I attempted to run the Durango Double 50k (Roughly 32 miles) today. I had not being feeling well since the middle of this week (caught the cold/flu bug that has been going around), and probably should not have attempted this today. Against all logic, I went forth anyway. It was a little chilly starting out (Durango Colorado), but the first 5 miles were not that bad. I was carrying water because it was roughly 5 miles between aid stations. I made the climb over telegraph and made it to the main aid station roughly 10 miles into the race. Was feeling ok, but knew I was going to have to take it slow the rest of the way. The next 6 miles include 3 more climbs over horse gulch, and it was about mile 16 that I really started feeling crumby. Fortunately I met up with a fellow competitor and we talked our way down to the aid station at mile 20. I should have stopped right there, but continued on. Made one more climb to about mile 26 and another aid station. At this point I was coughing pretty good, and my chest hurt level was a 7 on a 10 pain scale. So I did the smart thing (with some coaching from the aid station personnel and withdrew). With that said, I still had a fun time and would do it again. The race starts at 6,540 with the highest elevation at 7,850. It features in all 6 climbs and is a billy goat run.
Funny moments during the race included: 1) tripping and following on my backside (I think that is a requirement for trail running though) 2) being stung by a bee while running 3) and stepping on poor unsuspecting snake (I think the snake was just as surprised as I was) | 