That Time I Almost Did An Ironman

The Ironman 70.3 World Championship happened here in southern Utah on Saturday. Many years ago I almost registered for the race when it was a full Ironman. Before signing up I figured I better go to the pool and brush up on my swimming skills (or utter lack thereof).

I swam approximately half a lap when I realized that competing in an Ironman was the absolute worst idea ever. (Unless you count the time I ate pork chili verde from the hospital cafeteria. THAT was the worst idea ever.)

Even though I have maintained my 0% desire to do Ironman ever since, our family has had a blast volunteering for many years. I have huge respect for those amazing athletes. Since those days of considering Ironman I have fallen deeply, madly in love with the trails and there is nowhere else I'd rather be.

This week reaffirmed my love for running in places that get my feet dirty. How can you not fall in love with experiences like this?

My favorite run took me on the long, steep climb to Toquerville Falls. The wild flowers were exploding on the hill sides. It was ridiculously beautiful. I had this shot I wanted to get looking up to the flowers and decided to lay down on the dirt and weeds to get this picture:

I have seen this type of flower before but never in our area. It was cool to see them on this run:

The waterfall was as beautiful as ever but you have to work to get these views. The route is steep and feels like running through the Sahara. I expect to be running here a lot during the summer to prepare for the Wasatch 100. It is amazing that a beautiful oasis like this is in the middle of the desert.

I've seen these brilliant blue birds in the past but they are rare. And they are fast! I've never been quick enough to get a picture of one. Until now!

It inevitably feels 20 degrees hotter than the stated temperature out in this area. I'm not exagerating. I always end up cutting it close with water, even when I take 2 liters in my UltrAspire Omega pack.

The run was wonderful enough that it needed to end with a ninja trail jump. Even though my hometown is hot as the Sahara, I am convinced that I live in paradise.