Colorado Trail Day 4 - Hwy 114 to Hwy 50

Barring any mechanical breakdown, the body will do twice as much as the mind thinks it will - Peter Bakwin after his double Hardrock.  This quote was on my mind as I settled into bed at Buffalo Creek campground.  The body was holding up but the mind was second guessing.

Even though I had achieved my daily goal of finishing before 11 PM yesterday, we still had to drive a few myles down the road to the campground.  Once there my ritual of eating, icing the shins, and cleaning off began.  My Mom has made some homemade pinto beans so I took my time to enjoy -at least- 5 burritos.  This meant I wouldn't actually lie down until almost 1 AM.  But those two hours of settling in became normal routine.  What I learned is that my body and mind became more settled after a couple of hours and my sleep was much more restful rather than tossing and turning.

Up the next morning at 3:30 AM.  I still had it in my mind that I was going to get ahead of schedule to cut into those final two days.  Still no soreness in the muscles just an overall malaise and each morning it was getting more difficult to tear my back away from my mattress.  I only had 50 myles today, which was the shortest so far, and with plenty of access points after Hwy 50 my thinking was to add 5 to 10 myles.  But one step at a time so I would make that decision later.  For now though, I commenced with my normal breakfast routine: Muesli mixed with fruit and hot tea, got up to date on the previous day behind the scenes events, and out the door by 5:30 AM.

Start of Day 4

Today I would start with Rick Hessek and Matt Trappe.  My father-in-law would drop us off at the TH and we were on our way at 5:45 AM.  Just like we finished last night, it was cold again.  Probably in the low 30s but the forecast for the day was to be in the 60/70 range with blue skies.  We were greeted with a nice little climb along a dirt road for about two myles.  Once at the top we shed some clothing and arrived just in time for light to be spread across the Arkansas Valley - spectacular views!  Those views sparked motivation deep in my soul and I know it had an affect on the other guys because we started chatting about how lucky we were to be out here.

Early Views

First Light

Cool shot

From the top of this climb we are now traversing a ridge line for the next 5 or so myles and it's constant up and down on a rutted out trail.  As with any morning run, my system gets going after about an hour and I have to go in the woods.  Remember those burritos from last night?  Yep, those things were not agreeing with me right now.  As much time as I was spending on the trail, it was inevitable for something not to agree with me.  For the next hour or so I continually stopped to get rid of pretty much everything in my system.  Coupled with not putting (hardly) anything back in, I was running on empty 5 hours into the day.  The one thing I had that I know has agreed with me in previous races was my rocket fuel - EFS liquid shot.  Usually I can catch a bonk before it gets too bad but there's always some downtime.  Over the course of an hour or so I labored along waiting for the EFS LS to get into my system.  With a few stops here and there and a few dizzy episodes, I finally caught my energy again.  But now I was out of wipes....

Not feeling it

Managed a smile despite the way I was feeling

The first time we would see the crew was at Sargent's Mesa - 20 myles from Hwy 114.  Half way there and the trail is just a nasty myriad of baby head rocks. It's flat and wide but rocks everywhere.  I was starting to come out of my fog and do a bit jogging.  I always knew my energy level was coming back because our conversations became longer.  I very vividly remember talking about nutrition and how America is conditioned for convenience, which results in a lot of processed unhealthy food.  Deep thoughts about how we were going to revolutionize the North American diet.  It's a problem that probably won't be fixed anytime soon.  The trail eased up on the rocks and I could sense we were getting close based on time.  Then we passed two thru hikers who said "you must be Fast Eddy"...  they had passed -and been fed by- my crew at Sargent's Mesa and indicated we were only a mile or so away.  That put a little pep in my step.  This was a crew stop that was agreed upon this morning so I was more realistic on a timetable.  Arriving just before noon and although I was now feeling relatively good I needed this break.  Nicole and Rick had laid out a smorgasbord of food.  Just like Snow Mesa, the views up here are expansive and with a blue bird day, it was a great day to be alive.

Nicole, Livvy, and Hampton at Sargent's Mesa

Rick at Sargent's Mesa

The spread

I'm doing my best to smile

The crew at Sargent's Mesa

Around 20 minutes after I arrived, I was back on the trail headed down for the next 4 or 5 myles.  I thought for sure I would have to endure a two hour food coma because of all the food I ate.  But something different happened.  The trail was relatively rock free, a downward trend, and I was on fire.  I was running the best I'd been since leaving Durango.  Matt and Rick will have to attest to this but I bet I was running about 8 minutes per mile (7.5mph), more than double my usual speed.  The faster I ran, the more I wanted to run.  It's hard to explain what came over me but I was motivated to get to Marshall's pass ahead of schedule and send a message to my crew that I was alright.  As I recall, this running spurt lasted for the better part of two hours and with only 7 myles to Marshall pass, I was way ahead for this segment.  Nothing lasts forever and I could tell the wind was falling out of my sail, but nonetheless inspired.  I knew it could happen again as long as I took care of myself.  The euphoric running officially ended at the base of a two mile grunt that greeted on our way to the Continental Divide.

