-
Senior Member (too much time on their hands)
The Gristmill Grinder
Well race day finally came and I managed to survive and here is proof:
Grinder finish.jpg
Eight months of pretty serious endurance training and I still look like a middle linebacker. At 6' 2" and 235 I felt like an old slow dinosaur surrounded by all of these quick furry mammals. But I managed to finish all 13 miles and 2100' of vertical gain. Honestly I had a blast and was pleased as punch with how I did.
At the start everyone took off while I was still warming up. I started 50 yards behind everyone... and then they just ran off and left me. 3/4 of a mile down the road when I turned onto the trail there was literally no one in sight lol. But I was a bit dinged up and was determined not to come out of this thing injured so I was a bit cautious for the first 5 miles or so... still, I'm not really that good so no worries. At the 1st aid station 2.75 miles in my wife thought I had gotten lost! At 5.5 she said I was looking strong but still 15 minutes behind the back of the pack which was strung out over a couple miles or so of trail.
The next few miles were downhill and level and to my surprise I actually caught a few folks and passed them. Then came the big climb of the day, about 1.5 miles at 5% grade. By this time I was cruising and having a good time. I had a good rhythm going and thought I would surely catch some folks but never did. At the 10 mile aid station Heidi told me still looked strong so I gulped a couple cups of water and took off.
The last 3 were pretty brutal. A fierce climb followed by a mile of really dangerous footing of rocks and tree roots. Then another mile climb to the finish. There were a handful or two of poor souls who were walking and staggering along but I still felt pretty ok and went on by to the finish. Had a total blast and did something that I had wanted to do for 15 years. Trained for it twice when I was twice the man I am now and got injured both times. Never made the start line.
Hell I might even try this thing again next year if I'm healthy.
Will
Last edited by Penguin; 04-22-2024 at 09:25 AM.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body.
But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming...WOW, What a Ride!"
Our Friend, Tony "Gator" Hunter 1953-2007