Results Leadville Silver Rush 50

Well the Leadville, Colorado Silver rush 50 mile trail run was definitely one of the greatest challenges I have untaken in some time. The Race started at 6 am and the weather conditions at race time were 41 degrees and raining. When you start a race at 10,000 feet elevation, at 41 degrees and then spend the next 10 miles climbing to an elevation of 12,000 feet, it doesn't really get warmer, it just gets wetter, muddier and colder! The first climb of the day ended at 10 miles into the event. The climb was absolutely beautiful. We ran past mountain streams and wetlands that looked to be perfect terrain for moose. We then spent 4 miles dropping altitude until we reached the first major aid station, 14 miles in.

The next mile was straight downhill before we started the second major climb of the day. Over the next 2.5 miles we again climbed above 12,000 feet and over the second major mountain peak. The second climb was steep and absolutely not for the faint of heart. It was rugged and totally intense. We gained 2,000 feet of elevation in a very short period of time. The cool part was this part of the race course carried us past the old gold and silver mines that made Leadville famous during the gold rush days. While the mines were very cool the view from the top of the pass was the thing that was totally worth the trip up. You could see for 50 miles or more in all directions. The vistas were nothing less than breathtaking.

We reached a small aid station at approximately 17.5 miles in, then were sent tumbling (just kidding), running down a steep hill and dropped more than 1,000 feet in a little less than 1 mile. From mile 18.5 to mile 20 we again were forced to climb above 12,000 feet to reach the summit of the last major mountain pass we had to conquer on the way out to the turn around point. Little did I know that the story of my journey had really just begun to unfold? From mile 18.5 to mile 20, I watched dark, black, evil looking clouds, filled with rain and lightning, make their way across the distant mountains to my AO (Area of Operation). I smartly dawned my lightweight rain jacket at mile 19 just in time to help fend off the hail. You know, hail really kind of smarts when you got nothing on your head to protect yourself. At mile 19 we went above tree line so I was the tallest thing on the mountain at that point. While the hail was a major irritation, the lightning is what began to get my attention. If you have ever experienced a Lightning storm at 12,000 feet, let me tell you that you are right in the middle of it. I mean the bolts are cracking all around you. The only thing that kept me from stopping to dig a fox hole was my tremendous faith in God above. I was pretty sure that he wasn't shooting at me, but was totally convinced he was shooting at somebody :-). He left no doubt in my mind that he is totally in charge of every aspect of our lives and alone will determine our time of departure from the incredible experience called life. I reached the summit then did my best impression of Steve Prefontaine as I raced down the next 5 miles to get out of the storm. You know, the closer those bolts got, the more like Pre I felt. No doubt he was looking down from above having a good laugh at my vain attempt to match his legendary strides. He also likely got a chuckle from the fact that the 20 something race leader, passed me on his way back to the finish line before I even reached the summit of the last climb at 20 miles in. That really added insult to the hail stone injuries :-)

Long story made short, I pulled from the event at the 25 mile turnaround. My heart, my legs and my ego, said turn around and go further old man. My brain said, God allowed you to live through the storm once you old fool, don't press your luck! Truthfully, when you are out in the wilderness, above tree line, you are definitely asking for trouble if you continue into a thunder storm. Above tree line, lightning is truly life threatening. If the lightning doesn't get you, the cold, the rain and the risk of hypothermia likely will. With only my running tee shirt, shorts and a lightweight rain shell for protection, I simply was not equipped for the conditions. Next year, I will use my years of wisdom and visit the Go Lite outdoor store before making the trip back to Leadville. Go lite has great lightweight, extreme weather running and hiking gear that would have really come in handy. Next year I will go better prepared to complete my quest to finish the Leadville Silver Rush.

Photos coming later.

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