Sunday, June 24, 2007

The Western States 100

This weekend was the Western States 100 mile trail run - the premier ultra run in this part of the world. Unlike last year when it was very hot indeed, this year's conditions were close to perfect (20 degrees cooler I bet). A couple of friends were running this year - Leslie and her boyfriend Grant - so a few of us went up to the finish in Auburn to see them come in. It was Leslie's first time for the race and she seems to have run a smart race, coming in comfortably inside her 30 hour goal and looking strong at the finish.

As she crossed the finish line, they announced that Grant had proposed to her at the start and that from all accounts she had accepted his offer (we didn't know that this was going to happen). How romantic is that? Never mind the fact that Leslie was getting a bit emotional and crying during the night (running that distance can be emotional), that Grant was throwing up and unable to keep any food down in the latter stages, and that Leslie left Grant behind somewhere in the last 20 miles, they both survived and as far as we know the proposal and acceptance still stands.

Anyway, congratulations to all the finishers of this epic race, and a very special congratulations to Leslie and Grant.


Leslie - in the middle


Grant - on the left
I am writing this in Denver airport (I am stranded here on my way to Oklahoma City) having on my way here sat next to one of the cameramen who were filming the race for a documentary. Apparently he has a particular knack for running while holding a camera and filming the action going on behind him, while not bouncing around too much and at the same time looking where he is going himself. A rare skill I am sure.

The film crew were featuring various runners along the route and following them through the 100 miles of canyons capturing the agonies and ecstasies along the way. Apparently one of the featured runners was a stripper from Los Angeles. Not sure why, but that seems an unusual combination - you don't get many exotic dancers in the ultra running world.

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