Mesas, Slick rock, and Flying Monkey

I came back to take on Zion again because the scenery is so beautiful, and the course is a nice mix of technical, rocky sections, runnable sections, gnarly descents, and long climbs. This year’s course was different from the one I did in 2019, and it proved to be much harder.

Miles 43-69

Still in the lower section of the course, the wind had picked up and would gust to 25 mph at times. I got frustrated fighting it, but it did help mitigate the heat. I was able to get into a groove during this section leap frogging some other runners. I made it to Virgin Dam aid station at mile 51.5. Here, I refilled my bottles and again soaked my arm sleeves and bandana. A few miles later, just before you cross the road and being the climb up Smith Mesa there is a Water Monster. I topped off my bottles, crossed the highway, and hit the black top road. Once I really began to ascend, I took out my poles and climbed at a steady pace. Another runner had caught me on the climb, and we chatted about races on the way up. Just as the sun was setting, we had made it to the top of the nearly 4 mile climb. The aid station is a short run down a road. I grabbed more nutrition out of my drop bag and took some Coke for the road. I knew Flying Monkey was up next. Off the trail before the descent is another Water Monster. I topped off my bottles and headed down the rocks. At this point, I was solo as we were spread out on the course. I grabbed the rope to rappel down the large rock and land on the narrow trail. It’s big, nasty rocks with uneven footing and a narrow trail as you descend. I went extremely slow to be sure of my footing because this is not where I wanted to fall. There were several colorful words at times, and I just kept telling myself that it would be over soon, and I would be back on more runnable terrain. I made it to Virgin BMX at mile 69. Here, I saw my husband and told him how much that section still really sucks. I chugged some Gatorade and switched out of my t-shirt to a long sleeve shirt knowing it was going to drop into the 40s over night.

Miles 69-87

I headed onto the trail dreading the Guacamole loop coming up. Less than a mile from the aid station is a water crossing. I was able to rock hop and stay dry. On the way to Guacamole is a dirt road with some climbing. It felt like it took forever to get to the aid station. Along the way were 2 snakes hanging out in the road with runners yelling back to watch for them. I saw them ahead and just went around them. Once at the Guacamole aid station at mile 75 I grabbed some Coke and headed out on the slick rock. Guacamole is just like Gooseberry with technical single track and slick rock. I had to rely on the flagging during the night to stay on course, and they could be very challenging to see. I was continuously stopping and starting. A few of grouped together calling out where we saw flagging, and it ultimately became a scavenger hunt for flags. After reaching the last bit of slick rock, I hit the Guacamole aid station again. The volunteers were great and keeping things lively. I then headed down the dirt road where I was able to run. I was not so lucky this time at the water crossing. I lost my footing on a rock and submerged my right foot. I wasn’t too bothered knowing I was almost back at Virgin BMX with less than a half marathon to go. This was the last time I would see my husband before the finish. I grabbed new bottles, some caffeine, and then headed down a paved road before jumping back onto dirt.

Miles 87-Finish

The sun had come up, and I stopped to snap a picture. I was again in awe of how beautiful it was out there. I then saw the Water Monster before the ascent back up to the Mondo Z aid station. I looked up after refilling my bottle. Damn, this is going to hurt. I cussed some of the rocks, but kept moving up one step at a time, slow and steady. I was so happy to see the aid station at the top. They had fresh bacon which I happily obliged. From there, it was 5 miles of rolling dirt roads to the finish. Normally, this would be great. However, the winds had picked up Sunday morning, and there were 30+ MPH gusts continuously beating me with dust. I just had to put my head down and click off the miles. Finally, I could see orange cones and then the turn into the finishing chute. I ran it in, thankful to be done and get out of the dust. Not the time or performance I had hoped for, but I finished with an official time of 28:39, 3rd Master’s female and 10th female. I hit the gong and picked out my buckle.