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Photos from the 2008 Spring Desert Ultra 50miler in Fruita. Myself, Michael Hodges, Mike Poland, Peter Sanders, Fritjof, Pete Stevenson, and Chris Fisher all headed out to Grand Junction on Friday to prep ourselves for our first 50 of the year. The 630a start found us under wonderfully clear blue skies, though the promise of very warm temps later on was less than optimal. I ran very well the first lap, hitting the turn around at 4:09, still feeling good. Somewhere around mile 30 I fell into a downward spiral of dehydration, nausea, and stomach cramps. In retrospect there were many hydration/fueling things I would have done differently, things I'd figured out in last year's summer heat, but for some reason couldn't remember on race day. Live and learn, the course was very pretty, especially the backside trail above the Colorado River. On Sunday morning Michael, Mike, and I took a trip to the Colorado National Monument for some sightseeing and photography. Of course my camera battery went dead and I got no pics, so I've stolen a few of Michael Hodges' photos.
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| Course Map | Michael prepping gear | Peter and Chris at the start line | Pete running up the first hill | Valley below |
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| Runners ascending the first hill | Fritjof running into the morning sun | Fritoj at the top of the climb | Running above the cliffs | Cliffs over the Colorado before Aid 3 |
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| Colorado River | Runner enroute to Aid 4 | Loose climb up to Mack Ridge | Looking down from Mack Ridge toward Aid 3 | My nasty blood blisters |
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| Morning at the Motel 6 | Packing up to head home |