Denouement

In Cusco (10,912 elev), ran up toward Sacsayhuaman, over 1 mile straight up, some flatish at the top, then downish, then turned around.  Went back and forth to stay within 30 sec of Paul.  Some third-world shacks and mangy dogs, but alright.  Air was thin, had to take it nice and easy.  Also about 6 miles walking today.

Went to several churches, with amazing art.  Went up bell towers on rickety stairs without rails. Cool.  

Took early train to Aguas Calientes.  Stayed in a hostal hole.  The whole city is pretty much a hole.  Had multiple restaurants advertise they accept visa, but the machine is always magically broken.  Paul wasn't up for running which meant I didn't get to run.  We took a walk and went by their stinky dump.  At least we went to a nice restaurant for dinner.  

Machu Picchu day! We woke up at 4am because the first 400 who want to, get stamped to go up Huayna Picchu. (images: http://www.google.com/images?q=huayna+picchu&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=AWp0TNaJM8H-8AbAyKD2CA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDwQsAQwAw&biw=1920&bih=983 )We got stamped 385 and 386, talk about cutting it close.  No sense doing that, when we have traveled so far for this, but if you are deliriously tired then you can't enjoy the hike.  I would advise waking up earlier. 

Anyhow, we got into Machu Picchu at 6:30, and we went the opposite direction than the signs advise (they herd people in ruins in clockwise fashion, we went counter clockwise).  It was so neat being alone.  Those Incas were so incredibly industrious.  Their rock work is incredible. I'll post some pictures on facebook some time soon (ha ha).  We went on the hike to the Inca bridge, along a trail with cliffy action (that's what Paul calls it).  This is scarier for Paul than me, so this actually helped prep him for Huayna Picchu.  Later we did Huanya Picchu, which is basically hiking up a bunch of Incan steps. The steps start broad (about 4 ft across) but end up 1-1.5 feet across by the top. There are ropes to hold onto, but no ropes or rails for the most part to prevent you from falling down the face.  It was so awesome, but there were alot of people on the mountain.  When you get to the top there is an incredible view of Machu Picchu and the Andean mountains in general. The mountains are just so much more steep than the rockies. The rockies are downright stubby looking now.  

There is a back hike to the temple of the moon ruins after you get to the top of Huayna Picchu.  I convinced Paul to do it, though I read that there are treacherous parts.  This ended up being the riskiest "hiking" I have ever done. There is one part you step down backwards, is 12 inches across, and you are HANGING by the rope that's there to hold onto, then you go straight to a ladder that's at 80 degrees without a landing between these two parts.  This part was scary for me, but Paul almost spiraled into a panic attack.  I coached him through it and he held it together, much to his credit.  He conquered some demons, but he was very close to falling and cracking open his head.  Later there were other steep steps and one other longer ladder, held together by rusty nails and wire, but it was sturdy enough (besides turning back meant doing that super scary part in reverse).  We had rubbery legs and were delirious by the time we were done with the hike.  The great thing is Paul and I get WAY more hilarious when we are delirious (or at least we seem to be).  So we had a great time.  And this was the best part of Machu Picchu by far.

Took the first class train back to Cusco, including 8-10 course meal (depending on how you count it).  It was great except we were both super stinky on a train where everyone else seemed to either 1) have not gone to Machu Picchu that day, 2) got a shower after, 3) or just didn't do Machu Picchu the athletic way like us :D 

Plane from Cusco to Lima.

Ran in the evening in Lima, but we got started way late, so did shorter fartlek.

warmed up, then did 12x1 min on/off, supposed to go 10k pace for fast bits.  Did 5:31 ave pace for fast bits, one almost got ruined when I had to stop after almost getting run over, but got 5:50 pace even for that mile.  Was in total darkness on not totally lit and lightly trod streets by the end.  I was going back for Paul on the slow bits but it was so dark he couldn't always see him.  We miscommunicated on the last one and I lost him.

Stayed in Second Home Lima in the Barranco neighborhood (known for its art and discotecas), which was the home and is a virtual museum for the artist http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=victor%20delfin%20artist&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1920&bih=983.  It was so cool, though some of his art was *graphic* for my tastes. 

Woke up early to do a short run before our morning flight home, and couldn't figure out how to get out of the front gate. The b&b is a virtual compound because of the high value art everywhere.  So no run.  Also missed our last of three flights by about 5 minutes.  So pissed at American Airlines.  The stewardesses said everything would be just fine, we'd have plenty of time for our connection.  Even though the flight from Dallas to SLC was the last flight of the day, they decided to not wait for us. We could SEE the airplane just sitting where it loaded, but disconnected from the walkway, for about 10 minutes, but they wouldn't reconnect and open the door for us.  They made a calculated decision to leave us behind.  After I cried, they gave us a hotel room.  In the room at 10:20.  Ordered dinner (room service) at 10:25, received it at 10:55, In bed by 12:15, asleep sometime after 12:35, woke up at 4:30am for my 22 mile run--which I should have been running with Allie and Lily in Springville so we could watch Hobble Creek.  So lame.  I am still mad when I think about it.

Ran 22 miles in Dallas off of next to no sleep.  Went into exercise room way before the 6am opening time.  Watched ESPN because it was that or power rangers or infomercials.  Ran 9.35.  Then ran outside for just over 6 miles.  It was so hot already!  I couldn't keep a fast enough pace in the mugginess to get in 22 miles, so went back on the treadmill, the inside was much less humid and had a/c.  Finished up 6:40 or faster pace for 5 miles, minus .3  when I worked through a cramp.

When got home drove 1.25 hours home, then got the family ready for an overnight trip in Perry Utah, drove 2 hours up to Paul's parents for family pictures.

Good times.