeakupdAXNiWxv9IIh92cP0nJ8rxexAMJfMGr80MCz8S799qq7mfNlGahmitTlDFyUzE_T4s4zHmRnHyHZdMVHx71j-d9gN8Ag68tmjv1Oh3JDPMX8r-00AA-MzPla_PhaIGq-4d3S7/s1600/129017-051-027f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tKeakupdAXNiWxv9IIh92cP0nJ8rxexAMJfMGr80MCz8S799qq7mfNlGahmitTlDFyUzE_T4s4zHmRnHyHZdMVHx71j-d9gN8Ag68tmjv1Oh3JDPMX8r-00AA-MzPla_PhaIGq-4d3S7/s1600/129017-051-027f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a final push.<br />
(passing second-loopers)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I knew where the two-miles-to-go mark was on the course, so when I hit it at around 6h43m on my watch, I knew that I was safely going to break 7 hours. That gave me another boost of adrenaline, and it felt like I glided those last two miles in through the finish chute. Again, it's always special to see my family out at the race. I hope I never take that for granted. I had a huge smile on my face as I high-fived everyone on my way to the finish.<br />
<br />
Annie was waiting for me at the finish line with a big smile on her face. I couldn't have felt happier. I doused myself with cold water and gave her a big hug.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2U-sOEEEGD-KNAvZ4gAxnv9B_rlnCvhXLNquZO9zcTgRQDfHNH_qF5ljNUoUdnVb_uZ1Doiqf9WJqz3A_Y15XSjJSeNoJRVgfOqdRFF-7TuDIgub28JuEVeMxQWaNI34H5ZjfwI50bYj/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2U-sOEEEGD-KNAvZ4gAxnv9B_rlnCvhXLNquZO9zcTgRQDfHNH_qF5ljNUoUdnVb_uZ1Doiqf9WJqz3A_Y15XSjJSeNoJRVgfOqdRFF-7TuDIgub28JuEVeMxQWaNI34H5ZjfwI50bYj/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Lisa captured this shot <br />
of Adam and Jen greeting me just before the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy9ixe06BneAkl-VY_15pQ7y_A6gunnnfmVWjwRF4YDEwNizXMFgats-ULPMgarghOtQhnX4DKSGsmRVHY6f47GMSuztpEeI4-4gRyDheLndMgR0ecaUn3VNn00lH8in4hH-GqdTtGJMO/s1600/129017-109-018f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy9ixe06BneAkl-VY_15pQ7y_A6gunnnfmVWjwRF4YDEwNizXMFgats-ULPMgarghOtQhnX4DKSGsmRVHY6f47GMSuztpEeI4-4gRyDheLndMgR0ecaUn3VNn00lH8in4hH-GqdTtGJMO/s1600/129017-109-018f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another angle - slapping hands with Adam<br />
and Jen just before the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0ydCmxTW3j0MsPspyBRW7PKzhZXuvSEVsnw7TlrHakMHQgw4RSjW_ucNgpE0gTE3jRY8qRGog0ypccZwpupCkpZozlr-m2EZ_ls9_MvW2HD5rDt7tHqbYMfonEJf1mVS2wS9va2RbxhT/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0ydCmxTW3j0MsPspyBRW7PKzhZXuvSEVsnw7TlrHakMHQgw4RSjW_ucNgpE0gTE3jRY8qRGog0ypccZwpupCkpZozlr-m2EZ_ls9_MvW2HD5rDt7tHqbYMfonEJf1mVS2wS9va2RbxhT/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging through the finish line.<br />Photo from Lisa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF_48PpFTFPt53R7pizY97gnoLkXo26KihFkcR9qFpXldQkXqaDPNscUPzNsaYGfP16V1RtIbZ9pQi6kg9y0tTMoebmvTrCFLehENuntE_SqXDXE99oU7KLPGEXg00twkiFJYvDnRfrJz/s1600/129017-111-036f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF_48PpFTFPt53R7pizY97gnoLkXo26KihFkcR9qFpXldQkXqaDPNscUPzNsaYGfP16V1RtIbZ9pQi6kg9y0tTMoebmvTrCFLehENuntE_SqXDXE99oU7KLPGEXg00twkiFJYvDnRfrJz/s1600/129017-111-036f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hit my A goal and finished with an official time of <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/docs/Rocky50_res_2015.html" target="_blank">6:57:55</a>. It was quite the surprise - and it still feels a little surreal - to come in second place at Rocky Raccoon. </div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Loop 1 time = 2:16:59</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Loop 2 time = 2:20:01</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Loop 3 time = 2:20:55</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/docs/Rocky50_res_2015.html" target="_blank">Total time = 6:57:55</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--------</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now the excitement was waiting to see if Buzz would hold on to third place. I changed my shirt and Annie and I perched ourselves at the finish to wait for him. It was awesome to see him turn the corner into the finish chute only a few minutes later in third place. Not bad for his first 50.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDGa5iPPYU0uwo5fGUbATXh0hLwUjUcU3L8vYy4GFWq-GqvUTkuxmZE05gz69nDsoKh2K_459Cp_8avgPx0oswwbCez36K7ZAdCMVAp0L-b0h5kx_Dlp58Il6yHldEG5NiW-Svqf1pG4D/s1600/IMG_4359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDGa5iPPYU0uwo5fGUbATXh0hLwUjUcU3L8vYy4GFWq-GqvUTkuxmZE05gz69nDsoKh2K_459Cp_8avgPx0oswwbCez36K7ZAdCMVAp0L-b0h5kx_Dlp58Il6yHldEG5NiW-Svqf1pG4D/s1600/IMG_4359.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after Buzz crossed the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeH_-P8-O0ekPd4ES6gxBupyXblyVnBOTbMgT_jElARaHRTPTBCeT3d0RjbkcP5diV_IBbU0zUswbh9PhpeX3r8GDw91lqIVokqjXIehmlkfERYzV2Yar5LMuXYhI0bw6YRSkL2TVZb_8/s1600/129017-112-018f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeH_-P8-O0ekPd4ES6gxBupyXblyVnBOTbMgT_jElARaHRTPTBCeT3d0RjbkcP5diV_IBbU0zUswbh9PhpeX3r8GDw91lqIVokqjXIehmlkfERYzV2Yar5LMuXYhI0bw6YRSkL2TVZb_8/s1600/129017-112-018f.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1JcApxbltxZxXSkF47tZmAXzIHWVj4XoUDN6p-CBTTwPBiwSXOK7gzDK4sVUxVXBoZZUGSeZTjATsB0isDJhKxDwcYxaoDZfIg6MSGdtQ10Zk1K_RAkn19AqVWTgJyhyphenhyphenwiTCY6um-pfK/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1JcApxbltxZxXSkF47tZmAXzIHWVj4XoUDN6p-CBTTwPBiwSXOK7gzDK4sVUxVXBoZZUGSeZTjATsB0isDJhKxDwcYxaoDZfIg6MSGdtQ10Zk1K_RAkn19AqVWTgJyhyphenhyphenwiTCY6um-pfK/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A massage and nap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now for some rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Keep running!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Scott</div>
</div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-18279172860722739162015-01-16T12:16:00.000-08:002015-01-26T07:51:23.903-08:00Winter training in Utah for a winter race in Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What's the single best thing to do when winter training in Utah for a winter race in Texas? Go to Santa Catalina Island, CA!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Annie and I when to Catalina for our honeymoon, and it was easy access from our hotel to get up into the amazing trails and dirt roads that crisscross the island. It was a perfect week of winter training (and not a bad honeymoon either).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN4tnTIJodUV7dvK_Z5R3-juMgqUC6qlvAvvf_wjUqO2J8__c_S3Cf3tL5CZfp6MPuHxLB8rYVzS6elhGtHsfvgr-It1WTaTmQZpnCIuej4CmZL61N7FfRe_ru8dqx_401jN22IqaKHph/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN4tnTIJodUV7dvK_Z5R3-juMgqUC6qlvAvvf_wjUqO2J8__c_S3Cf3tL5CZfp6MPuHxLB8rYVzS6elhGtHsfvgr-It1WTaTmQZpnCIuej4CmZL61N7FfRe_ru8dqx_401jN22IqaKHph/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping to enjoy the view atop<br />
one of Catalina's highest points,<br />
Blackjack Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37uCGSh87n4Zq9KHce_FEv_gyCauVykGg1bL_Dc0D8dwT4QIryMdOq0Jjyx5AR_o6Fr2VkNy-z71L2fVaOsXAdZDHCDPJzsBkQQQI9QzZtV3_e05At1Al1nMRlI5fBqLuWdBygmQno4bM/s1600/IMG_4072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37uCGSh87n4Zq9KHce_FEv_gyCauVykGg1bL_Dc0D8dwT4QIryMdOq0Jjyx5AR_o6Fr2VkNy-z71L2fVaOsXAdZDHCDPJzsBkQQQI9QzZtV3_e05At1Al1nMRlI5fBqLuWdBygmQno4bM/s1600/IMG_4072.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single-track above the ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDIBMJbL-ujtENV9cdaIKDkeFASlDH31phXdjouM2Pd2r4q-t0OHqaHU9nHNDNn566wwcGpGexvSNHw3dXa1AFBYjeEJ2J0BQJgIjX_hh-N9hhc7KtyjLXZd2J8N0tTaGOjH9JUzQsx2p/s1600/IMG_4078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDIBMJbL-ujtENV9cdaIKDkeFASlDH31phXdjouM2Pd2r4q-t0OHqaHU9nHNDNn566wwcGpGexvSNHw3dXa1AFBYjeEJ2J0BQJgIjX_hh-N9hhc7KtyjLXZd2J8N0tTaGOjH9JUzQsx2p/s1600/IMG_4078.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Trans-Catalina trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But now back to Utah. Registering for warm-climate winter races has backfired on me before. It always sounds nice to get away to a warm climate during winter, but the reality is there are often difficult training conditions in the harsh winters at home. So I've been relatively under-trained at my previous attempts to race during the winter. Once I even had to skip the warm, out-of-state race I was signed up for because a winter storm in Pullman kept me from getting there.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess I haven't learned, though. I am registered for the <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/Rocky50.html" target="_blank">Rocky Raccoon 50</a> in Huntsville, TX next month, and I hope to have a strong race. My buddy, <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2014/12/zion-traverse.html" target="_blank">Buzz</a>, will be racing Rocky too. It will be his first 50, and he's hoping to race strong too.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my first winter in Salt Lake City, so I was a little uneasy about what training would be like. But so far it hasn't been a harsh winter, so training has been fine. Not great, but better than most winters. Yes, there have been some days when the infamous Salt Lake City inversion has trapped nasty <a href="http://img.ksl.com/slc/2489/248961/24896110.jpg" target="_blank">smog</a> in the valley making it not so fun to run outside. And yes, there was been a storm that kept me inside for a day (30mph winds, sub-zero windchill...but it was a rest day anyway!). The mountains, for the most part, have been too snowy to 'run' -- lots of good hiking with an occasional trail that's packed down enough to run. Since I'm training for a flat and fast 50, I need to get some actual running in. There are a couple of parks near our house that have ~1.5-mile loops, so I've been using them mostly for my mid-week stuff.</div>
<br />
Antelope Island, in the middle of the Great Salt Lake, has been a great place to find some runnable trails. There's a 29-mile, all dirt loop around the island that was mostly snow free last week. It was a good training run.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHjiZOcxhWMMTbTcXIx2XvqhLRPPnh2p7ea8wl97OOTn3ZUvUaHJskwmYDj6zLs06d7dER_NGxePZ5jV52JwJwy5lljiZHQdPVQGiKlB7KXZlJ6jnrguOuBeoFtaUpkILwVtoKYFMOIOf/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHjiZOcxhWMMTbTcXIx2XvqhLRPPnh2p7ea8wl97OOTn3ZUvUaHJskwmYDj6zLs06d7dER_NGxePZ5jV52JwJwy5lljiZHQdPVQGiKlB7KXZlJ6jnrguOuBeoFtaUpkILwVtoKYFMOIOf/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" height="162" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antelope Island and a foggy sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubcxufxAHvZtqHbUwqhXHBDIWDIXMfJyz42YGHIPfCJnvRzF0cwLXYdRwfPUP3iP_EWXFnlna_JcQ4y6ED41olinciHedbELmp8Ama7UTxSwThDVqYTdOwNpafk1ypIZ0YQROuRQaFDBc/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubcxufxAHvZtqHbUwqhXHBDIWDIXMfJyz42YGHIPfCJnvRzF0cwLXYdRwfPUP3iP_EWXFnlna_JcQ4y6ED41olinciHedbELmp8Ama7UTxSwThDVqYTdOwNpafk1ypIZ0YQROuRQaFDBc/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison traffic jam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Cws8vI8wSEGAjy09QGgfS-fxE_DZF2ZYh2ACt2UwpJwYcK3h2AIbImO9kqEtRoSJU6oDVt6cc7eYoe_WKaZodKjjk8w9DsTS_zGdqbIRKaS4aznCSvBCGrb1QNk1GosSKiQf_86OW9Uv/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Cws8vI8wSEGAjy09QGgfS-fxE_DZF2ZYh2ACt2UwpJwYcK3h2AIbImO9kqEtRoSJU6oDVt6cc7eYoe_WKaZodKjjk8w9DsTS_zGdqbIRKaS4aznCSvBCGrb1QNk1GosSKiQf_86OW9Uv/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great single-track</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtL2b0n6ie1hR_sF7l7-j4iLl1okk8kmJTJxATYEBVM2hAK5IoDsWE0qUp3qtcmdqnO1Y6LUTGWyBm1f986ANBbvlb5gQBOC0bsOHYEZjLX2khwq30jQqA-FIuRBaUeYpoMrWAVsDUGvO/s1600/IMG_4228+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtL2b0n6ie1hR_sF7l7-j4iLl1okk8kmJTJxATYEBVM2hAK5IoDsWE0qUp3qtcmdqnO1Y6LUTGWyBm1f986ANBbvlb5gQBOC0bsOHYEZjLX2khwq30jQqA-FIuRBaUeYpoMrWAVsDUGvO/s1600/IMG_4228+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">A bison standing guard on the pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_CYmlMZwtEvYPppvU_mGgt6yWntuRkh7-uOxbyU213BxGXF3-MhkJR2QYjCpQ4pbVaZAoeAQov68g9rLO3F1QkQTpdrn9IqE7ehJJQJmyGSEqP7Cb7oSBuo5KtA6JwDKn5NmdmqPUqHh/s1600/IMG_4235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_CYmlMZwtEvYPppvU_mGgt6yWntuRkh7-uOxbyU213BxGXF3-MhkJR2QYjCpQ4pbVaZAoeAQov68g9rLO3F1QkQTpdrn9IqE7ehJJQJmyGSEqP7Cb7oSBuo5KtA6JwDKn5NmdmqPUqHh/s1600/IMG_4235.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lonely dirt road on Antelope Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4gBHVE2uynKsbCfAWgLDX4GuyCjU-X_gDCp-sOT4IVaGa9gBokJGrbC4ofBNYN-vK3hDIIHzi5zFT-UFGHUO4JXkomawDW9O8K7uj161e51jIFWeIM2Ry6DLhweMVKGHBHoObiATLi-w/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4gBHVE2uynKsbCfAWgLDX4GuyCjU-X_gDCp-sOT4IVaGa9gBokJGrbC4ofBNYN-vK3hDIIHzi5zFT-UFGHUO4JXkomawDW9O8K7uj161e51jIFWeIM2Ry6DLhweMVKGHBHoObiATLi-w/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lonely dirt road on Antelope Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, I feeling pretty good for Rocky. I certainly won't be in peak fitness, but I'm happy where I am right now considering that it's the middle of winter in Utah.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXUeOZ-4q3iZeNuMLyQr3sJsFZ01GgOjb4WQOb26AYbC6aqT3RyFIOT1hnpecuvl1fpik8WpVFrS8o8JvY_OH-nHA3SZd10JI7ku4C2cFXaaAE8iHGRpDFEry2MbjTxuVTPaKK7wd5Gbd/s1600/IMG_4264+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXUeOZ-4q3iZeNuMLyQr3sJsFZ01GgOjb4WQOb26AYbC6aqT3RyFIOT1hnpecuvl1fpik8WpVFrS8o8JvY_OH-nHA3SZd10JI7ku4C2cFXaaAE8iHGRpDFEry2MbjTxuVTPaKK7wd5Gbd/s1600/IMG_4264+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandeur Peak trail with Sadie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-ScottScott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-2021244907569019152014-12-09T15:43:00.001-08:002014-12-09T15:43:40.160-08:00Zion Traverse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Buzz: </b>Hey, I'll be in town for a couple days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Me</b>: Cool. Want to run across Zion National Park?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Buzz:</b> Sure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KDqs5ePP0gYEjA7RSBiFNAnTPxONXhwmc4qHn7thtpTw2zwp2mcvvuQPciovdhIu5IhNfmpg6RkLzRQxq2D9eBXeGOLO6L2vZxpd4d2bD9gf6zEQzlSjQjhbhkfC0hIOZ18f-YuQkXQa/s1600/Zion+Traverse+Overview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KDqs5ePP0gYEjA7RSBiFNAnTPxONXhwmc4qHn7thtpTw2zwp2mcvvuQPciovdhIu5IhNfmpg6RkLzRQxq2D9eBXeGOLO6L2vZxpd4d2bD9gf6zEQzlSjQjhbhkfC0hIOZ18f-YuQkXQa/s1600/Zion+Traverse+Overview.png" height="163" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview of the route</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MriMPznTKRo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtgCjKyBGVbi0ca6dy5Tf_i2L9DLoQNueKpWIAtE2z0L_42hwrANtD3jukTVHQ5JxQqtZDCivF7EuvHIMJdcuJJDp35ApXghGGVIwUFnhj8hG3aPJ-203K-XU2dafj43vGBi-v3RYD87R/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtgCjKyBGVbi0ca6dy5Tf_i2L9DLoQNueKpWIAtE2z0L_42hwrANtD3jukTVHQ5JxQqtZDCivF7EuvHIMJdcuJJDp35ApXghGGVIwUFnhj8hG3aPJ-203K-XU2dafj43vGBi-v3RYD87R/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgI6sdPn-5BHsPPatI_H9Vq7Ru8cWHTzaSheoCXFVKD7q1VKRR6ViDIi_-o0O4njj9KsKG3up8tkFCaMvRSXQevFoJRZz9FTnfBpTyLUNXlS05ahfdehD7G-ekooPZRJhNrVlXuakWZPH/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgI6sdPn-5BHsPPatI_H9Vq7Ru8cWHTzaSheoCXFVKD7q1VKRR6ViDIi_-o0O4njj9KsKG3up8tkFCaMvRSXQevFoJRZz9FTnfBpTyLUNXlS05ahfdehD7G-ekooPZRJhNrVlXuakWZPH/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWap640a0c3kEVBYZRY8ufgf6e9zhSjGEZZhxSbw1uRx2YhKuhPJSj8qyUuWy1_UdJZh7Kxc9XHLiCAlGFr9ODm65Vzo6mH_x8GwxhXlryRFieJ4yAjXMbv-ahAEE_io_taPhPK4mwJAk/s1600/IMG_2872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWap640a0c3kEVBYZRY8ufgf6e9zhSjGEZZhxSbw1uRx2YhKuhPJSj8qyUuWy1_UdJZh7Kxc9XHLiCAlGFr9ODm65Vzo6mH_x8GwxhXlryRFieJ4yAjXMbv-ahAEE_io_taPhPK4mwJAk/s1600/IMG_2872.