In Bozeman, woke up to mid 50s temp. and low 60s humidity; drove to
starting line (should have gone to finish line instead); race started at 7
a.m.;
Lined up close to front of pack with no idea of what lay ahead; started run
on a narrow, rocky trail with numerous switchbacks; trail was very rough and
not runnable, could only walk (and stumble). The trail continued rising until
it reached Sacajawea Peak (9,650 feet) the location of the first aid station.
2.3 miles from the start - my time to this was 47 minutes. What goes up
must,come down, and that's where the next part of the trail went - down,
steeply down. Could not afford to look up because the footing was terrible
with a combination of loose and imbedded rocks.
Only possible to walk and butt slide. One rock that I thought was imbedded
wasn't - down and over I went. Sudden pain in right leg. After I stopped
rolling, I saw a deep gash in right knee, with blood running down my leg and
into my socks. Numerous scratches on both legs. No one around, so I continued
down for awhile with my toes being really beaten up by the steep declines and
bad footing.
The bottom of my feet were really killing me with the light running shoes I
was wearing (should have worn mountain climbing shoes). Finally some med-tech
folks, who were sweeping the trail for the injured, find me (they knew I was
injured - I wasn't smiling and one leg was very red, the other a normal
white).
After about 20 minutes (being treated, then resting) I continued on - the
trail at first was somewhat level, then rose again toward the second aide
station, at the 9,000 foot Ross Peak - 6.8 miles. I continued, but was getting
tired. I developed a little stagger and was having trouble keeping my balance.
I was "running" at about 30 - 45 min/mile pace. Portions of the
still-rocky trail run along cliffs having long and rocky drop offs. No way to
describe this to Louisiana runners. The trail turned steeply downhill again
for awhile and, of course, then steeply uphill. My shoes were just wrong for
this course - my feet really hurt. This uphill climb was heading toward the
halfway point on the course, Bridger Bowl - at 9.9 miles and 8,717 feet. I
finally got there. It's now 4:15 hours after the start (I find out at this
third aide station that the overall male winner was finished in 3:15 hours.
Later I learn that the overall female winner finished in 4:18 hours). I had a
little strategy session with Dave (the race director) who was at the aid
station. He said I could go on. If I did, I MUST finish the course on foot
(very funny - I guess he didn't want to say, "on butt"), there being
no other way down.
On the other hand, if I stopped at this aide station, I could get a ride
back to my car. I go on!
Well, I saw Dave about half an hour later, a mile or so from the third aide
station.
I was sitting down on the edge of the trail with another "runner"
who had stopped after experiencing some very painful stomach cramps and
nausea. Ahead was another uphill jaunt to the next peak. Gasp!
Then Dave showed up. Then the med-tech folks showed up. A regular party!
After looking at both of us, the med techs focused on my knee. According to
them, it didn't look too good and probably needed better medical attention
than they could provide while hanging on the side of a mountain. We decided
that it was time to quit (that was at about 11 miles, which took me about 4:45
hours). Everyone agreed that this was a wise decision.
It seems that it took a long time to hike back to the third aide station.
This was a race course that was way over my head. Not one I should have
attempted.
