Leadville Silver King Champion 2011

Fastest time of any competitor in both the Mtn Bike and Trail Run races. 14th Overall in the 50 mile Mtn Bike in 4:37 and 3rd Overall in the 50 mile Trail Run race in 7:42.

What an unbelievable weekend. Leaving Denver Friday late afternoon my anxiety levels were at an all time high. I have not tackled an adventure quite like this before. Saturday was the Silver Rush 50 mile Mountain Bike Race followed up by Sunday's Silver Rush 50 mile Trail Run Race. Both races on the same out and back course, starting at an elevation of 10,000 feet exactly, climbing 6 separate times to 12,000 feet. The trail was a mix of double track jeep roads, single track trails, super loose/steep ups and downs as well as a few "breather" sections of gravel roads. An intense course with no flat sections to be found.

Over the past 20 or so years, Leadville, CO has transformed from an old mining village to the epicenter of high elevation mountain trail racing. People flock from all over the world to abuse themselves in the form of mountain biking and trail running. Both events were sold out; start line at the Bike race was 750 and the run was 310. Per start list, there were 72 people registered for the Silver King/Queen combo platter. My plan going into the weekend was to race each race for myself, not to worry about finishing place in either event, but rather race smart, efficient and save a little energy for the last few miles of Sunday's run. The weather was perfect, the course was perfect and the aid stations supplied by The Leadville Trail Series were outstanding.

The start line was strategically placed 3 feet from the bottom of an incredible sledding hill. A ridiculous way to begin each race. Check out the video footage.

After that uphill start, racers are able to gain some space and form the pecking order. I was able to run up the hill and slide myself into about 10th place. I got into a groove, passed a few and was passed by a few. Not at all worrying about another racer. This is difficult for me, but I knew I had to be smart and take my time. Each climb was intense and long, the downhills were fast and a little loose. But I was able to keep my cool and have fun. I met several other riders out on the course and had some great conversation to pass the time. Yet, I couldn't help thinking how hard tomorrow was going to be. At the turn around point I was so surprised to see Nicole and the boys cheering me on. They made the trek up to the aid station and worked out an adorable little chant. It was so inspiring to see my family and the boys faces as they saw the I was one of the racers too. On the way back, I had one bike mechanical issue that set me back a few minutes, but was not race threatening. I was so happy to finish in 14th place at 4:37 and be safe from the high speed racing action. Our team had 5 racers who all had successful bike races themselves and really seemed to enjoy the time out on the course. I was pretty spent, but the legs did not feel too beat up heading into the run.

The trail run started a few hours earlier at 6 am, so we had to hit the road before sunrise. Crew Chief Jeff had me all lined out for each aid station. We ran through the nutrition needs and got to the start line. Running up that same hill, I could not believe how heavy my legs were. A few people went out a little faster but stayed within eye site. Not feeling good at all coming through mile 6 and the first aid station I did not think it was my day. The self doubt crept in as to my abilities on this particular day, but I could still see Patrick leading the race only a few hundred meters up the trail. I kept saying to myself, if this fit animal can lead out at this good pace and I can see him, just hang in there.

On our first decent I was passed by three guys running at an unbelievable clip, but I just let them go, knowing that any made up time here would destroy my quads and ultimately not be worth it. So I held even. On the second large climb I was able to bring in the lead female and 2 other guys, running along side my new friend Chase, we made it up to the last climb pretty evenly, catching Patrick, who was now in 4th. But he took off on the decent like an antelope and I decided to let it loose at this time too. I put some time into the people behind me, heading into the halfway aid station in 5th place. The climb out of the aid station was hard, but then the steep section to the top was a brutal hike at best. I had a quick chat with Patrick as it seemed his hiking legs were a little tuckered out, told him to keep his head up and eyes on the 100. At this time I was now in 4th place and couldn't believe it.

The best part of the out and back course was being able to see all the other competitors coming at you. Everyone is always lending an encouraging word and telling me my standings. That helped a lot and made the race much less lonely. Coming down another long decent, I turned a corner, got an update from volunteer that I was 3rd, that blew me away, the guy in front of me must have dropped out. A few minutes later I saw Nicole and the boys with Jeff. We couldn't believe I was in 3rd place and rallied to get through the next aid station and prep me for the last climb. I was feeling so good and didn't seem to be as worn out as I should have been, even after that bike race! The last climb was on the gravel road and was so difficult. I was struggling mightily to run at this point, climbing about 2000 feet in about 4 miles, just brutal. But no one was in sight and I turned downhill fast. This is where I felt the toenails coming loose, but I just didn't care. I got to the last aid station, 7 miles out, took some pictures with the family and made my way for the finish.

The last section was awesome and brutal. I was running great until 3 miles from the finish. The heat kicked up and I dug as deep as I could to get across the line. I took 3rd place OVERALL in a time of 7:42, blew away all expectations that I had of my racing weekend. I was so happy and couldn't believe my result, winning the Silver King Competition by a substantial margin is so exciting.

I want to thank Nicole and my boys, Rocco and Sawyer for their unbelievable patience and continued support in my training and racing. My Crew Chief, Jeff Koski, for knowing what nutrition that I needed before I did at each and every aid station. His positive force and ridiculous race support skills are unmatched. And my additional Cheerleaders of Heath, Amanda, Ella and Georgia Kirschner for their screams of encouragement. It meant so much to me to have my closest friends and family by my side. And lastly, Will Johnson, my friend and race mate for his support (congratulations on your awesome race as well!).