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimElp50p0wiTsZyQD5fWaCf4FH-q9SVkyV7gw-sBAlhT5-dS74OvGkLGOHkyV-SEa1NoBZSQuw5GuKo5ScRMMJWRKEWvirY28tV0iGY3xQQzL82aWq9UkS7fkprX9DZJZXOYxg-pnRK-aR/s1600/IMG_2874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimElp50p0wiTsZyQD5fWaCf4FH-q9SVkyV7gw-sBAlhT5-dS74OvGkLGOHkyV-SEa1NoBZSQuw5GuKo5ScRMMJWRKEWvirY28tV0iGY3xQQzL82aWq9UkS7fkprX9DZJZXOYxg-pnRK-aR/s1600/IMG_2874.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-hNOA8T6pqv8KoY4SsO-2OaJ5kB2ZdrEwYyfoDPY3A3Ueq2mr39rXkpw5dVgG8gogvlMEerQuq8CB7oHJ1L3XdDsqZ-AXdRs0FTq3ZndMhgDcFSCdGcV5iHkRq1ue1i-C1DX1FIGL_jC/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-hNOA8T6pqv8KoY4SsO-2OaJ5kB2ZdrEwYyfoDPY3A3Ueq2mr39rXkpw5dVgG8gogvlMEerQuq8CB7oHJ1L3XdDsqZ-AXdRs0FTq3ZndMhgDcFSCdGcV5iHkRq1ue1i-C1DX1FIGL_jC/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNqNuTr6hyphenhyphenXzYQM_7HeVV8RJ8H1HfoRVJHWsb_BptLukFgH8MEZwKrwEzcBmb-2_osdjs_fom_v8r6fnZKXCmLQH-jc8VlzwH2d4TkrEyVw8zvEIT75oV6ZimYFry3_dcY9uZHnYomBO1/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNqNuTr6hyphenhyphenXzYQM_7HeVV8RJ8H1HfoRVJHWsb_BptLukFgH8MEZwKrwEzcBmb-2_osdjs_fom_v8r6fnZKXCmLQH-jc8VlzwH2d4TkrEyVw8zvEIT75oV6ZimYFry3_dcY9uZHnYomBO1/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhQMSqVK-eipByMEI5EQu2RpKhLVb-jlKGpSp8jHUP6yp1a8boDtwU-pnUxYaGw6yd7Tted881mqsvPaNZnGfBBEtuVIXxyrc0u-_xIVNp4cGPr9IkrTt417ujBfgqcSGGuJP7eZT-FTI/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhQMSqVK-eipByMEI5EQu2RpKhLVb-jlKGpSp8jHUP6yp1a8boDtwU-pnUxYaGw6yd7Tted881mqsvPaNZnGfBBEtuVIXxyrc0u-_xIVNp4cGPr9IkrTt417ujBfgqcSGGuJP7eZT-FTI/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuLY-5vZMkGKnKin0Fxa7Zz9Mh6qXzDBmGye85924Ftvi3-e1TvjgpXpQrFeCOLymCuB8wGklMSUoHVTRStrtnNKlQW74HBcdhct0rdZ8nlz3biiMRcyRilQbKgPenu-sXAEBEVjzlpVh/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuLY-5vZMkGKnKin0Fxa7Zz9Mh6qXzDBmGye85924Ftvi3-e1TvjgpXpQrFeCOLymCuB8wGklMSUoHVTRStrtnNKlQW74HBcdhct0rdZ8nlz3biiMRcyRilQbKgPenu-sXAEBEVjzlpVh/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx9BGO_xRFZNvfIr90Kjvyg5ZZBsMMyD89GFRm7pyKk4B16Wrrrgwi5KLOkmKtoi_xlAKzUGKOoEc-k9a3Ua5mlbxnYuDoUDWtxyowMcaxzMb6PR0liC2wEqzNVWwD0cz1RW8HYl5xnKy/s1600/IMG_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx9BGO_xRFZNvfIr90Kjvyg5ZZBsMMyD89GFRm7pyKk4B16Wrrrgwi5KLOkmKtoi_xlAKzUGKOoEc-k9a3Ua5mlbxnYuDoUDWtxyowMcaxzMb6PR0liC2wEqzNVWwD0cz1RW8HYl5xnKy/s1600/IMG_2915.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTik1B5kk4n1G2LY3c-CTEQZPzNG9JD_4H3115jxhO1PU0SeLbv8bZr3q9jdCYpnAISlgq2Sj0Mh5vSML4qGvi1U9fvbSH2sDg5RwTEswR-ghl_bjg4QeF-KORQEKGNoehRcaG1TGJi1j/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTik1B5kk4n1G2LY3c-CTEQZPzNG9JD_4H3115jxhO1PU0SeLbv8bZr3q9jdCYpnAISlgq2Sj0Mh5vSML4qGvi1U9fvbSH2sDg5RwTEswR-ghl_bjg4QeF-KORQEKGNoehRcaG1TGJi1j/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgkwNjUDSM67wWfg7t2bzwMw8sh-ZJrcyyE-kH1c5GsQvuPGD6lEJzyKRuXHdaEllaCwhgSfkulxRa-8aWUXStpzgi56L9MEa2sG7qF7xdglw2ZgO6MhPa1IsNc3-1QduN9nLslj7dOb_/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgkwNjUDSM67wWfg7t2bzwMw8sh-ZJrcyyE-kH1c5GsQvuPGD6lEJzyKRuXHdaEllaCwhgSfkulxRa-8aWUXStpzgi56L9MEa2sG7qF7xdglw2ZgO6MhPa1IsNc3-1QduN9nLslj7dOb_/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzTjTmCh39jVofvP1Sp5u_Fdyx1fIyYQ3DPsGxiwfhdUxYr9lD7Y1_K2TG_lWVP1qjdmCh-SAcV1QF2dOydGg7QRaG57tOZbqjYNRfaJToTTNUYafHnwFil8jAl4X2_-ToJ2oTsMHhp3w/s1600/IMG_2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzTjTmCh39jVofvP1Sp5u_Fdyx1fIyYQ3DPsGxiwfhdUxYr9lD7Y1_K2TG_lWVP1qjdmCh-SAcV1QF2dOydGg7QRaG57tOZbqjYNRfaJToTTNUYafHnwFil8jAl4X2_-ToJ2oTsMHhp3w/s1600/IMG_2926.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TeE1uutVCGWWxqSPCjpJ7h4iQiLh6bfnnTYcQeFeUo2G1JoBAdpxSNl9FmESztd_I1ZNg0mYqxgLeH1sbJ8n6ceGHGmMkfTYM1j9QPPFM2f_yWgznFeuL8d71mdveWA6sDb1tsBdJV4T/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TeE1uutVCGWWxqSPCjpJ7h4iQiLh6bfnnTYcQeFeUo2G1JoBAdpxSNl9FmESztd_I1ZNg0mYqxgLeH1sbJ8n6ceGHGmMkfTYM1j9QPPFM2f_yWgznFeuL8d71mdveWA6sDb1tsBdJV4T/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2E7zd7DidytjrgNKAcuJRjFYwhJmYnx8p5PCBv9Bg6i9sdBbjmEv9G2sOa_SclAUSKyMdfSLxKb8_py-v6cyEV7rhydfQlCZEbIYZErmZEEjAPDeGIre-GmgBfg2n246-X7iJDw52Epz/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2E7zd7DidytjrgNKAcuJRjFYwhJmYnx8p5PCBv9Bg6i9sdBbjmEv9G2sOa_SclAUSKyMdfSLxKb8_py-v6cyEV7rhydfQlCZEbIYZErmZEEjAPDeGIre-GmgBfg2n246-X7iJDw52Epz/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fno-QHiA_RvdvswRpxUH4CYe4hFY5SmQesrHD6DmVfPXqeaelb_jx_GLqJt34KUk7JlcOkWpX3NWcPgr5s3El2qXuxMA8QrsxkjncumO039Algznfm_VishrVjk7yDa9YOXm39lH10s9/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fno-QHiA_RvdvswRpxUH4CYe4hFY5SmQesrHD6DmVfPXqeaelb_jx_GLqJt34KUk7JlcOkWpX3NWcPgr5s3El2qXuxMA8QrsxkjncumO039Algznfm_VishrVjk7yDa9YOXm39lH10s9/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpihjAl4kLE98xD4V37zy4qOCqLKFh9iFee1g-IXT9j59a3uImQp31SThpD2QQRyYQlMd_1uJAB4NC4HlZ0h_OKgSo5i_lylxUSubTsePfv5OVDCW5au-EAWQ0IXm9rImKgXS_7uT_XSMe/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpihjAl4kLE98xD4V37zy4qOCqLKFh9iFee1g-IXT9j59a3uImQp31SThpD2QQRyYQlMd_1uJAB4NC4HlZ0h_OKgSo5i_lylxUSubTsePfv5OVDCW5au-EAWQ0IXm9rImKgXS_7uT_XSMe/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYCqn_Fk-kf2xwexb8xJP8aJVHD87yaW1ritjgpzqdmOmG8mi7L6sAc-jfRBVw7KTklTVFlKyTQZ6T1PoHNHXAmWfjDPIWjrdsrWZPUqx_PyhCkh8YhsDa5S83fVKbbaH_0jlDyN3HXTx/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYCqn_Fk-kf2xwexb8xJP8aJVHD87yaW1ritjgpzqdmOmG8mi7L6sAc-jfRBVw7KTklTVFlKyTQZ6T1PoHNHXAmWfjDPIWjrdsrWZPUqx_PyhCkh8YhsDa5S83fVKbbaH_0jlDyN3HXTx/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12Q1OQRQPwhAXBevSQdnegfqMtazvBKxfx0U6WbzGHzR-yeSZfHT3v75ZSgttFHn86FhPG-oz-Sg26ejCETxTyhJcCE6HdvM4UeMt_YbVLDIWIjuAPhkdwaDYz_ar8PCmlk11JUOeqJwd/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12Q1OQRQPwhAXBevSQdnegfqMtazvBKxfx0U6WbzGHzR-yeSZfHT3v75ZSgttFHn86FhPG-oz-Sg26ejCETxTyhJcCE6HdvM4UeMt_YbVLDIWIjuAPhkdwaDYz_ar8PCmlk11JUOeqJwd/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWv2MFYPcf7EzR2AWaF6P9SAzH_gY9UKPN64k45r9bvhqCf14i70BP9Z8YTobFQQbO-hLs2Q80jyD2rT4n0Gn6WUYXjjemYYKxkIpuINO44bkllCN_9LFg4ufaQIGfNkQcLx-3N_-l0m0/s1600/IMG_2987_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWv2MFYPcf7EzR2AWaF6P9SAzH_gY9UKPN64k45r9bvhqCf14i70BP9Z8YTobFQQbO-hLs2Q80jyD2rT4n0Gn6WUYXjjemYYKxkIpuINO44bkllCN_9LFg4ufaQIGfNkQcLx-3N_-l0m0/s1600/IMG_2987_2.JPG" height="237" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKnico7j91nw6XNonBolQu4bG28gKUYpV-2OwcGUkqwJmNm3Yve-nmw2_FfAS-JBkBukDQYH7ICM2LpY9myXJaRNX5ERyJ4dx0bv3h-Um1R853gMMuB3_nG1F7wtsPQXpf-fFm1zu17q-/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKnico7j91nw6XNonBolQu4bG28gKUYpV-2OwcGUkqwJmNm3Yve-nmw2_FfAS-JBkBukDQYH7ICM2LpY9myXJaRNX5ERyJ4dx0bv3h-Um1R853gMMuB3_nG1F7wtsPQXpf-fFm1zu17q-/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMwU1V7S__acKMmmMW0KjvAR4KS8GtZ4Hkv5RN0lrytEJxxmdbGF0M2EpFAx93PZGnvvM_v1rmT7dyOPajMgwbdcPEkuBZ44AvmydLV35eBaRbTlLs9C8m8tPumW3pnONangDHmfV-WzP/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMwU1V7S__acKMmmMW0KjvAR4KS8GtZ4Hkv5RN0lrytEJxxmdbGF0M2EpFAx93PZGnvvM_v1rmT7dyOPajMgwbdcPEkuBZ44AvmydLV35eBaRbTlLs9C8m8tPumW3pnONangDHmfV-WzP/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT0mrgDXtMBZ1zY2gAVmrn2OdEJawP2VRllz_ZLA0mbBvGB8PvOxl6gFbMw_Mp4WJV_H5HodcZMblaQY7W0jZRl6OlOTO1-9qT170aZoPCmeyHX9gKeXyEDjTmB6_LU69sXPNskEyM9S9/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT0mrgDXtMBZ1zY2gAVmrn2OdEJawP2VRllz_ZLA0mbBvGB8PvOxl6gFbMw_Mp4WJV_H5HodcZMblaQY7W0jZRl6OlOTO1-9qT170aZoPCmeyHX9gKeXyEDjTmB6_LU69sXPNskEyM9S9/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" height="201" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8fOcKHRdD_7_tKW1FZ0NXncD-J6S9ckX9nFlKoHYHrd5rh43KoOdb7YinU_bNjpksfyh89zHJtCoHu2EmR45YEma9RI9RFr2guUFbJAQX6t_aO8-Z4YIyS2Cb64F9roTSToxJIZAgvfq/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8fOcKHRdD_7_tKW1FZ0NXncD-J6S9ckX9nFlKoHYHrd5rh43KoOdb7YinU_bNjpksfyh89zHJtCoHu2EmR45YEma9RI9RFr2guUFbJAQX6t_aO8-Z4YIyS2Cb64F9roTSToxJIZAgvfq/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKoUdjJ8KDmuu5PpsvZlXQNGHZLlDBmOJDHr26MQWNQUzZfAR2neTw2vLy7o4xpb7qJo5M5raAf8toJ7ObUpLcQKYyh3DgJmdWRHpB7Cri2tzMPzw27yGYRUyGRfylUh8r412BMH0GVAk/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKoUdjJ8KDmuu5PpsvZlXQNGHZLlDBmOJDHr26MQWNQUzZfAR2neTw2vLy7o4xpb7qJo5M5raAf8toJ7ObUpLcQKYyh3DgJmdWRHpB7Cri2tzMPzw27yGYRUyGRfylUh8r412BMH0GVAk/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpKfRA8Sy9VKiIZw3rlE1ZMu_vVxa_UR0xglrIYsvHwBXRSaQhjbZe9uID9tuHgV9ZaMtHcmkoeQ0kKLi4iNDPhPvpCn6w53p7nlTp1U5VltEagL9Oz7pZMx7aaRIXmqhhrA-VHaJ_N8C/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpKfRA8Sy9VKiIZw3rlE1ZMu_vVxa_UR0xglrIYsvHwBXRSaQhjbZe9uID9tuHgV9ZaMtHcmkoeQ0kKLi4iNDPhPvpCn6w53p7nlTp1U5VltEagL9Oz7pZMx7aaRIXmqhhrA-VHaJ_N8C/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUMPpkoVgISeQ7F01bvkk-y1Rcr4LHaHDj8vdRAI-G7BCDST7-kPnyI2Q3kL_7RHjy90esjG9xw97PLYWZORJ5eM0t25Q5mmc1Atp_NcRMslhAAgoD5no9sNUyjquf1XTCMTJumz_ScTF/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUMPpkoVgISeQ7F01bvkk-y1Rcr4LHaHDj8vdRAI-G7BCDST7-kPnyI2Q3kL_7RHjy90esjG9xw97PLYWZORJ5eM0t25Q5mmc1Atp_NcRMslhAAgoD5no9sNUyjquf1XTCMTJumz_ScTF/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8LNEAvBASgb2chspEAo3gqyVPPoQLaz0GrN_5o8hTexR4MgyP2k6_sI3XaXfl2WBCT890ZCAIyOcCuJnkIWvTIHY_hWOPMqw52u2vRrZCxgR8Xsc-oxRuy7DnTGwhXY7jdfPm_aGvcf2/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8LNEAvBASgb2chspEAo3gqyVPPoQLaz0GrN_5o8hTexR4MgyP2k6_sI3XaXfl2WBCT890ZCAIyOcCuJnkIWvTIHY_hWOPMqw52u2vRrZCxgR8Xsc-oxRuy7DnTGwhXY7jdfPm_aGvcf2/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XooWB0lvxpqzawaLO_IOzKl445dtioKujl-MyPYfn7hUwHMFwczJkLvAAITDSR1Cr8c5wMuhcepSIbj4qljwcYoahaKO-reF0hWQTuJj9ir5hyoTpE50jKzl0nb-p1kygvqut60WgSOe/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XooWB0lvxpqzawaLO_IOzKl445dtioKujl-MyPYfn7hUwHMFwczJkLvAAITDSR1Cr8c5wMuhcepSIbj4qljwcYoahaKO-reF0hWQTuJj9ir5hyoTpE50jKzl0nb-p1kygvqut60WgSOe/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzlQMhd_CcnSAubaa9_UkbjAEN9VZQH4mOp0AuUafrsrBABg9qcr9qQlN2eJS2irMBxv0fp1EWq-jiB2CJ6bnRsI81cuoqNlyO_WqNlUxTz3jNsiKUCFSf9SpJnxD74lrJP7hvkiKGJSH/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzlQMhd_CcnSAubaa9_UkbjAEN9VZQH4mOp0AuUafrsrBABg9qcr9qQlN2eJS2irMBxv0fp1EWq-jiB2CJ6bnRsI81cuoqNlyO_WqNlUxTz3jNsiKUCFSf9SpJnxD74lrJP7hvkiKGJSH/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-5p2zAAyThxPVJGhuhY0JJre9CzV19H1kOqyoKi7kAE1RJmakrGQB0ox4jeZppMeYYrndFw9ecd81UcC_peGB5arPPFWIjghM2I0LmkYCCiHLh0ltuaDi_SSbCBDyDhX02CvpPOMsnf4/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-5p2zAAyThxPVJGhuhY0JJre9CzV19H1kOqyoKi7kAE1RJmakrGQB0ox4jeZppMeYYrndFw9ecd81UcC_peGB5arPPFWIjghM2I0LmkYCCiHLh0ltuaDi_SSbCBDyDhX02CvpPOMsnf4/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaePJqzMKJgir7_ePf3gv3SrS5yLRgq-E5Z9qqR44k5llFJiFiN1CenwjBd0L5NIKWwZp5k2ZsP0qCGYuvZ-xa1EzHpkkH50d10QAUSQ4TWxyypSAqVgmSkxMYe6Qiu11d_y8Ucu6sXH7/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaePJqzMKJgir7_ePf3gv3SrS5yLRgq-E5Z9qqR44k5llFJiFiN1CenwjBd0L5NIKWwZp5k2ZsP0qCGYuvZ-xa1EzHpkkH50d10QAUSQ4TWxyypSAqVgmSkxMYe6Qiu11d_y8Ucu6sXH7/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsssFEENV9lmRT7KnV2I2i_7ErstIvAsY30A0Mbs-5MxywowQHPWg2sqOd5YEQQmeikCeVbjcxaFv1H-gUAt4GffHnmidN20fp2WPz23GnSSXR0XNbGYz8D_gnv1NNDxy6jID5tmu46kO/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsssFEENV9lmRT7KnV2I2i_7ErstIvAsY30A0Mbs-5MxywowQHPWg2sqOd5YEQQmeikCeVbjcxaFv1H-gUAt4GffHnmidN20fp2WPz23GnSSXR0XNbGYz8D_gnv1NNDxy6jID5tmu46kO/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G-Pbw4PrNG4u1kbtajZNTcA44NJGWpRZmp1TPeOliOay3JgOwEsZW-8rRuPCkS5IzYkwPmDCE33G1Qtv3TX_asivAWJrzqhcNQPwKhlMvEXQZxVLd0izMaCobxAUhNf8-oVA8PrHo1We/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G-Pbw4PrNG4u1kbtajZNTcA44NJGWpRZmp1TPeOliOay3JgOwEsZW-8rRuPCkS5IzYkwPmDCE33G1Qtv3TX_asivAWJrzqhcNQPwKhlMvEXQZxVLd0izMaCobxAUhNf8-oVA8PrHo1We/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXb6vOVzEwTduxVXFVUacZEJEU4kbfQVisu0VVM2SJyjaZDBl2Gn6iufaJ8aPJKGUE4wy7qTQyTtfj-1C26v_8kwxlF3Lfxcwu5Z1BDcZRbasIJaHyflA13fCi4HBtyX-1SnRVp6Yk7OB/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXb6vOVzEwTduxVXFVUacZEJEU4kbfQVisu0VVM2SJyjaZDBl2Gn6iufaJ8aPJKGUE4wy7qTQyTtfj-1C26v_8kwxlF3Lfxcwu5Z1BDcZRbasIJaHyflA13fCi4HBtyX-1SnRVp6Yk7OB/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW14fFLIZ888FjXriotksypMQv71MDE_hwZq-501Eqz37FihYFlHR9YywXHPdKXGxfUA7H3QXt2_W34kiJ-_-FHxsm_izLyPlDPAZ8xroOEOuGYSkAyjlA6xdvBzgczryR5YAiBR2dedFo/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW14fFLIZ888FjXriotksypMQv71MDE_hwZq-501Eqz37FihYFlHR9YywXHPdKXGxfUA7H3QXt2_W34kiJ-_-FHxsm_izLyPlDPAZ8xroOEOuGYSkAyjlA6xdvBzgczryR5YAiBR2dedFo/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9LiohrfWhO-DvMQ5lcBLd-XS7xBc2u54qvjDqprSvTb3OtkBVp2dJ638t76fQ-uckhdz4lNBFx7YXtxVqCsTnUdzJYeCWHGJu5meTufoAd8AxJJzROa3tMrCe3TbEWER2T1M9Udke-sV/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9LiohrfWhO-DvMQ5lcBLd-XS7xBc2u54qvjDqprSvTb3OtkBVp2dJ638t76fQ-uckhdz4lNBFx7YXtxVqCsTnUdzJYeCWHGJu5meTufoAd8AxJJzROa3tMrCe3TbEWER2T1M9Udke-sV/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQezl3vJ7TcKksS4CzxpqA1aZy_UO9P-eSgP3rE97YigEFcoxn_5FFNPJUDY710KzOZFqLVmatEjBboXYpf8ewqtvWB0BQyf0TEaWGD13zWegeuHth__3JoIifo7l0RIXAIkIohx3UIZlC/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQezl3vJ7TcKksS4CzxpqA1aZy_UO9P-eSgP3rE97YigEFcoxn_5FFNPJUDY710KzOZFqLVmatEjBboXYpf8ewqtvWB0BQyf0TEaWGD13zWegeuHth__3JoIifo7l0RIXAIkIohx3UIZlC/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-89893537517042192652014-11-18T06:09:00.001-08:002014-11-19T08:48:23.316-08:00Utah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the end of July, Annie was offered a job in Utah that we couldn't pass up. So, two short weeks after our trip to Greece, we scrambled all of our belongings together and moved from our beloved Pullman, WA to Salt Lake City. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a tough move. We loved the Palouse, and we always said we'd only ever move for the <i>right </i>opportunity in the <i>right </i>place. In fact, I had a list of only five places that I'd seriously consider moving to if Annie was offered the right job. Well, Annie was offered the <i>right </i>job in Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake City was one of those places that I was willing to move to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We moved down, I quickly found a job (thankfully!), and after three months it finally feels like we're settling in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As always with a big move like this there are some moving pains and a lot of changes we're adapting to. Our proximity to the mountains has made the move easier to deal with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a few photos of the mountains I've been exploring these past three months.