Long run yesterday on the Molas Trail from Molas Pass. Ran from the pass (11,000 feet) to the Animas River (8,800 feet) and then ran up the Elk Park Trail after crossing the Silverton train tracks in the bottom of the canyon. Descended the first 5 miles in about 32:30 and then climbed another 1.5 miles. Return trip from the bottom of the canyon to the top of the pass in about 43:00 - not a bad pace for fairly steep climb with more than 20 switchbacks at elevation (about 8:30 mile pace.) Total distance about 13 miles. Total time 1 hour 40 minutes and change. Defintely a different experience starting a trail run with a long descent and then finishing with a long climb back to pass level - good training for the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Run.
I woke up early yesterday to watch the U.S. Olympic Trails for the Men's Marathon. Incredible to watch Ryan Hall's dominace - 2:09:02 on that hilly course - he made it look easy. My excitement was quickly muted when I learned that Ryan Shay, a contender to make the team at only 28, passed away after collapsing about 5.5 miles into the race. Although I'd only followed his career, this news reduced me to tears. Last year, Marc Witkes, a running friend of mine, died after suffering a heart attack in the final mile of the Tuscon Marathon. While Ryan Shay certainly was a far superior athlete to Marc, both their deaths remind me that life is such a fragile thing - seize the day and be happy today - follow your dreams, do what you love, and be happy - don't wait for tomorrow - it may never come. After a hard day like yesterday I would typically take it easy today. However, like many other runners today, I will do another long run in the mountains in memory of Ryan Shay... For more information on this gutsy runner please check out http://www.letsrun.com/ . His family and friends have posted messages and memories there. While his death and Marc's death are clearly tragic, they were fortunate to die doing something that both of them loved so dearly...
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