Ouch. We have oxygen in London. For some reason, the Rockies decided that oxygen was not as essential an element as my London lungs are used to. Despite coming out to Boulder (5430ft) ten days before the start of our 6 day, 113m adventure through the Colorado Rockies, acclimatization is proving difficult. But that’s all part of the fun! And FUN is definitely the word for this stage race.

The TRR is a two-man team race. Team Timex is Will and I. Will Kelsay, a gun XTERRA triathlete and Colorado local, is dragging my sorry behind across the Rockies so far as I wheeze like a winded moose hanging (today) off the back of a toe rope as we ascend 3000feet over the course of 3 miles of brutal uphill as part of a morning’s work.

We drove up to Buena Vista on Saturday, picking Jonathan of Salt Stick on the way. 3 hours later we were around 7400 ft and registering, and being given a LOT of kit. I must admit to having gotten a little altitude obsessed, especially since the WS4’s that Timex sent us last week have an altitude function. It came in very handy today to track how far up the ascent we were – moving from 9600feet to 12600 feet in 3 miles, my lungs were at threshold just walking up Hope Pass. But it was worth it for the downhill. Unfortunately I stacked it chasing after Will to the finish (descending 3400 ft in 30 minutes). The 10 miler today was actually light relief after yesterday’s SCORCHING 20 miler over fairly undulating trail and road. Had a few low points yesterday as the combo of altitude and dehydration kicked my arse into touch. Out of the pair, I am definitely the pace-limiting factor!

Despite my altitude issues, we’re still doing ok, finishing 8^th in our division both days (we think) and sitting around 11^th overall.  

But this race is more than just a race each day. The camping and social side of the experience is amazing. The people and personalities here have been an eye opener. The triathlon scene has some work to do!

Photos to follow soon!