Gotta get to the base of that mountain (Mt Ouray 13,971) to reach Marshall's Pass

Let the euphoric running begin

Up until now I had always climbed better than anything else but this hill I really struggled.  We were nearly at 12,000 ft so maybe that played into my fatigue -maybe not- I just know that my lows were becoming lower.  Not only were lows-lower but they became more sustained.  Once we passed through a gate on the Continental Divide I knew we had less than 4 myles to the Marshall's Pass -and better yet- it was all downhill.  It was just after 4 PM when we hit the final dirt road leading into the pit stop and I noticed I was becoming clumsy.  I had been kicking a bunch of rocks.  Rocks that make you turn around to look for the culprit, saying "what the hell did I just kick?!?".  All the while muscles are seizing up trying to catch the fall.  I wasn't falling just stumbling.  So I told Matt that I wanted him to take pictures of all the rocks I kicked and I would started a Twitter feed with a hash tag of "ShitJaimeKicks".  It never materialized but made light of my frustration.  At this point I needed to laugh -at me- and I needed everyone else to follow suit.

Almost there but running out of steam

From the highest of highs to a new low, I arrived into Marshall pass around 4:45 PM.  I had averaged about 3.75 MPH and just like I wanted, surprised my crew as they were just beginning to get set up.   I needed to sit and relax but in my head it was "tick-tock-tick-tock".   I told my crew I wanted to be in and out -15 minutes max- so that I could get to Hwy 50 by 9PM.  If I could do that then I would make a decision to push another 5-10 myles to get ahead of schedule.  My overall schedule was such that I would finish in 7 days 21 hours and break the record by 15 hrs but I wasn't even half way there so I couldn't think about the end result just yet.

True to my word, my crew had fed me a cheese quesadilla, Ramon noodles, a can of Coke, and refilled my pack in less than 15 minutes.  It was great having my parents there, not to add more people attending to me, but they served as a crew to the crew.  Like I said before, this was a well oiled machine and practically anything I asked for they had.   Rick Hessek would stop at Marshall Pass to get back to work but Matt continued on for the next 14+ myles to Hwy 50.  This next section (15) is one of the prettiest sections as we intersect the Monarch Crest loop (famous biking section).  We climbed up to 12,000 ft along the Continental Divide and then shot down Fooses Creek, which is a small alcove with lots of lush green undergrowth.  Very pleasant and calming environment.

The energy has left me - CDT/CT above Marshall's Pass

At the Fooses creek intersection is where the new West CT segments follow the CDT for the next 80+ myles to Winfield.  The signs are old and not well managed at this point so you have to be paying attention to the maps or know to make that hard right turn.  Matt and I took a little break as I chomped down a Snickers bar and took nips at my EFS flask.  Now I was ready to bolt down the steepest section of the CT -short- but really steep.  We still had decent light dropping into tree line so we could see all the beauty with the lush green undergrowth.  Having said that, the lushness and water attracts animals.  Sure enough we're in the thick of the trees and hear a non-hooved animal break through some bushes and quickly bound up a hillside.  We didn't get to see exactly what it was but by my description with the last bear encounter we're pretty sure it was a bear.  It's interesting that all these years the only bear encounters I have heard about were attacks so I was sure my first encounter would be the same.  I am here to tell you that bears are more afraid of humans than we are of them.

Signage for that right turn

All down to Hwy 50 from here

That little adrenaline jolt, coupled with the fading light, had me running down faster than I had been.  In addition, the twilight hours always gave me a boost mentally that translated into physical for at least an hour.  I had been turning on my light around 8:30 PM every night so I was constantly checking my watch while trying not to stumble on the trail.  Twisting and turning and -on and on- I was sure we could make it to the Fooses Creek TH before dark.  We crossed a very nice bridge which I mistook as the final time we would cross Fooses and the TH was no more than 1/4 mile away...  Once again my mind had me closer than what we actually were.  I could tell Matt was getting antsy as well, maybe because of my comments of "we are almost there..."  I felt a little more at ease when I knew Matt was feeling the same way I was on most nights so I became more vocal with my frustrations to Matt.  Although it didn't solve the problem of getting there any quicker, it released pent up tension I was carrying.  It felt good to vent and accept the fact that every night was going to be the same.  Embrace the night.

Finally at the TH and now I'm sure it's no more than 3 myles to Hwy 50.  It's just after 9 PM and I can't wait to be done.  The thought of going another 10 myles after Hwy 50 was not an option anymore.  Although I was happy about another successful day on schedule, I began to worry about the days ahead.  By the time we met Rick in the truck just short of Hwy 50, I was exhausted both mentally and physically.  I tried to keep my thoughts in the moment rather than look ahead and when I did I was much happier: "I'm half way home....  No mechanical breakdowns...  The iRunfar and First Endurance crews are coming out tomorrow..."  

