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Saturday, August 24, 2019

TransRockies Run | Summer Camp for Big Kids

2019 TransRockies Run

120 mi | 6-Day solo stage race

Drop off at airport (2019-08-11) | Photo: Katie Meding



Travelling to Colorado was quite easy, but a long day:

  • *START* Sugar Land, TX , alarm of 04:00 
  • 45 min drive to Hobby airport in Houston, TX 
  • 2 hrs waiting for flight; 2.5 hr flight to Denver, CO
  • 3 hr waiting for shuttle; 1 extra hr delay 
  • 3.5 hr drive to Buena Vista, CO....*ARRIVED*!
Awaiting TRR shuttle at the Denver airport.  The group gathering is all with us. (2019-08-11)
The little town of Beuna Vista was a nice small town, definitely reminded me of mountain towns back home in Canada. I checked into my hotel and went for a small short run after the long day of travel. The next day I woke up after a good sleep and went for a slightly longer run exploring some of the local trails, excited to get my feet on the trails. I wanted to keep running but kept my effort to only 10km on this day. 
Exploring Beuna Vista, CO trails (2018-08-12) | Photo: GoPro selfie
After a nice run in the morning i relaxed at the hotel and then ventured to packet pickup. The town being so small I walked over to get my stuff and visit all the vendor tents and check out the happenings. I spent a little time there in the afternoon and the returned to the hotel.
Some of the nice swag from the TRR'19 sponsors at packet pickup (2019-08-12)
Shortly after I had to return for the mandatory pre-race briefing and ceremonies. I returned to the venue and found the crowd had enlarged quite a bit. We got to wander around some more and then the briefing began about what to expect for tomorrow and for the week.
Pre race ceremonies in Beuna Vista, CO | Photo: TransRockies Run
TRR Class of 2019 | Photo: Andrew Holmes Photography (aholmesphoto.net)

Stage #1 2019-08-13 | Buena Vista, CO to Railroad Bridge Campground

  • first 3/4 went well; then got slightly crampy last bit. 
  • overall was good day, 5 more stages to go! 
  • finish was right by the Arkansas River, felt awesome at end
Start chute on stage 1, Beuna Vista, CO
Enjoying the singletrack!
STRAVA stage 1 map & elevation profile
Buena Vista, CO to Railroad Bridge Campground | 16th overall solo6

Stage #2 2019-08-14 | Vicksburg, CO to Twin Lakes

  •  crossed up & over Hope Pass (12,533 ft) 
  • good day on the downhills! 
  • last 2 mile elevation maybe was getting to me? 
  • staying In Leadville tonight (10,159 ft)
Top of Hope Pass. Elevation of 12,533 ft | Photo: unknown

STRAVA stage 2 map & elevation profile
Vicksburg, CO to Twin Lakes | 15th today’s stage & 16th overall solo6

Stage #3 2019-08-15 | Leadville, CO to Nova Guides, CO

  • another good day running in CO 
  • ran on sections of Continental Divide Trail (CDT) which was gorgeous 
  • ended in Nova Guides which is where WWII training took place for US military
Another gorgeous day in Colorado

STRAVA stage 3 map & elevation profile

Leadville, CO to Nova Guides, CO | 17th today’s stage, 16th overall solo6

TRR unofficial stage #3.5: My my first ever attempt at beer mile (therefore a PR). Didn’t puke, finished! Fun times as everyone cheering the contestants on. #WillSweatForBeer thanks @sufferfest

Stage #4 2019-08-16 | Nova Guides, CO to Red Cliff, CO

  • epic 2,800 ft climb up jeep road very steep 
  • couple miles ridge running at 11,500 ft elevation 
  • descended all the way down to a creek and ran 1 mile in and out of cold mountain creek water 
  • finished directly in town of Red Cliff 
Running through the creek in stage #4
STRAVA stage 4 map & elevation profile
Nova Guides, CO to Red Cliff, CO | 24th today’s stage, 17th overall solo6

Stage #5 2019-08-17 | Red Cliff, CO to Vail, CO

  • start was 8mi road climb (gentle grand), then ~2mi of singletrack to the top where views were epic on both sides! 
  • ran back down valley to bottom of Vail ski resort and then essentially climb the hill, transversed the top (11,634 ft elevation) by the lifts and then hammer downhill for last 7ish miles 
  • placed better today, had a good run

Views from the high point on stage #5 (11,634 ft)
STRAVA stage 5 map & elevation profile
Red Cliff, CO to Vail, CO | 11th today’s stage, 17th overall solo6

Stage #6 2019-08-17 | Vail, CO to Beaver Creek, CO

  • another amazing section of trails 
  • couple big ups & downs on this stage concluding with a ski hill down into Beaver Creek, CO 
  • moves up 3 spots to 14th overall (solo6 divisions) 
  • ultramarathon #43 completed!
Cruising the last downhill section of the ski resort road into Beaver Creek | Photo: Andrew Holmes Photography (aholmesphoto.net)
STRAVA stage 6 map & elevation profile
Vail, CO to Beaver Creek, CO | 11th today’s stage, 14th overall solo6

