The race was tough. A "Half" marathon that totaled 14.5 miles up and across Vail Mountain. We climbed 4000+ feet over 10 miles and most of that was in the first nine miles of the race. The first three miles were hard for me and I was wary of what the day would give me over those 14.5 miles. Jane and I opted to leave the Springs at 4 am, rather than stay in Summit County. So we watched the sliver of a moon set and mountain landscape appear as the sun came up. Not a bad start to the day, but it could have made for a tough race and a long day. I still get nervous at the start of races that I won't be able to breath - the inhaler hasn't failed me - but I can seem to help the nerves. And then there were my quads - they were a little like jello and I thought, "please not another day like BTMR," add to that tight calves (a common problem for me) and I was really wary. I ran the whole way to the first aid station - mile 3 and then walked the aid station to get some GU and water. Apparently that was the trick, because the quads were much better after that, as were the calves (though they plagued me off and on the whole race).
Miles 4 & 5 were tough as we turned on to a rocky jeep road that rose and fell, rose and fell, rose and fell but mostly it just climbed and climbed and climbed. The scenery was awesome - a stream that kept appearing - sometimes seen, sometimes only heard. And as we climbed, the peaks around Vail made their appearance. Just before mile 9 there was snow - yes snow - in the trees. And while I thought I remembered mile 9 to be the peak of the climbing, we weren't quite there yet. But this section was muddy (snow run-off) and rutted and in the forest and really quite awesome - quiet and a little mystical. It was here, of all places, that I fell into a groove. And while I'd leap-frogged with a number of runners up until now, I gradually gained on them and passed them - for good. And while I leap-frogged with a few people from 9 to 14, I never got permanently passed again but I passed a lot of runners. Good feeling to feel strong so far into the race and so high up!
Around mile 10 we turned onto a single track trail that followed the ridge line and took us across the mountain towards the Gondola and the finish line. I cannot find words to describe this section of the run. I'd already decided that this run was helping to remind me why I run and especially why I trail run, but if I hadn't already been sold this section would do it for sure. I wanted to stop and stare, soak in the color and snap this moment forever. I was wishing Jane weren't so fast so we could appreciate together, but I knew she'd been through it already and had marveled at the beauty around. The most beautiful place I have been - I'm sure of it! So you add to the luscious green hillsides, the brilliant palette of color and the snow capped mountain peaks and you could not find a more heavenly spot - at least as I define heaven. I wish you could have been there, I really do. There was a small technical section - with ropes even - to scramble down and then we kept on across the ridge a bit longer.
And yes, there was another good, steep uphill climb after mile 11. But I cruised the gentle uphill, until the pitch became steep enough that I was more efficient power-hiking than actually running. The top of this hill, took us a bit farther across the mountain and again onto a single track - this time wooded and beautiful in it's own right, straight on to the the finish line.
Both Jane and I needed a good race. And we both had a good race. Neither one of us started the day feeling as though that might be true, but both of us found peace on the mountain today. The mountains didn't win today - or maybe the did because they were so beautiful. Doesn't matter though because I'm glad to have struggled my way through their beauty. Thanks Jane, for going on this adventure with me, and thanks Vail Mountain for feeding my soul and making my spirit soar.
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