Zombie like state at Hwy 50 - photo by iRunfar

Matt had gone the distance with me today.  I couldn't have been more proud of him.  He not only had to do his best to motivate me during those final hours but make also sure I was eating and drinking.  All the while filming, take pictures and carrying all the camera gear for 50 myles.  We had a mini celebration with a side hug as we rounded the corner and could see the lights from the crew cars.  I remember getting to the truck and immediately being surrounded by people I couldn't see, only headlamps.  I hugged my wife, stopped my SPOT and was immediately handed a beer from Byron Powell.  A EddyLine Crank Yanker IPA in which he marked up with "Fast" in front of "EddyLine".  My parents and Rob and Sylvia Kunz were also there so I did my best to greet and thank everyone but I know what I was saying was not exactly making sense.  Then I was whisked away to the campground a few myles down the road.  I was really confused as to where we going and made a comment to Rick "aren't we going the wrong way?" to which he replied "Don't worry about it, we've got a spot at an RV park with a hot shower".  I knew full well my crew was taking care of me but for the fact that I was now second guessing that notion caused me great concern.

Happiness

I was now in the RV, all showered up, ate some sort of salad dish, and then downed my Crank Yanker IPA all by 10 PM.  I had gone 232 myles in 3 days 16 hours and by the time I would start in the morning I was moving into Day 5*.  Motivated!  Mentally I was feeling better and the fact that I could lay down for 3+ hours was going to be the difference tomorrow.  "Stay in the moment and be positive... Stay in the mo..." I kept repeating to myself as I passed out.

Myles: 49.9 (232.1)
Time: 15h 33m (69h 19m)
Elevation: 8826 (43,888)
Myles to go: 253.7
(totals)

*Time reporting can be confusing.  My anniversary time for one day is 5 AM so even though I report 3 days 16 hours getting into Hwy 50, it's actually day 4 on the trail up until 4:59 AM.  When I start again in the morning, say if it's 6:00 AM then my exact time for reporting will be 4 days 1 hour, however, day 5 on the trail 

Colorado Trail Day 3 - Spring Crk to Hwy 114

I must have passed out because the first time I looked at the clock it was 2 AM.

Two hours of solid sleep was good.  Then began the tossing and turning for the next two hours thinking about the day ahead.  So again I waited -wide awake- for my alarm to go off at 4 AM.  Better than the night before so I'll take it.  I stood up out of bed with no soreness and surprisingly feeling good. I slipped into my clothes (which had been laid out next to my fully reloaded pack), applied the body glide, and started heating up water for my tea.  As I wait for my water to boil and the rest of the troops began to move about, the only thoughts that enter my mind are "how fortunate I am to have such a supportive wife and crew."   The night before my wife had taken care of everything I needed so all I had to do was roll out of bed and start moving on the trail.

As became the routine during breakfast, I'd get the download of the events from the day before.  I knew from the planning phases that yesterday would be logistically a challenge.  Getting from one side of the San Juan's to the other is not convenient; it's a minimum of 3 hrs from Molas pass to Spring Crk.  In addition, Rick had to drive the ATV up and down Carson Saddle road twice to shuttle Rick Hessek and Matt Trappe.  In the process of all this, Rick nearly rolled the RV and then drove up and down Carson Saddle road at a breakneck pace.  So I'm told.

Breakfast Burritos!

All I had to do was to get from point A to point B.  As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the real work was done by my crew: driving winding roads to get to predefined checkpoints, shuttling cars for pacers, and restocking (from my perspective) the never ending supply of breakfast burritos.  Naively thinking, they magically appeared at every checkpoint and created a stress-free environment while I sauntered through....  with a hot breakfast burrito in hand, nonetheless.  Just like a pregnant women's cravings, I wanted breakfast burritos.  But because there's only one Mobius cafe in Silverton, Nicole and Rick started making homemade eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese burritos around the clock.  THIS was a well oiled machine at work.

Sunrise on Snow Mesa

Brandon and I hit the trail at 5:59 AM and was welcomed back with a stiff little climb up to Snow Mesa.  Brandon had gone the distance yesterday and I got a sense early he was experiencing the same hyper-aware/chatty state that I'd been accustomed to.  We chatted the next two myles up to the wide open Snow Mesa.  Last time I had gone through here it was nearly midnight and seemed to go on forever.  Now that I could see it in daylight, I can tell you it's a beautiful, expansive mesa with views that go on forever.  The mesa was generally flat, coupled with the morning buzz, we were running pretty good for nearly 4 myles.  So many memories of this section from the last time.  It was the day when Paul Dewitt and I got lost for 3 hours to extend our day to nearly 20 hrs.  And then ran into a lonely sheep herder as the sun was setting, who'd been out there for the better part of 3 months.  He approached us with his huge rifle and 10 mile stare.  After he let us pass through his sheep herd, we mysteriously started talking about Brokeback Mountain.  Creepy.  As Brandon and I passed a sheep herder -almost in the same exact area- with two very protective dogs in the distance, I began to tell him the story about Paul and I.  He laughed as I finished the story and then proceeded to check over his shoulder every so often...

