Here. We. Go.

With only eight weeks left until the start of the 2011 GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run, Team EverymanTri is ramping up the mileage.   Paul Shippey and Lori Lyons have teamed up to take part in this world-renowned race, and will be reporting throughout, so that EverymanTri  readers can experience it along with them.  Minus the sore muscles.

Shippey is a GORE-TEX®TransRockies alumnus, a runner and triathlete with ultramarathons and Ironman distances on his racing resume.   Like many other Boulder residents, he thrives on the challenging topography of the area, whether on the trails or on his bike.  Lyons is a long-time marathoner and ‘flatlander’ who turned her interest to trails last year as a result of following the 2010 GORE-TEX®TransRockies event online.  She recently ventured into ultrarunning, after being reinvigorated by the transition from road to trail.  She is based in Los Angeles.

The GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run is a 120-mile, six-day stage race run in teams of two.  From August 21 – August 26, elite and amateur athletes from around the world will traverse the (literally) breathtaking alpine landscape from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek, Colorado, at altitudes over 12,500 feet, facing nearly 25,000 feet of elevation gain.  The race represents the close equivalent of doing a high-altitude trail marathon every day for six days straight.  Physical endurance, mental (and intestinal) fortitude, recovery, terrain,altitude and climate adaptability will be fully tested.    Participants will discover the depth of their reserves. 

So why is a record-number of people, an astounding 200 teams, signing up for this sufferfest?   First of all, let’s face it.  If it were easy, we wouldn’t be interested.  This is the challenge of a lifetime for most, and the emotional reward that comes from finishing such an epic event is, as Shippey can attest to, indescribable.   Secondly, unlike most running races, the participants in the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run commune for the week in a tent village, and have the opportunity to forge friendships both on the trail and at the campfire.  Thirdly, the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run is one of the best-supported races, with all aspects of nutrition, accommodations, amenities (including hot showers) and medical needs handled by professional teams.  

Speaking of great support, Team EverymanTri’s sponsors, GORE-TEX®, GU Energy, Ryders Sunglasses, Hydrapak, Road ID and Pearl iZUMi will be contributing to the comfort and success of their race.  In addition to race reporting, Shippey and Lyons will be testing product and posting reviews, from their different perspectives, for the EverymanTri community. 

Lori Lyons