Thousands of runners from all over the country will attempt to tackle the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon this weekend. This is a mighty feat with 7,815 ft vertical in 13.32 miles for the Ascent and an added descent for those brave enough to take on the Ultimate Challenge! Each runner has trained for months, if not years, and has mentally prepared herself/himself to persevere to the finish line. With only a couple of days left before the big dance on the mountain, it’s time to get dialed in.

Am I nervous?! Giddy would be more appropriate. I feel like a young child anticipating Christmas morning!!! From the recent weather forecasts, it may, in fact, look and feel a whole lot like winter on the peak. I’m praying that all the storm clouds get hung up in another part of the Rocky Mountain Range, and don’t hit our area until Monday. Regardless, I’m going to plan and pack for the worst of conditions.

Nevertheless, I absolutely love this weekend and embrace all the craziness and emotion it brings! The expo is a blast and gets everyone amped for the races. It also allows runners to swap advice, familiarize themselves with the race staff/ volunteers and SAR members, snag good beta on the fuel table and which supplies to pack, and shop for sweet race swag. In my opinion, working the Ascent is almost as fun as the racing on Sunday! I’ll be at Barr Camp again on Saturday, which I love. There is so much energy in that area, and it allows me to see every runner as they cross the first time cut-off and major refueling area. Usually, I get at least 20 hugs/high fives from running buddies that I know in the community! The only bummer with being staged in that position is when runners don’t make the Barr Camp or A-Frame cut-off, and are routed down from my location. I’m a huge softy, and hate seeing runners crying or being upset if they DNFed (did not finish, for non-runner readers). However, it’s cool to interact with these runners because they all have great stories and are tough cookies to have toed the start line.

Then, Sunday’s the big day! Luckily, the pre-race jitters get replaced pretty quickly with loud heart-pounding and mindful breathing as soon as the race kicks off! The support and all of the friendly faces on the mountain makes the race that much more fun!!!  It’s incredible to have a folks cheering you on the entire length of the mountain. This never happens in any mountaineering expedition or weekend 14er climb.  It’s too AWESOME for words!

I barely remember being at the summit during my 2014 race, but recall hearing a boat load of people all cheering! The descent down the mountain is pretty eventful, with people tripping and falling at pretty high momentum. I, too, was a klutz in 2014, when I took a good spiller 3 miles shy of the finish line. I managed to knock the air out of myself, crack a rib, get a few deep lacerations, and eat a whole lot of dust. Most people somehow endure their falls with some grace and continue to race down the mountain. After taking several minutes to regain myself and breathe through the pain, I was able to finish the race. The finish line is a huge party, filled with even more friendly faces and of course, the wonderful medical staff and volunteers who are ready to patch, mend, feed, and direct exhausted (but satisfied) runners. I recall getting several bags of ice placed on my noggin as I crossed the finish in 2014 to evade heat illness. Oh, and I can’t forget the big after-party celebration, which usually includes a nice cold leg soak in the creek in Soda Springs Park, beers/whiskey/margs in Manitou, lots and lots of good food, and laughs and exchange of battle-stories with fellow runners.

Do I have a time goal? Not particularly. My plan is to push hard but take care of myself, which includes proper fluids and fuel, staying warm or cool, and pacing appropriately.  The mountain and its weather will be the big predictor of the outcomes of this race, anyway. Such factors can cause Ascent and Marathon times to vary by an hour or more, depending on the conditions that year. Thus, I will show up prepared and mentally-focused to tackle, but respect whatever the mountain brings this weekend.

Christmas in August?! Sure feels like it!   

Thank you Race Director and Staff, EPCSAR, Volunteers, Family and Friends. You are amazing.

Good Luck Runners. Stay smart and safe. Encourage one another. Embrace the beauty of the mountain.