Some running on Snow Mesa

Now that the -flat- Snow Mesa was behind us, we start a jagged up and down journey for the next 7 myles to San Luis Pass.  Except for the initial climb out of Spring Crk, this entire segment (21) is around 12,000 ft., which makes for slower than expected travel.  When I predicted my time to each checkpoint it was done on a very rudimentary elevation profile.  Let's just say it wasn't as smooth as the picture looked.  We can see San Luis Peak (14,014 ft.) in the distance and in between are several drainage's that will occupy us for next couple of hours.  The day started off as being a blue bird day but as we got closer to San Luis Peak, the clouds gathered rather rapidly.  Brandon had contemplated summiting San Luis to do a bit of peak bagging, but by the time we got to the pass it was thunder and lightning so he smiled and quietly shook his head.  The peak is literally one mile off the Colorado Trail, which makes this segment more popular than most in the La Garita wilderness.

The flat stuff is behind us now

The views go on forever up here

The ups and downs ahead

Approaching the saddle below San Luis Peak

Sure enough, as soon as we put on our rain gear it decided to stop.   Off and on again all the way down to Eddiesville TH.  It was nearly 1 PM, and by my judgement, we should be rounding a corner to see a confluence of canyons where Eddiesville TH sits.  The descent down from the saddle near San Luis Peak is a long one.  Much longer than I thought.  The proverbial corner really wasn't a corner at all, it was just a mild curve that made me more frustrated and eager to get to Eddiesville.  I was frustrated because I was late again.  This time by 1 hour.  It was 2:45 PM when we finally arrived at Eddiesville TH with the rain (again).

The long valley ahead to Eddiesville.  See the "corner"?

Eddiesville TH marks the end of Brandon's 80.8 mile journey with me...  for now.  Rick Hessek will now take me to Hwy 114.  But before we leave, my father-in-law and wife want to sit me down and discuss cutting the day short.  They can see that 10 mile stare in my eyes and with my constant late arrivals, they are concerned that I can't keep to the schedule.  They have consulted with two smart guys, Brian Fisher and Nick Pedatella, to crunch the numbers.  The rationale is that if I cut off 8 myles today to end before dark then I could recharge the battery and start before 5 AM (anniversary time to mark a day) to bank those 8 myles on a fresh-er mind and body.   I was not happy with that decision because I was trying to get ahead of schedule to cut into the last two, 70+ mile days.  This would only make those last two days longer.

The conversation*

The crew at Eddiesville TH

I knew this record was tight but now I was living how tight it really was.  As I left Eddiesville TH with Rick H, I thought about what Rick R and my wife were telling me.  They were looking out for my best interest to break the record and didn't want me to falling off that razors edge.  The segment to Saguache Park Road was generally downhill so I knew my speed would pick up, but it didn't, or at least it didn't feel like it.  As became a pattern, I would leave a checkpoint with a belly full of food and then succumb to the food coma for the next 2 hours.  I felt like I was dragging ass, to say the least.  Good thing I had Rick H because he's always good with conversation to keep my spirits high.  He's been running awhile which translates into many running related stories.  "One time I found a dead body...."  Oh boy, that's a freaky story.

Rick Hessek (box) standing next to Rick Robinson

The FS road leading into Saguache Park road*

Rick and I getting close to Saguache Park Road*

The food coma started to lift its grip and the territory became familiar.  Or did it?  Saguache Park Road is where Paul and I did a 6 mile loop and came back to the same point 3 hours later.  I described it in detail to Rick "You see FS road 787-1A and FS road 787-1D intersect here but there's no CT blaze..."  I'm sure Rick was bored but retelling the story gave me a charge due to the lack of CT blazes throughout the myriad of roads.  I'm sure blazes have been put up throughout the years but because it's a popular 4WD road, they probably get taken down quite a bit.  Initially I predicted this 13.7 mile segment would only take us 3 hrs.  By the time we saw Nicole and Matt on the ATV driving towards us, it had been 3.5 hrs and only a tiny bit more before Saguache road.  For me, this was a moral victory. This was to be my evidence to present to the crew to let me continue onto Hwy 114.  I could still move when the terrain was easier.

Livvy greeting me*

Almost ready for the night*

The plethora of supplies at the checkpoints*

I had eaten my breakfast burrito, an Ensure, downed two cans of Coke and put my warmer clothes on before 6:45 PM.  Only one segment (18) and 13.8 myles to Hwy 114.  The crew would check on me again 8 myles short of Hwy 114.  In my mind, if I could get there before dark then I would go all the way to Hwy 114.  Along the way we ran into another thru hiker going to Denver.  He'd gotten lost on the same myriad of roads missing a crucial turn off of Sagauche road that took him all they way to Hwy 114 - the short way.  He was alone and it was apparent he wanted to chat a while.  At the same time it was "tick-tock tick-tock" in my mind.  Through 3 days I had seen no less than a dozen thru hikers.  And you can tell a thru hiker from a one or two day hiker...  they just have that look.  Not all of them wanted to talk, and most of the time, it was just a look we gave each other.  Whether we knew each others story or not, it was a look of respect.

