I ran my first ever trail AND Leadville race!
Just over a week ago I ran the Leadville Heavy Half, one of the events of the famed Leadville Race Series. The most famous race is the Leadville 100—a grueling ultramarathon through the Colorado Rockies. Like many other readers and runners, I first learned about this race via Christopher McDougall’s book Born to Run, which centers on the athletic prowess of the Tarahumara tribe ultra runners. It wasn’t until quite recently I learned about the other Leadville races in addition to the famed ultra.
I run trails in the foothills all the time, so I decided it was time to enter in a trail race. Looking online, I came across the Leadville Heavy Half. The route is an out and back course starting and ending in Leadville, topping out at Mosquito Pass, elevation 13, 185 feet; elevation gain is 3720 feet. I’m familiar with this pass, as last year my Dad and I took my Jeep up and over the “pass”—emphasis on this word, as the road is rough and requires four wheel drive. It boggles the mind to imagine that this was an actual wagon and stagecoach route in the late 1800s—how did they do it?!
If Jeeps and wagons could summit the pass, then so could I. With all the trail and hill climbs I regularly do, I felt ready to run this race. The Leadville Marathon is also the same day as the Half, and I’llĀ admit to envying those running that distance…one day I shall run it…but without question the Heavy Half was and is a good intro, as it is actually 15.5 miles total.
Race Day
I decided to approach this race as I would climbing a 14er: get up and leave way before dawn. I left home around 4:45am and arrived in Leadville around 6:30, so as to do packet pickup and prep before the 8am start. I was able to park for free all day behind the Tabor Opera House (if you love old buildings like me, TOH is a must see!) In fact, packet pickup was located next to the beautiful structure.
Right from the moment I entered town, you could feel the festivity in the air. As more cars began to the fill the lot, it was great to see runners of all ages and sizes laughing, joking, and prepping for the run. Next to my car was a man in his 60s, in great shape, who had cranked the radio to full volume as he got ready for the race. After I had strapped on my hydration pack, the Ultimate Direction Wink, and secured on my Salomon Speedcross 4 shoes, I made my way to the starting line. So many hundreds of people had gathered, it felt like a big party. At the sound of the starting gun, we all began the long journey up the mountain.
Many folks walk the race, as the cutoff time for both distances is 8.5 hours. My goal was to run under 4.5 hours, based on chip, not gun, time. If I could run as long as I could on the uphill or outbound part before walking the steepest sections, then I could count on running downhill on the inbound.
The course wound its way along a wide dirt road, passing directly by mine tailings and abandoned buildings. At about mile one, the marathoners split away for their route up and over Ball Mountain. Many folks were still walking, but I surprised myself by running five miles straight inbound. I only began to walk as I was forced to: the climb became so steep and rocky you were rendered to rock hopping if you attempted to run. Just minutes after I had begun walking, the lead runner of the half was already making his way down: he flew by us all at breakneck speed, literally. With extremely nimble feet, he ran by so quick we scarcely had a chance to cheer him on. It was about one hour 30 minutes since start, and we all knew he was going for a sub two hour finish ( which he did, at 1:59).
As for me, I was feeling great. I had carbo loaded the night before, and despite just a few hours sleep, felt energized. The altitude did not bother me in the least. I’d supplemented my water with a Nuun electrolyte tablet, and consumed a Gu chew about every half hour. I’d passed several aid stations, but did not feel the need to stop by, as I had everything I needed on me. The support and cheers from the spectators and locals lined up on the sides was a mental boost like none other. It warmed my soul to seeĀ little kids toting encouraging homemade signs. As I churned my way up, I realized I was actually enjoying myself: I was having FUN. The weather was perfect, not a cloud to be seen. My UD Wink hydration pack sat comfortably on my back without chafing, and my Salomons hugged my feet like a glove. With their speed laces, I didn’t have to worry about my laces ever coming undone. I had long since learned my lesson to never wear cotton socks; my Feetures polyblend socks kept my feet comfy and blister free. And so I kept my progress, switchback after (very lengthy, rocky) switchback. Soon I was high up enough to observe Leadville in the valley below.
More runners began to trickle back down from the summit; I still marvel at how fast some blazed down the mountain. Me, well—I’m not that confident yet to bonsai downhill, I can readily admit. After turning the final switchback, the trail leveled just enough for me to run most of the last portion uphill. At 10:08am, I summited Mosquito Pass!
I immediately made my way to the aid station set up there, and helped myself to some fruit and cookies. Unlike my last visit, there were no notorious 50+ mph gusts, just a slight breeze. People were laughing and smiling, snapping selfies. I took in the sweeping view of the Rockies, no wildfire smoke present in this section of the atmosphere.
After 10 minutes of savoring the triumph of having made it to the top, I decided it was time make the descent. More and more runners were flocking to the top, and I wanted to have some room making my way down the mountain. Keeping to the right, I jogged and rock hopped down. Braver—or reckless?—souls flew past me,Ā but I found a comfortable, efficient pace for me. Like a long stream of ants you could see a continual line of racers making their progress upwards. Before I knew it I was back in the little cirque valley just at tree line, where the route flattened out. By now my legs were feeling fatigued, more so from the steep descent than the climb. Once below tree line the route had some gradual climbs, yet these felt strenuous after so many miles. Like many runners who had run downhill, I walked these sections to conserve energy. Looking at my Fitbit, I was three hours in; I decided to adjust my goal to running under four hours.
Gritting my teeth, I ran up the last true ascent. As I crested the forested hill, the wide dirt road fell away towards town, and I settled into an efficient cruise. Downhill running is so deceptive: easier on the heart, but much more work on the body. Running essentially (especially when going downhill!) is controlled falling. By now my knees and quads were aching, and my ankles were a little wobbly. But I quickened my pace, and soon found myself nearly alone on the route.
Consulting my Fitbit, I knew I’d be cutting it close to four hours. Rounding past the large mining tailings outside of town, I upped the pace a notch. Soon my feet were flying on pavement on the road back to town; 3/4 a mile away was the finish line! It was just minutes from noon, and I felt more motivated than ever to cross under four hours.
With a guttural yell, I let loose and gave the best sprint of my life; I passed close to a dozen runners who had been well ahead of me. Legs moving like pistons, I grasped the pavement and flung it behind me. The crowds near the finish were screaming encouragement, and with one last push, I crossed: at 3 hours, 58 minutes, 14 seconds, via chip time.
Immediately I raised my arms and started whooping. I slowed to a stop, and the mayor of Leadville, resembling a character out of the Old West in his dark suit and Stetson, handed me my finisher’s medal. I was beaming ear to ear. I had accomplished my goal: I could now say I had run a Leadville Race!
In the haze of the “Runner’s High” I walked and stretched to cool down. Being at elevation in the arid atmosphere, I actually did not feel sweaty or gross at all. The first thing I did immediately after the race (besides texting family and friends) was to walk into the local shop Book Mine; you know you are bonafide bookworm when, after a grueling race, you walk straight into a bookstore. Afterwards, I rewarded myself with a delicious BBQ burger with sweet potato fries at the Tennessee Pass CafĆ©.
So yes, I had an incredible race and an incredible day. I can confidently say that this is just the first Leadville Race of many; I plan on running more in the future. š
~LMC