Cache la Poudre Canyon Marathon

Published October 16, 2016

After last weekend’s marathon fail in Boulder, wasn’t sure when I’d next long-run. Down a day depressed, whole lotta sleep – then like most, licked my wounds & got back on the horse. Short run Tuesday, 8 miles Thursday…head back in the game.

Thursday morning identified a last minute race addition on the Maniacs calendar – only an hour-half from my home. Late registration thru Friday night. Done; meant to be.

Laid low Saturday, short hike in Eldorado Canyon, bed by 9pm, up again at 3:15am. Quick shower, walked/fed Ro…on the road north by 4am – marathon meet-up at 530am in downtown Fort Collins. Late instructions, Race Director greeted participants – in particular, a large Fort Collins Running Club contingent – all car-journeyed to the Canyon, parked at Picnic Rock Rest Area (mile from the Finish), then van-pooled another 2,000ft UP the Canyon to today’s high-altitude start: milepost 94 on Poudre Canyon Road.

Super scenic landscape. 15 miles course-shared with the Colorado Marathon. Lotta memories there – race where I finished my 50 State Quest. Cool temps ‘til the sun rose – but not as cold as last May…was literally snowing last time I ran this route 🙂

Start time: 713am…yep, that specific (daybreak)

Pre-race pic; pretty much on my own after the first 4-5 miles. Course spilled between large canyon walls, Cache la Poudre River on runner’s left…saw maybe 2 vehicles total. Surrounded with views of the Rockies ALL day. Quiet & isolated. BIG smile.

(last 10K) Picked off by a few runners but finished 12^th overall (super small field). 4:30 finish, not bad at 7,000ft. AND for the first time ever, won my Age Group & scored a bobble-head. Marathon 72 RE-DO SUCCESS!

No marathons for 2 weeks but…maybe/might have located another last-minute race, just 7 hours away in Nebraska. LOL>