The road ahead to Hwy 114*

Right before sunrise and sunset were my favorite times of the day.  The energy level seemed to soar during those times and the peacefulness in the wilderness just can't be beat.  Rick H and I rounded a corner and out of the trees appeared Cochetopa Pass Road - 8:35 PM and still a little bit of light left.  Nearly 3.9 MPH for that last section.  The RV was pulled off onto a lush grassy area and my parents were just pulling in from Utah.  I didn't ask but I sensed my crew wanted to pull the plug for the day.  Like I said, I didn't ask...  just told them I wanted to be quick with the pit stop so I can get done before 11 PM.  I still don't know if they intended on me stopping for the night or were just prepared if I physically couldn't go anymore.  Either way, I drank another Ensure, ate some cookies, restocked my pack with my Peter Rabbit packets and I was on my way.  On the way out, my Mom and crew walked with me up the road.  My parents being there gave me a much needed boost (and a sense of relief) to get me through the last section of the day.

Rick H and I turned our lights on shortly after leaving the crew.  For the next few myles we'd be traveling on an old logging road, which had a very gentle grade that made for good running.  I say running but it was more of a shuffle at this point.  It was dark the last time I had been through this section so I really don't know (or remember) what lay ahead to Hwy 114.  But as I mentioned before, when it gets dark, the trail just keeps going.  We crested a 500ft climb and started a long switch back descent on the logging road.  Rick kept checking the guide book for clues as to how far we had to go.  I could tell he was getting antsy to finish the day as well.  Finally we crossed a stream, which Rick identified in the guide book as two myles to go.  Once by the stream, it got cold quick.  It was the first time I had to put every ounce of clothing on to keep warm.  Following the stream for a bit, we rounded a corner and saw the occasional car go past on Hwy 114.  It was 10:39 PM when we pulled into the parking lot, trekking the last 7.2 myles in 2 hours.  I was happy because we maintained a 3.5+ mph avg. for the last 14 myles but it had come with a price.  I was tired and my thoughts became disjointed to my mouth.

Myles: 55 (182.2)
Time: 16h 40m (53h 46m)
Elevation: 8611 (35,062)
Myles to go: 303.6
(totals)

*These photos are taken by a professional photographer, Matt Trappe.  Please be respectful and go to his website to purchase.  Other photos are taken by Brandon Stapanowich, please send a note to me if you reuse his photos.

Colorado Trail Day 2 - Molas Pass to Spring Crk Pass

It's never a good sign when you're waiting for the alarm to go off at 4 AM.

I didn't get settled into my bed until 1:45 AM.  And just like a 100 mile race, the body was giving off way too much heat and the adrenaline still pumping.  Needless to say, I tossed and turned for two hours.  Out of bed, I'm dressed in no time at all and quickly eating breakfast.  As I sat and ate my Muesli and drank my tea, my 5 AM anniversary time to mark a day had come and gone.  I was now one plus day into my adventure and 412 myles to go.

At 6:11 AM I finally set off with Brandon Stapanowich down to the Animas river - a 4 mile, 2200 ft drop.  As would become a theme early in the morning, my body was spry and my mind was sharp.  A hyper-aware/chatty state.  Brandon and I weren't going fast but we ran all the way to the river where we had to stop to shed some clothes and eat some food.  For me, SnackWell creme cookies and my standard concoction of EFS liquid shot diluted in water.   Now starts the toughest part of the day - a 9 mile, 4000 ft climb to heaven - the heart of the mighty San Juan's.

My morning buzz started to wear off just an hour into the climb when total malaise took over my body.  Brandon is a Physical Therapist by trade, which I didn't know until I started to shed some concern about a pain in my right shin.  I had severe shin splints last trip on the CT and for it to be happening this early was a real concern.  Brandon gave me some solid advice that would help save my shins for the majority of the trip, "most likely you're heel striking as you go down hill.  The tendons and muscles on the front of your foot/shin have to contract and stretch way too much, which becomes an over-use injury.  Lean forward and try to strike mid-foot going down hill to reduce the stretching motion".  It worked.  I concentrated on my foot strike on most down hills and eventually stopped thinking about the phantom pain in my shins.

Finally at the top of the world where the views go on forever.  My stomach was unsettled, my energy was low, and the pace slowed quite a bit.  Brandon got his music out and played it for all the marmots to hear, something to take my mind off the monotony.   The first song was a rap entitled "Walk It Out".  Look it up and you'll laugh too.  Pretty soon we were singing along...  pretty easy when there's only 3 words in the song.  Exactly what I needed.  We finally pulled into Stoney Pass around 12:45 PM, almost two hours late.  I felt uneasy for being behind schedule but needed the rest so we took about 20 minutes to eat and refill water bottles.

Brandon and I on top of the world

I started pointed out the trail for Hardrock to Brandon, which told me mentally I was coming back. 20 minutes does wonders for the soul.  We are now headed towards Maggie's Gulch and the memories from Hardrock, a mere 5 weeks ago, flooded my mind.  I'll admit, I was getting a little emotional.  Maybe because the terrain was very familiar?  Maybe because I'm feeling better and to know I can dig out of a hole?  Maybe because I'm approaching 100 myles on the journey and the trail is starting to strip me down?  Probably a combination of all of them.  I've been here before both mentally and physically and know I've got to keep things in check. Shortly after we bisected the Hardrock trail we ran into Jason Halladay, Jeff, and Eric who had left Spring Crk early that morning.   Nice to see some familiar faces out there and stop to chat a bit.

