Post race
Sorry Indiana: I don't think I can ever run a flat race again. Running big hills is just too much fun. I've been sort of terrified of this race since I signed up in February. The net elevation gain over 13.1 miles is only 1,000 feet, but the hills are steep: really steep. Within the first 1.7 miles you gain more than 500 feet. (There's a cash prime for the first man and woman to reach the top of those first 2 big hills). Another pretty significant hill is at mile 4, and another one at 8. But then, smooth sailing to the finish line. I highly recommend this race: the opposite of any race experience I've had in big cities. Start time was 8:30 (about an hour and a half too late if you ask me). People show up at 8:15. No drama, no chaos, no waves. Just 1,200 people looking to eat some hills for breakfast. Everyone was so happy to be there. The 1:45 pacer couldn't have been nicer! Small crowds gathered around the hills and dams of the reservoir to cheer. There were cowbells. This is what racing is supposed to be like. The finish line is at the New Belgium Brewery in Ft. Collins, which is a beautiful place to hang out. A (really good) band played, people relaxed on the lawn and enjoyed either free beer or, like me, DAIRY FREE CHOCOLATE MILK!
Monster Mountain
As soon as my quads are fully recovered from the downhill sections, I'll be back on those hills to train. And I'll certainly be back next year: by that time, I hope to be able to sprint up the hills with super lungs and legs.