race morning
race start area basking in sunrise
race briefing
we start the climb immediately.
climb
and climb
Steve is passing us on the climb and the following downhill at 6 min pace.
A short downhill to Round Valley (was a landfill)
Cruising at Round Valley
Spot any runners?
Runners behind me at Round Valley
The only way to do self-portrait.
Uh. Still at Round Valley
Slowly into the gentle climb out of Round Valley, the race father Mike and ??? pass with strong strides.
Heading up with sunrise.
Shuffle or walk for the climb, prelude to the biggest climb - 1,500 ft elev. gain for less than 2 miles.
Arriving at the minor aid station at mile 3.4
Adobe Jct Aid station at mile 3.4
Show spirit at the climb
This one is brutal.
Can now see the reservoir at Los Vaqueros Watershed
Another brutal climb
The hill becomes gentle into the woods.
Looks like at the top. There are horse patrols.
Can now see Mt. Diablo
Mike and I pass each other
At a switchback
Now begin the long steep dowhill
Arriving at Morgan Terr. Rd. Aid Station at mile 8.2
Morgan Terr. Rd. Aid Station at mile 8.2
A climb begins immediately after the aid station - 1,000ft elev. gain for less than 1.5 miles
At the top the hill begins the sweeping and wonderful Highland Ridge Trail. It has some swing like rolling hills.
A group of cattle watching us crazy animals. Uh one is actually peeing strong to us.
At about 2,200 ft, Mt. Diablo looks closer but still majestic.
We also have bike patrols! Thank you!
A mud passing.
Arriving at the the out and back Finley Rd. section
Can now see runners faster than us.
She runs w/o water bottle!!
Arriving at Old Finley Rd Aid Station at mile 15.6 - half done :-)
Old Finley Rd Aid Station at mile 15.6
Jennifer is picking up her camera :-)
Official event photographer
Arriving at Horseshoe Aid Station at mile 23
Rob in-n-out the aid station lightning fast, so now gets ahead.
Keep Rob in sight :-) Ouch my cramping quads - forgot to take salt at the aid station!
Arriving at Burma Rd Aid Station at mile 28.1 - now only 3 miles to go!!!
Burma Rd Aid Station at mile 28.1 - A few celebrities, including the fastest Hardrock non-winner. Hmm I'm sitting to take this shot, so good after 5.5hr running :-)
Aha! the advertised stream crossing - very very cool!!!
Enjoy the water. I then lay down in the water for fun :-)
Another one. Well, there are over 10 such crossing in the final 2 miles. Extremely fun for the finish!
She finished safely (ran w/o any water bottles until I gave her one of my two water bottles at about mile 18) and fast! Must be an accomplished athlete.
post-race buffet
Me (far blending in the green) approaching the aid station (from BrazenRacing)
Walk up the hill with the aid station in sight (from BrazenRacing)
Approaching the aid station (from BrazenRacing)
At Burma/North Gate Aid Station (mile 28.1) (from BrazenRacing)
Trying to take a picture but only to fall sitting down - nice after running 5.5 hours (from BrazenRacing)