A sign made by Jason, et. al. at Spring Crk, Brandon and I above Maggie's

Up and down ridges, in and out of drainage's, and the ebb and flow of energy is the theme for the day.  It's slow progress, much slower than I anticipated, but this terrain is unforgiving and above 12,000 ft. it takes a toll.  Timing-wise, we are about 3 hrs behind schedule with 8 myles till we reach Carson Saddle.  I start to calculate in my head "at 3 MPH that's still another 3 hours away...  shit!"   Brandon was great the entire time: he asked questions where I only had to answer yes or no, he kept the mood light, and he put things in perspective when it seemed like we would never get there.  Finally we descend into the top of Cataract Gulch where we intersect the Hardrock course once again.  My energy is renewed -again- because I know we're getting close - 2 hrs tops.  Once we climb out of Cataract Gulch our pace quickens and then the Carson Saddle road appears.  We were both running low on water and food but now we can smell the burritos from Mobius cafe.  Matt Trappe, Rick Hessek, and my father in law are all eagerly waiting for us.  We are 3 and 1/2 hours behind schedule but still get to Carson saddle by 6 PM.

Much needed rest at Carson Saddle

Scarfing down a Mobius Cafe burrito at Carson Saddle - Thanks Megan!

Making our way out of Carson Saddle

After a 45 minute break, Rick, Matt, Brandon, and myself start the 17 remaining myles of the day.  What lay ahead was probably the most spectacular scenery of the trail; high alpine tundra, sun was setting through some clouds, air was still, and the temps were in the low 50s.  Amazing.  We finally have to stop, just short of the Yurt (San Juan Solstice aid station), to put on our lights.  Rick had packed a can of Coke, which I gladly sucked down in 2 seconds.  Coke became my "go to" mojo juice. And as much as I hate to admit it, a Snickers bar to boot.  I kept thinking "man!  Those are good but I can hear me getting fat..." To balance things out I ate a packet of my fruits and veggies - Peter Rabbit Organics.  Energy is now up and we start making bets to see if we can make it to Spring Creek before the first finisher of Leadville 100.

Lake San Cristobal in the distance

The sun is setting fast

Even though we were on familiar ground, the horizon was gone in the darkness and the trail -once again- went on forever.  The trail virtually disappeared among a sea of rocks, which caused us to keep looking up to find the CT blazes.  Stumbling over rocks after 16 hrs on my feet became very frustrating...  quietly under my breath I was repeating expletives "eff this and eff that and where the eff is the road..."*  Matt got some cell reception and found out that Ian Sharman had won Leadville in a blazing time with Nick Clark hot on his tail.  Happy for them because they were done but my day would keep going for another hour and 45 minutes.  We finally hit the dirt road which told us that we still had another 3 myles.  Ugh!  We rounded a corner and saw the lights of the RV.  11:41 PM - 53.3 myles in 17 and 1/2 hours.

Slow and go but I was through the San Juan's after two days on the trail.  Right on schedule.  Nicole had cooked up some steak and potatoes and we all went silent as we gorged ourselves.  Brandon would go again with me in the morning to Eddiesville.  My goal was to start everyday at 5 AM but I made the call to start an hour late in the morning.  I was now running the razors edge and I didn't want to fall off.

Myles: 53.3 (127.2) 
Time: 17h 31m (37h 6m)  
Elevation gain: 10,843 (26,451) 
Myles to go: 358.6
(totals)

*I don't want to come across as being negative or always seem like I'm complaining, I'm just explaining what was going through my head every step of the way.  I certainly didn't let this be known to those who were helping me but if you've ever run an ultra then you know what I'm talking about.  Constantly fighting off the demons and try to remain focused on the task at hand.  I struggled almost every day when the sun went down primarily because I couldn't see where I was going and the end always seemed closer in my mind.  

Colorado Trail Day 1 - Jxn Creek to Molas Pass

"I am completely destroyed".  Those are the first enervated words I spoke as I finished the Colorado Trail on Saturday afternoon.  9 days later I attempted my first run, still "completely destroyed".  Sound sleep is also hard to come by.  I usually end up dreaming about a particular day on the CT in a hurry to get somewhere.  Needless to say I'm exhausted when I wake up.  For the past two weeks, when I'm not napping, I spend my days pacing as if I'm still fast hiking with my mind racing all the while.  And yet it still takes every bit of strength to get out of the chair to make the journey into the kitchen.

