The rest of the people traveled separately - Michael, Nick/Jen, and Robyn with her three ND friends, as well as Jessica/Troy, who were renting a condo in the same development as us.
This was our first time using VRBO. It was GREAT. The condo was wonderful, and very well appointed. The only thing I would've wished for were more bathrooms, but that wasn't even really a big issue. Lots of kokopellis in the decorating, which was extra cool.
We arrived Wednesday evening, and ate at the Moab Diner immediately. After that, we found the condo (pretty difficult in the dark; the setup of driveways/entrances/addresses is somewhat confusing) and got settled in.
On Thursday, we ran Hell's Revenge, and Chris, Joey, and Jessica actually did Hell's Gate. That was terrifying. The only one I could watch was the second one of Chris's, and Jessica's.
(Joey (who lost a bet) spotting Chris up Hell's Gate)
(Troy (with some help from Chris) spotting Jessica up Hell's Gate)
(Dianna emerging from one of the hot tubs on Hell's Revenge)
On Friday, we ran Kane Creek. It was great because they had new ribbons on the trees. This allowed us to be much more efficient, and stay the trail much better. It was surprisingly dry, though.
On both Friday and Saturday night, we played Cards Against Humanity. It was raucous. The people I hang out with have issues. :)
On Saturday, we started to run Poison Spyder, but the gate was closed about halfway in, for trail maintenance. We did some playing around, and then went home. Some of the group continued on to Fins N' Things, but we went home.
Sunday was the half marathon. I didn't have high hopes, since my training took a back seat to bike riding (got a bunch of new people for the team for next year) and I skipped all my short runs. While I was a few minutes (five, I think) slower than last year, the run was better overall. I'm not sure why/how. I skipped the first and last aid stations, and alternated water/gatorade during the run. Everything went wonderfully. I also learned that even though I don't like beer, I can still get a free glass!! I got one for this year, and will endeavor to remember in years to come, to grab that glass.
When standing in line for the porta-potty, I overhead a guy selling someone on the Missoula half marathon. It's July 10, 2016. I'm toying with the idea of signing up, depending on what I can find deal-wise on plane tickets. Chris is talking about renting Jeeps.
Photos from the race:
