Solstice Ramblings

Yay! It is the Solstice! More light is on the way. Being a spoiled Coloradan, our yearly average of three hundred days of sun have conditioned me to need vast amounts of sunlight. Spending what I consider ridiculous amounts of time indoors has robbed me of essential vitamin D, as well as the psychological pick me up of the sun shining in my face. Let the longer days begin!
   Winter has some side benefits. Skiing is pretty darn fun. Snow is good, because that is where much of our water comes from here in the arid west. It also forces me to get up early so I can avoid muddy trails. I've seen a good number of sunrises lately, and sunrises make me happy. The dog digs it too. Winter is harder than other times of year. It just requires more effort. More suffering. Which is beneficial for...Hardrock!
   Yes, Hardrock. For those not already familiar with my Hardrock obsession, check out the website. I was very lucky to get into the race via the lottery, and for the next six months my life will more or less revolve around training for this race. Which really is not as boring as it may sound. It will basically be building up my physical tolerance for my favorite activity, which is running up and down high alpine mountains.  The word training has a negative connotation for many people, so perhaps another word would more accurately describe what I'm doing. Perhaps Anton Krupicka's description is appropriate. Indulgence. Fully overdosing on the wonderful feelings that stem from spending vast amounts of time in the mountains. Getting dirty and letting nature have its way with you, and loving it. Yes, there is a certain desire to finish this race for the sense of accomplishment. For the most part, however, this race is an expression of love. The love I have for the harsh beauty of the San Juan mountains. In that respect I already feel like a winner.

SECOND ANNUAL GRAND CANYON FUN RUN

Heading down the South Kaibab Trail in the morning light

Nate

The bridge over the mighty Colorado

Where do I begin?

Mule train

I spent last Tuesday running the Grand Canyon from the South Rim to the North Rim and back again. I did this same run for the first last year, and this year was equally special. Last year there were, of course, more surprises, but this year still taught me a lot. Last year was more an external experience, by which I mean I was more focused on taking in the sights and sounds of the Canyon. This year was more internal. I was still taking in the beauty and grandeur of the place, but I was more aware of the emotions it stirred. I was more aware of the human impact over the years, how much blasting it took to force parts of those trails through the rocks, the old rusting phone line poles, how different it must have been. Many people think what I did to be difficult, but it would be exponentially harder if that trail was not maintained like a highway.
   It is hard to describe my thoughts during this trip. The distance was far less intimidating this time, but I think it hurt a bit more physically. My calves are still very sore, and my left hip was not cooperating in the final miles. It is always something. Some new obstacle to overcome, some new pain to endure. However it was never bad enough to want to stop. The predominant feeling during this run was that I am lucky. Lucky to have the ability to see this place in this way. Lucky to have discovered ultra running in the first place. The amazing weather, the good friends, Nate having an extra hat after I left mine at the campground, the list goes on and on. The pain I felt seemed distant, because at that moment I didn't want to be anywhere else, or doing anything else, besides running through that Canyon. Like the sign said: "WHY SUFFER?"