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlVdKziRbfZy_pNBcFgd_fchQrg_7jaEJjL8yteN01rEvJr5vqMGAXW9xoUr4jPiv_YYzyuFlmCm8rvlVXqSY8xHBDmCTPvkVvr0CGS14rmEsIQnTsQOjlsZ8mKFkJp39gkKgXjPK16cc/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlVdKziRbfZy_pNBcFgd_fchQrg_7jaEJjL8yteN01rEvJr5vqMGAXW9xoUr4jPiv_YYzyuFlmCm8rvlVXqSY8xHBDmCTPvkVvr0CGS14rmEsIQnTsQOjlsZ8mKFkJp39gkKgXjPK16cc/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" height="173" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa73bZJMQ8kwLO5VPGGfvjvjgIarh24NjpV8n_DgFmM1V446tsiAA_Coi7YwAa_FsZGXIZlQK8BGgKBM351ydQ7oaqbFSAnORjx-zG0ZMff80YphDl3L10q4XGRqse6to_MBQg8c7ZHVP/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa73bZJMQ8kwLO5VPGGfvjvjgIarh24NjpV8n_DgFmM1V446tsiAA_Coi7YwAa_FsZGXIZlQK8BGgKBM351ydQ7oaqbFSAnORjx-zG0ZMff80YphDl3L10q4XGRqse6to_MBQg8c7ZHVP/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv4iXPP6yt4-LJZWUDbK7PQv3254exwEdQrN5k3_kdoHUJeMyMiqZao4GKDgt-14Un46mUDWcJHxOKkMG6wvqL98qaKzfNkeq6B2c9Qq_L_av_X54EuGacVZrOBOb7grmSg78EEkJgCde/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv4iXPP6yt4-LJZWUDbK7PQv3254exwEdQrN5k3_kdoHUJeMyMiqZao4GKDgt-14Un46mUDWcJHxOKkMG6wvqL98qaKzfNkeq6B2c9Qq_L_av_X54EuGacVZrOBOb7grmSg78EEkJgCde/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" height="166" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqEi1P4GsbWndevJVoot0F2iZHvWdNebs5JLuD7h3OGWg6TtcEihrMyW6oCIRFdrqMbkJj6SeIRf9dYaxY2WKm0JKfC2OtzpKu_3R55mxjpEBFHVY1ubBpMqtAuEA6yncQMX31lqhC4M-/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqEi1P4GsbWndevJVoot0F2iZHvWdNebs5JLuD7h3OGWg6TtcEihrMyW6oCIRFdrqMbkJj6SeIRf9dYaxY2WKm0JKfC2OtzpKu_3R55mxjpEBFHVY1ubBpMqtAuEA6yncQMX31lqhC4M-/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" height="233" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G80rN6RaTUpDEwG3pQF62eSDk16Wp1RMss1On6TCOkuNBS5JgfkVlkc2CjXFKM4LpsP08L3vcoX_vTZO4S0LyqclH0vp_wpcBLXN_U4ZV1UMp8LDt8H96lhdRF2JGgimLk0mc77j6gvu/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G80rN6RaTUpDEwG3pQF62eSDk16Wp1RMss1On6TCOkuNBS5JgfkVlkc2CjXFKM4LpsP08L3vcoX_vTZO4S0LyqclH0vp_wpcBLXN_U4ZV1UMp8LDt8H96lhdRF2JGgimLk0mc77j6gvu/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ashfbEnSWeGi71HCaJxU_2fe9JCFl0k9qYXPV8LSHFSYJXTQgYbcb6ha_4JHF9Y4UjASJw7PUjYubusvifOaC9yVQOHnFDWTpxl73sC3AiVSbHWQxa3UhYuSec7gyb-ShLUOyBeHB6QO/s1600/IMG_2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ashfbEnSWeGi71HCaJxU_2fe9JCFl0k9qYXPV8LSHFSYJXTQgYbcb6ha_4JHF9Y4UjASJw7PUjYubusvifOaC9yVQOHnFDWTpxl73sC3AiVSbHWQxa3UhYuSec7gyb-ShLUOyBeHB6QO/s1600/IMG_2145.JPG" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxtij5zjxMX4zq6EKcafrnZv4UmoJLsQfYz9HSjObLcHISSzXYiOHK_SDNYkkk_1XNaOtLvsujqijjY-qVW6cDUTionzXOAp-1pws5JQ5C1GzIJ2MNdUBPY3-1Ea4eS2rFFuO3_Xcd7ca/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxtij5zjxMX4zq6EKcafrnZv4UmoJLsQfYz9HSjObLcHISSzXYiOHK_SDNYkkk_1XNaOtLvsujqijjY-qVW6cDUTionzXOAp-1pws5JQ5C1GzIJ2MNdUBPY3-1Ea4eS2rFFuO3_Xcd7ca/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" height="175" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemuW_X4o3C2BliabyyNVsK4jPxx6g9BMDoKeugJoIqJ9zU9BUZG_EW2v6SeIg5mGWZFg0wSSZ79MyFPGlD1hI4qGTEm-MgsJ7crJFDtEZf6AnJcWD3M8psXrGfWF0owxNifofjoaRrcS7/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemuW_X4o3C2BliabyyNVsK4jPxx6g9BMDoKeugJoIqJ9zU9BUZG_EW2v6SeIg5mGWZFg0wSSZ79MyFPGlD1hI4qGTEm-MgsJ7crJFDtEZf6AnJcWD3M8psXrGfWF0owxNifofjoaRrcS7/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_I35S4jdmNGlk5WjOxy4EtQCvo8YRz7jYSuoW0ilAmiXh4-9qIRZKX4KwmjO2vtZq2GlboK_vONGtllHy_KjlcinurcL4zVk5vLVpYuihsZ0woKvE2AvNwIlHhw22ryauqLaafOSg5AL/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_I35S4jdmNGlk5WjOxy4EtQCvo8YRz7jYSuoW0ilAmiXh4-9qIRZKX4KwmjO2vtZq2GlboK_vONGtllHy_KjlcinurcL4zVk5vLVpYuihsZ0woKvE2AvNwIlHhw22ryauqLaafOSg5AL/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49C-EeNVxziGWXqjH8JJViZOdUp-aROxbHwbSk_mX0ySACLrYOojKQQUXdP3S4A9VQ3oeDXSpBdEguMM_xB0TqaAPGCt2YNQAwyL_CDUsYGqMNiKaIT83Ga2eygLalu0RMSHta3WcxHBA/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49C-EeNVxziGWXqjH8JJViZOdUp-aROxbHwbSk_mX0ySACLrYOojKQQUXdP3S4A9VQ3oeDXSpBdEguMM_xB0TqaAPGCt2YNQAwyL_CDUsYGqMNiKaIT83Ga2eygLalu0RMSHta3WcxHBA/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAlNrPyHUBjF7SXyZREgEJLNCe2dKCbJRq1qHm4KeigwXbxB_-2JxW4HfmdeaB_f4DkMVp0RuWtpnAjwWEWbjFhaBr8tZ1Ywj5-0fv4QyTuZE9oGjF2poP_879dGWFMeiDphBRMtTkhVR/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAlNrPyHUBjF7SXyZREgEJLNCe2dKCbJRq1qHm4KeigwXbxB_-2JxW4HfmdeaB_f4DkMVp0RuWtpnAjwWEWbjFhaBr8tZ1Ywj5-0fv4QyTuZE9oGjF2poP_879dGWFMeiDphBRMtTkhVR/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcJm93n840c1Mgkic-9pFY0PzqgE8qvq-WpVtUZyolj448J71IObR6m4YNGVk3ZCXGzYwp3hkVCFB801bhZGvdpte0gdNX0-tSAxVnPJFwyJDjz5vpJwpEjmd8DlaknzP__azDeWvWqbu/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcJm93n840c1Mgkic-9pFY0PzqgE8qvq-WpVtUZyolj448J71IObR6m4YNGVk3ZCXGzYwp3hkVCFB801bhZGvdpte0gdNX0-tSAxVnPJFwyJDjz5vpJwpEjmd8DlaknzP__azDeWvWqbu/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2cou_hXSg6DKctVQPsqv2EIju_PYbAAz0DsKmQup9uHnsIC2wSyICO-VtGD5Mf6X_YL9GjsC93Qrsbr9YYN3c_es71bZOfmEbrt-IJQmr4YlTLGdwUjRPGeN0Xqx2mZ_n83LgmDMLH2j/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2cou_hXSg6DKctVQPsqv2EIju_PYbAAz0DsKmQup9uHnsIC2wSyICO-VtGD5Mf6X_YL9GjsC93Qrsbr9YYN3c_es71bZOfmEbrt-IJQmr4YlTLGdwUjRPGeN0Xqx2mZ_n83LgmDMLH2j/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I've participated in three races since I moved, but I'm guessing I won't get around to writing a race report on any of them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jtltiming.com/results/og-21.html" target="_blank">XTERRA 2014 Trail Run National Championships (half marathon)</a><br />
<a href="http://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-10536" target="_blank">The North Face Endurance Challenge Park City (50k)</a><br />
<a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=28634" target="_blank">Silver Falls 50k</a> (Oregon)<br />
<br />
Next big race will be the <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/Rocky50.html" target="_blank">Rocky Raccoon 50</a> in February. And I plan to get back into the blog groove now that we're settled into our new place.<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-Scott<br />
<br />
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-9025145623790604442014-08-22T06:11:00.002-07:002015-02-12T10:49:04.333-08:00Mount Olympus Marathon (Photo Report)Our life has been a whirlwind since we returned from Greece in early July. Annie accepted a job at the University of Utah, and we packed up everything we own and moved to Salt Lake City on July 29th. Things have finally settled down enough for me to post some photos from the Mount Olympus Marathon in Greece.<br />
<br />
It was an amazing race and near the top of the list of the most difficult mile-for-mile races I've ever done. Run to the top (just below the summit) of Greece's highest mountain, and then run down. And throw in some gnarly, technical, high-mountain rock-trail.<br />
<br />
Loved the race, loved the atmosphere, loved the mountain. Didn't love that at a couple of the aid stations I wasn't allowed any coke or sports drink because I wasn't carrying my own cup. The website made no mention that this was a cupless race and even went as far as saying specifically that there were absolutely no gear requirements. Some aid station volunteers let me borrow their own cup or poured sports drink into my cupped hands; so many thanks to them! Anyway, I had a pretty bad bonk around mile 22 after two consecutive aid stations wouldn't give me anything to drink besides water for my hydration pack. In retrospect, I should have asked to put sports drink in my hydration pack instead of water when I was really, really needing it...but I wasn't thinking that clearly. Ugh. Lesson learned. The important thing is that I finished, and then we went on to have a wonderful vacation in Greece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7AECmuoA8onKc8UbWY6TblH5PiDMPDzCyHBNURIKAWIAYiC2aHEjca3TNj003J7u8Kaih2dauZukmxCSM6w9yx-LGlLCd1_3t7_CnHR9wb5oY696FvxJKtr8jA05-YvnlINe6IMw4Nus/s1600/Olympus+Marathon+Checkpoint+Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7AECmuoA8onKc8UbWY6TblH5PiDMPDzCyHBNURIKAWIAYiC2aHEjca3TNj003J7u8Kaih2dauZukmxCSM6w9yx-LGlLCd1_3t7_CnHR9wb5oY696FvxJKtr8jA05-YvnlINe6IMw4Nus/s1600/Olympus+Marathon+Checkpoint+Map.png" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86JIpaiCtataxNf6uwv1YLXS2lGKd-PfWbKef5GZkUDkL5KqrubTCRAH8zJkZMwsGfllBch1jgEzqVGCEftHE2VmaS-L6cjdjS8_iiBhh_dvaiqqrNUfkESWWf-jNkP5DzF8ZbW2BMlqy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-22+at+6.52.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86JIpaiCtataxNf6uwv1YLXS2lGKd-PfWbKef5GZkUDkL5KqrubTCRAH8zJkZMwsGfllBch1jgEzqVGCEftHE2VmaS-L6cjdjS8_iiBhh_dvaiqqrNUfkESWWf-jNkP5DzF8ZbW2BMlqy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-22+at+6.52.39+AM.png" height="185" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxuHLUCqOpP94CFySQPvNvkxxqqLE3OEMOKhranZmkfHSF39iF6igUxAtM2TjT0XviKaKHwYcqZ6VwMUoXBBTzFnYyyZ2jqBvKPGqmBv-PMJunkTxVSv340RAEslgSKGgPIN-IlJLpFDh/s1600/2014+race+teaser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxuHLUCqOpP94CFySQPvNvkxxqqLE3OEMOKhranZmkfHSF39iF6igUxAtM2TjT0XviKaKHwYcqZ6VwMUoXBBTzFnYyyZ2jqBvKPGqmBv-PMJunkTxVSv340RAEslgSKGgPIN-IlJLpFDh/s1600/2014+race+teaser.png" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8GPwJaqE0oEW3lribvkqwGg2YL71kJV3TVcrQJetj8nn_TeR1UuAUgFIMgdu8Ht-vQ6rnsQmHgn8lQ-9kcbE0_WR4zIqcRpt_ABoc377iJWYtMC7qEnFvltGYjbUquheIYleQKPcns_0/s1600/Photo+Jun+28,+10+09+51+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8GPwJaqE0oEW3lribvkqwGg2YL71kJV3TVcrQJetj8nn_TeR1UuAUgFIMgdu8Ht-vQ6rnsQmHgn8lQ-9kcbE0_WR4zIqcRpt_ABoc377iJWYtMC7qEnFvltGYjbUquheIYleQKPcns_0/s1600/Photo+Jun+28,+10+09+51+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLdb8FmA5wFnDL_yqC6BLwNRDlGm-HTIQSKnBftsGKPpYBCPrhCJbC4ih9we6zUN8MZq4mzd48ZWRPIEOiO48cT9RhYCt51IsiiaAoIOewVlmB9zpdrKs0sU4K2ELYsa30T2QEEwWIfJ2/s1600/DSC01959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLdb8FmA5wFnDL_yqC6BLwNRDlGm-HTIQSKnBftsGKPpYBCPrhCJbC4ih9we6zUN8MZq4mzd48ZWRPIEOiO48cT9RhYCt51IsiiaAoIOewVlmB9zpdrKs0sU4K2ELYsa30T2QEEwWIfJ2/s1600/DSC01959.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BkgTCPk-UhL1uBxyv_LBSB-6RXVJSydZU1IknxEJorkvTM060aS2CUqVVwQVLssZGGQcnyIyUPF4PiI2WMd9W2RD0U7DOAODhd-buuaZ7iBAI6e1ggHRziEOkq1bodphO_bvj57Hu785/s1600/DSC01970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BkgTCPk-UhL1uBxyv_LBSB-6RXVJSydZU1IknxEJorkvTM060aS2CUqVVwQVLssZGGQcnyIyUPF4PiI2WMd9W2RD0U7DOAODhd-buuaZ7iBAI6e1ggHRziEOkq1bodphO_bvj57Hu785/s1600/DSC01970.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcxqkmohayb7yZw7gcNnYoaswFrbVLy59bhYgr-Gnh2vj8NsELE8L0t93EdatULfP0LIU8q3o5qbDKQMRFrTc1JttFzP0BlNEccUkg9RXxPgGIZN-etFIHwxyYBwUXXwMvja5z9I2UYIC/s1600/DSC01973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcxqkmohayb7yZw7gcNnYoaswFrbVLy59bhYgr-Gnh2vj8NsELE8L0t93EdatULfP0LIU8q3o5qbDKQMRFrTc1JttFzP0BlNEccUkg9RXxPgGIZN-etFIHwxyYBwUXXwMvja5z9I2UYIC/s1600/DSC01973.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoZ9cWH_pVKZttWi44LGkwVKHy_jEUAZfiyGHAyYxjw-8OjF4JWe2DNDbXqRV6XquV0XeGfs4PlM-pXGGgNLfXTNXxqgJJVMvh1qA2Ahwc5XlkyLHxMFP7gaA20CZc0wprAip14i3ckPX/s1600/DSC01984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoZ9cWH_pVKZttWi44LGkwVKHy_jEUAZfiyGHAyYxjw-8OjF4JWe2DNDbXqRV6XquV0XeGfs4PlM-pXGGgNLfXTNXxqgJJVMvh1qA2Ahwc5XlkyLHxMFP7gaA20CZc0wprAip14i3ckPX/s1600/DSC01984.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-oDxJZ2vhlaOrK4xdOo1Gfe7I56yzUhiBmhKJ4d_qUkOJhCTiI9WyMwISnOWndQtHNi5x9sNt7zwzOulUr6FKqKOvJcPUOO8Mrs9XGI-DsGV9wbOzPg9AByOAV2_28cprJS2Q0efPPVg/s1600/DSC01986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-oDxJZ2vhlaOrK4xdOo1Gfe7I56yzUhiBmhKJ4d_qUkOJhCTiI9WyMwISnOWndQtHNi5x9sNt7zwzOulUr6FKqKOvJcPUOO8Mrs9XGI-DsGV9wbOzPg9AByOAV2_28cprJS2Q0efPPVg/s1600/DSC01986.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHMoNmWddy37MT5YR3mdOhnh3mzEvRo4aPV3XtOQp-9atvnHiC5Tkty9scIxqZISkHNBlUW3KsnfLM3HD_vYUU8rkHkbYLQVNPrNcZoLmu_ipforrN8C1Ki95TKd49EB4e_C9Cu0y1FH_/s1600/DSC01988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHMoNmWddy37MT5YR3mdOhnh3mzEvRo4aPV3XtOQp-9atvnHiC5Tkty9scIxqZISkHNBlUW3KsnfLM3HD_vYUU8rkHkbYLQVNPrNcZoLmu_ipforrN8C1Ki95TKd49EB4e_C9Cu0y1FH_/s1600/DSC01988.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N5amjIMPFbKDD4Ity3x_UoCqcslK8q2cA8E_9uqeDJmgm27XTSTspl4WJRJqxM_ZjkAf6XAye-jLEIRmR4Nmj3lB53ikcQriJZt95eZfhj43jnjrKhnFO0O3euWHF1CiWpwDZGnOxwWe/s1600/DSC01987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N5amjIMPFbKDD4Ity3x_UoCqcslK8q2cA8E_9uqeDJmgm27XTSTspl4WJRJqxM_ZjkAf6XAye-jLEIRmR4Nmj3lB53ikcQriJZt95eZfhj43jnjrKhnFO0O3euWHF1CiWpwDZGnOxwWe/s1600/DSC01987.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsRXhfqO4W5PFMlNZtkMfSkBKtfRlpgHpaa0GsqYN90rhdvWdzFjuszkf7d93VGnZbXj7AhBxF7eDnmiPI1JLSdtqzfnwha2mhUC74NhLDjuPR0waMTyIByBbGDSHg4nbYrK7-L_daBDv/s1600/DSC01992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsRXhfqO4W5PFMlNZtkMfSkBKtfRlpgHpaa0GsqYN90rhdvWdzFjuszkf7d93VGnZbXj7AhBxF7eDnmiPI1JLSdtqzfnwha2mhUC74NhLDjuPR0waMTyIByBbGDSHg4nbYrK7-L_daBDv/s1600/DSC01992.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dy0W-VdaBQrbXr4m32bf7btN1ExH2hPkPp7bOoHxDKL6ED4hjncGf4VR0A0yTOEcWDfY_wTjsIVwbOGi49A_WBfkSOL9IduPS6kZA_rRnjZE5nDDcD57gv0UJn5t0XCVUlZB0R-hmMGA/s1600/DSC01993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dy0W-VdaBQrbXr4m32bf7btN1ExH2hPkPp7bOoHxDKL6ED4hjncGf4VR0A0yTOEcWDfY_wTjsIVwbOGi49A_WBfkSOL9IduPS6kZA_rRnjZE5nDDcD57gv0UJn5t0XCVUlZB0R-hmMGA/s1600/DSC01993.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgnK4q8OwDddfx8eRg80GbpeOGOl0ehpUhqf7moTYwTDf125reMww9y-AsdsdVuIV7rhL69Y755QfX9KwDt_vlSrcJsvAzt3U9XJxTL__CiuZfDAvk9omObqQHrt4pZUFgCPJCgc3DauQ/s1600/DSC01995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgnK4q8OwDddfx8eRg80GbpeOGOl0ehpUhqf7moTYwTDf125reMww9y-AsdsdVuIV7rhL69Y755QfX9KwDt_vlSrcJsvAzt3U9XJxTL__CiuZfDAvk9omObqQHrt4pZUFgCPJCgc3DauQ/s1600/DSC01995.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkLAOdlvRGTARIw_OSe1Z4V8NELPsbq9MiA19VeDhvTE67FgY312Odzjn7vMRQ9JlXkLSTIYegYfDhoavoHlKOhg7S8an0pFKOaRjQ0mpCmkQRP-SN_nKn5d9i79udDoDs2pi5D6riMqA/s1600/DSC01996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkLAOdlvRGTARIw_OSe1Z4V8NELPsbq9MiA19VeDhvTE67FgY312Odzjn7vMRQ9JlXkLSTIYegYfDhoavoHlKOhg7S8an0pFKOaRjQ0mpCmkQRP-SN_nKn5d9i79udDoDs2pi5D6riMqA/s1600/DSC01996.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA1VncE_oOH9xEjD8zKyPkdUMUBxX7TuVDj7gfKeAjNjkI9miwIkXItCNwqX_wEds6eQTEZGQHooEccuVvWBlG5EX9W-Z8heHN48lJ_F9AQQkm70fdfW6mReYgQWFTJ5kn7JwU4tRh9pK/s1600/DSC02002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA1VncE_oOH9xEjD8zKyPkdUMUBxX7TuVDj7gfKeAjNjkI9miwIkXItCNwqX_wEds6eQTEZGQHooEccuVvWBlG5EX9W-Z8heHN48lJ_F9AQQkm70fdfW6mReYgQWFTJ5kn7JwU4tRh9pK/s1600/DSC02002.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXLMZUMVIMhOrFKtc8sSzlckoO2VITS-EotzXNAwad0mZ76_Nr2RAOD85cdJuGWYyM6igPTYDPLR0bBL3QDj5YBO23ZbxhyR68Vdrt7g8XvzQX5pjP8eFy1xiYXeLztrvysso89UJu8CX/s1600/DSC02000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXLMZUMVIMhOrFKtc8sSzlckoO2VITS-EotzXNAwad0mZ76_Nr2RAOD85cdJuGWYyM6igPTYDPLR0bBL3QDj5YBO23ZbxhyR68Vdrt7g8XvzQX5pjP8eFy1xiYXeLztrvysso89UJu8CX/s1600/DSC02000.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoZXkb-QCiovCyihVJAdcY_RhzbhataSqENdUVH3BcHyhEJGIAUhgFEH8iKU20797XRvuhcRydF7-zBIy-zzohl84ACxfYNKUujCQmhJMIcousuLn-oSBZnpfb2xBgBaUjtMKp5mYUrxh/s1600/DSC02007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoZXkb-QCiovCyihVJAdcY_RhzbhataSqENdUVH3BcHyhEJGIAUhgFEH8iKU20797XRvuhcRydF7-zBIy-zzohl84ACxfYNKUujCQmhJMIcousuLn-oSBZnpfb2xBgBaUjtMKp5mYUrxh/s1600/DSC02007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTkPQ9kfBJuVPavSjHw1LECkT5bUKOmzxrFZcKm-EddOMHvfxoHr55hPY9NrWitY8HjzzA0OlAEUjpoPxGyGoJezw0mcZLLZuEfySJfWqbPWbq7alXNXxJP8gGCSPpWPedaTuPFO2sJES/s1600/DSC02008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTkPQ9kfBJuVPavSjHw1LECkT5bUKOmzxrFZcKm-EddOMHvfxoHr55hPY9NrWitY8HjzzA0OlAEUjpoPxGyGoJezw0mcZLLZuEfySJfWqbPWbq7alXNXxJP8gGCSPpWPedaTuPFO2sJES/s1600/DSC02008.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVhs80VEY3gaTlTJWbZI7pAS1OyLLhIOdDYrCca3BoDhbSjVIQqpGaAG04k4Owssn-gfuX40LK31E5vl46dV5tgblDTAR_AI_u1leVj74RU5ho6fZBF3u3wwhWQCAdRH-AgcrUVY-5fq3/s1600/DSC02013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVhs80VEY3gaTlTJWbZI7pAS1OyLLhIOdDYrCca3BoDhbSjVIQqpGaAG04k4Owssn-gfuX40LK31E5vl46dV5tgblDTAR_AI_u1leVj74RU5ho6fZBF3u3wwhWQCAdRH-AgcrUVY-5fq3/s1600/DSC02013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm-_NBnrwpmAf_ITMlVBZ8nphV86qP_2dGOzLJlV2MyfCwL-55rUH66gJMG2jnPnmONmpmkNZQRqU5Z9UpQ01AgNF_4t2RPGSN-evNgB9JFjBIZZFLi02V3a27GsovrwIb6FM_vsR-gW_/s1600/DSC02019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm-_NBnrwpmAf_ITMlVBZ8nphV86qP_2dGOzLJlV2MyfCwL-55rUH66gJMG2jnPnmONmpmkNZQRqU5Z9UpQ01AgNF_4t2RPGSN-evNgB9JFjBIZZFLi02V3a27GsovrwIb6FM_vsR-gW_/s1600/DSC02019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA16Goqd7_eGQgCw8UOgSRyKtO3rHj2L2l38lxAFmzk4K3B_90XWM-ZBjtpD-0jqBZ8vrxePQjAnETsVB5L6S_pJ3i0fg91rV5L50jF1YFH1kG8qVKkE8WY_16YiymZXpEGMcnAHKCKTC/s1600/Scott+Olympus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA16Goqd7_eGQgCw8UOgSRyKtO3rHj2L2l38lxAFmzk4K3B_90XWM-ZBjtpD-0jqBZ8vrxePQjAnETsVB5L6S_pJ3i0fg91rV5L50jF1YFH1kG8qVKkE8WY_16YiymZXpEGMcnAHKCKTC/s1600/Scott+Olympus.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6osmpuJpZz2_KEPtdy3BmKgSN-zI5BquWeuvnJymrrfLoyrVXBUpph86JnppS0OaG86y7l4W2_gRP0eATMJLfJGg8CorcRXqYk1dioOxPDHGK2IWWhbjDHRd1VWXUtq4unyx4r08Uh-wB/s1600/DSC02025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6osmpuJpZz2_KEPtdy3BmKgSN-zI5BquWeuvnJymrrfLoyrVXBUpph86JnppS0OaG86y7l4W2_gRP0eATMJLfJGg8CorcRXqYk1dioOxPDHGK2IWWhbjDHRd1VWXUtq4unyx4r08Uh-wB/s1600/DSC02025.