Big Sky Marathon, MT

Published July 22, 2018

SUPER Saturday: Bozeman ➜ Yellowstone ➜ Earthquake Lake ➜ Ennis Montana.

Fishing lodge check-in (closest sleeps to Sunday’s marathon finish). Dinner bit of a struggle. Folks arriving Friday nite cleaned out much of the local restaurants’ provisions. Out of box pasta? Bigger surprise. Montana’s TROUT capitol – completely outta TROUT. Sad face ☹

Early to bed, early to rise. Exxon Pump Station 5:15am. Bib pick-up, hopped aboard a school bus. Hour-15 minute ride over dirt to today’s Big Sky start. High in the mountains: elevation 8,560ft. Steep decline first 15 miles; steady flat run followed, past multiple cattle ranches to Ennis.

Scenic MONTANA, surrounded by peaks & mountain flowers; mirror-similar to Colorado but with biting flies. Pre-race coated with insect repellent, kept the majority at bay (big RD thanks).

‘America the Beautiful’ acapella-sung by a Boston-based runner. Unexpected & super patriotic.

Small marathon field, under 100. 50-50 mix of locals & out-of-state participants (destination location/Yellowstone hour-half away). Stayed close to 2 runners from Helena. Pushed too hard too early, but mighty good to have company. They ended at 13 (Halfers); quick goodbyes, I ran on.

Struggled ALL second half. Sad Strava stat: 12-minute/pace miles 15 thru 20.

Temp cracked 85 degrees, personal puke fest started at 23. Tough day at the office. Heat staggered this one in – but a finish. Frown upside down: afternoon soaked at nearby Norris Hot Springs.

Sunday nite HOME, out again Thursday morn. Next adventure: Alaska! ⛰️🐻🐟