PikesPeakSports.us Triple Crown Runners race team member Jen Shotwell and Triple Crown of Running race director Ron Ilgen at the Paint Mines 6L Trail Run in Calhan.

To say the outcome of the Paint mines 6k trail run in Calhan was a surprise is an understatement.  I truly didn’t have any expectations other than get a good run in on a new to me trail.  The race was great, thanks to race director Nancy Hobbs,  a true trail run,(no pavement), with a good mix of single track and rolling hills.  I recognized a few faces in small field of 44 runners at the start line.  Right from the start I paced my run with Joyce, a local running legend and really enjoyed the company.  Joyce and I ran together up until the half way point where I decided to push my pace a bit faster up and over the rolling hills of the prairie.  Over the last steep rise I sighted the line and maintained a decent stride to the finish. So happy to have finished strong and completely surprised when it was announced that I was the first women over the line.  Joyce finished just behind me.  After we cheered on all the runners and walkers at the finish, prizes were handed out to all that participated.  I received a super sweet prize of a pair of Inov-8 trail running shoes.  After the high of the win on July 30^th  the reality of the Ascent race is looming in the not to distant future.  Time to get some running up at altitude, add a bit of cross training and roll out the yoga mat.

Like all the other running events I have participated in so far, I haven’t explored the course prior to running the event.  Really I have only trained on the first 3 miles and the last 3 miles of the Barr Trail. The middle part of the trail will be totally new to me.  I’ve never even been to Barr Camp.  Fool hardy? Maybe, an adventure ? Definitely.  I will need to trust my mental resolve, strength and base of training…..not going into this endeavor completely ill prepared….I’ve sought out advice with many race veterans, built up a solid running/cardio base and have realistic expectations about my ascending pace.  Hard to believe that the big event is only days away and last minute decisions on what to wear, what to bring with me and looking up at Pikes Peak with awe and a bit of dread.  The expectations I have for the Ascent are to enjoy the experience,  finish around 4 and a half hours.

I’ll wear my surprise win shoes in the Ascent like a good luck charm.