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdK41W4sM4-_QIU6_KNv-28Ugz0l5sQ17WeYHqIQfMzD1trW4DojJ13Qx8rZZ2klzdc7cfmH3ZHVI0ao5IcUtCKsKXUpIjHT6gZ-1KppI49vIfQFJWvqzKiWjAMuos5YqSrb7BIWQ7wBz/s1600/DSC02028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdK41W4sM4-_QIU6_KNv-28Ugz0l5sQ17WeYHqIQfMzD1trW4DojJ13Qx8rZZ2klzdc7cfmH3ZHVI0ao5IcUtCKsKXUpIjHT6gZ-1KppI49vIfQFJWvqzKiWjAMuos5YqSrb7BIWQ7wBz/s1600/DSC02028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRFkvutRimOF9u_0s9LFKijOn9NETUguaA7uvsXaWEkdBlyiAEdihqc6-TN3MBmTZsY-Dq9OV0R54dpGq5QCKWfAemaQ0JuK09t6w85x1q2HVXiuLhdWoHxy2qvCX_4JZma_5dYg3Fcik/s1600/DSC02037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRFkvutRimOF9u_0s9LFKijOn9NETUguaA7uvsXaWEkdBlyiAEdihqc6-TN3MBmTZsY-Dq9OV0R54dpGq5QCKWfAemaQ0JuK09t6w85x1q2HVXiuLhdWoHxy2qvCX_4JZma_5dYg3Fcik/s1600/DSC02037.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO_jwy8ODEqARjH0pTzvoTTwFK1upIic7n_-Jd7OSqHcjNltsqKPDlV9ZMPeZePsLE2K_kfaC-eoCH3NRU0mAzzDdTX-SuxcKIZT-vWKUrwXWChWEFa66rMCTjw4jIWSy3g_qybDQGrIt/s1600/DSC02040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO_jwy8ODEqARjH0pTzvoTTwFK1upIic7n_-Jd7OSqHcjNltsqKPDlV9ZMPeZePsLE2K_kfaC-eoCH3NRU0mAzzDdTX-SuxcKIZT-vWKUrwXWChWEFa66rMCTjw4jIWSy3g_qybDQGrIt/s1600/DSC02040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDSjjPdoew1frQMz09ZiW4vGfjKZri4U4qv52vZ3cQyZti9EzEvQRkSw4MNmzbZwySmFhkzmZleFTO8LDnVR_7NHv8drG4XtMvr1FMw_y9lJJeBlbHxSSsC4BuoqP9J3W6-zKNI3Rfbjd/s1600/DSC02041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDSjjPdoew1frQMz09ZiW4vGfjKZri4U4qv52vZ3cQyZti9EzEvQRkSw4MNmzbZwySmFhkzmZleFTO8LDnVR_7NHv8drG4XtMvr1FMw_y9lJJeBlbHxSSsC4BuoqP9J3W6-zKNI3Rfbjd/s1600/DSC02041.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWplZz19Kc4bN5XAH9XxmwsUm8Fztd5QLYKgw7MQ4pcRns3jJnLi9Ku6V-MZ4RRyf5_bPM7HzeHYXRxwBFiMBWTDDlRetEbszegThxUCVSuuK9McEqN_c6WOsWU9-zce6Sret6o_D-ukdx/s1600/DSC02042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWplZz19Kc4bN5XAH9XxmwsUm8Fztd5QLYKgw7MQ4pcRns3jJnLi9Ku6V-MZ4RRyf5_bPM7HzeHYXRxwBFiMBWTDDlRetEbszegThxUCVSuuK9McEqN_c6WOsWU9-zce6Sret6o_D-ukdx/s1600/DSC02042.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6SF1kQLL72JPWfvf-TGBJv9qMK9BCVvcCpfq8VmiUr2Sn5mldALqlMmcQsMiLAkFNemTvUscQveFN9kFkv1M1SijmuJYESPP-F09BkqoWF8LIJpllp3QAh1_tuxCgGCLq-ZWlOyqHIUD/s1600/DSC02044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6SF1kQLL72JPWfvf-TGBJv9qMK9BCVvcCpfq8VmiUr2Sn5mldALqlMmcQsMiLAkFNemTvUscQveFN9kFkv1M1SijmuJYESPP-F09BkqoWF8LIJpllp3QAh1_tuxCgGCLq-ZWlOyqHIUD/s1600/DSC02044.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzQE9AHMWFbzLPW4qMvIQtr7BPceQ973mpIsvMk2IZ62SW5bjeyjCZIldUKqoOuKw_m5iv8SzeZ4LOvqRhIKG5G9DpxxfsYOjAGc6dmA2NWir5wn3Jd7NGBhKm1150Q0NL6hdVET2MOIG/s1600/DSC02045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzQE9AHMWFbzLPW4qMvIQtr7BPceQ973mpIsvMk2IZ62SW5bjeyjCZIldUKqoOuKw_m5iv8SzeZ4LOvqRhIKG5G9DpxxfsYOjAGc6dmA2NWir5wn3Jd7NGBhKm1150Q0NL6hdVET2MOIG/s1600/DSC02045.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo4pvDTi355tUfursugf1ZhBvI1npeV36YaoWoWAXEURQq-D-w7Jd2FgWJqp-48tERxpnXZ9DXIbKahpB89y41OU4bWWjTjyQx0YRE10RrAzBYj0UXue0dxI8-8rljk6sXvw0E0NJb63H/s1600/DSC02046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo4pvDTi355tUfursugf1ZhBvI1npeV36YaoWoWAXEURQq-D-w7Jd2FgWJqp-48tERxpnXZ9DXIbKahpB89y41OU4bWWjTjyQx0YRE10RrAzBYj0UXue0dxI8-8rljk6sXvw0E0NJb63H/s1600/DSC02046.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep into my bonk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVd6LTKLoi6bDR3__-yQW_14S5BMUmvYADcSTuXvcoFzQTfDoXhbXrn3kiXfYwuazbNzAxqJsdDjyWJ43TeBNvjHFCUrBY0gLJLI7d5W24IcD0ZU0lDrMzRdX8BM1cHqo1Ea4GU0I5f90/s1600/10380003_10204205986093072_2717050933614001616_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVd6LTKLoi6bDR3__-yQW_14S5BMUmvYADcSTuXvcoFzQTfDoXhbXrn3kiXfYwuazbNzAxqJsdDjyWJ43TeBNvjHFCUrBY0gLJLI7d5W24IcD0ZU0lDrMzRdX8BM1cHqo1Ea4GU0I5f90/s1600/10380003_10204205986093072_2717050933614001616_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from Mount Olympus Race Facebook page)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24o0tuB3_12jmzC41BDUF52eodTcYh0-ypYk3EXcTLb6mzcUwQPoTRflXOJT5vvAhszjXWKyj_RyGVo5ss2Xrn3x3vnA4cTqUtrHGzhfFFELbGAPb_T52h0PNZ-o7-i5VBSrFd2yUSClC/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+2+55+18+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24o0tuB3_12jmzC41BDUF52eodTcYh0-ypYk3EXcTLb6mzcUwQPoTRflXOJT5vvAhszjXWKyj_RyGVo5ss2Xrn3x3vnA4cTqUtrHGzhfFFELbGAPb_T52h0PNZ-o7-i5VBSrFd2yUSClC/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+2+55+18+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s3N4ZR0WRfRtlpUEGB9i3aX1cl2LAg7J_A_92u83JTonz83ANe2E7JPgyvkBEL0rpfoNRBM8LkJcanV340zMeurGRumCCbcI-t00deej5fcyXemllPRv4bPcK2PT83zkODEgHKmfCxu0/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+2+55+55+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s3N4ZR0WRfRtlpUEGB9i3aX1cl2LAg7J_A_92u83JTonz83ANe2E7JPgyvkBEL0rpfoNRBM8LkJcanV340zMeurGRumCCbcI-t00deej5fcyXemllPRv4bPcK2PT83zkODEgHKmfCxu0/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+2+55+55+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo2_WjCS8tDEuQ7e6aRggv0NH9V8fykW-PdHDPPJIxQ-nuXQNl44odjZqYcqPi4I_J7gkgR7m21UBbgMdkqjVk3jCYURJ6-FMg8_FagA4KAjgua1UEATIVRP6FU8GscZFyzX19HSoyoCz/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+2+56+01+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo2_WjCS8tDEuQ7e6aRggv0NH9V8fykW-PdHDPPJIxQ-nuXQNl44odjZqYcqPi4I_J7gkgR7m21UBbgMdkqjVk3jCYURJ6-FMg8_FagA4KAjgua1UEATIVRP6FU8GscZFyzX19HSoyoCz/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+2+56+01+AM.jpg" height="382" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP1w2PtOeDTYErhj0fuQOOQwLRqrn3KGVzl7v7UDwPSZt3Tp9CHR5BLRgNmiBs_g-aUsETwwFHape4r6mPoqBabf8I6TZiHzhzqele5FM-rjomnunFK0iO0cLP0dd7JNnsYbF_mLHHgJL/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+3+58+15+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP1w2PtOeDTYErhj0fuQOOQwLRqrn3KGVzl7v7UDwPSZt3Tp9CHR5BLRgNmiBs_g-aUsETwwFHape4r6mPoqBabf8I6TZiHzhzqele5FM-rjomnunFK0iO0cLP0dd7JNnsYbF_mLHHgJL/s1600/Photo+Jun+29,+3+58+15+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-83723716532355847772014-06-23T12:34:00.001-07:002014-06-28T10:26:30.337-07:00Mount Olympus Marathon (Greece) Pre-Race Info<u><b>General Race Info</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.olympus-marathon.com/index.php?newlang=english" target="_blank">Olympus Marathon Website</a><br />
Sunday, June 29th<br />
6am local time (8pm pacific on Saturday; 11pm eastern on Saturday)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Results</b></u><br />
I'm bib #625. I'm not sure if they'll be posting live updates on this <a href="http://www.olympus-marathon.com/index.php?name=Olympusm&op=athlete&id=2798&" target="_blank">page</a> or not, but it kinda looks like they might. They have a place to post my time for Checkpoint (CP) 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and the finish. So if you check there on race day then you might be able to track my progress. Even if they aren't posting live updates, I'm pretty sure that's the page to go to for my official results. Overall results should be posted <a href="http://www.olympus-marathon.com/index.php?name=Olympusm&file=results&year=2014" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Course</b></u><br />
It's a simple idea: start near the ocean, run to the top of the ancient Greek mountain, then run back down. The start point is only 10 feet above sea level, and the high point is over 9,000 feet up. All of that in only 27 miles...so there will be a bit of climbing in that ~13-mile ascent.<br />
<br />
Here's a map of what the course looks like and where the twelve checkpoints are and their altitude.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVtDn3pXeDGtFkxJ7tDXBzZGOBIJLd0-P_4mWlF3wFJ_j-kmekPiMoPtXk1ob5ahuIvpFqLExdj5s2L0xK7FL3saWqfr-duOj0GUC7BLStpCD9iVzPYFLdUwRix-IDlrsUIXz8OCgWT3N/s1600/Olympus+Marathon+Checkpoint+Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVtDn3pXeDGtFkxJ7tDXBzZGOBIJLd0-P_4mWlF3wFJ_j-kmekPiMoPtXk1ob5ahuIvpFqLExdj5s2L0xK7FL3saWqfr-duOj0GUC7BLStpCD9iVzPYFLdUwRix-IDlrsUIXz8OCgWT3N/s1600/Olympus+Marathon+Checkpoint+Map.png" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a short <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7N0FpUrzq0" target="_blank">video teaser </a>for this year's race.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Race Goals</b></u><br />
<ol>
<li>Enjoy the experience and finish. I have a DNF and DNS at my last two international races, so finishing (injury-free) is my top priority. I'll be carrying a camera with me, so hopefully I can get some good shots to document the course.</li>
<li>Run a smart race. I'm going to 'take it easy' for the climb, then hope that my legs aren't too trashed to be able to bomb a bunch of the descent.</li>
<li>Finish under 6 hours. I feel like I'm just grabbing this number out of the dark since I haven't seen the terrain yet, but based on the finishing times of previous winners (4:30-5:00 hrs), I think 6 hours is realistic. I did Pikes Peak Marathon in 5:51, and this course profile is very similar (less altitude, but more climbing). The course terrain is the big wildcard since I haven't seen any of the course yet. Hopefully I'll have a day or two to explore it before Sunday (we're getting to Greece on Thursday).</li>
</ol>
<div>
Should be a blast. We'll be in Greece for another 10 days or so after the race, so it probably won't be until I get back that I'll get a race report posted.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Scott</div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-35501899161692652912014-06-03T15:18:00.001-07:002014-06-03T15:18:14.638-07:00Sun Mountain 50k - photo report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There will be few words about this race, but loads of photos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2014/04/boston-marathon-2014-race-report.html" target="_blank">Boston</a> (and a little rest), my focus quickly turned to the big <a href="http://www.olympus-marathon.com/index.php?newlang=english" target="_blank">climb</a> coming up at the end of the month. So the last month has been spent playing around in the mountains. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I signed up for a couple mountain races in May to help get back into the swing of things. The <a href="http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/sun-mountain-50m--50k.html" target="_blank">Sun Mountain 50k</a> has been on my to-do list for a couple years, so it was nice to finally get out and see those trails.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I won't go into too much detail about my race. My legs felt good, and the trails and views were beautiful. The Rainshadow Running folks put on my kind of event: low-key; high beauty; fun and often tough courses; and great post-race food, music, and company. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ran conservatively early on and was probably somewhere in 15th-20th place around the halfway mark. I was able to hold my pace, which meant I started picking off others who were starting to crash as the day went on. I felt strong the last 10 miles and surged ahead for a 4th place finish. (<a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=27411" target="_blank">results here</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope to make it back next year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIdAO1yK0REuX7LxNWzDU4I2a6SPf037J1G0thPakxINTGnrVUm2QLyfIG7BMviF6B3ldsImQH1v39cr-I9vgeBmfUrWkUxVKfTG2gvhdejM0FPqQi6hDJ2iy_2hTbRN9c71NHTdY86zR/s1600/Photo+May+18,+9+56+41+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIdAO1yK0REuX7LxNWzDU4I2a6SPf037J1G0thPakxINTGnrVUm2QLyfIG7BMviF6B3ldsImQH1v39cr-I9vgeBmfUrWkUxVKfTG2gvhdejM0FPqQi6hDJ2iy_2hTbRN9c71NHTdY86zR/s1600/Photo+May+18,+9+56+41+AM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Brendan, a former Pullman Beer Chasers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxB1EXK8QpjjqI3M8o_-5etV1Zm3YsWa3khR4IAXt247N3Mp4seZsna63GOt3smXCWE5nbw7iFVlJIcDiJIZjs45kb2YcXx-0yJWLkItkR_ETt7S1T45WnW90X0deMqAtDesJ-yfSFIr4/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+00+18+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxB1EXK8QpjjqI3M8o_-5etV1Zm3YsWa3khR4IAXt247N3Mp4seZsna63GOt3smXCWE5nbw7iFVlJIcDiJIZjs45kb2YcXx-0yJWLkItkR_ETt7S1T45WnW90X0deMqAtDesJ-yfSFIr4/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+00+18+AM.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race briefing:<br /> "Try not to get too distracted by all the beautiful wildflowers."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yjYORlGhr92GmxgXAhk1bmY-I43GlSRcyZfkml4agITuqnALmZZF2CFJNw1sl76-YyOLSogVryqoVEzvIjnTnVIIwCXchiFyeRI2kpvNRG3uLLWw5pHwA1D3-zH1spEtSzanZBVBympg/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yjYORlGhr92GmxgXAhk1bmY-I43GlSRcyZfkml4agITuqnALmZZF2CFJNw1sl76-YyOLSogVryqoVEzvIjnTnVIIwCXchiFyeRI2kpvNRG3uLLWw5pHwA1D3-zH1spEtSzanZBVBympg/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto+start.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.tachifoto.net/" target="_blank">Glenn Tachiyama)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2AXWIzm0q9yj6hsA7SwDZeuG71Ky8sJgPwtn7ksUPyTpOt1r_Urz0roCQr-14g3O9ThUfPa7Wb_3z0ezSY70mqrL8N5jdvxWTlJ8kcgHjqocHN9Ryj3hfjigXPDQ6NgIbb4rHscEqNFS/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+02+45+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2AXWIzm0q9yj6hsA7SwDZeuG71Ky8sJgPwtn7ksUPyTpOt1r_Urz0roCQr-14g3O9ThUfPa7Wb_3z0ezSY70mqrL8N5jdvxWTlJ8kcgHjqocHN9Ryj3hfjigXPDQ6NgIbb4rHscEqNFS/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+02+45+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start. A burst of color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU2FZGMZySbwoNHCl0HQO-LZ9bf44mFFn8zgwf0ScYRW7OO1OaMlSoRO-DGbDlZHoVunYm54nvNXj9eRacd16gmuSePkSqrQEduEXZz87u5wkFyBvP6EB6MDjKyGL5h2vNkesOTTYO40q/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+02+47+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU2FZGMZySbwoNHCl0HQO-LZ9bf44mFFn8zgwf0ScYRW7OO1OaMlSoRO-DGbDlZHoVunYm54nvNXj9eRacd16gmuSePkSqrQEduEXZz87u5wkFyBvP6EB6MDjKyGL5h2vNkesOTTYO40q/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+02+47+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Losing ground on the leaders already.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztRmKkbP0LC8i9WdX9bq4i1UDak_HEZhEfveQCBTAFhDrEy612c8IafK2T05xPvzQLU8xgs6Myau9kfEVPjg18td7aGNygy2EkDJ2q6KPvuSFke8rC7IKSTgDWv9v70lM3Z4l4LnEErC1/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+20+03+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztRmKkbP0LC8i9WdX9bq4i1UDak_HEZhEfveQCBTAFhDrEy612c8IafK2T05xPvzQLU8xgs6Myau9kfEVPjg18td7aGNygy2EkDJ2q6KPvuSFke8rC7IKSTgDWv9v70lM3Z4l4LnEErC1/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+20+03+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of views like this all day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0Q33jNoXj_swkNjCEdrdBKfbH_fjE1gnHqeVHBpzQLYMhV4i__ZG07d0r-pyYWv3u3JHHwItoY3rYJRVSY54mlo2P-0i9u7-jjQzUSsQAEZINP-EAlGf0tyEN6CeTt3jAvQn-n6nWySt/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+46+29+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0Q33jNoXj_swkNjCEdrdBKfbH_fjE1gnHqeVHBpzQLYMhV4i__ZG07d0r-pyYWv3u3JHHwItoY3rYJRVSY54mlo2P-0i9u7-jjQzUSsQAEZINP-EAlGf0tyEN6CeTt3jAvQn-n6nWySt/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+46+29+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of views like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKW-P3JHBptxI1Sy-vfMx1hZE9mRLOKztX-KiklQEPGWoT64lg2zPfz_NPd2bHnSLHfF3mt5kUy1tUDnspuL85mlQscjzQV0YytbFV15g8vQebJ-yt1fRb4wuCqH2CxLxCJnDoQrOMNPf/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+56+19+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKW-P3JHBptxI1Sy-vfMx1hZE9mRLOKztX-KiklQEPGWoT64lg2zPfz_NPd2bHnSLHfF3mt5kUy1tUDnspuL85mlQscjzQV0YytbFV15g8vQebJ-yt1fRb4wuCqH2CxLxCJnDoQrOMNPf/s1600/Photo+May+18,+10+56+19+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dozens of meadows like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftfUOChaYQwZn1m3Cv6yhI9-RYHeOjppJj5G9XQCvxaqt0DOi7hout0gbAdoWhEsXSSVQRnxRfWdf6XtbwFKOFKhTTELgjGi0IEPoJfazZIAAFhFiIUzJJaoYPn6mbRnV086S4mR4zJyH/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftfUOChaYQwZn1m3Cv6yhI9-RYHeOjppJj5G9XQCvxaqt0DOi7hout0gbAdoWhEsXSSVQRnxRfWdf6XtbwFKOFKhTTELgjGi0IEPoJfazZIAAFhFiIUzJJaoYPn6mbRnV086S4mR4zJyH/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early on.