TransRockies Run (TR3) Written on September 3, 2010, by annaf.
Day 1: Buena Vista – Railroad Bridge (33.1km, 923m+/824m-)
Luckily for me the race started at 9am so I had a bit of time to get organised after arriving late the night before from the Pikes Peak Ascent race. The sorest part of me was my ribs – from breathing hard at such a high altitude. But with 50 other excited TR3 (3 day solo) runners and 130 teams of 6-dayers I didn’t even notice my ribs but soon enough I felt my legs! Fellow southern hemisphere – Australian solo runner Karen Barlow set the pace kicking up the dust. As the hills started and the day warmed up, my acclimatisation kicked in and I caught up the gap at the first aid station at 12km. Over the next 15km I increased the gap as we ran through red dusty canyons, past beautiful mountainous views and onto the last ‘killer’ 3miles of a long hot dry road into the finish. I finished up with a 7-minute lead in a time of 2.48hours.
Day 2: Vicksburg – Twin Lakes (21.7km, 1102m+/1238m-)
The TransRockies race is a logistical nightmare – but you just would not know it. The organisers have it down to the minute. The start arch and banners are up and then down, the tents are set up and then taken down, the food and marquees are all up and out and packed down and away before you can even blink. They have truly mastered it. Today was going to be nice for me – a steep up, steep down and a 5km lake side run in. With the World Mountain Running Championships in my mind – I decided to work hard up, steady down and wind it up to the finish. It was good to chase some of the front runners who I had met on the previous day up the hill. It was a 4mile climb up to Hope Pass – also used the day before in the Leadville 100mile – but they have renamed it Hopeless Pass as they have to climb it, descend it, re-climb it and then re-descend it. Ouch! After finishing at the Twin Lakes we were shuttled to our next camp site in Leadville. 200 tents, 30 porter-loos, a portable shower truck, chilli-bins full of beer and soft drinks, energy food 10 massage tables and 12 medical (blister galore) care. A fun day out finishing in 2.15hours increasing my lead to 42minutes over 2nd place.
Day 3: Leadville – Camp Hale (38.6km, 834m+/1116m-)
A controlled start behind a police car to get us through Leadville town and along highway 24 for 4miles meant that it was a nice group run in and up the first hill. From there on, the guys all took off down the hill and left me to the miles of fairly flat running to my self. Today I could definitely feel the last 3 days in my legs and in my head. I was tired! I took the time to look at the scenery, spot the chipmunks and unfortunately eat some dust with only 3miles to go. A few swear words later and I had pulled myself together to finish with a total of 48minutes ahead 2nd place. The cold night in the tent was slightly warmed with the celebratory champagne and tequila. TR3 tick!
Day 4, 5, 6 as Salomon Support Crew
It is very different on the other side of the event. Its nice to be able to give back some time and help the volunteers and support crew who are always on the go Making it easy for every runner. With a stiff and sore knee on day 4 I stuck to keeping the seats saved for the Salomon team at the margarita table and enjoyed the campfire and music as the full moon rose over us. Day 5 I got out on the course with the head camera to check out how everyone was doing before heading into Vail to be a bit of a tourist and to get some trusty Starbucks. Day 6 – final day will be incredible for all involved. The efforts, blisters, cuts, muscle tears and blood everyone has gone through will all be worth it as they run into Beaver Creek. TransRockies 6 day completed.
Congratulations!
Frosty
