It was a spectacular day up in Utah last Saturday. Pretty small field - 32 going solo, and maybe that many relay and team members in addition? I'm not sure of that number. I was one of the two women out 32 solo racers that signed up. My coach Sarah Jarvis was the second. I was part of the 80% that quit; Sarah won the entire thing.
It was a fantastic race. Setting aside the issues about the IC - yes, he's pretty self-promoting! but he is also a really nice guy and is a legitimate and attentive race director: he put on a well-organized race on a well-thought out course. It was completely self-supported but they had everything laid out well and there were no surprises or snafus. James' crew was helpful, friendly, enthusiastic - they were out on the bike course everywhere and providing water when they could, taking pictures and video, giving encouragement, etc.
The course itself was gorgeous (although I can only speak to the first 2.25 miles of the 10-mile run loop because that's where I quit, after I got myself off-course and added a 1.5 mile detour). The swim was a perky 4 loops in Lake Jordanelle, which was super nice. With so few racers, I felt like I had the entire lake to myself. The bike was the hardest thing I've ever done - ~8K of climbing in 105 miles, with the climb up Guardsman Pass at the very end. Brutal. The "run" up and down two peaks at Brighton Ski Resort was clearly designed to break everyone, and I think it mainly accomplished that. Still, the bike was highly doable and excellent - and having your support crew drive along and help you out? that's an amazing way to do the bike! Everyone should go ride up Guardsman Pass once before they die. It's that good.
My only disappointment: on social media today (or last night?), James announced the male and female winners. He did not specifically mention that Sarah took the overall win. I suspect a woman winning isn't consistent with the image of the race he wants to promote -- how can it be Utah's Toughest if a *girl* wins? But Sarah Jarvis ain't your average girl - she's a beast in the same genre as Hillary Biscay. It's no surprise to any of us who know her that she won.
Anyhoo - just some thoughts to share, and I'll end by saying: if you're looking for something different, an interesting challenge - you should attempt this race!!
It was a fantastic race. Setting aside the issues about the IC - yes, he's pretty self-promoting! but he is also a really nice guy and is a legitimate and attentive race director: he put on a well-organized race on a well-thought out course. It was completely self-supported but they had everything laid out well and there were no surprises or snafus. James' crew was helpful, friendly, enthusiastic - they were out on the bike course everywhere and providing water when they could, taking pictures and video, giving encouragement, etc.
The course itself was gorgeous (although I can only speak to the first 2.25 miles of the 10-mile run loop because that's where I quit, after I got myself off-course and added a 1.5 mile detour). The swim was a perky 4 loops in Lake Jordanelle, which was super nice. With so few racers, I felt like I had the entire lake to myself. The bike was the hardest thing I've ever done - ~8K of climbing in 105 miles, with the climb up Guardsman Pass at the very end. Brutal. The "run" up and down two peaks at Brighton Ski Resort was clearly designed to break everyone, and I think it mainly accomplished that. Still, the bike was highly doable and excellent - and having your support crew drive along and help you out? that's an amazing way to do the bike! Everyone should go ride up Guardsman Pass once before they die. It's that good.
My only disappointment: on social media today (or last night?), James announced the male and female winners. He did not specifically mention that Sarah took the overall win. I suspect a woman winning isn't consistent with the image of the race he wants to promote -- how can it be Utah's Toughest if a *girl* wins? But Sarah Jarvis ain't your average girl - she's a beast in the same genre as Hillary Biscay. It's no surprise to any of us who know her that she won.
Anyhoo - just some thoughts to share, and I'll end by saying: if you're looking for something different, an interesting challenge - you should attempt this race!!