Rio Grande

Another hundo in the books.  Made the short drive down to South Fork this weekend for the Rio Grande 100.  Typical Tempest Adventure gig, extremely hard course but marked well.   A part of the San Juans I hadn't spent any time in, so that was cool.  I was slow but steady and crossed the line in just over 34 hours.  Second straight hundred without pacers.  Ten hours before I got there a chick won the overall race.

Biggest disappointment for me was getting trounced in the mile 21 Pool Table aid station push up contest.  Whoever did the most push ups there won $50.  I was a very distant third place.

dog rescue

Another decent week in the books.  Mountain fitness is coming around.

run - 51 miles, eleven hours

hike - 32 miles, 13 hours

More importantly, I had my first dog rescue.  Whiskey was hit by a rock and really messed up his front paw.  SAR hiked back in and carried him out.  We've been updated and the pup is going to be fine.  You can read the details over here on the pup's GoFundMe.

catching up

Been a hot minute.

Another successful van trip in the books.  Headed north through Spearfish, SD, to Medora, ND.  Got to take in the geographical center of the USA in Belle Forche, SD.

I ran the Maah Daah Hey trail 58 miler, a chunk of the 150+ mile trail through the badlands of North Dakota.  Nice run but Jesus Christ it was hot.  At 4PM I was at mile 40 and it was still 105F.  Was not ready for those conditions but I survived.  State number 32.

After that we headed south to Sheridan and visited some old favorites, including the Crazy Woman Saloon near the Bighorn finish and The Mint Bar.  

Sheridan is a great town, but after a long morning dog hike we were on the road again.  Ended up in Winter Park, doing some brewery visits before heading out Vasquez Road for the night.  Next day was down to Salida to see some friends, then Creede for the next night.

From Creede it was over to Del Norte for the Rhythms on the Rio festival.  This was a fantastic time, and we'll hit this up for the next few years before it becomes too big.  Highlights included Frasco, Magoo, Jeremy Garret, and the Kitchen Dwellers.  Dog friendly, awesome camping venue, easy access to the river, and nice hiking on Lookout Mountain.  Loving the valley more and more each time we visit.

Came home and officially became a grumpy old man, turning 50.  For my birthday I ran up Pikes from the house, ending at WestFax Brewing.  50k on the day.  Believe me, I noticed the much slower time up the Peak.

Then caught King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard at Ford Amphitheater.  Great time!