This is part of my quest to experience all of the iconic athletic events in Colorado. I did the Leadville 100 Trail Run last year and this year, at least for the first quarter, I'm training for and racing in the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse. This is a backcountry ski race that goes from Crested Butte to Aspen over 40 miles of 4WD roads, single-track, and open ground, including over 7000 feet of climbing. The race starts at midnight and in addition to 20+ pounds (or thereabout, I haven't weighed it yet) of mandatory gear, you must do this race as a team of two. My partner is the winter 14er superman: Homie. On backcountry skis were are a more even team, though, and our goal is just to experience the race and hopefully finish under 12 hours. That's probably ambitious for a first effort, but I doubt this will be an annual thing. The race is a royal pain in the butt, logistics-wise, as the driving time between these two towns in winter is 6+ hours. And Crested Butte is 7+ hours from Boulder to begin with. You have to have a driver to support you for this race and that's a lot to ask.
Below I'll link in any training adventures I do before actually doing a race report. Yes, the training has been pretty minimal...
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December |
Skied from Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat. Got in 17 miles, starting at 12:30 p.m and never having done it before. I had some issues with finding the way once I caught the four skiers making the track. |
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January |
Mainly just running. I was putting in about 25 miles per week, including one 20-mile, 4-hour run that nearly killed me on New Year's Day. |
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January 31st |
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February, 8th |
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February, 15th |
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February 21st |
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March 1st |
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March 7th |
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March 14th |
Mt. Alice |
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March 22/23 |
Grand Canyon, climbing Buddha Temple |
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March 28 |