Devil's Backbone

Saturday I ran the "Devil's Backbone" near Bozeman in the Gallatin. It's a 50 mile race that I had planned to make a "goal" race. This devolved into doing half of it -- from the start to the Windy Pass Cabin. I rode back to town with Emily, who was not only my gracious hostess with the mostess for the weekend but was also the sweep. The full 50 miler, which I think is probably actually 44 miles, has over 12,000 feet of elevation gain and the best scenery ever.

The first 4 miles or so wind their way up to this lovely view. The sun was really coming out as we made our way to higher elevation. Most of the course is between 9,000 and 10,000+ feet. For some reason I had the sensation of being able to breathe better up high -- like the normal weight on my chest was lifted. I know my breathing was probably, in fact, impaired, but it felt really good. Not sure why.

At one point, heading towards Hyalite Peak, there was a large field of avalanche debris. Martin Miller looks like he's buried. It was great to see Martin and I owe him some chapstick and a ride somewhere.

To get to Hyalite Peak we had to get on top of this ridge. This was one of the two snowfields that just couldn't be avoided. I had been fearing this but it wasn't bad at all. The snow was softish.


Runners heading up to the snowfield.

Near the end of the traverse across the snow. It was nice to be near the end -- the path was well stomped and sliding was unlikely.

After getting up the snowy saddle, there was still a walk along the ridge to get up to Hyalite Peak. The view from the peak was pretty awesome and worth the climb. A climb that wasn't, by far, the most strenous of the day. None of the climbs were torture though. It was so beautiful it was tough to mind working hard. Also, most of the climbs were pretty short (relatively speaking).

My eyes are closed in this picture I think but I was darn happy. I didn't want this day to end.

There was so much green. Lots of high green meadow. Gorgeous.

The flowers were like electric coolaid acid flowers. I fully expected to suddenly see Julie Andrews spinning around singing about the sound of music.

Lots of ridge running. I guess that's what the Devil's Backbone looks like. Except not as pretty and flowery probably.

Pretty much the whole day I was thinking "wow!" "no way!" "more?!" "yeah!" It was like the funnest amusement park ride that just kept bringing the excitement -- except you had to do the work to keep going of course.

This is what I look like in my happy place!!! (According to my friend Keith that's the same as when I'm in my bored, surprised, scared or unhappy place too).

I was actually sad though when I got around mile 19 and didn't want it to end. I started stewing about work drama and tried reminding myself that *this* is what it's all about. Eventually I caught some other folks and chatted a bit and stopped thinking about work. I briefly considered just turning back at the finish and doing the whole thing, but I didn't have enough food and figured it's better to be left wanting more than hating life at mile 37. All in all, it was awsome. I can't wait to back and run it next year. Or later this summer maybe :-)