	Segment	mileage	start/finish time	time on feet	MPH	Elevation gain
Day 1	Jxn Creek to Molas Pass	73.9	5:00 A to 12:35 A	19h 35m	3.77	15,608
Day 2	Molas Pass to Spring Creek Pass	53.3	6:11 A to 11:41 P	17h 31m	3.05	10,843
Day 3	Spring Creek Pass to Hwy 114	55	5:59 A to 10:39 P	16h 40m	3.3	8,611
Day 4	Hwy 114 to US Hwy 50	49.9	5:48 A to 9:21 P	15h 33m	3.21	8,826
Day 5	US Hwy 50 to N. Cottonwood crk	43.2	5:40 A to 7:40 P	14h 0m	3.09	8,874
Day 6	N. Cottonwood crk to Timberline Lake	53.6	4:45 A to 9:45 P	17h 0m	3.15	11,082
Day 7	Timberline Lake to Gold Hill	51.8	3:55 A to 9:45 P	17h 50m	2.9	9,867
Day 8	Gold Hill to Waterton Canyon	105.1	2:15 A to 12:40 P	34h 25m	3.05	15,184
	TOTAL	485.8	8d 7h 40m 17s	152h 34m	3.18	88,895

I accomplished my goal of setting the new Fastest Known Time on the Colorado trail with a time of 8 days, 7 hours, 40 minutes and 17 seconds, beating the old record set by Paul Pomeroy by 4 hours 37 minutes.  From the very beginning I wanted to define my limits and give this adventure every ounce of my being.  There is no question in my mind I have defined my limits.  I did not accomplish this alone, this was a complete team effort with a total 27 people helping out along the way: Nicole Jaime. Rick Robinson. Alverna Jaime. Julian Jaime. Rick Hessek. Brendan Trimboli. Harsha Nagaraj. Brandon Stapanowich. Rob Kunz. Sylvia Kunz. Byron Powell. Meghan Hicks. Rae Jean Robinson. Matt Trappe. Molly Trappe. Gavin McKenzie.  Mike Ambrose. Todd Ganglehoff. Alyssa Wildeboer. Travis Wildeboer. Brian Fisher. Kathy Darnold. Dick (Kathy's brother). Johnny Darnold. Beth Blankenship. Rodney Blankenship. Leah Fein. I thank each and everyone one for their help along the way!  Here is our journey:

Since I don't have very many photos, go here for some professional photos.

My wife and I, alongside Matt Trappe, made the journey to Durango on Wednesday, August 14th to get settled in and finish up any last minute shopping.  We joined up with Brendan Trimboli, Ian Sharman, and others at Carvers brewery on Wednesday night for some grub and a few brews.  The talk was more about the Grand Slam and, in particular, the Leadville 100.  Which was fine by me because it got my mind off the journey ahead.  Weather inevitably comes up in these conversations and according to the weather people, I had timed my trip just right.  The  monsoonal moisture had subsided and looked as though I was going to have the best weather possible, if not a little hot leaving Durango.  Thursday we met up with Rick, my father in law and crew chief, who had driven the RV over from Utah.  We settled into a camp site at Junction Creek and it was just like getting ready for a 100 mile race....  second guessing all my prep and questioning if I had everything.  Perfect!

Day 1
Up at 3 AM and I hardly slept a wink.  My wife, Rick, and Matt all up and just as excited as I was...  no one needed to say anything, it was in the air.  A lot of hard work and sleepless nights lay ahead and we were looking forward to it.  I drank my Yerba Mate and ate my Muesli (which would become my standard breakfast over the next week) and it was time to go.  4:45 AM we are at the South terminus of the Colorado Trail along with a hearty bunch of friends to see me off; The Darnolds, Rodney and Beth, Leah Fein, Brendan Trimboli, and my crew.

Ready to go!

5 AM on the dot and we were off.  Brendan Trimboli and Leah Fein accompanied me up to Gudy's Rest and it was non stop chatter.  We parted ways at Gudy's and for the first time I was alone with my thoughts.  Alone and excited till I rounded a corner and spooked a bear on the trail!  Holy shit!  It really didn't sink in until about 15 minutes after the encounter.  That was a freaking bear!  The bear was more afraid of me than I was of it.  It bolted up the side of the hill and out of sight quickly.  First encounter with a bear in the wild.

I kept a constant eye on my watch, and in particular, the MPHs.  I became obsessive with it and realized it was helping me dig a hole so I ditched the Garmin after the first day.  4 MPH seems slow in running terms but in these multi-day adventures, it's quite fast.  This day was crucial not to push too hard but also try to get done as quickly as possible - a risky game.  I was told by many that 74 myles was too much for the first day but I also knew if I wanted a shot at the record I had to do something that has never been done.  For me, this was getting ahead while I was fresh and then maintaining a relentless forward motion (RFM) for the next 7 days.  In addition, if you look at the logistics going from West to East, you have to try and get across the San Juan's in one push.

On our way to Kennebec pass and beyond

My Favorite section - Cape of Good Hope

I made it to my first checkpoint at mile 17 where my faithful crew was waiting for me.  Downing some calories and electrolytes, picked up Matt Trappe and we were gone.  I was ahead of schedule at this point and for the next 20 myles we maintained that pace.  That pace was basically running all the flats and downs with intermittent hiking uphill.  Because of this slower than race pace effort I was able to pack and eat most real food items such as: breakfast burritos, Ensure, granola bars, Pay Day candy bars, Allen Lim's rice bars, cookies, and fruit.  But I also had my First Endurance liquid shot flasks for that much needed "pick me up".  I also had two 20 oz bottles, one filled with straight water and the other filled with grape electrolyte drink.

