I'd never done anything like this before and I started DEAD LAST because I was late, but I quickly got into the pack and then to the middle of the pack. I just kept looking up to people I wanted to catch. The course kinda broke into thirds. The first 1/3 had sections of steeps and flats and it took me a bit to get adjusted to the pitch and the snowshoeing technique with poles, etc. The middle 1/3 was STEEP with NO breaks and I was getting a bit cranky/ tired, trying to find my second wind. I found it when an older man started chatting with me and we were almost at a small crest.
I thought we were about 1/2 way up, but he said, oh no 2/3 up and it gets flatter after this bend - with lots of breaks between steeps. I pretty much felt my 2nd wind kick in and TOOK OFF from that point. I was truly struggling until then. My achilles and calves were pumped and my hammies starting to feel it too. Once I got around that turn I passed about 10 more people and finished about 8 minutes in front of that nice older gentleman. THANKS to HIM!!!!!

A lot of people had these little lifts on thier shoes so that you could use your entire foot, while seeming flatter - I want those for next time! Maybe lighter, more appropriate poles as well.

I actually recovered much quicker than I thought for the effort I was putting in on that middle section. I grabbed a drink, bananna and enjoyed the gondola ride down the mountain!


Not familiar with the conditions, course, or pacing for this type of event.


It was snowing a lot by the time I got to the top. This was a humbling race, but it was also awesone! I actually got a complete runner's high and I only actually ran the last 100 meters or so. It was fun, beautiful and VERY challenging!