Post Race Thoughts

Lesson learned from last week:
  • Colorado is truly scenic
  • no better way to explore than your own two feet
  • tenting in the Rockies can be chilly (even in summer)
  • sustainable running at 10-12,000+ elevation is hard for a “sea leveler”
  • did my first ever attempt at beer mile (therefore a PR), didn’t puke, finished!
  • @transrockiesrun_official @houda44 know how to put on a logistically challenging stage race
  • Gordy Ainsleigh told me “you’d climb a lot faster if you shaved those legs” (day06 climbing out of Vail)
  • met a lot of cool people & new friends
  • wish I was still there #backtoworkishard
  • body feels great, only thing is my feet got too much sun from the “chillville” afternoons
  • 14th overall & my 43rd ultramarathon
  • WHAT A WEEK!!

My gear all packed and ready to travel back home | #TeamVictory #GreatestGearBagEver https://victorysportdesign.com/

Gear Used

Gear Bags: VictorySportdesign
Drop Bag: VictorySportdesign (Coyote II)
Shirts: TeamTROT x3, rabbit x many
Shorts: rabbit 1 pair each day
Shoes: AltraRunning TIMP 1.5 (same pair all week)
Socks: Drymax Socks 1 pair each day
Jackets: rabbit elements jacket
Headwear: rabbit (BOCO gear), TeamTROT cap
Sunglasses: goodr
Watch: Garmin Fenix 3 HR
Headlamp: NathanSports Inc Halo Fire -- used in camp at night
Calf Sleeves: Zensah compression leg sleeves (Lego print) - day05 only
Nutrition: GU energy (sponosor of TRR), fruit, coca-cola
Hydration: Nathan Sports Inc VaporKrar 2.0 12L

Thank you

A big shout out to my 2019 supporters:
rabbit | rabbitELITEtrail Team
Trail RacingOver Texas | Team TROT
Victory Sportdesign | Team Victory
Nathan Sports Inc | Team Nathan

Thanks to Kevin Houda McDonald and the entire TransRockies team for an amazing week! I first met Kevin back in AB, Canada 3 years ago when i started trail running with 5Peaks where he is Race Director as well. Pretty neat to come full circle and catch up with him 3 years later.
Finishing off stage #6 with my Elevation Culture buckle. Pictured here in Keven Houda McDonald (Race Director). I've known Kevin from my start in trail running back from 5Peaks in Alberta.


TransRockies summary infographic | source: https://transrockies-run.com/

I'd recommend this event to anyone looking to venture into stage racing. TransRockies has a excellent team of volunteers that care of you all week. Your bags are transported for you, the tents are assembled/dissembled each camp spot. The views each night are just as spectacular as the race course itself.
Stage 1 camping site | near Beuna Vista, CO | elevation ~8,000'
Stage 2 camping site | Leadville, CO | elevation ~10,100'
Stage 3 camping site | Nova Guides, CO | elevation ~9,200'
Stage 5 camping site | Vail, CO | elevation ~8,200'

And of course, they provide great service at the camp including the well put on dinners each evening.

Check out the 2019 Summary videos. These should get the #fomo going if you already don't have enough:

What about the altitude?

Well today just got back from 11 mi back here in the TX humidity & honestly today felt worse than any of those altitude runs in Colorado. Yes you run at higher elevations, but you also stay and sleep up higher so you get acclimatized as you go (if that makes sense).

 The route of the TransRockies Run will take place at elevations between 7,400 and 12,600 feet above sea level. Based on the preliminary route proposal (subject to change and approval by the U.S. Forest Service), the percent of distance at various elevations is as follows:
7,000′ to 8,000′ – 3%
8,000′ to 9,000′ – 31%
9,000′ to 10,000′ – 28%
10,000′ to 11,000′ – 27%
11,000′ to 12,000′ – 10%
12,000′ to 13,000′ – 1%

 I did nothing specific to get ready for my trip as I had to work right up until I travelled, so I arrived 2 days before the 6-day race started. I ran those pre-race days as well to stay loose. I did. It really notice much difference in breathing/lung capability until maybe end of day 3 of the race. But the very next day I felt great again so not sure? At the end of each day 5 and 6 I was feeling stronger as I progressed.

 In summary I believe as long as your fit going in there is nothing specific needed. Although I can only say this from my own experience (experiment of 1). Not sure if this helps, but hopefully I explained myself.

 My key points: hydrate well, sleep well, be fit going into the run and you will do fine, even if coming from sea level (like me). Most of all have fun since this is truly a summer camp for big kids!

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