This was pretty brutal, not the fun 5k I had in mind. Started climbing right away up 4 o'clock run (ski run), then a long gradual downhill. Then up some switchbacks to some singletrack with some steep uphills & downhills. I actually ended up walking some of these hills. By here most everyone was pretty strung out and I was sucking wind. Passed a girl & a guy just before the turn to head back & she stayed with me. Returned along scenic singletrack thru and aspen stand & across some rock fields. Got back to the ski runs - the long downhill was now a long uphill & the girl who had been following me went by me. Then downhill back to town. My legs were like jelly for most of the race & I just kept a comfortable pace akthough this was probably z8.

Live at 10,000 feet so I'm used to the altitude. They should have a seperate class for non-locals.

Ate some food & hung around for a few minutes.


The altitude, not doing much training lately.


Tough course but fun overall. The most friendly racers & volunteers I have come across. Everyone was encouraging each other whether they were passing or being passed.