Mt. Evans Ascent 6/11/00

As some of you know, a few weeks ago I ran my first road race. Since it was easier than I expected, I thought I'd try something a bit more challenging. The Mt. Evans Ascent, "North America's Highest Road Race," sounded like it qualified. It had been ages since I last drove up the road to the 14,265 foot summit but I knew the run would have breathtaking views and wouldn't be as crowded as the Bolder Boulder.

So Sunday morning I lined up with 150 or so other people, most of whom looked like they take running way too seriously, for a jaunt up the pavement. The road starts at Echo Lake (10,600 ft) and is very gradual almost the whole way since it's made for cars.

It was tempting to dash out with the faster runners at the beginning but I held back. Being new to this road stuff and not knowing how to pace myself, I decided to just go at what felt comfortable and try to maintain an even heart rate below my anaerobic limit. I was passed by a lot of folks but started reeling many of them back in after a while. The weather was mostly sunny and warm enough for shorts and t-shirt though it got very chilly higher up in the wind.

After the first couple of miles (we're now above treeline) things had settled down and I was hanging with roughly the same set of runners. As long as we were going up, I kept up just fine. But when the road flattened or went downhill, I lost time to the serious runners. Not that I cared -- I was just running for myself and the scenery (the tundra flowers are out early btw). Some of them obviously got annoyed when I passed again on the hills after their flurry.

About 2/3's into the run is where things started to get really interesting. My legs and feet were sore (less variety than trails), I was starting to notice the altitude, fatigue was setting in and the road starts switchbacking endlessly to the summit. The final 1.5 miles seemed to take forever but I never resorted to walking and just toughed it out.

I was happy to sprint across the finish line and was far less exhausted than I anticipated. In hindsight, I think I could knock a few minutes off my time without too much trouble or *gasp* actually training. This kind of event was more to my liking than the mega-crowded flat road race.

Still, so far, road running is not as fun as road biking. Anyone want to join me for the Triple Bypass? Perhaps I'll try some trail running races next...I need more t-shirts.

Useless trivia:
Distance 14.5 miles
Elevation gain 3170 ft.
New course record 1:44:29
1st male 40-49 group 2:07
1st female 40-49 2:19
My time 2:53
Placed 84 out of 168 (exactly in the middle)
Placed 15 out of 40 in my age group