I have tried, and failed, to run the San Juan Solstice ever since I got into trail running. Ben always talked about what a great race it is, and I certainly knew it went through some of the state’s best areas, so I was keen to try it for myself. But year after year, it just kept not happening. Suffice it to say, this was a long-awaited race that I was very excited to finally run. Last year we actually still made it down to Lake City on the days of the cancelled race. We had our reservation in an Airbnb saved, so we figured why not make the best of it? Keep Reading…
With the Dirty 30 in the rearview and the San Juan Solstice only a week away, I was looking for a good training option to bridge the fourteen day gap between the two races. My eye landed on Mt. Elbert and the natural loop that can be made out of its two primary hiking routes. It wound up being a near-perfect run in the sun with Jax and a fine way to revisit the roof of Colorado on foot for the first time since 2003. Read more…
After much anticipation, the 2021 Dirty 30 had finally arrived. Ben, Dave and I were allowed to roll over our 2020 entry’s, given it was cancelled due to COVID (which makes sense for a naturally socially distanced event full of young, fit people – but I digress). I was just glad to finally experience the legend that was this race, coupled with Race Director Megan Finnesy’s hard work and unrivaled attention to detail, it certainly did not disappoint. This was my 3rd ultra overall and by far the most difficult. Keep Reading…
The Grand Canyon is a funny place. On the one hand, its reputation precedes itself. Everyone know what it is. Everyone has seen incredible photos of it. Everyone knows it to be one of the great natural wonders of the world. And just about every other canyon, gorge, valley, ditch, ravine, or similar gouge in the earth has been compared to it. It is the standard. Keep Reading…