Kelly - Silverton Colorado

Kelly left lat Wednesday for Silverton Colorado. This is a small town in Colorado that hosts the Hardrock 100 mile endurance race. This is billed as the hardest course in the country. The race doesn't take place until Friday July 11 but he needs to be there to acclimate to the high altitudes of 13,000+. He brought his camera and laptop so that he can continue working on Ben's and his dailymile site but also to be able to post pictures and short stories of his experience in the area. So here are some of his posts while there:

July 3-

Finally in Silverton!

I arrived yesterday, after a long day of traveling. I found a really great campsite close to downtown Silverton. Thankfully, one of hardrock board members - Caroyln Erdman and her husband Eric, have helped me get situated in Silverton. I woke up this morning to a pretty severe headache, most likely from the altitude. But, after a couple hours, and a coffee, everything got much better. I ventured up Kendall Mountain, and hiked/ran 3,000-4,000 feet to just shy of the summit. There was snow on top, but it looks to be melting fast. I would have liked to reach summit, but there were a couple nasty clouds on the horizon. I was surprised by how well I felt at ~13,000 ft. My legs feel fine, even after a fast decent. Looking forward to more great climbs, and meeting other hardrockers!

I also ran into the guy who is suppose to win the race - Kyle Skaggs. He looked pretty relaxed and was off to work. He has been in Silverton for a couple of months preparing. There also are a bunch of guys here who are way up on the waiting list, hoping that they'll luck into a spot
My camp!

July 4th -

Today was the Silverton 4th of July parade. The hardrock runners take part, and run around the floats messing around. It was fun, and it was a great opportunity to meet some other hardrockers, as well as see some old friends i've made at past races.

After the parade, I decide to once again attempt to summit the peak from yesterday. It is a long tough climb, but I felt in good shape. I came around a bend, and saw a couple of sheriffs. I was curious if I was taken the right route, and asked them. Unfortunately, they were looking at an atv that was driven off the side of a cliff. I just found out, that one of the men driving the atv died.

After chatting for a few with the sheriff, I continued my ascent. Snow piles were everywhere and it became quite a challenge to navigate a path through the loose rock. I kept climbing, and finally got to summit. The last 30 meters or so had a large ice sheet covering the trail. It was sloped, rock hard, and slid down a cliff. I decided to not chance it, and turned around after a brief rest. So, technically no summit, but close enough in my book. The way back was fun and fast. I cruised along, and practiced my descending skills. Now, I'm just sitting outside a coffee shop (they close at 4 !?!?), and getting ready for the fireworks tonight.

Hope everyone is having a great 4th!