Wahsatch Steeplechase

June 22, 2007

This was a exhilarating short race in the foothills north of Salt Lake (www.wahsatchsteeplechase.com). The start is at Memory Grove and follows the steep road for a crowd thinning mile before hitting the classic foothill single tracks. After a few miles of enjoying the gradual climb and occasional downhill you hit the flanks of Black Mountain. I knew this would be the toughest section of the race, but felt powerful high-stepping up the eroded out super-steep trail. Knocking over the false summit I thought to catch my breath, but my brain mushed on. Here the race turns craggy, wicked, and balancy, following the crest of the Black Mountain through several steep, cliffy areas. Having recon’ed the best route I was able to crank past some crowds and onto the summit. A few more crests brought me to the brink leading down to Smuggler’s Notch. This was a super steep, mine field, of a descent down to a fine aid station (many thanks to whoever hauled that stuff up). The mine field continued with a crazed descent into City Creek Canyon. This section was fast, steep, and occasionally overgrown. It was wicked fun hurting over fallen trees and ripping though brush unable to see my feet. Finally on the City Creek Canyon road I remembered why endurance training is so important. My temerity flagged as I hit the single track again. But soon enough I was turning down that last mile, hugging the creek, and kicking my feet in the air as I crossed the finish line- my cutie wife waiting. Crazy fun in a techno, bone-rattling, lung-sucking, kind of way. I finished at 3:23- stoked to be off before it hit 101 degrees.

Just past the Black Mountain summit.

Smuggler’s Notch in the depths ahead.

The final crest…

And into the wicked descent to Smuggler’s Notch

The ripping descent into City Creek.

Trail conditions… or trail absence…