<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.tachifoto.net/" target="_blank">Glenn Tachiyama)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_iFaZSv93zgLZzrnXlYAPp3MSDiYjE_C7PWYbyt-ebum1JO7zN0_SfwxGU08BTBmSvTuLg6-TJsKkJxt57LM9l6Zo2j4h64ukT1fgBW1gxxX-axJjdbV6ujuEQJTvatuV0lA2ajEafAZ/s1600/Photo+May+18,+11+31+40+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_iFaZSv93zgLZzrnXlYAPp3MSDiYjE_C7PWYbyt-ebum1JO7zN0_SfwxGU08BTBmSvTuLg6-TJsKkJxt57LM9l6Zo2j4h64ukT1fgBW1gxxX-axJjdbV6ujuEQJTvatuV0lA2ajEafAZ/s1600/Photo+May+18,+11+31+40+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail. Rock. Dirt. Flowers. Mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rRZxbuLHgmk-it-UW84G3qe4hH6ZG9lWlylQU6lQK_tqvXr5yl1Q_lkImlhXAaJ4y6Smkx_tIBasy27bZGY0pJe1p6G6Ow_0xU7ihrV22P2OTwdLQO0wpNhN9WgvToNNF4QWF4xraacK/s1600/Photo+May+18,+12+27+10+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rRZxbuLHgmk-it-UW84G3qe4hH6ZG9lWlylQU6lQK_tqvXr5yl1Q_lkImlhXAaJ4y6Smkx_tIBasy27bZGY0pJe1p6G6Ow_0xU7ihrV22P2OTwdLQO0wpNhN9WgvToNNF4QWF4xraacK/s1600/Photo+May+18,+12+27+10+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worth stopping to take a quick photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88j5Al5LfJwn3N38lRcSKRte-qex1K2khOy-wWtkawvLUb1O1Q871mhebOJHu0enrZ6YTnz6Ljj9MrPttuibSjoD1lTy2oGR4k0v-Iodi3KjGl59Ho4ei4i3Tf_30oPcW0ZNs_8uqfgsY/s1600/Photo+May+18,+12+38+42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88j5Al5LfJwn3N38lRcSKRte-qex1K2khOy-wWtkawvLUb1O1Q871mhebOJHu0enrZ6YTnz6Ljj9MrPttuibSjoD1lTy2oGR4k0v-Iodi3KjGl59Ho4ei4i3Tf_30oPcW0ZNs_8uqfgsY/s1600/Photo+May+18,+12+38+42+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running happy around mile 20.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u0diLwNV0pw78W2a_U6HYRuEz9saFzOOlBkHwyri-rE7wOmdrG6Jxd_oNWaCgqoW_OFApNayiU6b4Gh4jgznEKNMURRbrnB9wmxCcM1UClsSWfLturfSw_W3AxgBcNaF3o0s_qTRG7m0/s1600/Photo+May+18,+12+48+35+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u0diLwNV0pw78W2a_U6HYRuEz9saFzOOlBkHwyri-rE7wOmdrG6Jxd_oNWaCgqoW_OFApNayiU6b4Gh4jgznEKNMURRbrnB9wmxCcM1UClsSWfLturfSw_W3AxgBcNaF3o0s_qTRG7m0/s1600/Photo+May+18,+12+48+35+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, there were a ton of views like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDILHcojwHCx6rb7G8dQ1jC1-GyUTe8IdG5_-eV3rhPP1d_htBiuJqaXkUdPwpW7DoGLh1gbTTD0nxKBncmVtgSwc3TgUCznPqHG51A4Yc2B6zvSKO_f1ZCB39i_dRiRfteBmRnj3Nv2qx/s1600/Photo+May+18,+1+37+51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDILHcojwHCx6rb7G8dQ1jC1-GyUTe8IdG5_-eV3rhPP1d_htBiuJqaXkUdPwpW7DoGLh1gbTTD0nxKBncmVtgSwc3TgUCznPqHG51A4Yc2B6zvSKO_f1ZCB39i_dRiRfteBmRnj3Nv2qx/s1600/Photo+May+18,+1+37+51+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I caught up with Brendan around mile 25.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjiJ3BFpMveMVmh7wX4hwCctwIlBDeEsDuXMmF2HG_CKob_wlDK9idmJgO7Hd6xr1GDhzJNC31-yCCCDmcrueiRSasW4BopIacNowcPAWLhP8yInGl2NMW1-8dk1D9yI-Q8dgiZ9HOA1v/s1600/Photo+May+18,+1+48+16+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjiJ3BFpMveMVmh7wX4hwCctwIlBDeEsDuXMmF2HG_CKob_wlDK9idmJgO7Hd6xr1GDhzJNC31-yCCCDmcrueiRSasW4BopIacNowcPAWLhP8yInGl2NMW1-8dk1D9yI-Q8dgiZ9HOA1v/s1600/Photo+May+18,+1+48+16+PM.jpg" height="142" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pano near the midpoint of the final climb.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ-lPopbSa1Q_2s00frPwrWbrcjqcSHUy68YAQ_LKCGOcFtGlB94kMRBdCSyUghEmLDHyr8oYPxx19KOsCDKl0gDtsIRcs_u1dfRJAsSg2HFibfjr8quI1oXIkDyZQoVuVGCRf8LKtBFk/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ-lPopbSa1Q_2s00frPwrWbrcjqcSHUy68YAQ_LKCGOcFtGlB94kMRBdCSyUghEmLDHyr8oYPxx19KOsCDKl0gDtsIRcs_u1dfRJAsSg2HFibfjr8quI1oXIkDyZQoVuVGCRf8LKtBFk/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto+2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final descent. Only a few miles to go.<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.tachifoto.net/" target="_blank">Glenn Tachiyama)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZkFyd9GgychAM9xjIUQrjVPW7_sRvyxKwZQw0tNH0AqINn8tbxacDfTRmXbzNGRNyA9o3i3gaBJ-2xLSZaS9qdGJttrd9JoXYn6vyAcibwbWqbPeTTuXQCllrl4MyyzL9sq2jN9wXn7u/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZkFyd9GgychAM9xjIUQrjVPW7_sRvyxKwZQw0tNH0AqINn8tbxacDfTRmXbzNGRNyA9o3i3gaBJ-2xLSZaS9qdGJttrd9JoXYn6vyAcibwbWqbPeTTuXQCllrl4MyyzL9sq2jN9wXn7u/s1600/Sun+Mountain+50k+Tachifoto.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling great on the final descent.<br />(photo by <a href="http://www.tachifoto.net/" target="_blank">Glenn Tachiyama)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryOhQVMYQJEOZg-otntO4V9nb5WjxpEL7_NV0HMC269kq4PkTuN4jpFr1J49PVoancAJdS2-buWHQrl_14ajnrdqlSBC-jbccqKFTcrISLLf_mP_iOB2frqc7ANHEzcljLXSe4I3gw0CY/s1600/Photo+May+18,+2+23+35+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryOhQVMYQJEOZg-otntO4V9nb5WjxpEL7_NV0HMC269kq4PkTuN4jpFr1J49PVoancAJdS2-buWHQrl_14ajnrdqlSBC-jbccqKFTcrISLLf_mP_iOB2frqc7ANHEzcljLXSe4I3gw0CY/s1600/Photo+May+18,+2+23+35+PM.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY5Ksnu0DY_36vDh6Mfu3hyphenhyphen9Ha4EjJP0W6m2EX1mxhH_vR-QtNJWl8rBDxDBCBVGZIQb-zAwpq5d_MjoC2WfuOaMPE8KqWZ0bHPxEOYbsO3au6SYlOD_H-Mgbb0v2l1SFF3gGpQbN-U2C/s1600/Photo+May+18,+2+23+41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY5Ksnu0DY_36vDh6Mfu3hyphenhyphen9Ha4EjJP0W6m2EX1mxhH_vR-QtNJWl8rBDxDBCBVGZIQb-zAwpq5d_MjoC2WfuOaMPE8KqWZ0bHPxEOYbsO3au6SYlOD_H-Mgbb0v2l1SFF3gGpQbN-U2C/s1600/Photo+May+18,+2+23+41+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0LqLwowmwhT2jbi2CBExjL7fBWpwM7nAGcTSqaE0LqhTkQLtIxogvWXYMJqytNqIafv_5q0CPmfVhnpFvlDML6uctVFN7_gfI_nMNIdfa7Tj4cXtgYhyphenhyphenezV0OhiMEJvdBB3ce-cwzjMj/s1600/Photo+May+18,+2+24+24+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0LqLwowmwhT2jbi2CBExjL7fBWpwM7nAGcTSqaE0LqhTkQLtIxogvWXYMJqytNqIafv_5q0CPmfVhnpFvlDML6uctVFN7_gfI_nMNIdfa7Tj4cXtgYhyphenhyphenezV0OhiMEJvdBB3ce-cwzjMj/s1600/Photo+May+18,+2+24+24+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done, and done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-58148082462634871362014-05-06T13:07:00.000-07:002014-05-06T14:07:26.787-07:00Bloomsday 2014 - race reportIf you're a runner, then you've heard of the <a href="http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/" target="_blank">Bloomsday 12k</a> (7.46 miles). It's one of the biggest races in the world. 40-60,000 Olympians, runners, joggers, and walkers show up each year in Spokane, WA. It's a blast, and it's definitely <i>the </i>running event in the Inland NW. Bands along the course. Great spectator support. And a challenging, hilly course with a particularly (in)<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/sublime-climbs" target="_blank">famous hill</a> called Doomsday.<br />
<br />
Bloomsday was <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2007/05/bloomsday-run-2007.html" target="_blank">my first race</a> when I first started running/training for a marathon in 2007. I was turned off by the idea of running in such a big crowd, but a couple friends convinced me that it was fun despite (and because of) the mass of humanity. They were right. I make a point to have this on my calendar each year.<br />
<br />
This year the race fell 13 days after <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2014/04/boston-marathon-2014-race-report.html" target="_blank">Boston</a>. On one hand, my legs are still recovering from my big effort in Boston, and my recovery time has become noticeably slower these last two years (I didn't think I was <i>that</i> old!), so I thought that I shouldn't expect anything fast at Bloomsday. On the other hand, I trained hard for Boston this year and most of my short-distance road PRs have been lowered, so I was thinking that my overall fitness level compared to previous Bloomsdays might cancel-out the Boston fatigue factor enough that I'd have a good shot at lowering my Bloomsday PR.<br />
<br />
Previous Bloomsday times:<br />
2007 - 59:08<br />
2010 - 48:41<br />
2011 - 47:25<br />
2012 - 45:32<br />
2014 - ?<br />
<br />
I wanted to go under 45:00, which is right at a 6:00min/mile pace. I ran the first mile with four or five other <a href="http://beerchasers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beer Chasers</a>. We hit the first mile right at 6 minutes, but when we plunged down the first big descent on the second mile the group spread out. I tried to stay back and conserve, but my legs were already tired! Not <i>too</i> tired, I hoped. I felt I could hold the effort for another 5 miles or so.<br />
<br />
I was still on pace when I hit the bottom of Doomsday hill around mile 4.5, but by that point it already seemed like I was just holding on. I scrambled up the hill, and then spent the next mile trying to catch my breath.<br />
<br />
At mile 6, I was about 16 seconds slower than where I needed to be to get under 45:00. This is about where you hope there is something left in the tank to make a push to the finish line. Not only was there nothing left in my tank, but it felt like the tank was dragging on the ground behind me. So of course, that's when I started reminding myself that 45:00 is no big deal and my mom would still love me if I just walked the rest of the way in. But my buddy, Buzz, just re-passed me, so I swallowed my whine and tried to keep pace with him.<br />
<br />
My effort increased x 10, but it felt like my pace only increased x 0.0001. Buzz stayed about 25 yards in front of me for that last mile. I tried to make a push, but I wasn't getting any closer. When I turned the corner for the short downhill to the finish-line, I still wasn't sure if I'd sneak in under 45:00. With 10 yards to go, things looked good. Not me -- I looked miserable. But race-time goal things looked good. I popped under the finish line in 44:54. My last mile split turned out, surprisingly, to be my fastest of the day at 5:38. (<a href="http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/results/all-finishers?yr=2014&bn=697&fn=&ln=" target="_blank">Official results</a>)<br />
<br />
Another Bloomsday came and went. Another day I'm grateful to be alive and healthy enough to run. Oh, and this year the race photos were free -- another reason to love Bloomsday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVNzTsu4vfnKVNbA9zy5hjh4lNwY0Shp8TA-lZ9rOtk4GK0WC_7_RpspbacXAWx8s1zBMRvNzvSvO8YDW4m_X8ZgtxlypwD1zq2VYBFO3SPWuXBhircgSwNxPNuHe5yqrIi3XuSLHXHyY/s1600/elevation_map_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVNzTsu4vfnKVNbA9zy5hjh4lNwY0Shp8TA-lZ9rOtk4GK0WC_7_RpspbacXAWx8s1zBMRvNzvSvO8YDW4m_X8ZgtxlypwD1zq2VYBFO3SPWuXBhircgSwNxPNuHe5yqrIi3XuSLHXHyY/s1600/elevation_map_lg.jpg" height="216" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN3InCYS-KdYXPOFuW8oKrX0rW7Of0SLC6q-pMsCj_544d3M5v7pD1OdJIh3M_nWbuACOTaJUV9W6yafzqh01sMe6XmhMRKAZgDuGxMOv72M451gEvO2w0VfDAzmcJ9UL5Z436I73WpSc/s1600/bloomsday2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlN3InCYS-KdYXPOFuW8oKrX0rW7Of0SLC6q-pMsCj_544d3M5v7pD1OdJIh3M_nWbuACOTaJUV9W6yafzqh01sMe6XmhMRKAZgDuGxMOv72M451gEvO2w0VfDAzmcJ9UL5Z436I73WpSc/s1600/bloomsday2014.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Squeezed into the starting corral.<br />
(Photo: <a href="http://www.inlander.com/Bloglander/archives/2014/05/04/photos-bloomsday" target="_blank">Inlander</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZzcp2zY-0ZZcViON2U4-nXSPxBTuHlz6Lv94AuqEJD4ORMJE3ayZ82oYB3BHDMKICGLpdKwyCNt7IG7zYpG1GnNzqlJ7HVU8I80rM1_S2SEHMvHwfTZ8AcAyJVoKPKEhar1xL0IzYVqA/s1600/bazu-2362347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZzcp2zY-0ZZcViON2U4-nXSPxBTuHlz6Lv94AuqEJD4ORMJE3ayZ82oYB3BHDMKICGLpdKwyCNt7IG7zYpG1GnNzqlJ7HVU8I80rM1_S2SEHMvHwfTZ8AcAyJVoKPKEhar1xL0IzYVqA/s1600/bazu-2362347.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running with a pack near mile 3.<br />
(Buzz in orange singlet in background)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNNMwDylZyst5BjC52btZVBTeE_ant1sKNqpMKxsbdrLIHmrDsk2_jJ4lznc2-K_SX3L2AT9Rowf57mapM7fhYqupO22cqt4S5LsN72xu_E5Oe_FILV6Tw9_qfDCENfETA4RuYHajGaRh/s1600/bazu-2352892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNNMwDylZyst5BjC52btZVBTeE_ant1sKNqpMKxsbdrLIHmrDsk2_jJ4lznc2-K_SX3L2AT9Rowf57mapM7fhYqupO22cqt4S5LsN72xu_E5Oe_FILV6Tw9_qfDCENfETA4RuYHajGaRh/s1600/bazu-2352892.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere with less than a couple miles to go.<br />
Hanging on for dear life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dOUpy7MBtfPGAqxs1TR5oyahW8IHlFzM1odtxYqkDwwDGwRk1Fapyfv7JXsBvL1GveH-DSABIkl7Frxei307W72upsBWH1StpwFOaYn2-DsPuofBgoq7fJt50NNewEZ_Tcat4C3oTHK3/s1600/bazu-2323439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dOUpy7MBtfPGAqxs1TR5oyahW8IHlFzM1odtxYqkDwwDGwRk1Fapyfv7JXsBvL1GveH-DSABIkl7Frxei307W72upsBWH1StpwFOaYn2-DsPuofBgoq7fJt50NNewEZ_Tcat4C3oTHK3/s1600/bazu-2323439.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the final straightaway.<br />
The end is in sight!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FQ5IuHe_j_Zm_Hoo1JQMmbs04ra64c5JdZFigqe_7H0_PkWYF4240wRdMLXTjsZqkOkNZQ5YJFTrucBr1Qyt0sK8W7_gHegMm2BaWmuQmeHBY-BifpTX50knMf0_9f3Wu4H1MT8RL3Hy/s1600/bazu-2338184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FQ5IuHe_j_Zm_Hoo1JQMmbs04ra64c5JdZFigqe_7H0_PkWYF4240wRdMLXTjsZqkOkNZQ5YJFTrucBr1Qyt0sK8W7_gHegMm2BaWmuQmeHBY-BifpTX50knMf0_9f3Wu4H1MT8RL3Hy/s1600/bazu-2338184.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chugging along toward the end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpViKtpn93wzWP8KzMC1wWmHo9FgsjZxPnQJStwKnBfLISJdOKNnEuR9tijnPYlT3e9fDnG8W0GILMxHkkbMrJRVWT8S3PW-owB47E7eTIJVtrlQReW4sYiCNkTI1MtNTWme8Djo-UB9TJ/s1600/bazu-2375142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpViKtpn93wzWP8KzMC1wWmHo9FgsjZxPnQJStwKnBfLISJdOKNnEuR9tijnPYlT3e9fDnG8W0GILMxHkkbMrJRVWT8S3PW-owB47E7eTIJVtrlQReW4sYiCNkTI1MtNTWme8Djo-UB9TJ/s1600/bazu-2375142.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wondering if badminton would ever hurt this much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU6Hlj7Ozj5U_eNUFlvJH3ddbk0407vmDxeSAnNKMQkHqbA9_4cvZOO4mCWDYt_wrY38QujBz32Uvbd-SyyHiQNkJ-7WMHsiCWQnhAJw69266Rf3b0x9LiLFO5uYTPjplZUiBbj4_bEz4/s1600/bazu-2332400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU6Hlj7Ozj5U_eNUFlvJH3ddbk0407vmDxeSAnNKMQkHqbA9_4cvZOO4mCWDYt_wrY38QujBz32Uvbd-SyyHiQNkJ-7WMHsiCWQnhAJw69266Rf3b0x9LiLFO5uYTPjplZUiBbj4_bEz4/s1600/bazu-2332400.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to find a kick at the very end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUJqhferAvLabKbWO2Zbee-0Wd9_q-MR0P0S1k19CLfb__nrkAQ9RSCICdr9tbBo9WTsDAVLMDHInh4qCz55rExNQE1XWemIC_EmuUD8_ii51uolzb61XSPWKnKdAWIsHL4gqVQh2CfKY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUJqhferAvLabKbWO2Zbee-0Wd9_q-MR0P0S1k19CLfb__nrkAQ9RSCICdr9tbBo9WTsDAVLMDHInh4qCz55rExNQE1XWemIC_EmuUD8_ii51uolzb61XSPWKnKdAWIsHL4gqVQh2CfKY/s1600/photo.JPG" height="175" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer Chasers post-race party at No-Li Brewery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now that Boston and Bloomsday are done, it's time to hit the trails. And Moscow Mountain trails are snow-free already. This is much earlier than usual. Surely that's a sign that it's going to be a great year in the mountains.<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-Scott<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-37274799017761488772014-04-26T09:24:00.001-07:002015-02-13T10:13:20.630-08:00Boston Marathon 2014 - Race ReportI ran Boston for the first time in <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2011/04/boston-marathon-2011-race-report.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, and I didn't have a strong desire to ever run it again. I had wanted to do it once in my life, and I was <i>very</i> grateful and satisfied to have had that experience. I just didn't feel that I needed to come back and do it again. But after watching the events unfold last year while I was glued to my work computer, my emotions ran from horror, to anger, and then - like the majority of runners across the country - to defiance. "I will run Boston in 2014."<br />
