Rock Canyon Race Report

What a great day. We have been experiencing crazy cold weather here in Colorado this past week or two, the only day where the daily high in Pueblo was to go above freezing was last Saturday.

Perfect, the high was projected to be 42 degrees. “great running temperature” I thought. What I failed to think was that high was to be met at noon or later and the race started at 9am. It was in the 20’s when the gun when off and we were still standing around and shivering at the start line.

I was reminded why I need to ask Santa for running tights this year. The knickers didn’t quite do it for me when I was standing around, but once we started running I was fine.

I didn’t really have many expectations for myself at this race since it had nearly been 2 years since I ran my first half marathon in January 2008 (Phoenix Rock and Roll). My training this summer was focused on Triathlons and Swimming, but since completely the Fall Series (barely because of back issues, but that is another story) I have been trying to stay motivated to train for this half.

With the angry back, cold weather and my lack of discipline, this race seemed to sneak up on me.

Thursday before the race my friend Rachel sent me a message and said she was on the fence if she should do this race or not. I told her I already registered so I was going.

This race is VERY low-key. It is a $20 entrance fee (compared to the $100+ for Rock n' Roll events), to preregister you mail a check to the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo.

There are no medals for finishers, but you do get a really cool sweatshirt with no advertisements or sponsor names, just the logo for the race.

Now that I think about it, I don’t even know if there were sponsorships, where there?

So race day came and my girlfriends all convened at my house at 7 am to head down to Pueblo. I was all frazzled having spent the week before commuting back and forth from Denver to hang out with my dad and not getting home until almost 10 pm the night before.

My ‘carb-loading’ dinner was a hospital salad I stole from my dad’s room service tray, a cup of applesauce and some left over mac and cheese I heated up when I got home. Not the dinner or champions I am afraid.

Surprisingly enough, I think I finally figured out my nutrition for my races. Unlike Tenderfoot Mountain; once race morning came, I felt great. I think I have been over eating prior to races. Good to know!

Tina (aka: Happy Sock), Rachel and I headed to Pueblo where we met up with other friends that were racing, including JT (aka: Brownie), Matt (aka:Blos), Katie (aka: $100), Lauren (aka: Nacheaux)—damn hashers .

Tina came strictly for moral and cheerleading support.


(that's not water in that dixie cup!)

Cheerleaders are important!

The race started and ended in Pueblo’s City Park: we did two laps around the park, then followed the path along the Arkansas River to Pueblo Reservoir then back to City park. There was one big hill, we went down the hill around ,mile three and back up at mile 12. It was at the top of this hill my friends were all standing, cheering and giving support since I was the last in our group to come in.

From Mile 8-12 I had a lady named Julie running with me, she liked my pace and was a lovely lady to meet/run with. Once we got within sight of the hill however I heard the cheers and had to turn it up and run up that hill. I hate running up hills. I can run down fine, but UP I suffer. At the top of the hill someone offers me a PBR—again, damn hashers. Now don’t get me wrong, I like beer, A LOT, but beer while running? Only if you want to see me instantly vomit.

After the hill Rachel ran along with me to the finish line.

2:44:06 was my final time. Also, My half-marathon PR.

Here I am crossing the finish line.




What a grand fun time!

Props to JT for taking third place, Rachel for completing her first half, and Tina for having the hardest job, standing and cheering in the freezing temps.

Next event: Phoenix Rock and Roll half. Let’s see what happens at sea level!!!