Ran the Mount Marathon Race, one of the most grueling and popular mountain races in Alaska with 3,022 elevation gain in 1.5 miles. Steep 40-60 percent grades, treacherous footing, scree, shale and downhill STEEP and slick. Came in smack in the middle of the women's division. My goal had been 1:40 so I was pretty much on target. Fell three times on the way down, finished bloody and filthy and incredibly happy.
Temps were in the 80s and most of us Alaskans wilted. The lead women's and men's racers both were treated for dehydration (there are no aid stations along the trail and most prefer not to pack water due to extra weight), and the men's leader was unconscious at the hospital for four hours--brutal! I packed Shot Bloks in her running shorts pockets and popped one every 30 minutes. Man, what a difference that made! Still, I collapsed over the finish line. The woman in front of me threw up. It was that kind of day.
Total mountain race distance: 3.5 miles
Hope to cut my time down to 1:20 next year. |