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2021 Desert Rats Stage Race- Stage Five: Bring it Home (Chapter 7 of 7)

The crew at the start

I woke up and my legs felt amazing! Staying off of them and the CBD seemed to do the trick because I was barely sore and felt super fresh for the day.  I knew it wouldn’t be an easy day as we would be climbing 2,000 feet right from the start over the first 5 miles.

Just like in Stage 4, right from the start, Morgan took off. The first 6 miles involved a 2,000 foot climb up a 5-7% grade paved road. I trailed behind Morgan for several miles and let him have some space, but I pushed to keep up with his pace. I was gassed a few times but was able to fall back into stride. Around mile 4 there were some switchbacks and they reminded me of Lookout Mountain back in Golden which I had done all winter in training.

“You’re at home Tim! GO!!”

I picked up the pace and went past Morgan. He was right on my heels as we made the first turn.

I pushed a little harder. He faded back a hair.

Rounding the next turn I was out of sight for a little and I sprinted hard and then fell back into rhythm. He was a little further back.

I continued this effort. 30 seconds hard, 2 minutes easy all the way to the top.

I flew into and out of the first aid station and was relieved to see the massive dirt descent begin. I pushed hard. Looking down I saw that I was running 7-7:30 pace down the hill. I felt awesome and was eating well. I passed most of the field that had started an hour before us by mile 10 or so and kept pushing.

Feeling great!

I clocked off the miles knowing that I was accomplishing something amazing.

Home stretch!

There is a steep out and back climb at mile 16 that is 4 miles long. I realized hiking up that this was one of the first times I had walked all day. I passed the final two people from wave one right at the turn and went full gas back down. I passed Morgan on the way down and looked at my watch. I was a mile ahead of him. With 6 miles to go, I had a great chance of winning the final stage.

I left the final aid station and started to run the final six miles into Moab. It was an interesting experience re-entering civilization. ATV’s were plentiful and buzzing by us on the dirt road. Around a mile and a half to the finish, there was a Jeep club lining the road. People in their jeeps started honking and cheering for me! I cheered back as I knew the day was mine!

I turned left on the asphalt road and I could see the finish where Julie and Micah would be waiting. The emotion was indescribable. Elation, joy, tears, excitement, relief all rolled into one as I turned right towards the finish line with both arms in the air.

Best moment ever!

I FREAKING DID IT!!! I WON THE 2021 DESERT RATS STAGE RACE!!!

Crossing the finish in a shower of champagne, I fell into Julie and Micah’s arms with tears gushing out of my eyes. I couldn’t believe it. What a week.

My family


We are all Desert Rats!

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