JMTR

Well the Jemez Mountain Trail Half Marathon was interesting to say the least, I finished, not as fast as I had hoped, however considering I was limited to 1 run a week for the 3 weeks prior to the race, not a bad outcome. The first 3 miles were easy, gradual rolling hills alternating road and trail, the single track portions could be frustrating trying to get around people who took off way to fast and payed for it only 3 miles into the event. Around mile 4 the climbing started, well not really but there was some elevation gain. It is worth mentioning that this was a cupless event, meaning that if you are like me and thought you could by a HydraPouch the morning of the event you were mistaken and would be running with a water bottle in your hand for the duration. The first substantial aid station was around mile 4, I would soon find out why. The climb. Before I go any further let me be clear, I love a tough race, my fondest memories of X-C involved river crossings and mud pits with single track trail climbs in Jackson Hole, this will not rank among those fond memories. The majority of the climb took place between miles 4.5-6, if you like inhaling hot dirt while shuffling up switchbacks trying not to vomit, this place is for you. I know how bacon feels. Beyond the never ending climb the entire course is the the burn area from a few years ago, the surrounding area is beautiful, the course it self, not as much. Returning back to starting elevation was a relief, miles of rolling hills made for easy trucking on the way back, by mile 6 however I thought I had torn my hip flexors (yes plural), I could not stand up straight and the down hill pounding was not all together enjoyable. To make matters worse the course was long, only by 1/2 mile, but I was well ready to be done before 13.1 let alone 13.7. In all it was a great race, very well organized with a ton of support, it is part of the La Sportiva Cup, a brutal series of mountain races all over the west. It was a great day, my wife Anna supported me and was amazing, she fed me tried to stuff me with food, even stole a few post race Pilsners for me, thanks babe. With all that being said my goals have now shifted, I believe that I still have a few fast 5k or 10ks still in my legs (maybe not my back). Running a little shorter and faster will be my next M.O. for the next few months with trying to attempt a fast 10k in september. I feel good about that, I know it and I own that type of training, forcing my body to cooperate with me accept the sometimes brutal nature of 5 and 10k training will be a hell of a challenge. I'm up for it.