Rocking Along The TransRockies!

It's day 2 of the Gore-TexTransrockies. I am in Leadville and enjoying some respite after completing stage 2. The good news is Team Everyman Tri is still in the race and making slow progress in the 80 + Men's Class. In case you're wondering, the 80 + class  denotes the our combined ages.

Day one on Sunday was brutal for the 92 degree heat and the fact that we ran in topography that reminded me of Arizona scrub land. It was a long 20.6 miles in riverbeds and box canyons. Our team made it home in 4:18m , which was quite a way behind the winners Max King and Andy Martin who stormed to victory in 2:26m. Age definitely makes a difference when one races at 8000ft!!

Today was a much shorter, but steeper stage which took the field over the 12,600ft Hope Pass en-route from Vicksburg to Twin Lakes. We started at 9600ft and hiked up and over the pass, before a long 8 mile descent into the finish in Twin Lakes.

Many of the competitors succumbed to altitude sickness today. My self and teammate Paul Mandel made it home in 3:18, which is an hour and 14 minutes behind Max King and Andy Martin, who ran a 2:04m - incredible given the elevation and descent today!  Our hard efforts have moved us up the ranks to 8th in our division.

For a triathlete, this event will be somewhat of a shock to the system. There is no cushy luxury at the end of each stage. A well organized tent-city awaits, with good food and hot showers, but its still a little of primitive side for those accustomed to a comfy bed and hotel room. Carrying your kit bag around also takes a toll especially after a long day on the trails.

Tomorrow a 24 miles stage awaits which tops out at 10, 124 feet for a 2930 ft elevation gain. Whew!!