* LOVED * LOVED * LOVED this race!!! On Friday I was cursing Fly for having talked me into the Steeplechase but that all changed as soon as the race began. Everything about this race was FANTASTIC (especially having Ry there)!! I had very little sleep the night before because I was so stinkin' nervous (I got about 4 hours which was about two more hours than Ryan had - apparantely he was even more nervous than I was). I set a handful of goals for myself: 1. Fall 3 or less times. -------------- SUCCESS, I ONLY FELL TWICE!!! TAKE THAT!!! :) 2. Face the crags without fear. -- WAS A LITTLE SCARED BUT LOVED THIS PART OF THE RACE MOSTEST OF ALL! 3. Run hard but not crazy hard. -- CHECK! 4. Enjoy myself. ---------------------- CHECK! 5. Finish. ------------------------------- CHECK! Other than the run section of the XTERRA tri this was my first race on trail. I thought I was capable of a sub 4 and dared imagine possibly hitting my marathon time but never dreamed of a 3:15. I think not pushing crazy hard was what made this race so much fun. I felt awesome throughout the entire race. In fact, after 8.5 miles I just kept feeling stronger and stronger. The race was over before I knew it. Crazy beautiful race!!! Crazy uphills and crazy downhills. The contrast was almost unbelievable. For example, my fastest mile was a 6:56 and my slowest mile was a 24:45!! INSANE yet AWESOME!!! As for Ry ... all I can say is, "Dang, I love that man!!" His only goal was to finish before the 6 hour time limit. He did not wear a watch and just ran what felt good at the moment. He ended up running a 3:55:xx (I don't think results have been posted so I'm making my best guess). He says he will NEVER EVER EVER run that race again but I think in a few days I may be able to change his mind. :) A huge shout out to Fly and his hawaiian shirt!!! Thank you one million times over. This is a must run race for any of you contemplating a trail run that will challenge you, amaze you, and leave you in awe. Those few miles right after the ascent are 100% heavenly. Running down the trail amongst all the trees is simply breathtaking and worth every ounce of anguish put in to get there. Beyond happy with how this all panned out!!! YES!!! Beautiful day!!! :) :) :) | 
