Sunday, September 6, 2009

Grand Teton Races - a mixed bag

An interesting weekend to say the least. The plan was to crew for my friend and then pace her later for the last 50 miles. Unfortunately things didn't go as planned for her and she couldn't finish. Knowing what a determined woman she is, I know she will learn from this and come back stronger than ever.

Later on, I was asked if I would like to pace Ashley Nordell for her last lap. It took a few moments to say 'yes', but I am so glad I did. I have to admit to being incredibly nervous - Ashley was running incredibly well. Surely, there would be no way I could keep up with such an amazing athlete - I suggested to her friend Sean, that he may want to make some contingency plans in case Ashley had to 'drop' me!

At this stage of the run (she was at 75 miles when I took over pacing duties from
Jamie Donaldson), she was walking the 'ups' and running the 'downs'. Well, I say ' running the downs' - 'sprinting' would be more of an appropriate term - well it seemed so to me, she is an amazing downhill runner. The run down Fred's Mountain was probably one of the most exhilirating and yet at the same time incredibly terrifying experiences of my life! I did manage to keep up, I helped her out at aid stations and kept Ashley company for 25 miles and about 6 hours 50 minutes.

It was a phenomenal experience, I was thrilled to have played a part in her amazing run. Ashley ended up second overall, first woman, and smashed the course record by over 2 hours. Wow. So I had to have a beer to go with my Southern Fried Quads.

1 comment:

  1. It was so great to meet you Jim! You did a great job! Hope you had fun! Morrison enjoyed the ear rubs!

    Jamie D.

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