This last weekend we had a crew of Dukes represent the team at the Big Tesuque Trail Run! Here is a recap of how it went from the eyes of Jesse. Thanks for the entry, Jesse!
After a wonderful hour and a half drive from Albuquerque at 6:30am and a gorgeous viewing of the glowing balloons from the fiesta we were on our way to Aspen Vista Trail, we were ready to warm up and get this trail race started! Brett and Vanessa were so gracious enough to drive myself, Arlene and Liz to the race so that we could ensure ourselves of actually toeing the line to a grueling 12 mile trail run. The weather was perfect and the leaves were already turning yellow as autumn is in full force. The 9am start time was just perfect for us, but I would still don the long sleeve top under my Dukes Track Club singlet; just like an old dad would at the start of a chilly morning road race. As I look over, Brant is perfecting this outfit better than me, so I don't feel too alone in this fashion. Ok, now let's talk about the race.
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Start line smiles!
Thanks for all the great pictures, Vanessa! |
Dustin Martin has won this race for the past 5 years, and I knew my marathon strength was going to help, but not so much when you have to climb from 10,000' to 12,000' and then turn around and come back down. Dustin ran amazing at La Luz a few months back, so I would need to be in even better shape than I thought to even rival him. So, after the punctual 9:07am start time, Dustin and a few of us took off up hill as if it were a road race. After a few minutes I found myself in 2nd place, then after a few miles I found myself in 3rd place with Brant cruising by me. I knew that old man attire and profound strength would get the best of me... but I stayed composed and was hoping to just make it to the top without going hypoxic... or to be a little less dramatic, feeling good. Once I saw Dustin flying down the hill after the turnaround, I thought halfway was near... but I was wrong. Then I finally saw Brant make the turnaround, and I got some hope. I got to the peak of 12,003' and turned around and opened up my stride as best as possible without falling head over heels. It took a few miles before I caught Brant, and it would be a miracle to even see Dustin in my sights. Turns out, I was 7 minutes behind him, so it's safe to say I need to run on the trails more and learn how to run downhill before I can even think about contending with him. So a big congrats to Dustin on another remarkable performance up there! It was also great to chat with him and learn a little more about the Wings program that he works for with a passion. I just love seeing so many passionate people in running and putting their heart into the sport! Hats off to him and the Wings organization!
So, after a 2nd place finish for me and some hobbling around at the finish line, I saw Arlene barreling down the hill in 1st place! I saw her at the top for the turnaround, and she was in 1st up there, so it was amazing to see her hold that position and bring home the "W" for our family! At the awards ceremony, she pretty much cleaned house with some cash, gift certificates, and hardware! Woot Woot! Brett came in 4th, Brant was 5th and Liz was 2nd Women overall followed by Becca (who drove up on her own) coming in a solid and strong 7th place. All in all, it was a great day for running, laughing, soreness, a little bit of pain, and plenty of memories. Thank you to the wonderful people of the Santa Fe Striders for putting on the race, and I'm sure we will be back next time!
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| Hardware & Smiles |
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| Liz finishing with a smile! |
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