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April 4, 2007
Wahoo!
The gods of running must have heard my prayers and forgave me for drinking a beer, falling asleep, and nearly missing registration for the Bridger Ridge Run. Since my registration confirmation gave me no indication as to whether I made it into the race or whether I was wait listed, I emailed one of the race officials. Happily, he replied and said I got in! I kind of feel like I won the lottery, or something.
These types of races are becoming so-danged popular that you almost have to plan and practice for the moment when registration opens, so that you can click the computer mouse fast enough. It's akin to trying to get tickets for a famous band or a college basketball game. And let's not even start talking about race lottery systems. I find it somewhat surprising because we're talking about trail running, not Justin Timberlake or the LA Lakers.
Anyways, back to this race. The race route follows much of the length of the highest ridge of the Bridger Mountains from north to south. It really is just a route, kind of game trail-like at best. I fell in love with this mountain range last year when I did 3 or 4 runs and a camping trip up there. This summer, I'll get to spend even more time up there, training and racing in the Bridgers. Olga has a great race report from her Bridger Ridge Run experience that'll really give you an adrenaline rush. If that's not enough, you can read some more race stories on the race website (Follow the link to the race website at the top of this blog entry, then scroll down.).
Now, if you'll kindly excuse me while I start training for a crazy off-trail, mountain-climbing race...
Posted by Meghan at April 4, 2007 5:20 PM
Comments
Good deal! My brother lives in Bozeman - maybe someday Eric and/or I will sign up for that one and get a visit in too.
Posted by: backofpack at April 4, 2007 8:22 PM
Meghan - I'm feeling great! I felt the best in a marathon, and except for the blister and rash on my foot, felt the best after that I have. I think it's two things - one, all the running is paying off, and two - the little bit of weight loss.
Posted by: backofpack at April 4, 2007 9:09 PM
So happy for you!!! It is an awesome run, adrenalin rush for sure:) You'll be great there, with altitude and mountain climbing and downhills...last downhill is wicked crazy, but fun! Watch out for the sharp turns on dusty corners at 15% grade:) The middle part is not bad, and the first climb is fine too, almost easy (if not the altitude for me), relatively gentle. It's the rolling after that with sliding scree under your feet and a short climb and then running along the sharp rocky ridge with no place to pass or be passed...I'd love to do it again! Just need to convince my family for a vacation there, because there is no way they would let me fly for a 20 miler. Ha!
Posted by: olga at April 5, 2007 9:38 AM
good deal. ya, crazy stuff in ultra's. cool closed in 7 minuites 33 seconds for over 400 entries. just sent my application into McKenzie River 50k. It closed in one day. heck, twin peaks 50 miler closed fast and this was the year of the race!
have fun!
Posted by: tom riley at April 5, 2007 9:42 AM
Yay - good for you. It's nice to know there are second chances in this world and that one little beer didn't sabotage your chance to run the ridge! It made for a good blog post in any case!
Posted by: kendra borgabeer at April 5, 2007 10:43 AM
I'm so glad you got in! That looks like a really great race in a beautiful place!
Triathlons have become like that too -- you have to be ready, the moment they open registration, and then click furiously and hope you made it! If you can successfully register, the race part is actually easy in comparison, haha! :)
That is so funny about the beer. I am the same way, anymore -- one beer and I'm snoozing! Not even worth it, really.
Hooray that you got in to the race -- will be looking forward to the race report afterwards! :)
Posted by: anne at April 5, 2007 11:23 AM