I signed up for this race to use as an easy long run. I did it in 2004 when I was in really good trail shape and loved the course. What I didnt realize was the course is now different and a much larger field of runners. After ankle surgery in Dec, I have only run on trails in a limited amount. The ankle stability is weak at best. My goal for the race was to enjoy and have fun. The drive from Farmington was about an hr and the packet pickup and potty lines took about a half hr, so no time to warm up. There was large field, maybe 400-500 at the start. I positioned myself in the middle knowing I wasnt in trail shape. Race starts and we went up towards the Legacy Lodge and under the Cresent lift. I was immediately breathless and tempted to DNF. I felt horrible till we got onto the single track trail, then I started to feel good and passed alot of people. Maybe too many people. After maybe 6 miles, I started having to walk sections. The section where we climbed up to the top of Jupiter Peak was brutal for me. I kept sliding back. When I got to the top, I paused took a GU and enjoyed the view. Course then had a rocky downhill and then another climb up to another peak, but not as brutal. Then the fun downhill started. I all of a sudden felt GREAT and tons of people. What started to happen tho was mtn bikers were riding UP while we were running DOWN. Not good. With about 2 miles left to go, I swerved to avoid a biker and rolled my ankle. I stopped for a bit and hobbled around. Tons of folks passed me by. I then tried to walk and found I could slowly run/walk. I made it in at 3:03 but am sure I lost at least 5-10 mins with the ankle issue. Frustrating. Overall, loved the course & organization. Aid stations were plentiful and awesome. Only thing I don't like which seems to be a trend (Buffalo Run this happened also) is the trail races are getting too full for single track trails. I think I prefer just running on the trails solo or with good friends. Any trail racers know how to quantify effort with road miles.
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