[TR] Crested Butte, CO - GoreTex Grand Traverse 3/29/2014

[The Cascade Kid]

Trip: Crested Butte, CO - GoreTex Grand Traverse

 

Date: 3/29/2014

 

Trip Report:

For more than a week now, I’ve struggled against my keyboard to beat out a race report from the GoreTex Grand Traverse (GT), which Taylor and I raced on the night of march 28th and well into the day on the 29th. To encapsulate 15 hours of backcountry racing into a succinct blog post is nigh impossible given the spectral range of emotions and experiences that evolve and transpire during such a lengthy race. Nevertheless, inspired by a report from my friend and fellow racer Ethan Linck, I hope to bring you a few highlights.

 

 

Expanding my sense of the possible is the biggest kick that I get from prolonged endurance events, and the GT was a new high for me. I’m a new convert to prolonged endurance, having only run my first Ultramarathon last summer. Nevertheless, it’s an addicting feeling to line up for a new challenge and to wait for the gun on a race that’s longer than you’ve ever done before. More addicting still is the confidence that, regardless of the duration, you are strong enough to finish– that feels good.

 

Read on at Mountain Lessons

 

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Gear Notes:

Dynafit skimo race kit, CAMP flash anorak and pants, X3 600 lightweight pack. Tow rope.

 

Approach Notes:

41 miles, 8500', 15 hours, 110 oz water, 2500 calories.