Wow. The Pikes Peak Ascent is probably the hardest thing I've ever raced.

It wasn't too bad for the first...10-11 miles? Steady solid hiking, running when it got close to flat or downhill. Once we got above treeline...and particularly the last mile...hello, zombieland. The last mile has 815 feet of climbing. From 13,300-14,115 (or slightly below, since the finish isn't quite on the summit). And you know you're a mile away, and you can see the finish...and it's so far up you can barely crane your neck to see it with a hat on. From that point on, I refused to look anywhere but down the valley that we had already climbed or at the person's feet in front of me.

My running group came to spectate and met me at the top with a coke and a donut. I love them so much right now.

Will I sign up again for next year? Probably