1. Soaking in the creeks post-runs. Every run ended near water. Cold, yes. Uncomfortable, yes. But having the option to soak at the end each day was huge. Effective recovery, definitely.
2. Feeling that first nudge of competitive fire on Day 3 when we spotted our competition about 3/4 of a mile ahead towards the very end of the race and we steadily built up our pace, kept our heads down and quickly, quietly passed them with a final 400 yard surge that made us both almost want to throw up. Game on.
3. Bombing the downhill to Red Cliff on Day 4 like I've never run before - fast, confident, seeing the whole rooty, rocky terrain 10 yards ahead of me and like Keanu Reeves in the Matrix, having complete and utter clarity on my direction.
4. Arriving at the top of Hope Pass (12,500 ft) and feeling the sincere euphoria of everyone around us snapping pics and taking videos and high-fiving and turning the mental corner on the long, steep hike it took to get up there.
5. Seeing our friends - new and old - finish every day.
6. Margaritas and fish tacos and friends on the deck at Mango's at the end of Day 4.
7. Running a mile through a stream bed - from ankle deep to mid-calf - in the last 4 miles to Red Cliff. Again, stoked by our closest competitors all entering the stream at the same time, Dana and I surged ahead pep-talking each other through it as exhaustion knocked at our door.
8. Running competitively each and every day right alongside the same teams in our age group vying for top honors amongst the mid-pack. The Island Girls, Mother/Daughter, Wounded Warrior, and Yogis on the Run.
9. Sunrise on Day 6 at Vail. Spectacular. Unfortunately, I was in the med tent getting my toes taped up so no pictures. Unless you want to see my toes.
10. The 7 mile downhill bomber on Day 5 coming into Vail. A few toenails - and patches of skin - sacrificed themselves that day as we crushed 8 minute miles all the way to the end for a hard-fought top five finish.
11. The finish. Careening down the last 2 miles going sub-8 with everything we had left, passing our Michigan friends, Rob and Joe, past the Yogi Girls, down into the chute and being struck with almost dumbfounded elation that it was over. That also might have been fatigue. Euphoric fatigue. Then turning around to see all our friends finish right behind us.
12. The showers. I thought these would be cold and in short supply but every day mobile trucks with 6-7 stalls delivered hot water, room to shampoo, shave, lotion up and head back out for another day of running fresh and clean. Magnificent.
13. The views.
I loved, loved, LOVED this event.
The photos are AMAZING. I cannot WAIT to hear all about it in person! What an experience. I am amazed and inspired by you both...
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