Spokes

When I signed up for the Leadville Heavy Half last November, it was the first on the list of Colorado races that I knew would kick my butt. Coming up from San Diego to race at altitude several times before, I am no stranger to the humility that comes from lacking the oxygen to perform. Knowing that I was moving to the big kid’s playground of Colorado in January, the 16-mile race at over 10,000 feet sounded like a great way to punish myself as a new Coloradan. The race has over 3800 feet of climbing and takes you to the top of North America’s highest mountain pass at 13,200 feet above sea level. Running and training between 20-30 miles a week in Golden and Boulder, I have fallen in love with trail running. The challenge and lack of boring asphalt monotony are just second to the absolute beauty the dirt and rocks bring. Cresting a bend to watch the expansive wilderness and lakes unfold in front of you like a huge curtain being opened brings me another step closer to God. The day