<br />
In 2011, I ran Boston like a tourist. I carried my camera and took a ton of photos, I high-fived a thousand people, and I tried let the entire experience soak through me. This time, I wanted to give the famous course my best shot. And I had a 2:55 PR from 2010 that needed lowering.<br />
<br />
Training was as good as I've had for a road race. I trained faster than usual and saw a few short-distance PRs fall along the way. I set my sights on not just lowering my PR but also giving it a good whipping.<br />
<ul>
<li>A Goal -- sub-2:50</li>
<li>B Goal -- lower my PR (2:55:23)</li>
</ul>
Going into the race, I was fairly confident in the A Goal. I thought that as long as the weather wasn't horrible, then I had a good chance at it. I felt the B goal was pretty soft. I am much fitter now than I was in 2010, so a PR was almost an afterthought.<br />
<br />
My qualifying time was 2:57, so I was placed in a corral that was very packed and a bit slower than my goal pace. This was good and bad: good because it was so packed that it was impossible to go out too fast on the big downhill out of Hopkinton; bad because it was so packed that it took four or five miles of bobbing and weaving through slightly slower runners before the crowd thinned enough to run my own race.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gpV-VsA3RuQ04WmQs9gKxC7O4z4irDgQv8jp7Jz3A1C7nd34u2HdbEvlYSjwbZRhY8xVdYAPndQRCcJ-rbAXdtGThQ_tcUChauDGkzOSleLno0blWE2lrk1FDkSIKAF3kz8wwgVjUJmg/s1600/Boston+Marathon+Elevation+Profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gpV-VsA3RuQ04WmQs9gKxC7O4z4irDgQv8jp7Jz3A1C7nd34u2HdbEvlYSjwbZRhY8xVdYAPndQRCcJ-rbAXdtGThQ_tcUChauDGkzOSleLno0blWE2lrk1FDkSIKAF3kz8wwgVjUJmg/s1600/Boston+Marathon+Elevation+Profile.jpg" height="91" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course Profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I planned to be through the halfway mark at around 1:24. I knew I'd probably be a little slower on the second half of the race. The first half has a bunch of downhills, and the second half has the infamous Newton (up)Hills. I hit the halfway mark at 1:23:40, which was right where I wanted to be. I was still feeling very good at this point, and I was confident as the Newton Hills approached.<br />
<br />
Temps were rising to 60 degrees (much warmer than anything I've been training in), and I was starting to douse myself with full cups of cold water. But I was still on target as I cautiously approached the hills.<br />
<br />
Heartbreak Hill is the last and most infamous of the Newton Hills. It crests near mile 21, but after that, it's a fast downhill course for nearly three miles before two pancake flat miles to the finish line. I lost a few seconds per mile overall as I climbed the hill, but I was still on target at the top of Heartbreak -- just as I planned.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/results-commentary/2014-mens-race-recap.aspx" target="_blank">elite men's write-up</a> said that the race is won on the hills, "if not on the hills themselves, then by virtue of the damage they inflict." As I was descending the backside of Heartbreak Hill, I see now that I had fallen into the category of "I lost the race because of the damage the hills inflicted on me." I wasn't toast, but I was not-so-slowly going in that direction.<br />
<br />
By mile 24, my pace had slowed almost a minute per mile and it was clear right then that 2:50 was out of reach. I was overheating by now, and the wobble in my legs had become a wobble in my head. I wanted to walk (for fear of passing out, and because I was now officially toast), but the roar of the unbelievable crowd kept me running. You really do feel like a rock star the entire 26.2 miles along the Boston Marathon course.<br />
<br />
So I kept running, and now I was starting to get a little worried about my B goal. But my meltdown wasn't so bad that I couldn't soak in the unrivaled feeling of turning left onto Boylston Street with the finish line in site. It truly is one of the greatest scenes in all of sport.<br />
<br />
I shuffled through the finish line, beaten yet victorious. It's quite the feeling to cross that finish line; it was my second Boston finish, and it felt no less amazing than my first time there. <br />
<br />
And I'm the owner of a new PR: 2:54:33.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtR3t9zhwX802FpVRVt3af7hhoartSal9qSrKZ027DXpNQTYMoNE9Tv_ImkBS0T9Oz3d1rLoa5jiMBDVfoWLMo16tbVeMa2uwTwKD_9PNpnhaLRPX9Ulz49S6qQBmXm_s5s-dfMpgesdT/s1600/10256370_645625328818490_6675126776855798999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtR3t9zhwX802FpVRVt3af7hhoartSal9qSrKZ027DXpNQTYMoNE9Tv_ImkBS0T9Oz3d1rLoa5jiMBDVfoWLMo16tbVeMa2uwTwKD_9PNpnhaLRPX9Ulz49S6qQBmXm_s5s-dfMpgesdT/s1600/10256370_645625328818490_6675126776855798999_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the trip with three fellow Beer Chasers<br />
(l-r: me, Doug Jacobson, Dan Froelich, Graham VanderSchelden)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Reflections</u><br />
The "Boston Strong" spirit was amazing all weekend. I don't have a strong emotional connection to the city of Boston itself, but if felt good to be a very small part of helping that city heal.<br />
<br />
I do have a very strong emotional connection to runners all around the world, so nearly all of the goosebumps I got throughout the race and race weekend were reserved for other runners I saw on the course. I believe in running, and it filled my heart with so much joy to see the smiles and struggles and tears and whoops-of-joy from runners of varying shapes and colors.<br />
<br />
The Boston Marathon is special. It's a lofty goal for many runners, but it's a worthy goal. The <i>idea</i> of the Boston Marathon is almost as powerful as the race itself. I feel truly blessed to be lucky enough to have run it twice now. I hope I'll never take moments like these for granted.<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-ScottScott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-90295641724292893152014-03-26T09:42:00.004-07:002014-03-26T09:47:47.030-07:00Hells Canyon Adventure Run 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71M5O0azwPH-8Sg44oWHhyphenhyphenEVMS6SQp9QY1xCz805zqK-Mv7RqZPiE1ZQ-JJf_aRABp7iTrgAQGj_Eh3rxf2L40WY-GPzpqIGs3FOiVDA-NjTuXI_giVSg7oo2PfoJoX0U6Vx6DxXTXBYG/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71M5O0azwPH-8Sg44oWHhyphenhyphenEVMS6SQp9QY1xCz805zqK-Mv7RqZPiE1ZQ-JJf_aRABp7iTrgAQGj_Eh3rxf2L40WY-GPzpqIGs3FOiVDA-NjTuXI_giVSg7oo2PfoJoX0U6Vx6DxXTXBYG/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71M5O0azwPH-8Sg44oWHhyphenhyphenEVMS6SQp9QY1xCz805zqK-Mv7RqZPiE1ZQ-JJf_aRABp7iTrgAQGj_Eh3rxf2L40WY-GPzpqIGs3FOiVDA-NjTuXI_giVSg7oo2PfoJoX0U6Vx6DxXTXBYG/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71M5O0azwPH-8Sg44oWHhyphenhyphenEVMS6SQp9QY1xCz805zqK-Mv7RqZPiE1ZQ-JJf_aRABp7iTrgAQGj_Eh3rxf2L40WY-GPzpqIGs3FOiVDA-NjTuXI_giVSg7oo2PfoJoX0U6Vx6DxXTXBYG/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hells Canyon and the Snake River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br />
The Hells Canyon Adventure Run is not a race. It's an annual for-fun run that's been put on by Alan Douglas for many years. There's a 30-mile stretch of trail between the Pittsburg Landing campground and the Hells Canyon Dam. I've been down to this trail a few times before, but this was my first time coming down for this organized run.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
The run has three options:</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li>Long Version - Take the jet boat from the campground as far as it can go upriver and then run back to the campground. The distance seems to vary each year depending on how far upriver the boat can get due to the rapids. This year we were dropped off just shy of 25 miles from the campground. I've been told other years the boat has been able to get much closer to the dam to make for a near 30-mile run.</li>
<li>Short Version - Take the jet boat upriver for 15 miles and then run back to the campground.</li>
<li>Out and Back - Skip the jet boat (and save $65) and just run an out-n-back from the campground. </li>
</ol>
<div>
We were told there were no 'drop bags' allowed on the jet boat, so the dilemma for all the long version folks was how much to wear on the hour-long jet boat ride starting at 6:15 am when temperatures were below 30 degrees Fahrenheit but would be up around 50 degrees by the end of the run. I dressed for the run (shorts) so I didn't have to carry all those extra clothes when I was on the trail and then spent every second of that very long boat ride regretting my decision not to wear full winter gear. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sadie wasn't too thrilled with her first jet boat ride either. She was as nervous as I was cold, and I spent the entire ride trying to calm her down and keep her from freaking out. But it was all worth it when we hit the trail.<br />
<br />
With Sadie happy to be on solid ground and me excited to get moving, a group of four of us started down the trail. After five miles or so, our group was down to three: me, Dan H., and Riley.<br />
<br />
We spent a good majority of our run in the morning shadow of the west-facing canyon walls. The Snake River was rarely out of our site as the trail weaved in and out of smooth, grassy meadows and then up and down rocky cliffs that boasted wobbly-leg inducing drop-offs up to four hundred feet high.<br />
<br />
This is one of the trails worth bragging about. This is one of those trails worthy of a road trip. I tell trail runners new to Pullman that they must run in the <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2012/09/trail-running-in-wallowa-mountains.html" target="_blank">Wallowas</a>, and they must run this section of the Snake River.<br />
<br />
I took a bunch of gopro video on the run. A lot of it didn't turn out so great because of the poor lighting from running in the shadow most of the day. But I put a few of the clips together in this short video.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/a4WsgWgF51M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And enjoy some photos.</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOW6p23ZjM26Da09yFaJaVJtdM4DEfFqvlHW4kYL5S1fDi0pClOTGB_xpMLTwmbOlUPw_4d2zrbQrTeaaP26QbLvHYSFL0Y_aEa2YGHG4eBe_iLVkDLKIsoJyFx1ck_jIWmEY1bILjsQH/s1600/1960868_10152287774807940_124990712_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOW6p23ZjM26Da09yFaJaVJtdM4DEfFqvlHW4kYL5S1fDi0pClOTGB_xpMLTwmbOlUPw_4d2zrbQrTeaaP26QbLvHYSFL0Y_aEa2YGHG4eBe_iLVkDLKIsoJyFx1ck_jIWmEY1bILjsQH/s1600/1960868_10152287774807940_124990712_o.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freezing with Sadie on the jet boat.<br />
But enjoy the views and herds of elk.<br />
(photo by Dan Hollingshead)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwTPH_s9ebOLkLv7hyphenhyphenY6Bo-_u-h7rPY5wTr7CuDqmy-rqug9lszqLJMItcnXUE3tzPsKJlVcGwjiyKTAb4D1B0WCj2pf-yVPZ-xLJlSs6X_0MBIzhkrk8imGY58N_Jhk1V-cqqHCEXt07/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwTPH_s9ebOLkLv7hyphenhyphenY6Bo-_u-h7rPY5wTr7CuDqmy-rqug9lszqLJMItcnXUE3tzPsKJlVcGwjiyKTAb4D1B0WCj2pf-yVPZ-xLJlSs6X_0MBIzhkrk8imGY58N_Jhk1V-cqqHCEXt07/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early in the morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdqzdpCwKEQbmYt7gyTPy_w4foL5DBtx7oNCywL2EOhFhC1E2sgRiOA7YirbnzFhqbylffRxGc26mqVd9J0P3VIt-w2eGAhFd7pyyB_LekFQSSJBk2d3uXL2NXQSMcIHKYg1hbnHYurmi/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdqzdpCwKEQbmYt7gyTPy_w4foL5DBtx7oNCywL2EOhFhC1E2sgRiOA7YirbnzFhqbylffRxGc26mqVd9J0P3VIt-w2eGAhFd7pyyB_LekFQSSJBk2d3uXL2NXQSMcIHKYg1hbnHYurmi/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan H during the first couple miles of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoIx7LnnFtTvUdTqyP4lyd1HZ1TLScykgs3VWJyEbzIzuxZETIkjpZc7VkzaRSeCYHrZmcqb_aq2LGqJUIs61tDBTNsdLLXv8yo4-_gwgceF00mXZkNba3YKMtxuRbMek8b6fYlBJKV7p/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoIx7LnnFtTvUdTqyP4lyd1HZ1TLScykgs3VWJyEbzIzuxZETIkjpZc7VkzaRSeCYHrZmcqb_aq2LGqJUIs61tDBTNsdLLXv8yo4-_gwgceF00mXZkNba3YKMtxuRbMek8b6fYlBJKV7p/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the sun was out, the views were spectacular.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW4GvhY5iupbT8k1ar2ywoZU0bg57izLv2r0LEKv8XgwhyUSKNLsq5ywfetoCu0R9_0QOYHbz-HA5gqTYx703QC-NGunS2Xt9m85FlXiJPKjI2AQCkwPj80MyEFzWUuWnDDMadR9SFwLG/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW4GvhY5iupbT8k1ar2ywoZU0bg57izLv2r0LEKv8XgwhyUSKNLsq5ywfetoCu0R9_0QOYHbz-HA5gqTYx703QC-NGunS2Xt9m85FlXiJPKjI2AQCkwPj80MyEFzWUuWnDDMadR9SFwLG/s1600/photo+2+copy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley and Dan enjoying trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TN4tytXwmVy-cgIicXk1PKyCXO6DUfTZ_H4xvrM-apZEP7B50k1B-9dp5nx9Ka0vkxTqe5F0U2O9WJalflivpQznVOj4nfLxm4NKLadM6SkTSNoBhyphenhyphenKvefdd8foumRyKUjp_qFBJsGn6/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TN4tytXwmVy-cgIicXk1PKyCXO6DUfTZ_H4xvrM-apZEP7B50k1B-9dp5nx9Ka0vkxTqe5F0U2O9WJalflivpQznVOj4nfLxm4NKLadM6SkTSNoBhyphenhyphenKvefdd8foumRyKUjp_qFBJsGn6/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIRDNt-GZRYdarlQFgKJJXtYhQlm_bGknwY5EMx6V06xhYh5tsqZdBXT-10oVoyC6mV6eOCnHwsTHPIlyZeVLet7fibnb_duBoqTTXLDOYCi6tJrtH_JtTOh3ihKBGyaoUsPGPwQoCwa0/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIRDNt-GZRYdarlQFgKJJXtYhQlm_bGknwY5EMx6V06xhYh5tsqZdBXT-10oVoyC6mV6eOCnHwsTHPIlyZeVLet7fibnb_duBoqTTXLDOYCi6tJrtH_JtTOh3ihKBGyaoUsPGPwQoCwa0/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Suicide Point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasXzteiFNFRtsC4MeQnLNqhMUWhrQqhuUGKgFdoCYfFkoTBWJ8-JnB4Fm_2FmbILu8UJOSwcbaL7FZIkWVbi_f4snc0FGEcsEZyUQAMa6EX5koCUNLtNFgQ-50Zj35BkONy8XyT5sBa19/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasXzteiFNFRtsC4MeQnLNqhMUWhrQqhuUGKgFdoCYfFkoTBWJ8-JnB4Fm_2FmbILu8UJOSwcbaL7FZIkWVbi_f4snc0FGEcsEZyUQAMa6EX5koCUNLtNFgQ-50Zj35BkONy8XyT5sBa19/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpcXigbY68-xAnKFToU0TK9FIAxmQpsgmG6sufCFbw1uJ8NXxKVhlAk-LkZkb_-L-kNAWr4y9yt_alq-CdYFhyNqdAqEVmlPxKU3L8vP7QG8z7di2G2BXqhU0GJpBA2NrI3cVZc0Y-K3J/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpcXigbY68-xAnKFToU0TK9FIAxmQpsgmG6sufCFbw1uJ8NXxKVhlAk-LkZkb_-L-kNAWr4y9yt_alq-CdYFhyNqdAqEVmlPxKU3L8vP7QG8z7di2G2BXqhU0GJpBA2NrI3cVZc0Y-K3J/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZpdoIb2wIm8nQM12brtwRZpgmmFnHlZrQl472cxYvJAvegfK-QBHeyoDxdpr7UKWq9kGVt_J2EhSN6P9RhiDYWYX5gD5NzI02ggvBAzAF8M0CCQzDtbr4-vgazimG59kCjLlZXYERCzz/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZpdoIb2wIm8nQM12brtwRZpgmmFnHlZrQl472cxYvJAvegfK-QBHeyoDxdpr7UKWq9kGVt_J2EhSN6P9RhiDYWYX5gD5NzI02ggvBAzAF8M0CCQzDtbr4-vgazimG59kCjLlZXYERCzz/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan and Riley as we leave Kirkwood Ranch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8hOaxFVBRUrNVPFx67jerW3o9MOsxqzO_S7aZdkFWYqcF2MAL_j6SE47z-s7lz-O30znaQTsZM3q0t_iraF2AP1Qm3wLxRkj5s6w-sipkY4HbkJEEc_KFePyx037VRMQJOyxKWFjmn5n/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8hOaxFVBRUrNVPFx67jerW3o9MOsxqzO_S7aZdkFWYqcF2MAL_j6SE47z-s7lz-O30znaQTsZM3q0t_iraF2AP1Qm3wLxRkj5s6w-sipkY4HbkJEEc_KFePyx037VRMQJOyxKWFjmn5n/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite trailhead, and the end of our day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon.aspx" target="_blank">Boston</a> is less than a month away, and I'm excited. But I can't help being even more excited to see winter melting away from my favorite mountain trails. I think this is going to be a great year for trail running.<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-Scott<br />
