Snow is finally melting faster than it’s falling, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until next winter to get your trail on. If you are up for an unforgettable adventure, trade snowshoes for trail runners and head to the hills this August 21–26 for the GORE-TEX TransRockies Run. Runners choose from either the T3, a three day solo option, or tackle the six-day, 120-mile stage race in teams of two.
All racers gather for the mass start in Buena Vista, Colo., for the multi-day, point to point format event. While runners spend their days experiencing the splendor of each stage as they traverse through the White River and San Isabel National Forests, race organizers set-up a tent village, prepare gourmet meals and have hot showers and masseuses at the ready as everyone crosses the finish line.
T3 runners end their journey at historic Camp Hale, while those doing the six-day event cross their final finish line in Beaver Creek, Colo., after climbing over 25,000 feet for the week. While finishing was prize enough for me, those at the front are battling it out for a $20,000 prize purse.
If you don’t think you’re ready for a stage race, think again. With a good base and the proper training, you can have a great time, bond with other runners, enjoy campfire sing-a-longs and experience the run of your life. The GTTRR has also contracted with Greg McMillan of McMillan Running to provide customized training programs to racers at a discounted rate.
I ran the race in 2010, with my husband as a teammate, and loved it. The GTTRR was truly the hardest event I’ve ever tackled, but that made completing it all the more satisfying. And, in case you were wondering, the longest race I had previously completed was a marathon or an IM 70.3.
Over the course of the week, we fell into a comfortable, camp-like rhythm of eating, sleeping and playing hard. In between were massages, mountain meadows aglow with wildflowers, crystal clear mountain streams and a fantastic camaraderie amongst racers.
Strange as it seems, I was sad when I woke up the morning after the race, and realized the fun was done. Sure I could go for a run, but without hundreds of friends, tireless aid station volunteers and the race music to get my blood pumping, it wasn’t the same. But life and ripe running clothes in need of a washing beckoned.
After training, the single most important component to fully enjoy the event is having the proper gear. Pay close attention to race checklists, test everything before you get to Colorado and be prepared. Check out my race report at iRunFar.com for more on gear, http://bit.ly/ljVUsx.
Now is the time to sign-up and get running. Spend the next twelve weeks training, cross training and stretching for an amazing race experience. And, come next winter, you will be in wicked snow shoe shape.
For more information, and to register, go to www.transrockies.com. I’ll see you at the start line!
