The Wild Wild West 50k

In beautiful Inyo County, California at the base of Mt. Whitney this weekend for the Wild Wild West 50K!

Since I spend so much time in hotels, I thought it would be a welcome change of pace to camp. My friend and fellow ultra-runner John Radich was also camping - so I'd have company.

However, the weather provided an unexpected twist: while heat is usually the issue (90+ degree temps), this year it was cold and 30+ MPH wind gusts!

Fortunately, my tent held-up nicely; in fact the rustle of wind overnight was quite peaceful!

My view the other way:

The wind was incredible driving-up from LA Friday evening. Saw two 18-wheelers on their sides, and I don't think my poor little rental car made it out of 3rd gear the whole way! Drove through a dust storm:

While the course is incredibly beautiful, the wind and cold didn't let-up. Equipment-wise, I was woefully unprepared for the cold/wind; fortunately, I had a sweatshirt with me and John had extra gloves - both proved to be lifesavers.

The race is billed as: "one tough trail race that goes through the great Alabama Hills and the foothills of Mt. Whitney." The unique and breathtaking scenery is the backdrop of many western movies from Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy to Gladiator and Star Trek. I learned that just about every stereotypical truck commercial (you know the ones - rugged vehicles navigating forbidding rocky terrain with ease) is filmed here!

I'm very happy with my performance: 5:50 which placed me somewhere in the top 15 overall. Next up: 70 miles on the Western States Trail over Memorial Day Weekend!

UPDATE:

(Badwater) Ben Jones' excellent photo album is here. Thanks for the great photos, Ben!

At mile 7, just about done with the first big, long climb: John, Me.

At mile 22, Ben waiting at the top of yet another climb: John, Me.