That's Moab, Baby!

I'd just like to say that consistent training surprisingly works!  I finished the Red Hot 33K in 5:05...about an hour sooner than I expected to and that includes the numerous picture stops and one extended pit stop.  I felt strong at the end of the 19 miles and felt that if I had pushed myself and not messed around with photo ops I could have come in a half hour sooner.  I won't dwell on the time since my ultimate goal for my longest race ever was to enjoy running that far on the unforgiving yet magnificent slick rock of Moab, Utah.  I loved it and have decided that I will take on the 55K next year.  The best part was being surrounded by about 40 of my Fort Collins Trail Running friends as we all took on the challenges of Moab's Red Hot 33K and 55K.

Fort Collins Trail Runners occupied 40 of the 58 rooms at the Big Horn Lodge.

Alex and me before the start of the 55K...so cool to finally be running crazy races together.

Some of the Fort Collins Trail Runners before the 55K start.

Go Alex!

Lysette and me at the junction where the 55K and the 33K split... the 55K goes up that hill behind us.

Feeling great and having fun!

I was constantly impressed by the huge slabs of steep slick rock.

Ok, ok...I went a little overboard with my photography...that's me captured by my camera timer. 

55K drop bags all lined up in a row

The rocks kept getting steeper...I had to use my hands and some friction to get up this one

Me at mile 17...past this point is where I began running further than I ever have in my life!

I was overwhelmed with gratitude to set eyes on my gorgeous son who met me 2 miles from the finish...he kept going to meet Alex.

...and then a half mile later...my beautiful daughter who ran the rest of the way with me!  I am so lucky!

After I finished we hiked back up to run Alex in.

Kemp!  One of my favorite people!

I love my family!  We have so much fun together!

Who needs a playground when you have rocks everywhere?

Mindy, Me, and Celeste