Whatever you do, especially if you are from New Jersey, don't believe anyone from Wyoming when they say the race is mostly flat!
Grand Teton Course Elevation
I know, I know, it looks mostly flat, but there were these small climbs that felt horrific to me - someone who lives close to sea level. Well, it starts out flat along the Teton Pass Highway at about 6,000 feet but then the incline starts - just before the 5 mile mark. Then there is a slow-and-steady climb that stretches over the next several miles. Even though they say it is a very gradual climb, the second half of the race is when the elevation rises from about 6,100 feet above sea level to about 6,350 feet by the time you reach the finish line.
The race starts just outside Jackson, Wyoming, in the small town of Wilson, at Beckley Park Way. From there, you follow a point-to-point climb through Wyoming’s Jackson Hole area with views of the Teton Mountains off in the distance. You run quite a bit of the race along the Teton Pass Highway - on awesome paved trails - and you cross over Snake River, twice. The race finishes along the edge of Grand Teton National Park with the majestic Teton Mountain range off in the distance. It is a beautiful course!
Again, for someone who grew up and lives at about sea level - the Grand Tetons will bring tears to your eyes. They are magnificent! We took some excursions in the Grand teton National Park. The air smells so clean and fresh.
Ron's 5k race was on Friday night and the half marathon race was Saturday morning, June 3, 2023, so we flew in on Thursday, June 1st and checked into The Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole - it is a gorgeous hotel.
The Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole
We had lunch in Jackson Hole the next day. It was so very beautiful. We were surprised when our waitress told us that she lives in Idaho. We drove from Jackson Hole into Idaho and I just can't believe that she makes that treck to and from home in the winter. The roads have no street lights, they are winding - beautiful - but lots of curves on roads that I would not want to drive on in the wintertime - especially late at night!
Jackson Hole
We picked up our packets on Friday. I was so excited to run . . . State #44. Woo-Hoo!
Ron ran the 5K. I think I should have run with him. I think I would have had a better idea of how hard it was to run at that altitude. Walking around Jackson Hole, I knew I was going to have a rough time. I always get nauseous, dizzy, and I feel I have to make up the oxygen deficit with what I call, "catch up breathes." These are short little breaths that I do at altitude when I can't catch my breath. I also always get a bloody nose when I am at this altitude. Even though it looks as if you can touch the clouds, it is super dry!
So they had a DJ that got everyone pumped for the 5K. It was cute.
It was also good in a way that I didn't run because I got a taste of what it is like for Ron, after the race proceeds and you see the person you love go forward to run a race. Ron always jokes that he is going to write a coffee table book, "After the Gun Goes Off." It was a little sad. I didn't know anyone. I was in the middle of Wyoming - which is so very different from where I grew up and live. I mean - Manhattan is 12 miles east from where I live. I have been going into the city since I was a little girl. And even though I looked around and saw the most beautiful landscape, it was sad to see Ron go off on his run alone. Coach always says, "It's a lonely life, the life of an endurance runner."
Waiting for Ron, but Enjoying the Views
Very Big Sky!
I looked around, trying to count all my blessings, but I know what got me here and I was sad. And even as I write this, I hear the Foo Fighters song in my head, Under You. https://youtu.be/ms6b2w9U_Kg?si=x3pVsGcNEhlbHw3p. I always change the beginning of the song to, "I woke up and ran a million miles for you . . . " And some wonder why I am behind in writing some posts. . . .
I really don't think I could bare to stand waiting after another 5k. I will definitely run with Ron if the 5K is the day or night before! In the meanwhile, I looked up, prayed A LOT, and waited for Ron to come through the finish line! Of course, when he did, I was screaming - Jersey Style - like he just finished an Ultra. LOL!
Don't let the smile fool you, he hates running!
We drove back to the hotel and planned for a nice dinner before getting to bed early and awaking at 4am. Over the years, I have developed a routine. I awake, dress in my running outfit, roll out. Yes, I bring a foam roller. I stretch. Do some core work. Then eat. I hope to get everything moving out of me before I take a prescription Immodium. I cannot take any chances with my Crohn's. Then I drink lots of water and stretch some more. Before you know it, I was lined up for state #44!
Hobbling along after 13 miles!
State #44 is in the Books!
Here's to Wyoming!
Speed has Slowed Since the Knee Surgery! My results were Meh!
I Gave It My All!
My Watch Shows 1,087 Feet Climb!
My goal was to shoot for closer to 2 hours, but I have had such a hard time with speed since I had my miniscus repaired. I wish I could say it's all about the climb, and I love that song, but I do train hard to get my time down. I am grateful that I can still run! Off to explore the Grand Tetons. . .
Grand Teton National Park
Yes We Saw Moose!
Yes, You Can Smell The Pines!
And Yes, The Water was Clean, Clear, and COLD!
Jenny Lake, Grand Tetons
We went to early dinner at the Liberty Burger in Jackson. Walked on wooden sidewalks, stopped in a few stores. Then went to The Roadhouse Brewing Company, which had an amazing Belgium White! And of course, no trip to Jackson Wyoming would be complete without going to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar! the saddle seats were a killer though because you cannot adjust the straps to the stirrups! But, I was a good sport, sat at the bar and watched some people play pool.
Bar Seat Saddles are Fun!
Another successful trip and half marathon completed! Time to head home and place my new medal in its rightful place!
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