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-8921882965239868002014-03-03T14:12:00.000-08:002014-03-27T14:31:48.358-07:00Snake River Canyon Half Marathon - Race ReportMy training for <a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon.aspx">Boston</a> is on schedule, and I'm feeling fit.<br />
<br />
Saturday was my big tune-up race, the <a href="http://palouseroadrunners.org/prr-races/snake-river-canyon-half-marathon/">Snake River Canyon Half Marathon</a>, put on by the wonderful folks at Palouse Road Runners.<br />
<br />
This race unofficially marks the beginning of spring running on the Palouse. Temperatures in the canyon are usually near 50 degrees for the race, and it's usually one of the first runs of the year when you can appropriately wear shorts. But this year we received a cold blast of winter on race day. Race-time temperatures were in the mid-20's and snow was fluttering in the air all morning. The canyon is also notorious for brutal headwinds on the out section of this pancake flat out-n-back course. We still had the headwinds (~10-15mph), but it wasn't nearly as bad as we've seen in the past.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to blister my marathon PR at Boston, so my training has been geared - more than ever -toward running a fast time at a road marathon. I'm not doing track stuff or anything like that (I'm not <i>that</i> invested in my marathon PR), but I have been doing pace-specific training runs for the first time in my life. And it's been paying off. I've seen some of my (admittedly soft) shorter-distance road PRs fall the last couple months.<br />
<br />
So I was feeling pretty good about myself heading into the race.<br />
<br />
<u>Race Goals</u><br />
A goal: sub-1:19<br />
B goal: sub-1:20<br />
C goal: beat my <a href="http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2012/03/snake-river-canyon-half-race-report.html">PR</a> (1:21:09)<br />
<br />
The gun went off and after a quarter of a mile there was a group of 20 or so slowly pulling away. I was running with my buddy Dan Froelich (we had the same A goal). The faster group was doing 5:50's or so - which was a bit faster than we wanted, but with a group that big there is quite an upside when you're running into a headwind. We decided it was worth sticking with them, so we hurried up to get on the train.<br />
<br />
Then around two miles the group of 20 or so split into two groups when about 10 guys starting surging. Too quick for us, so we settled into the second half of the pack with a few familiar faces (Dan Hollingshead and Chris Morlan). Around mile four, our group started splintering a bit, and the wind started to become a factor. The last couple miles into the wind before the turnaround was starting to get tougher than I was hoping it would be.<br />
<br />
Chris hit the turnaround first, then I hit it a little behind him in about 39:45. I was just off my A goal pace but still feeling optimistic that I could make up the lost time with the help of the tailwind. Dan and Dan were just behind me at the turnaround.<br />
<br />
Nothing eventful on the way back. It was just a long, lonely attempt trying to hold pace. Chris held a 15 to 20 second advantage over me most of the way back. For four miles or so I tried to slowly reel him in, but it wasn't happening. Every once in awhile I'd feel a gust of wind hit me from behind, and I kept imagining it was the Snake River kicking me in the butt to "go faster, Scott!"<br />
<br />
With three miles to go, I was still under my 1:19 pace...I just needed to hold it.<br />
<br />
<br />
With about two miles to go, Chris started fading a little and I snuck up beside him and then eased by. "Hey, Chris." "Hey, Scott." "Hoping to hold this pace to sneak under 1:19," I said. "Dig deep. You're almost there," he said.<br />
<br />
I hadn't looked back since the turnaround, so I didn't know where Dan and Dan were. I was hoping one of them would catch up with me so we could run with each other to the finish.<br />
<br />
With about a half mile to go, I finally <i>knew</i> I had 1:19 in the bag. I tried to make a little bit of a surge to see if I had anything left in the tank. There wasn't much left, but that last mile was my second fastest of the day.<br />
<br />
I crossed the finish line in 1:18:17. (<a href="https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=26164" target="_blank">official results</a>)<br />
<br />
I'm pretty stoked with how I ran. It has me feeling good as I start counting down to Boston. Now that my big tune-up race is done, I can officially start getting excited about the starting line in Hopkinton.<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-Scott<br />
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-34488717311958988782014-02-04T13:45:00.002-08:002014-02-05T08:11:11.459-08:00Winter Training, and 2014 International Race Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's that time of the year when all the Pullman gray starts sneaking under your skin. Where's the sun? No one knows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spent a long weekend in Washington DC for a work conference (Annie came too, and we spent a couple extras days in town to visit her brother and sister-in-law). No break from winter there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvJmfC1q2lERUln8rTtka8QeDSe7oNiA5mlaDEv2c63g4ESuQq3o7sIeqRnqHUoz9TtjRaUG6PVUyPS0q7eH0PcloQU2hpueJkwosAYqh9e0hHE3fcl-IhIe7pJ1Bh-3PubLuxxwQieem/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvJmfC1q2lERUln8rTtka8QeDSe7oNiA5mlaDEv2c63g4ESuQq3o7sIeqRnqHUoz9TtjRaUG6PVUyPS0q7eH0PcloQU2hpueJkwosAYqh9e0hHE3fcl-IhIe7pJ1Bh-3PubLuxxwQieem/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River<br />
(just south of DC)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotaeETNnzQmakVY2yrSZngZlfqHYvnESfN2FPK-3L-zbK8OHxSxOk8oGl_VVAf1zz6YJ2pEHIRedkJFnh_MYCd3CRifWJFfLs__L7fNhI9zuQdyg1DcSP-StsETtFOTvnMkjUwSI_sqgd/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotaeETNnzQmakVY2yrSZngZlfqHYvnESfN2FPK-3L-zbK8OHxSxOk8oGl_VVAf1zz6YJ2pEHIRedkJFnh_MYCd3CRifWJFfLs__L7fNhI9zuQdyg1DcSP-StsETtFOTvnMkjUwSI_sqgd/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icy Mount Vernon Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then back to Pullman and more winter. When the roads are clear of ice and snow, it's nice to make the 45-minute drive down into the valley for some usually snowless trail running along the Snake River. There's a short trail system (8-10 miles of spaghetti-style trails) that can temporarily take my mind off the dozens of feet of snow covering my Moscow Mountain trails right now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOwbZt41SD8kxCv9SkVZAUGZe1ENRrWYi1GIhNNCJvtxAVQrCm5Ttjl28tSIZWCyKKP51KPEJOwPfYOIX0HsE3GbkvllnXatlXI9H40tHrKxkmOqW5NoEfLyYN3jX8GrDk4RTOmko90vR/s1600/IMG_9091+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOwbZt41SD8kxCv9SkVZAUGZe1ENRrWYi1GIhNNCJvtxAVQrCm5Ttjl28tSIZWCyKKP51KPEJOwPfYOIX0HsE3GbkvllnXatlXI9H40tHrKxkmOqW5NoEfLyYN3jX8GrDk4RTOmko90vR/s1600/IMG_9091+copy.JPG" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Trail Running at Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston, ID<br />
with a couple of the dogs and a few of the guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=26164">Snake River Canyon Half Marathon</a> is a month away. I'm looking forward to using that as a gauge to see where my fitness is a few weeks out of <a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon.aspx">Boston</a>. So far I feel like training is going well, though it's difficult to get a solid long run in with snowy and icy roads to run on. I took about <a href="http://connect.lcsc.edu/crosscountry/2014%20Freeze%20Your%20Fanny%205K%20RESULTS.pdf">15 seconds</a> off my 5k PR a couple weeks ago, so I guess that's a good indicator that my fitness isn't too bad right now.<br />
<br />
I'm excited about running Boston again.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
One of my favorite things to do during winter is to daydream about all the awesome things I'll be doing during the summer. Annie and I made separate top-10 lists last year of the place we want to visit most. Greece made each of our lists, so that's where we're going this year! To keep my tradition of running a race in a new country each year, I signed up for the <a href="http://www.olympus-marathon.com/index.php?newlang=english">Mount Olympus Marathon</a>. It's a lot like the Pikes Peak Marathon, only steeper (but at less altitude). I'm super excited about this one. Super super excited. But I'm going to hold off on my true excitement until after Boston, because I'm super excited about Boston too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ_N3fgv1mXkLavCtbV34b-qm_y8ffthhfg7pjjGDyGFG2CORQxL4MyLHY3RlStiXfyVxUUmJy1xnmJCEnHLpZsLMfGr1XRWBu_XbUYAjio-2rFxkdWYDPVV_0lnBH4414dJ5eJ9tnBbS/s1600/2014+race+teaser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ_N3fgv1mXkLavCtbV34b-qm_y8ffthhfg7pjjGDyGFG2CORQxL4MyLHY3RlStiXfyVxUUmJy1xnmJCEnHLpZsLMfGr1XRWBu_XbUYAjio-2rFxkdWYDPVV_0lnBH4414dJ5eJ9tnBbS/s1600/2014+race+teaser.png" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.olympus-marathon.com/index.php?newlang=english">Mount Olympus Marathon</a>, Greece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-Scott<br />
<br />
<br />Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-43700689472194268052014-01-02T14:17:00.002-08:002014-02-04T13:46:26.011-08:00New YearsMy #1 goal for 2014 is to stay healthy. I had a few down months in 2013 because of the Achilles. It's still not 100% (some say it will never be completely/100% healthy), but it feels strong - maybe 95%?- and I'm running with confidence. One thing I have learned to do (or that I'm going to try to do more of), is to take it slower and easier after big runs and races. For example: I will no longer race less than two weeks after a 100-mile race. That didn't work for me this past year.<br />
<br />
With no big winter race plans this year, training has been relaxed. But I'm headed to <a href="http://www.baa.org/">Boston</a> again in April! So January 1st was my start date to build-up for Boston. I'm hoping to stay healthy and run a PR (sub-2:55) or faster. If I'm healthy and the weather cooperates, I'm pretty confident I can sneak under 2:50.<br />
<br />
I'm getting close to choosing my 2014 destination race. It's exciting. When we have our plane tickets purchased and I'm registered (registration open January 23), then I'll make an announcement.<br />
<br />
Until then, enjoy a couple photos from one of my (and Sadie's) favorite local running destinations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO21EijrhR3QRjML59EaXr5N9Mevsc2A-xAns-gWoZ8fVA_anJTonD2TbGtA37KdvgYCQ-IHtiEMLqyg668DwaHk5CsuDCDBJ5Yo3AagRgXtJTt2OuG-zVfm1ttpEnQOhCTmT8lijZ0rco/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO21EijrhR3QRjML59EaXr5N9Mevsc2A-xAns-gWoZ8fVA_anJTonD2TbGtA37KdvgYCQ-IHtiEMLqyg668DwaHk5CsuDCDBJ5Yo3AagRgXtJTt2OuG-zVfm1ttpEnQOhCTmT8lijZ0rco/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib88YmwtIEhTMB19o0KBfLfYKcPjD7axnQiMeXwgmoLXSaTTrlZ0HuLEV2WrNv-FuRpVrqlNpXGd08xGEsPc8_cxonbabxZp4_TiXZf85DllM_hk0NhVhPzWDb118BgrmXPSwG0D-n_xHn/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib88YmwtIEhTMB19o0KBfLfYKcPjD7axnQiMeXwgmoLXSaTTrlZ0HuLEV2WrNv-FuRpVrqlNpXGd08xGEsPc8_cxonbabxZp4_TiXZf85DllM_hk0NhVhPzWDb118BgrmXPSwG0D-n_xHn/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-ScottScott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-46042411052435607382013-12-01T11:38:00.002-08:002013-12-04T10:35:37.849-08:00Trail Running in the Grand Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like many trail runners, running across the Grand Canyon is one of the bucket list biggies. Since last year, I had been hatching a plan to do a double crossing (40+ miles) sometime this fall. My buddy, Buzz, was all-in too. We set our sights on Thanksgiving week and made travel arrangements. Last month Buzz was still dealing with some lingering legs issues from the Moscow Mountain Madness 50k in Sept that kept him from getting in a solid long run training. So a couple weeks ago he made the smart decision to back out of the double crossing, but still planned to make the trip and do some shorter runs. I contemplated doing a solo attempt, but in the end decided to back out of that attempt too. The new plan was that Buzz and I would run a couple shorter runs together, then I'd tackle a bigger run on my own. We focused on the trails with easy access from the South Rim.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t9MPQcOC_Mxj8iLOOMKBt4_JwurMrTI9TjPjthR5_xS4_S5tYh3mqNI_gmVS31C1_YpKn32aej3ZnETghZp9d8eliMvWsMZlgJtjD8Gi3PD2sDCPr7CDPaZg82plQ5H0bNhQMGgy2EHS/s1600/South+Rim+Trails.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t9MPQcOC_Mxj8iLOOMKBt4_JwurMrTI9TjPjthR5_xS4_S5tYh3mqNI_gmVS31C1_YpKn32aej3ZnETghZp9d8eliMvWsMZlgJtjD8Gi3PD2sDCPr7CDPaZg82plQ5H0bNhQMGgy2EHS/s400/South+Rim+Trails.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of the trails we ran on this trip. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Day 1 - South Kaibab to Bright Angel (~16.5 miles)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are the most-used trails. We ran down South Kaibab, but after a mile or so we pretty much had the trail to ourselves all the way down to the river. A 5,000' descent in about seven miles is enough to get your legs warmed up. The canyon had some rain (and snow) a few days before we got there, so the trails were in great shape. No dust, and only a few muddy spots.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We hit the river and headed west along the River Trail to hook up with the big ascent up Bright Angel. The 5,000' climb back up to the rim is relentless; by the end we weren't doing much running at all. Bright Angel was pretty crowded the final three miles or so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I could attempt to use words to explain the beauty and immensity of the Grand Canyon, but it would be fruitless. I could try to take pretty pictures too, but it wouldn't approach the reality.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail." - John Wesley Powell</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrSDEmEDf-ZyHfRjPU1tu4d_NCzn7_klBYBcWHa7IDzNt8aqUgI9G8Lmou-tTvXoR6l6quB5sTsN2jnW1RNafh1na4PLhnEJyBcJIF1jkk5n4jGJ3AIVBinLAgjGc-sUkEtKnYbBUZjE3/s1600/Photo+Nov+27,+8+46+48+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrSDEmEDf-ZyHfRjPU1tu4d_NCzn7_klBYBcWHa7IDzNt8aqUgI9G8Lmou-tTvXoR6l6quB5sTsN2jnW1RNafh1na4PLhnEJyBcJIF1jkk5n4jGJ3AIVBinLAgjGc-sUkEtKnYbBUZjE3/s400/Photo+Nov+27,+8+46+48+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up high on South Kaibab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJpmGzU_C6z-ysvH7Es6eSblqumf5c9-0dnpH7UZgfSM1PVfnxPrm2UhcZSa1rQk1e52o_Al70I9rVsE11BvMhlMbKE8yzpKP-5X9tRPHmKJLNb69YvLe_ZZhQb4k3zGu141emaoYUzj8/s1600/Photo+Nov+27,+8+49+09+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJpmGzU_C6z-ysvH7Es6eSblqumf5c9-0dnpH7UZgfSM1PVfnxPrm2UhcZSa1rQk1e52o_Al70I9rVsE11BvMhlMbKE8yzpKP-5X9tRPHmKJLNb69YvLe_ZZhQb4k3zGu141emaoYUzj8/s400/Photo+Nov+27,+8+49+09+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzz descending South Kaibab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G7Ry8ldv_aqWJIWQXx3tJl1wao9m7yjxiU57BGJecwFuDhKZrU9eq2FCY8CslS7ezfjrevUf4_KB58pCCeMdEjva1crgWQ0aF1af5Bms2h68dQ-tpPWLIWlo20D8dxwtOaUtVbp2hyphenhyphenSI/s1600/Photo+Nov+27,+9+13+17+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G7Ry8ldv_aqWJIWQXx3tJl1wao9m7yjxiU57BGJecwFuDhKZrU9eq2FCY8CslS7ezfjrevUf4_KB58pCCeMdEjva1crgWQ0aF1af5Bms2h68dQ-tpPWLIWlo20D8dxwtOaUtVbp2hyphenhyphenSI/s400/Photo+Nov+27,+9+13+17+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzz on South Kaibab switchbacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXdr6hYo1VrUqn3-1dKpcQu_fZV6YUorgTxIsihtoGXidHskS2BXqPyKT2P0OKTtqXRKwNLI2lEznprmES7FgSukp2p_U2ilCWprTrws58dVRje6vcmiu3uLkfuoFXSRjE8SzPtne98ik/s1600/Photo+Nov+27,+9+20+00+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXdr6hYo1VrUqn3-1dKpcQu_fZV6YUorgTxIsihtoGXidHskS2BXqPyKT2P0OKTtqXRKwNLI2lEznprmES7FgSukp2p_U2ilCWprTrws58dVRje6vcmiu3uLkfuoFXSRjE8SzPtne98ik/s400/Photo+Nov+27,+9+20+00+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzz descending South Kaibab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkEt5NoUB-Sm6CDBYj1YOU_goFEMqaMIGzH8kkNaseqv1bzzbvA11kqBW1D1wfhQy1cGmAeiCxKPpMOkFOVx8M5VKy2l36_8HszjorU7UFKulJsi_DTtxOVmEf-DsnmWtUBshnrQG4r2M/s1600/Photo+Nov+27,+10+37+19+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkEt5NoUB-Sm6CDBYj1YOU_goFEMqaMIGzH8kkNaseqv1bzzbvA11kqBW1D1wfhQy1cGmAeiCxKPpMOkFOVx8M5VKy2l36_8HszjorU7UFKulJsi_DTtxOVmEf-DsnmWtUBshnrQG4r2M/s400/Photo+Nov+27,+10+37+19+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Angel ascent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXkPuMvGHo98QS9b3wxluk8TEGrWZGzsT2sYxDOUzFwDxE3iqOsWj_9Gbgr7-3o8vLj92Oo3gR_DDLh08KkFxcCeOlBRmIX8IHqhyphenhyphenuqyyt3_4GI1NKwbtw0OedcUaJbyjJ58ogqMEuXgI/s1600/Photo+Nov+27,+10+47+35+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXkPuMvGHo98QS9b3wxluk8TEGrWZGzsT2sYxDOUzFwDxE3iqOsWj_9Gbgr7-3o8vLj92Oo3gR_DDLh08KkFxcCeOlBRmIX8IHqhyphenhyphenuqyyt3_4GI1NKwbtw0OedcUaJbyjJ58ogqMEuXgI/s400/Photo+Nov+27,+10+47+35+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Angel Ascent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRVXIE5BGuLC4LGCzgwOCKN9PtILV3nJvw5qaPZHyGA8ZQL-KxIZM8oA9KI7vo3OxHk3SB4NFP21msFJfwdB4T94nNO1qMhuzf5tXHJfj91OK43AmD_C7-cKgWk8Y9r52ipFgcRk_7B4z/s1600/Photo+Nov+27,+11+17+32+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRVXIE5BGuLC4LGCzgwOCKN9PtILV3nJvw5qaPZHyGA8ZQL-KxIZM8oA9KI7vo3OxHk3SB4NFP21msFJfwdB4T94nNO1qMhuzf5tXHJfj91OK43AmD_C7-cKgWk8Y9r52ipFgcRk_7B4z/s400/Photo+Nov+27,+11+17+32+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Angel snaking up the Grand Canyon walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Day 2 - Rim Trail (~11 miles)</b><br />
