Random Shots of Beauty (Leadville Edition)

“And I wonder … If everything could ever feel this real forever -

If anything could ever be this good again … “

-      Foo Fighters, “Everlong” (video after post)

**

I’m not sure what I was thinking, but clearly I must have slipped into one of my idiot moments.

I thought it wouldn’t be that big of a deal to run 100 miles across the sky, fly back to town the next day, jump right back into the school and work routine, and plunk out a race report by the end of the week.  I managed to click those first few things off the list, but when it came to the race report … not so much.

I’m still awfully tired, I guess.  OK - make that undoubtedly.  However, there’s something larger at play in my lethargy as well.  Part of me is still processing the whole experience, partially in disbelief that everything went as well as I could have hoped for.  There’s also a fair amount of ennui over the fact that last weekend will most likely be the pinnacle of my running career – and with each passing day that goes by, the memories will be less vivid, and the emotions will fade and feel a little less real.  And when I finally write the race report, the whole episode will be officially and permanently in my rearview mirror, which makes me more than a little sad.

(Remember how I've mentioned that I can find the down side of anything?  And you thought I was kidding.)

So while I’m working through this ridiculous bout of sturm und drang over my Leadville report, here’s an advance Random Shot of Beauty from the course - click to enlarge for the full effect:

An abandoned ranch shack as seen at approximately mile 25, in the shadow of Mount Elbert (center background) and Mount Massive (at right), otherwise known as the two highest peaks in Colorado.  This one actually didn’t make the final cut for the race report, so perhaps it’s good that I’ve become such a writing slacker this week.

**

And I suppose it’s fitting that one of my all-time greatest running experiences should be paired with one of my all-time favorite rock songs; one true classic to go with another.

Foo Fighters, “Everlong” (Live on Letterman - click to play):

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