Catching up?

• Great Adventure Challenge {Race Recap, Part 1}
• Great Adventure Challenge {Race Recap, Part 2}

Great Adventure Challenge – The “Run”

I use the term run loosely here my friends. By run I mean slow hike (walk) up the mountain then run down. No part of me had the energy to run up a ski mountain after biking for 16.5 miles. I did, however, finally pack a fresh pair of sneakers to change into post-bike. In years past I have just worn my soaking wet, muddy bike shoes to hike. What is a rookie mistake called when you make it over and over again? Oh well, I finally learned.

(please excuse my muddy, bloody legs and the weird looking angle)

I rocked my new-ish Mizuno Wave Hayates and loved them! These sneakers were made for trail running so were perfect for hiking up the grassy and rocky terrain of this course. They are also super lightweight (only 7.2 oz) which was nice for my tired legs. I couldn’t image lacing up heavy hiking boots at this part of the race.

One thing I tend to always do during this leg is to spend some time climbing up the mountain backwards. Not only does it help my tired legs but I can take in some stunning views.

Nothing beats it! Also, that lake below is where the kayak leg of the race takes place.

This picture doesn’t do the view justice at all but if you look closely you can see the mountains in the background. So beautiful. During most of this hike I think in my head how lucky I am to be a part of this race. It is physically and mentally pretty grueling at times but all worth it when taking the time to take it all in.

At this point I was about halfway to the top and knew the hardest part was behind me!

Competitors who I knew were only a little bit ahead of me were starting to head down the mountain so I knew I was really close to the top. And then I saw him…the guy who punches the lanyard signifying that I made it to the top and didn’t go halfway up then come down. I’m no cheater!

With my lanyard punched and my water bottle refilled with Gatorade, I was ready to dash down the mountain to the finish line!

All I was thinking as I was heading down was “Stay in control…no need to break your face or you limbs on the mountain.”

My legs were completely gassed and falling was a major concern but I wasn’t going to embarrass myself and my family by being the only competitor to tumble across the finish line.

(Thanks to my aunt for this awesome pic)

Ran in like a champ!

Run/Hike time – 54:08

Past hike times:

• 2010 – 54:16
• 2011 – 1:00:00
• 2013 – 58:31

Another awesome race in the books. Oh, and I came in 2nd place in my age group…NBD.

JUST KIDDING!! HUGE DEAL!! Pretty sure I embarrassed SL at breakfast the next morning when the results were posted online. I am so bummed I left before the awards ceremony but I never in a million years thought I would place in the race. Its such a challenge and draws an amazing group of everyday athletes.

Needless to say I am already looking forward to next year’s race. Until then…trying to get more kayaking, mountain biking and hiking in to routine! (I say this every year…)