Ever since the ULTOT 2010* I couldn't wait for a repeat! We had to miss it last year, so imagine my excitement when I found out that we were going to be in town for this year's swim-bike-run-hike extravaganza to the top of Mount Timpanogos at 11,749 ft (3582m) - and back down.
I was thrilled!
Good morning, Utah!
To make things even better: Karl was able to join me! Now that's my kind of date!
He opted out of the swim since he already performed his annual swim - a river crossing - during a run earlier this summer. I can't blame him for not wanting to jump into Utah Lake because - let's be honest - it is just plain gross!
I was able to enjoy another solo open-water swim since I directed Karl to the wrong boat ramp at 5:45 in the morning. By the time we got to the right spot, the others had already taken off. Having left my wetsuit at home in Flagstaff, I slipped on my speedsuit and dove into... the filthy swamp. But who cares about water quality anyway when I can look over and see the sun rise behind my favorite mountains with every breath I take? Including Mt. Timpanogos which we are going to stand atop of in just a few hours! Loved it!
taking a little detour
Biking up American Fork Canyon was as beautiful and fun as it's always been. Especially with the road closed to traffic due to a running race. I certainly miss biking in Utah! Karl and I were behind everyone else because we decided to take the scenic route to the canyon* but caught up with the group at the start of the run.
*This was a date after all!
at the start of the run/hike
Then we promptly got behind again because were having a few issues, besides performing the world's slowest bike-run transition. We accidentally left the hand-helds at home and on top of that Karl's hydration pack was leaking. Big time. Gushing out basically. Lovely!
We may or may not have had some marital issues as well when, after we were just starting to make up some ground on our friends, KJ announced that he was having problems with his Achilles and needed to walk. What? Walk? Already? I think we need to end this date now! But we both recovered. The Achilles calmed down after a bit and so did I.
a baby moose and amazing scenery
It was a super fun run/hike. 2 years ago I was pushing the pace the entire day but not this year. I would be lying if I claimed that taking it easy was more enjoyable or more fun. It was a different experience and just what I needed this time around. I had absolutely no mental or physical rough parts which is certainly a plus!
The wildflowers were in full bloom and we couldn't get over how absolutely stunning the scenery was! The beauty of nature was definitely the highlight of the day!
The weather was perfect. Cool morning, some clouds, even a few sprinkles of rain, warm enough at the top, and a little breeze on the downhill! Couldn't have asked for better conditions!
My gazelle runs into some mountain goats. I think they would make pretty good friends!
My date and I.
My least favorite part of the hike. Too many loose rocks...
... so I decided to take lots of self-portraits to keep me distracted!
At the top! Utah Lake behind us and...
... this in front of us! I want to go back right now!
Some of the ULTOT crew at the top. We are spelling ULTOT in case you can't tell!
I ran most of the way down with Melissa (middle) while Keena (left) and Karl were smoking everybody with their insane downhill running skills! It was great to catch up with her and we reached the campsite in no-time!
After a nice ice bath in the stream, some goodies, lots of chatting, and a flat tire on my bike, we flew down the canyon and made our way back to the car. What a fun adventure! I really hope to be able to be part of this again next year! You should come join us!
* ULTOT 2010 blog post here
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