My choices at aid stations.  

Matt was busy running ahead and snapping some great pictures but also getting some good video footage.  He most certainly did more than 20 myles in that section. There were lots of people out on the trail; some day hikers, some thru hikers (by the looks of their beards and must), and others who were doing the segments between Molas and Jxn Creek over a weeks time.  We stopped and chatted with a few and I was always reluctant to tell them what I was doing.  Maybe I was more afraid of what they were thinking...  "a week to get to Waterton canyon - no way!"  In my mind I knew what I could do and it would be close to the FKT so I didn't need any doubt from others creeping in.

Finally we arrive at Hotel Draw, 42 myles and 10 hours into the journey.  My crew is there all set up with turkey wraps made, cold Coke, EFS grape drink, and a nice comfy chair.  While I eat my food, my wife runs around repacking my Ultraspire pack for the next segment of my journey.  This is how all the aid stations went - flawless.  The precision of a high speed NASCAR crew but with a calm demeanor and smiles all around.

My faithful trail fairy

I now pick up Mr fairy himself, Brendan Trimboli.  I gave him a hard time for not toting the fairy wings while he paced me at Hardrock so he broke them out and certainly lifted my spirits.  Brendan was set to take me the next 50K to Molas pass.  The climb up to Blackhawk pass was casual.  In fact, I tried to keep most of every day casual.  I didn't want any soreness in my muscles and the only way to do that was to keep it under the hood.  Picture this: a Pinto (car) with a souped-up Corvette engine.  Saving it for when I need it.  Rick would meet us again in 11 myles at Bolam pass.  Most who have gone this direction trying to set the FKT would stop at Bolam pass and with 13 hours into my journey, I contemplated it.  After I sat down to drink my Coke and Ensure, I felt revived.  I felt in my heart that I could push on and be off the trail by midnight.

Resting up at Bolam Pass for the final push

We crossed Cascade creek at 8 PM and shortly after dawned our headlamps.  A stiff climb up to a 13,000 foot pass awaited us and it would not disappoint.  For the first time in 16 hours I had to sit on a rock and gather myself.  I had been eating and drinking regularly but the day was wearing on me, as would any hundred mile race.  I knew once at the top of the pass there would only be 11 myles remaining.  I was not thinking about any days beyond the moment I was in and felt that mentally was my saving grace day after day.  This was the first of many nights and what I came to dislike about darkness was that it always seemed farther than it actually was.  We could not see any horizons and judging by familiar places on the trail, we always thought we were closer.  One example of this was when we saw a headlamp in the distance.  Rick had mentioned he would get to little Molas lake and started making his way towards us.  The light lifted our spirits but the closer we got the light, the further it seemed away.  The trail contours the finger like canyons in a u-shaped fashion; meaning a straight line would only have been a couple myles.  Turns out the light was Megan Finnesy.  She had walked out to meet us but started back towards little Molas when our lights disappeared in the canyons.  Anxious and frustrated, I wanted to be done.

Soon enough we caught up with Megan, rounded a couple of ridges, and heard a few faint tires humming on Hwy 550 below.  Brandon Stapanowich and Rick were waiting on the side of the trail a mile up from little Molas, while my wife and Livvy waited at the lake.  All of this lifted my spirits but it was late.  12:40 AM.  I ate some beef stew and anything else I could get into my mouth before I passed out.  Brandon and I would hit the trail at 6 AM the next morning.  A little late but refreshed mentally and physically.  Now my favorite and toughest part of the Colorado Trail - The mighty San Juan's.

Myles: 73.9 
Time: 19h 35m 
Elevation gain: 15,608  
Myles to go: 411.9

End of the first day

Eating as much as I can at 1 AM

CTFKT attempt

CTFKT - The Colorado Trail Fastest Known Time attempt for those not familiar with trail acronyms.

Here I am again, just on the opposite end this time.  I completed the CT from Denver to Durango in 2009 but not for any record.  I simply wanted to finish and try to define my genetic potential.  It was the toughest thing I had accomplished in my life and here I go ago again.  It took me 11 days, 12 hours, 37 minutes and I finished on my 40th birthday,  averaging just over 40 myles per day.

I've said all this before.  I am just nervous and trying to stay active (mentally) as the trail awaits me tomorrow morning.  I really should be working...  Dakota wrote a great article on the CT last winter, in which, he quoted me:

"The trail—in all its splendor, majesty and drama—is long enough to indoctrinate a soul to the natural world and leave behind the material one. I became one with the trail as it took me through the most scenic areas of the Rockies, the famed mineral belt, high above the old mining towns. Each day the trail welcomed me back with relentless climbs and asked me to redefine my limits. It’s much bigger than I am; it forever shaped my character, and will continue to inspire me"

I still feel this way 4 years after finishing the trail.  I look forward to the journey and all the disconnectedness that comes with it!
You can follow my journey here: http://trackleaders.com/cti.php?name=Scott_Jaime or here trackleaders.com/ct.
You can also follow me on twitter for updates: @mexiFast #ctfkt and Facebook

Waterton canyon here I come!