Waiting for the race to start, we get a chance to catch up with former teammate Darran Wells (lower right)
The mass start! We're way in the back, somewhere
There we are! We just don't feel the need to start the race by running uphill
Up the ski-resort mountain we go
There were occasional patches of snow on the mountains
Taking a quick break on the side of a hill
Kip can't resist the chance to throw a snowball at the camera-man
At Imogene Pass, the last high point on the first trekking leg
We get a chance to see our support crew and refuel for the first time
Checking out of the transition area to start the first biking leg
And away we go!
Crossing a stream on the first mountain bike leg
Jason rides up the hill...
...while the rest of us wimp out
Jason Mittman, mountain-biking man
Back in our hectic (yet organized!) transition area
We can't pass up the chance to take a quick nap, off the ground for a change
Even the unstoppable John Beard needs the occasional two minutes of sleep
Jason isn't very thrilled that he has to leave his Sheila again so soon
Back on our feet again, still feeling strong
Heading up into the major mountaineering section
Taking a breather partway up Mount Teakettle
Atop one of the passes through the mountains
When the slopes are sandy instead of rocky, you can actually run down them!
Our team is kind of pushing the 100-yard rule here...
Atop our last ridge (finally!) of the mountaineering section
You can just barely see CP 15 on the grassy plateau behind us
We await our turn for the first ropes section
John, about to start his rappel
When the sun comes up, it's time to shed those extra clothes
At the end of the second bike section
In our transition area again
Ready for the river section
We begin the kayak, in one of the few places that the water is deep enough to actually paddle
Rest stop by a mountain lake, which is quite shallow due to the drought
Kip stops to take a drink halfway down the second rappel
Marcy stops just long enough for her picture to be taken
Jason stops to exclaim how much fun this rappel is
John manages to take his own picture on the rappel
At the base of the amazing rappel, with Bridal Veil Falls behind us
Nearing the top of the very, very last uphill
Coming around the final bend towards the finish line
A little closer...
Closer still...
I think we're going to make it! And we're still able to run!
Hugs all around at the finish
Hugs from our support crew
The gratuitous finish line posing shot
At the finish line with our awesome crew
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