<< Some pre Leadville ramblings as I sit in my office ready to go.

Everything is packed, I'll load the car tonight and off we will go tomorrow morning. Even though this is my 7th year, I'm still as excited as the first. I love the anticipation and the mystery that surrounds the final hours. The ever pressing question of "how will I do on race day?" The strong desire to just get out on the course to begin the tremendous experience that I've come to know. I thoroughly enjoy the first 50 miles of Leadville while I'm still strong. Anticipating those early miles I feel like a 10 year old on Christmas eve....

Running around Turquoise lake in the morning darkness in a long string of flashlights seeing the reflection of Mts. Massive and Elbert on it's water.

Climbing Sugarloaf with the sun rising and turning the surrounding peaks bright pink.

Looking down at Turquoise lake nestled in the deep green forest often with clouds of fog rising from it's black waters.

Heading off to Halfmoon past the treeline with the sun filtering through the trees on a clear blue day.

Seeing the huge Mt. Elbert standing watch at the end of Halfmoon road in a postcard picture perfect setting, shining brightly showing off every color you could imagine.

Running the long and pleasantly easy downward sloping Colorado trail to Twin Lakes which is covered in pine needles and such a joy to run on.

Seeing Twin Lakes pop into view wayyyy below as blue as could be with Hope looming in the background.

Climbing Hope wondering if you'll ever break above the trees only to feel so small when you do, dwarfed by it's tremendous size.

Looking South of the pass and seeing the grand and mighty Collegiate peaks that seem like you can reach out and touch them.

Struggling up the hot and dusty road wondering if you will ever get to Winfield.

When finally reaching Winfield, realizing you will now turn around and do it all over again on your journey back to Leadville.

Time to go!

Dana

Dana Roueche
Boulder, CO
mailto:danar@us.ibm.com
tieline: 419-7020, 6-7020
Outside line: 303-354-7020