Peterson Ridge Rumble ... with a little Smith Rocks on the side

Michael, Maria and I headed down to Sisters, Oregon for the Peterson Ridge Rumble. Two events - a 30K and a 60K. Michael had signed up for the early start (7 am - 60K). It was 20F when the first wave of runners went out. Notice a problem with Michael (not just the fact that he is at the front!)? (Click on the picture to see full res version)

It was so cold he forgot to give me his pile jacket! Fortunately he was able to drop it at an aid station around mile 11.

Maria and I had signed up for the 30K. Our local friend Gene says it was more like 35K (20 miles), but whose counting... The race starts on a dirt road across from the Sisters Middle School. We had to run on dirt road for about 2 miles before hitting the awesome mountain biking trail system that has been developed in and around Sisters.

The course left the trail system for a slight detour so that we got a view of one of the Sisters. Gene and Garrett were running just in front of us so Gene kindly took our picture at this scenic point.

The run went through forest and out into the open where we had open skies of all the snow covered peaks.

Maria was so happy she could wear shorts! I never really warmed up... we all have different thermastats.

The event finished with a run around the track (after having to run across the paved parking lot - I walked the pavement as it was a "trail" run :>) and life is too short to run on pavement)! Delicious food was awaiting all the finishers. Boy did it taste good.

Our hero, Michael, just before the finish line.

These events would be something completely different without the kindness of volunteers. We had 4 great aid stations on the 30K (60K had 6).

Various insights:

You never know what your body will do for you on the day. I woke, was a bit nervous as I had never run this long of a run, but was mostly ready. My body never got in the groove. I had tight hips the whole run, felt cold, and experienced a painful run. Still, the mind has an amazing way of keeping you going (just keep swimming, just keep swimming - Dory kept coming out at the appropriate time).

60K winner's time: 4:02:01

Michael's time: 7:12:59

30K winner's time: 2:19:35

Maria's time: 4:35:22

My time: 4:37:12

Maria and I ran a lot ... the course was very different from our local trails - gentle hills, not too steep - a lot of work!

Smith Rocks on the way home ... just outside of Bend, Oregon ... Michael and I had last been here in 1996. So many amazing improvements ...

Michael having some fun...

Maria and I enjoying the perfect, blue skies and warm weather.