I ran up Timp early this morning, my 62nd career summit and 6th of the year. I was on the trail about 2:45 a.m. with about 200 college kids. I was planning on taking it easy, doing about a 4:20 round trip, but somehow a 3:42 came out the other end. The weather was great, the moon partially obscurred by clouds but still casting an glow on the mountain. Many of the kids were hiking by moonlight.
With all the lights on the mountain, it was a great challenge to run hard and try to catch the lights. It was funny how some of the young guys reacted as I caught up. I think they just couldn't handle having someone pass them. Some would kick it up a notch as I approached and made no movement to stop and let me pass. Too macho. Finally I would be right on their tail and ask to pass. They would look back surprised, but then move over. Some would try to keep up, but within one minute they were far behind. I should have told them: "I'm an old Please follow Fast Running Blog policy regarding vulgar language 51-year-old, aren't you in shape?" But I kept my mouth shut and enjoyed being on the mountain with all the kids. Most gave me great complements about my pace.
Once I reached the saddle (1:50), it looked like there were 30-40 kids trying to stay warm waiting for the sunrise. I didn't slow down a bit and ran fast, dodging the bodies all over the ridge. I heard comments that they had tracked my green light for miles and that I had an amazing pace.
It looked like no one was hiking up to the summit. I ran at a steady pace, looked back and saw some kids had decided to follow me. I was very pleased at how strong I felt above 11,000 feet. I didn't feel any dizziness like last week on Lone Peak. My pace was steady and strong and the legs felt great.
I reached the top in 2:10, a good clip. There were several guys sleeping in the summit hut. I ignored them and went ahead and signed the register and then started to head down. The wind was blowing pretty hard, but it felt like the temperature was in the upper 30s. I did put gloves on, but didn't need a jacket. I quickly returned to the saddle to some cheers. I didn't stop to talk, ran fast through the bodies and continued on my way.
I kept a steady pace going for the rest of the run, making sure that I didn't trip and fall. I passed another 100 kids on the way down. Some had tracked my light clear up to the summit and back. I was glad that I finished before sunrise, because it is easier to pass groups if they see my green light coming toward them. Still, I almost plowed right into a young guy who wasn't paying attention.
Labor Day is the biggest day on Timp. I would guess more than 500 will be on the trail. As I drove out the the parking lot I could still see dozens of hikers walking up the road because the parking lot was totally full. Their long day, 10 hours plus was just beginning. My Timp run was finished, time to go home for breakfast. I returned home by 7:30 as the family was just getting up.
OK, I am now officially in my Wasatch 100 taper. No more big runs before Friday, only little tune-up runs to keep the taper phantom pains away. I'm very pleased with the readiness. I feel strong and fast. Minor injuries have healed and my problem ankle is behaving. I'm about as ready as I can be.
I noticed that my 2009 miles are now only 5 miles behind 2008. | 