Paula and I headed north from Flagstaff again, this time to Bryce Canyon, for a duo of races. Paula’s foot race was first. Having broke her back some five weeks ago, she didn’t know what to expect. She bounced back incredibly fast from the injury, but is still not 100%, and training has been light at best.
I caught up with the action around the mid point, having cycled backwards on the route. I could tell immediately it was going to be a good race.
That’s Paula up front, having just moved up from 7th to 3rd place in the outskirts of Tropic, UT.
With cash offered to the top five spots, it was a tight race. The above shot is around mile 11. Anyone’s race at this point. No one was giving an inch, least of all Paula.
Great scenery for us spectators. I don’t think the top racers noticed it much…
It came down to the last 200 yards, but Paula held off everyone behind her for 3rd place, $400 and a solid time. Not bad for falling off the roof just five weeks ago. I was so proud of her determination.
She paid for it though. A 2000′ loss on the route meant some seriously sore legs the next few days. She’s trying to run in the above shot, but it looked more like a shuffle than a real run. Still a good shaking out of the legs.
The next day was 70 miles of mountain biking on the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
1/2 marathons are the funnest length of running race I can imagine. Not too long, not too short. Just right.
Oh I’m a total mid packer, just registered for this one, loved seeing the photos, Can;t wait to get out there. I am hoping the “down” elevation will make up for the lack of oxygenation that my Florida lungs will feel!