I traveled to Leadville CO this past weekend to watch and pace the Leadville 100 mile trail race. After sleeping in my car Friday night in Leadville,  I drove my husband to the Hope Pass trailhead to start his hike at 7am. He was a volunteer EMT at the top of Hope pass from 10am-9pm.

With only 4 hours of sleep I was tired but had nothing to do until 7pm when I would meet my friend to pace him from Twin Lakes to Fish Hatchery, about 17 miles.  I geared up in my Timex jacket,  leg warmers, hat and gloves. It was only 40 degrees at 8am.  I did not wear my heart rate monitor,  no speed records were set. The purpose of my ride was to enjoy my  Orbea, stop and take  pictures.

I road from Twin Lakes, 9300 feet, to Leaville 10000

Then around Tortoise Lake and

back to Twin Lakes.  I stopped for about 30 minutes cheering for the runners. Finally I ascended Independence Pass. Taking a quick picture before the final switchbacks ending above 12000 feet.

If you are thinking of watching or pacing the Leadville 100, Twin Lakes is the aid station to be. You see the runners at mile 39.5 and 60.  Pretty amazing. I hung out there for 6 hours after my ride. I started to pace Fred at 8pm leaving him at the Fish Hatchery at  1am, mile 76.  Hard to imagaine after running/walking for 76 miles he still had almost  a marathon to complete.  Ironman is probably harder to train for,  running 100 miles in harder to complete. One day I will let you know.