Here at Hardrock

There is nothing like arriving in Silverton, Colorado the week of Hardrock and feeling like you've come home. The energy and excitement in this town is infectious. It is such a wonderful feeling to share hugs and catch up with the people that tie themselves to this race year after year. This experience is a perfect representation of how I envision the ultrarunning community: hugs, smiles, tanned bodies, chisled legs, mass consumption of food, frequent bathroom visits due to lots of hydration... I am very happy to be here.


Hardrock crowd.


The trip to get here: A delayed flight into Salt Lake City on Tuesday night, a couple hours sleep, a short run and 5 hour drive to Grand Junction on Wednesday. Thursday, a stop in Montrose to pick up Montrail runners Ty Draney and Leland Barker and on to Silverton to get Roch and Ty checked in before the 11am cutoff.
The race starts tomorrow morning (Friday) at 6:00am and finishes at 6am on Sunday morning, these runners have 48 hours to cover the 101 miles climbing 34k and descending 34k feet of elevation through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. The will go over 14k once and over 13k around 7 times (maybe more). You can follow the race at www.hardrock100.com


Catherine packing the band of gypsies.