March Madness Run Report

It was a great day yesterday on the roads, trails and in the backyard with great runners from the Front Range and beyond.  Sixteen brave, tough and determined souls started before 8:00 am to run 34+ miles around the reservoir and up and down all the big hills along the way.  They were out there for 6-9 hours and they all finished well and mostly worn out.  Another 17 runners started at 8:00 and 9:00 am to run a slightly shorter version of the loop around the lake getting anywhere from 22-26 miles running for 3.5-6.5 hours and another 5 runners ran some other variation of the course to get 9-16 miles on the trails and roads along the reservoir.  The weather cooperated mostly proving pleasant temps and some cloud cover throughout the morning and then just to throw in a little challenge, we got a good strong headwind for the final 7 southward miles to the finish.  The finish line back in the driveway was full of cheers, hugs, congratulations, and photos. The party then moved quickly to food, drink and relaxation on the back deck.  Stories were told about trails taken and turns missed, triumphs and struggles along the way and of course plans were made for future adventures.  This has got to be the best way to finish spring break and begin the spring running season.  I am very fortunate to be able to spend the day running, laughing and enjoying the outdoors with so many friends old and new.  Thanks again to everyone that came out and made the 2nd Annual March Madness Run such a great day.

The 7:00 am group all heading out for a big loop around the reservoir

TNC and crew line up for their 7:45 start

The 8:00 am starters at the line and ready to go

and they're off

The 9:00 am start heading in different directions for runs from 9 to 23 miles
photo by Maddie May

Ed, Kyle and Sarah start picking up the pace on the first hill.

Kyle pushes hard to beat Sarah up the hill in Reservoir Ridge

NMP wins the sprint for the finish.

The Big Boys discuss their run.  Read Burch's story here.

Rob had a great day of running.  Read his report here.

Marie, Brian and Ean finish their marathon loop around the reservoir with some
bonus climbs and off trail treks thrown in

The Honey Badger himself throws down a big finishing kick up the driveway . . .

. . . and collapses, but he don't care.

Cat and Katie finish strong and smiling

Pete is looking a little tired.  Could it be the 41 miles he ran today or is it the 410 miles he has run so far this month?

Scott and Pete won the most miles on the day award with 41.66 miles each and Steph was right there with them with 36.8 

Ning brings it in with a smile after 35+ miles

There was plenty of good food and drink and lots of laughs throughout the afternoon 

Maddie gave us a demonstration of her slackline skills

Katie - looking like a pro

Scotty's got balance

Rob has some skills getting in at least 3 or 4 good steps

I'm not really sure what this guy is doing    photo by R. Erskine

then Ean showed off a bit