I felt a lot better than I thought I would. The whole idea intimidated me and I had not checked out the route before hand nor had I skiied Aspen Mountain in forever, so I had no idea what I was in for. I just kept pace with the folks around me for the first third of the race. Around the third mark, a woman next to me said, "This is the longest hardest part of the race." I was feeling pretty good so I started picking out people to catch and pass, and I did this for the rest of the race and had enough energy at the end to pour on some speed.

My heels were the most uncomfortable part of the race. At the time I thought it was a tendon getting tired from the ankle position necessary for climbing, but I think I might have been starting on a blister. I would have duct taped my heels. Also wish I'd drank more water this morning and carried some type of energy bar or goo.

Drank a liter of water and ate a cliff bar. Wandered around visiting and eventually but a jacket on. I probably should have put it on sooner.


Ankle/heel pain, not knowing the course, and not very good snowshoes.


I had been told there were no drink stations, but there were people passing out Max at the midway point and it sure did help. I took the Gondola down and wished I'd been on skis; felt I'd earned a few turns!!