Sunflower Relay and Iron This race is part of a trail race series and it normally represent my first chance to do some trail runner in the spring. Total distance: 21.7 The Course This unique course begins at 1900 feet elevation in Mazama and includes deer trails, cow paths, bike routes and paved roads. Stunning views of the Methow River, North Cascades and Chelan Sawtooths abound from flower carpeted meadows and fields. At two points racers climb to 2600 feet and drop quickly to the finish at about 1600 feet in Twisp. Down scroll the page in this link to see the elevation profile. http://www.mvsta.com/summer/sunflower_map.pdf My goals for this race Finish sub 5, my time last year was 4:27, but since I just raced a marathon two weeks ago I decided to take it easy and just enjoy this first outing of the year. My second goal was to try to come FL (fricken last). Third goal, to PR in photography during a race. This is a well organized race. Runners meet at the finish line and they bus us to the starting line. The description of the legs. There are 5 legs to the relay. For us brave souls who dare to iron it the exchange points represents a nice place for refueling. * Leg 1: 3.1 miles, moderately difficult. The first mile is on a flat road, but immediately the trail starts going up. It was difficult to not cave in the temptation of stopping to play in the water, but it was too soon at this point for a break. Leg 2: 4 miles, moderately difficult. These four miles takes us through some evergreen trees, hiding the gorgeous view from us until we go to the top of the first monster hill. Once we got out of the timbered area we were greeted by a blanket of sunflowers and other wild flowers. Leg 3: 4.4 miles, difficult, strong runner required. This was the first brutal ascent. I actually had fun pretending that I was being chased by a strong runner and started running like a mountain goat up the hill. I also knew that once I got to the top Paterson Lake was waiting for me. * Leg 4: 2.3 miles, easy, good for young runner. This is a fun leg that many younger kids run as part of the relay team. The course is flat, but the elevation is pretty high. The giggles and laughter of the young runners served us as a distraction from what loomed ahead of us...the mean hill. Once at the top we were at 2500ft. This is were I lost sight of my second goal...I had 4 road kills All our hard work was worth it since it took us closer to heaven. The view was stunning. The energy level of yours truely was low at this point...perhaps because subconsciously I just wanted to sit there for hours and hours. Leg 5: 2.8 miles, difficult. This leg is difficult due to the switchback and poor trail condition. I had to take some extra time to take this picture. The Sawtooth range, which is my hiking playground, is in the background. Leg 6: 5.1 miles, very difficult, extreme downhill sections. Well, one can not stay for ever on the mountain top and with sadness I started the descent to the finish line. Finish time: 4:31...did not achieve my first goal of FL, by around 7 runners. Second goal was missed by around 7 runners. So, what do you think of my third goal...did I accomplished my mission? Finish line decorations provided by mother nature.

Beautiful pictures! Yes, I think you made that one. Looks like a very pretty course with some very challenging parts. You did great on time, too!

Beautiful

Your surely did earn your PR in photography! What a beautiful (and also challenging) course. For having run a marathon just 2 weeks ago, you did very well on this course, finishing only a few minutes behind your time from last year. I'm sorry you didn't get your FL, but there'll be other races where you can shoot for it! Jay

I sure wish I had a place to run that is so wonderful. What a beautiful course thank you for sharing. Larry

Looks like a fabulous way to spend 4 1/2 hours! I hope there were lots of water stops as the scenery makes me parched thirsty just looking at it. Nice job after your huge PR marathon just two weeks ago. You are iron!

What a beautiful report by a beautiful runner.

Beautiful! I wish I could have run it with you....