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| (Image borrowed from iRunFar.com) |
I can't say Leadville was my first choice. Ever since the race was prominently featured in Christopher McDougall's best-seller, Born to Run, the field size has increased substantially, and the event has taken on a level of hype that doesn't exactly appeal to me. I've heard reports of parts of the course getting very congested with runners, pacers and crew, all kicking up choking clouds of dust. A couple years ago Lifetime Fitness bought the race and brought with it a much larger marketing machine than is typical on the ultra scene. I really enjoyed the decidedly low-key atmosphere of a race like Cascade Crest 100 this past year, and had been searching for a new race more like that.
But, regardless of all of that, Leadville still holds great appeal to me as well. Rugged trails, mountains, beauty, and it's an out-and-back course, not a multi-loop. And, in this case, they're not just any mountains. Beyond the challenge of thousands of feet of climbing and descending, this course brings the added challenge of altitude with elevations ranging from 9,200 to 12,600 feet. That's pretty daunting to this guy who lives at a mere 900 feet above sea level.
I like daunting.
So, when my friends Dominic Guinta and Vishal Sahni posted on Facebook that they'd signed up for Leadville, I was pretty much in, Leadville hype and all. Vishal tipped it in with these words: "...you know you plan to run it at some time in your life, might as well do it with us!" I clicked "submit" on my entry within an hour of reading those words.
Life is short. Do cool stuff.
Onward...and UPWARD!
Nice post Steve, I've heard the same thing about Leadville and Western States. I do plan on running both of them at some point but I prefer the more low key races too. I'd suggest Superior Sawtooth 100 and Zumbro 100 they are tough courses but still very low key and well run. Best of luck in 2012.
ReplyDeleteJordan, thanks for the suggestions. I have some friends who've done Superior...sounds brutal. Regarding WS100, at least they keep the size of the field reasonable. And, since it's point to point it never feels congested after the first few miles. I enjoyed States. Still concerned about LT100: very big field, out and back course, pacers allowed as early as half way... Hoping the experience is a good one anyway :-)
ReplyDeleteJust found your site! Love finding other "local" bloggers!! So inspiring ... Keep up the great work, Steve!
ReplyDeleteHow do I sign up to receive your blog? I've searched all over and can't find the subscribe button. Love the way you write, and the beautiful pictures, and I look forward to sharing your blog with the readers on my website.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie. Well, I don't really post much to this blog. In fact it's been almost 2 years since my last post. My kids have started keeping me too busy to do my own cool stuff! :-)
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