Wyoming

Wyoming is known in the U.S. as The Cowboy State but to me it is a mountain and plains state.  I was familiar with Jackson and the Tetons, so I knew I wanted to run mountains in Wyoming. But I also knew I wanted to avoid running in big resorts which eliminated two of the big mountain races as options.  I discovered the Sinks Canyon 50k a year ago because it literally fell on my birthday.  I had never heard of the Wind River Range (known as “the Winds”) but after looking at the race photos of wildflowers and mountain peaks, I knew that is where I wanted to run.  The Wind River Range is home to the highest peak in the state, Gannett Peak, with a summit of 13,804’ and Sinks Canyon sits at the entrance.

The Sinks Canyon 50k is a legit mountain run. The base of the canyon sits around 6100 feet which is exactly 5600 feet higher than my home base in Hood River, and the peak of the course tops out around 9000 ft. I knew from past experience, exactly what 9000 ft would feel like. Bring on some lightheadedness, heavy breathing, and maybe a little nausea. I also knew it would be short lived.

I signed up for the race two weeks before the deadline and it sold out shortly after.  I was assigned to work at a clinic in Casper the day before the race, so I figured it was meant to be. The airfare was already paid for. I had the day off. The only missing element was some mountain running in my training. My previous month had been all flat gravel, but the call of the mountains was too strong, I had to give it a try. There was no way I could pass it up!

Lander was a pleasant surprise! A quaint outdoorsy town I had never heard of.  It was outfitted by multiple sporting apparel and gear stores, brew pubs, the NOLS headquarters, and views of mountains and the Popo Agie river that runs through it. I also learned the International Climbers’ Festival is held there every summer.  I made a mental note to self: come back with my camper, bike, climbing gear and running shoes to stay longer next time.  

The Lander Running Club is made up of passionate runners of all ages.  The club has hosted the Sinks Canyon Trail races for the past 10 years.  I got to meet one of the current race directors, Gabe, who at the moment is gearing up to run Hard Rock for the second time.  He was super easy to talk to, very energetic and encouraging of everyone who crossed the finish line.  I also talked with Jenny who answered all of my questions before the race. Do I need bear spray? (Up to you, there’s lots of people on the course). Are there mosquitoes? (Not as of recent). Stream water on the course? (Yes but not too accessible).    

The race started at 6:15 am. The weather was perfect with a little chill in the air, but nothing that required a jacket. It had rained the day before, but race day was predicted to be very sunny and warm. The sunrise was beautiful, the crowd intimate, and the vibe casual.  As I looked around I realized I was surrounded by lots of very fit runners who were well travelled in mountain running (as evidenced by their well-defined calves, ha!). Most were from Wyoming or Colorado. I was one of the few from sea level. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea?

We were all directed to the start line, and I realized I was very nervous. I overheard some people strategizing how to do well in the race and they recommended running the first mile fast.  So… I took that advice.  And I ran it too fast. I later realized why they said that: the first mile is slightly downhill and funnels into a single track that funnels into a steep uphill that goes on and on FOREVER.  So yes, if you are trying to make the podium and don’t want to be slowed on the uphill, then run the first mile fast to get out in front.  If not, and you just want to survive the race like I did, it’s best to take your time. Too late for me, I was already working way too hard and by mile two, I knew I needed to slow down. Unfortunately, I was in the single track line and pride kept me going.  Then a downhill. Then another climb. The top of the second climb was around 9000 ft and I was FEELING IT.  Why did I do this to myself? I knew better. Thankfully, I was relieved by a four-mile descent with some very fun single track flowing with flowers and the river, and that made me smile.

When I arrived to the second aid station around mile 11, I was rejuvenated but also questioned whether I was going to finish this race?  No time for questioning though. I checked in and out, and before I could change my mind I quickly took off and started the next climb. I was committed now. Kind of like plummeting down a slide, there was no looking back. This time I slowed down considerably. I didn’t care if people passed me. I took photos. I stopped and enjoyed some views. I was aiming for longevity and the slower pace worked.  I was still well-ahead of the cutoff, so I had plenty of time to settle into my own pace and not stress.  I forgot about the altitude and the miles ticked by. Soon a water refill and short chat with some other medical professionals put me in a good mood that carried me up another long climb. At the top I checked in to the mile 20 aid station, staffed by very enthusiastic volunteers and stocked with Maurten gels, took advantage of the facilities, and then was cheered off to run several miles of rolling single track along a beautiful lake. It was all very doable and not once was I bored. I think those Maurten gels really work. The scenery was spectacular.

The last aid station at mile 25 was significant as it signaled the beginning of a five-mile downhill (mostly) to the end.  These miles were some of the most beautiful on a rocky saddle into a gentle winding trail, surrounded by wildflowers, canyon views, mountain peaks, and finally back to the forested single track, down, down, down.  I could gauge my progress by watching the canyon road get closer and closer.  Finally, I was parallel with the river and off to the finish line where I was greeted by cheers and a real food buffet. The food was delicious, healthy, and it hit the spot. It was served on real plates and silverware which shows the effort of the Lander Running club to reduce waste. There was an ice cream stand where we got free ice cream, and a carbonated water station to fill up our Sinks Canyon 50K finisher cups we earned at the finish.  I met lots of other runners as we sat and enjoyed the post-race meal together. 

This was a very special race with a beautiful course, friendly local vibe, top notch aid stations with the highest quality gels (Maurten!), and it made me want to come back to run it again. Thank you to beautiful Wyoming, “The Winds”, Sinks Canyon and the Lander Running Club for sharing the beauty!