1st Place US Skyrunning Championships: Franklin Mountains 27k

Mountains Running in Texas. Yes, you read that right. The US Skyrunning Championships were hosted by TROT (Trail Running Over Texas), sponsored by Altra, and held at the Franklin Mountains State Park near El Paso. The peaks gain 3,000 feet and top out over 7,000 feet elevation. They are rugged with a remote, dry, desert quality, covered in sage brush, barren exposed rock, and sharp stickery cacti.  The trails meander silently, always adulating, and often going straight up or down a hill or crossing a mountain rampart. The footing is uneven, rocky, and sometime full of cactis spine or yucca plant obstacles to gracefully dodge. As wild and demanding and unforgiving as the trails are they offer unobstructed views into sublime environment: harsh and beautiful as it is: one is able to relax and contemplate. 

Such was the scene as the race got underway. Runners eventually separating into smaller groups and eventually running alone with nothing but time, trails, and toughness to take and think and contemplate over in the harsh backdrop. By mile 2 I had a slight lead over speedy and strong Jereme Leafe.

My goal was simple: Run relaxed and consistent for the race. Miles 5 through 6.5 gain 1,000 feet as they scamper up cliff bands called the “caves”. Here it was slow going but I stayed relaxed and enjoyed the easier pace on the technical route. It was important to remember that I was here to race myself and enjoy the process. Racing is challenging. Regardless of the mental and physical strain and effort one should always remember that they came for the challenge, embrace it, and rise to the challenge.

For the harsh terrain I wore the Altra Paradigms. This shoe was amazing. The most difficult terrain was probably a quarter mile section of Flintstone rocks that the shoes ate right up and allowed me to flow over them smoothly and efficiently. These irregular cantaloupe size rocks added to the challenge but were no match for the Altra Paradigms!

The next 4 miles brought the steepest part of the terrain: 2,000 feet gained to the top of the Texas Titan. I embraced the climb trying to break 2 hours to the summit. I hit 2 hours and 30 seconds. Briefly, I took in the views then turned and ran back down. I soon saw Jereme and knew my lead was just over 10 minutes. I cruised the downhill still keeping the speed under control. Finally, 3 miles later at the base of the mountain I was back near the starting line and 1 mile from the finish. The last mile of the race (and the first mile) ramble up a steep hill. What a way to end a race! I slogged up the hill enjoying the trail and running slower and tired from a great course with about 5,500 feet of gained elevation in 18 miles.

I crossed the finish line in first in 2:52 winning with nearly the same time as last year. The course and terrain were mesmerizing. For most of the race I had been lost in contemplation with little conscious awareness of time and effort. The victory earned me my 4 National Skyrunning Series Championship. Special thanks to Altra for sponsoring the race and me. Thank you!