<br />
The Rim Trail is the easy, much-paved trail that runs along the South Rim near the Grand Canyon village and all the lodges. We weren't originally planning to run this trail. "It's too paved and touristy," we thought. But since my long run was planned for Day 3, we thought it might be a good idea to give my legs a little bit of a break from the big climbing.The full trail is probably 12 or 13 miles long, but we started just shy of the most eastern point. The couple miles around the village are crowded, but after that the trail was surprisingly quiet. This might have been the longest 11-mile run of my life; every view around every new corner brought us to a jaw-dropping stop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHhmUS7VNssPVrsZlmEYdAYkHir02008Cvx1y2IOfo0N6BiXKgWYGh49yrHVyk5sOgiP1xSBu7tkYZAHbKizhE_K9ft5F1DcWBjgbkGUl0mNnM7JN3LgYOF6MHlJ2umlbQx7LB85I3QAS/s1600/Photo+Nov+28,+8+48+14+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHhmUS7VNssPVrsZlmEYdAYkHir02008Cvx1y2IOfo0N6BiXKgWYGh49yrHVyk5sOgiP1xSBu7tkYZAHbKizhE_K9ft5F1DcWBjgbkGUl0mNnM7JN3LgYOF6MHlJ2umlbQx7LB85I3QAS/s400/Photo+Nov+28,+8+48+14+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Rim Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pM2P5H_0A11IsYStFgUxFr3SlA4nY1S0yXk49YqYiXMceihrjbl8PDbd9VxUOjS-Sn5_vcEpUvDb2seGkSsx15YYRX_QRZ7wSQBZPvOn8h6BCtTafOOMjbp461MFDjUjhB_yQKd4h1Lc/s1600/Photo+Nov+28,+9+16+21+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pM2P5H_0A11IsYStFgUxFr3SlA4nY1S0yXk49YqYiXMceihrjbl8PDbd9VxUOjS-Sn5_vcEpUvDb2seGkSsx15YYRX_QRZ7wSQBZPvOn8h6BCtTafOOMjbp461MFDjUjhB_yQKd4h1Lc/s400/Photo+Nov+28,+9+16+21+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Rim Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Day 3 - Hermit to Tonto to Bright Angel (~25 miles)</b><br />
<br />
Buzz dropped me off at the bus stop before the sun came up. It was about a 35-minute shuttle from the village to Hermit's Rest where I'd plunge down into the canyon on the less-used Hermit Trail. That morning, fog filled the Grand Canyon. The sunrise will be one of those memories etched into my mind forever. It was just me and two others on the shuttle, so the driver was gracious enough to stop several times for us when there was an open vista toward the east.<br />
<br />
I dropped down Hermit Trail into the thick fog. There wasn't much running on the beginning of the descent. The trail is rocky and technical, and there are several rock slides that need to be scrambled around. After a long descent, I hooked up with Tonto Trail to begin making my way back east toward Bright Angel. The Tonto section is some of my favorite trail I've ever been on. I saw only a couple hikers during the first 20 miles before I met up with Bright Angel for the ascent out of the canyon.<br />
<br />
Getting out of the canyon is no joke. I was feeling very strong up until less than a mile to go when I had an epic bonk. I shuffled my way up to the rim and to the beer waiting for me in the lodge.<br />
<br />
This route is a strong contender to break my top-10 runs of all-time list.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBDmLQvLXzVftT_MHNJidC4XgUBtzcLaFSJxscn9gL8iwSKyFVgEEzU8eiLxTM2K2CqgmSBfPgdgzpMHTa2kykRSed2mcmTrcY5R2I2BTT44dp3J9f8mIoJXDoCRmDx20_6583BZmQtG4/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+7+16+33+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBDmLQvLXzVftT_MHNJidC4XgUBtzcLaFSJxscn9gL8iwSKyFVgEEzU8eiLxTM2K2CqgmSBfPgdgzpMHTa2kykRSed2mcmTrcY5R2I2BTT44dp3J9f8mIoJXDoCRmDx20_6583BZmQtG4/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+7+16+33+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over a fog-filled canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-TqU3Kp5VmbwCoUrP2MZqYxu2MGcpKTEi1EZpBH-g9wsma9MzxVBc2UeNlN77vawHyGT2dshWd46ApInzE2L0VQGl4YItxwBsMfbhthYadkJLEYOO8gX1n_6l5iztL3VH1KCQDo85nk6/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+7+29+16+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-TqU3Kp5VmbwCoUrP2MZqYxu2MGcpKTEi1EZpBH-g9wsma9MzxVBc2UeNlN77vawHyGT2dshWd46ApInzE2L0VQGl4YItxwBsMfbhthYadkJLEYOO8gX1n_6l5iztL3VH1KCQDo85nk6/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+7+29+16+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the fog on Hermit Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiFjw_hxFQ4QwCMLFkwHZoR3EIoVmmAFQmuaEOF8CGNZ-3USKsaC1pLE2YzrzD70YKcWtS2kalrkiGO6E1cODiZ7M-MdWoov0NY_yEWBWVooep9FWMCg_bA-scoRpytyWG3pPL1Q0gPZ7/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+8+21+19+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiFjw_hxFQ4QwCMLFkwHZoR3EIoVmmAFQmuaEOF8CGNZ-3USKsaC1pLE2YzrzD70YKcWtS2kalrkiGO6E1cODiZ7M-MdWoov0NY_yEWBWVooep9FWMCg_bA-scoRpytyWG3pPL1Q0gPZ7/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+8+21+19+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermit Trail </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOkhFLgZ1uwiqEchN7dTCWcKSyTukWAjmPR4q0i2LnrbfSTvI1i4mGHiAJ2FUoxu3qJETRWL8T-atJkNC9SSpj-Hui2IqO3ETtico7VYMAXfMJ30b-gmM96WWqK4bQfjr5e7Vi21WEAh6/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+8+48+30+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOkhFLgZ1uwiqEchN7dTCWcKSyTukWAjmPR4q0i2LnrbfSTvI1i4mGHiAJ2FUoxu3qJETRWL8T-atJkNC9SSpj-Hui2IqO3ETtico7VYMAXfMJ30b-gmM96WWqK4bQfjr5e7Vi21WEAh6/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+8+48+30+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermit trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uoqEVl8JvcY1sgNQZXKSiEG_ylM-o9aURLdy51N4e6mM6JA2HXpLfXnF4cA5h015gcyehH8Nn0rXYHomuTbpo_xnKk46A51xzWP4vzYr5FlaWBeW3AHe6UsVfTFjCKiRjOWdp0YpVlk0/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+10+05+02+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uoqEVl8JvcY1sgNQZXKSiEG_ylM-o9aURLdy51N4e6mM6JA2HXpLfXnF4cA5h015gcyehH8Nn0rXYHomuTbpo_xnKk46A51xzWP4vzYr5FlaWBeW3AHe6UsVfTFjCKiRjOWdp0YpVlk0/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+10+05+02+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be alive on Tonto Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBVmaE_tblcinn5j7vQk2cUmNjU2tm9n7y69hF0JWyuel6zA6SUJBe-OuKaE1WzcXJ6EGs-_MScDFljQ1Fpv_bYMxQnslparB6ba0S7UsE74_oSe5fEMAq5W7Ov3_NzIVWNc0djjzJuDd/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+10+10+02+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBVmaE_tblcinn5j7vQk2cUmNjU2tm9n7y69hF0JWyuel6zA6SUJBe-OuKaE1WzcXJ6EGs-_MScDFljQ1Fpv_bYMxQnslparB6ba0S7UsE74_oSe5fEMAq5W7Ov3_NzIVWNc0djjzJuDd/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+10+10+02+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail along a cliff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3smRdiEBARzCtVO6H6MU_ZqKrTfxbDsSKkvway5fYPSFlTJCj10wrcgkEqEdizpAh7MPnuZ0-we-_Y7hPLsTT4U1vh-3P0gKci1sxMHKgP-TD7XsZ6nQGvIgeqgJPx4fa1nPSYpiXET2/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+10+41+59+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3smRdiEBARzCtVO6H6MU_ZqKrTfxbDsSKkvway5fYPSFlTJCj10wrcgkEqEdizpAh7MPnuZ0-we-_Y7hPLsTT4U1vh-3P0gKci1sxMHKgP-TD7XsZ6nQGvIgeqgJPx4fa1nPSYpiXET2/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+10+41+59+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail above the Colorado River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaID4A9b_L_slu-2qibkALtDQg6OkYc_ndrIPu6ghFljRETAB2SwLyUEZ_7gndJjdpq95GrZakcBGAeDJtCyZLvpNBwy4F3AelZ9XmzI36dc5adUt6hWVisc2vfDdKOgGH36u08ZoWvdm/s1600/Photo+Nov+29,+11+27+07+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaID4A9b_L_slu-2qibkALtDQg6OkYc_ndrIPu6ghFljRETAB2SwLyUEZ_7gndJjdpq95GrZakcBGAeDJtCyZLvpNBwy4F3AelZ9XmzI36dc5adUt6hWVisc2vfDdKOgGH36u08ZoWvdm/s400/Photo+Nov+29,+11+27+07+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonto Trail </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keep running!<br />
<br />
-ScottScott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598452380703242984.post-51105969631687361462013-09-13T12:15:00.003-07:002013-09-13T12:15:47.895-07:00Moscow Mountain Madness 50k - race report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <a href="http://palouseroadrunners.org/prr-races/moscow-mountain-madness/">Moscow Mountain Madness</a> is the oldest annual trail race on the Palouse. It's looked different throughout the years, but traditionally it's been something in the 10-13 mile range. This year a 50k was added to the schedule, so I've been pretty stoked about this one all summer. The only worry was whether my Achilles would be ready to handle the pounding or not. After a couple pain/injury free 20+ mile outings in the Wallowas over the past few weeks, I decided the MMM 50k was a go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Doug, the RD, asked me to help design the 50k course earlier this summer. I've run these Moscow Mountain trails many times over and have always had an idea of where a good 50k course would be if we ever decided to put one on. It's a little long (32.5 miles), but that extra little bit is worth it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My plan was to treat this race more like a fast training run than a race. I still had some reservations about the Achilles. Will it hold up? Am I pushing it too much too soon? And so on. I've been racing shorter distance in the last couple months, so I knew it could handle hard running, I just didn't know whether it could handle 32.5 miles of hard running -- and I knew I've lost my racing long distance legs, so I figured even if my Achilles could handle racing, the rest of me simply isn't in race shape for a long run. I thought a 5.5 to 6-hr finish sounded safe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ran with my buddy, Buzz, for the first half of the race. We both had 5.5 to 6 hours as a goal. A group of six or seven of us pushed the first climb at an easy pace. By mile six everyone had spread out a little, and Buzz and I were running together in fifth and sixth place. We wouldn't see anyone else the rest of the day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the highpoint of the course around mile 15.5, Buzz and I were still together and we were just about right on our pacing plan for a 5.5 hour finish. Buzz's downhill legs weren't feeling as good as he hoped they would, and he fell behind by a minute or so through mile 18. From there on I was on my own until the finish line.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I crashed once, but there wasn't much blood. I felt 'easy' on the downhills all day, and I banked a few minutes on the big descent at mile 20 knowing that a big climb was coming up afterward (why did I put <i>that</i> climb on the course!). The climb at mile 23 reminded me how much endurance/stamina I'd lost since March. I hiked more than usual, but my overall pace was still in the 5:30-5:45 finish range. So I was happy with how things were going. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the straightaways and downhills after mile 25, I fought the urge to really push it. And I'm glad I didn't push it, because as it was my right hamstring started cramping up like crazy during the last two miles. And it was a game of Red Light/Green Light during the last mile when a cramp would grind me to a halt so I could stretch it out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I crossed the finish line fighting cramps, but right on my goal with a time of 5:29. (<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByTS9185TQYPTXNMZ3RNcTk4ZTg/edit">official results</a>) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think everyone was happy with the 50k, and this went smoothly for the most part. Now's time to start thinking year number two. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWR7bM1zh8xGBUfd1TcSF0MHCvOAfqmDH379TizfW5zWzEpQE3UQ27sby73xIaDsG7PmqYLAEen0FynH8e22b6JtJXz4lq13gkJErvWgEDvEp6BzccntAzHG-siz_QAikehANP8UM0w_R/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-13+at+11.23.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWR7bM1zh8xGBUfd1TcSF0MHCvOAfqmDH379TizfW5zWzEpQE3UQ27sby73xIaDsG7PmqYLAEen0FynH8e22b6JtJXz4lq13gkJErvWgEDvEp6BzccntAzHG-siz_QAikehANP8UM0w_R/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-09-13+at+11.23.44+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">course profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT681MCrYGdciAmad2gXMD7BqGalgkehEhBXFz6Wzg8ojEvBkpxpmcYTgr76RlIw_UYbMSYA5qSfUIHWvfROUIjYvl5K4ddkQ2p5iellsgv-2EKK_6teTiCeDfRKamFILYM7XF-nB5fjOS/s1600/1233171_10100952027127073_980645608_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT681MCrYGdciAmad2gXMD7BqGalgkehEhBXFz6Wzg8ojEvBkpxpmcYTgr76RlIw_UYbMSYA5qSfUIHWvfROUIjYvl5K4ddkQ2p5iellsgv-2EKK_6teTiCeDfRKamFILYM7XF-nB5fjOS/s320/1233171_10100952027127073_980645608_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm tagging along in the rear <br />as we approach the first aid station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bLArFq-3jSA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peg-leg McMurtrey crossing the finish line.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next up is a little rest to make sure everything is feeling like it should. I'm going to be overly cautious while I attempt to get my fitness levels back that I had last year and this year going into Rocky Raccoon. I'm going to be conservative this month with my mileage. I have the Wild Moose Chase 25k on Sept 29th, and the Mt. Spokane 50k on Oct 5. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Right now everything is feeling good, and each day I'm more and more confident with my Achilles. But I'm still not ready to kick my training into high gear. I think I'm going to play it relatively conservatively the rest of this year, and then make sure that I'm rested and healthy so I can give it a proper go at <a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon.aspx">this race</a> in April.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Keep running!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Scott</div>
Scott McMurtreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879663957608177567noreply@blogger.com10