Race Day
Early in the first evening, I make it to Grouse Gulch, mile 42 of the
run. I have been through a hail storm at 14,000 feet, but I am still
on my goal pace for a 40-hour finish.
Even though I am tired at Grouse, I know that much of the night
will be spent walking, first to Ouray, then to Governor Basin.
Doug Spink (background), my pacer, joins me for the next
15-mile section (15, right Doug?).
Adjusting my hat to make me look cool, I grab some pizza and
head off into the distance for the climb up Engineer.
Arriving Ouray much behind schedule at 2:30 a.m., cold from the
Uncompaghre River crossing, I sit and take a long break to refuel.
The next section is all uphill.