Sunday, August 12, 2012

King's Peak: 13,527 feet

A few weeks ago a new found trail running buddy mentioned that he was going to do a King's summit. King's Peak is situated in the Uintah Mountains and represents the highest point in Utah. This had been on my bucket list for a long time and now the thought of doing the 29 mile round trip summit in one day was super appealing...so I was in.

I mentioned to my brothers Greg and Brian that I was going and they both said "cool when should we be ready?" I love that these two did an "off the couch" 29 mile day. They are both mountain men and have incredible abilities backed up by guts and grit second to none.

In short we had a great and adventurous day. We had a runner in the group fall, sprain his wrist, break his nose and deviate his septum. We "bouldered" for a bit. We experienced the light headedness that comes with that altitude. We saw views and sights that can only be seen from that height. We ALL summited.

Other than a brief bout with the altitude and climb, I felt great. I ran the last ten miles hard and finished strong. Now it is taper time. I felt this was an appropriate last long run. A great day! Below are some pictures from the day. Enjoy!!

 Greg crossing the foot bridge.


Brian with King's over his shoulder in the early morning light. 



Awesome approach mileage. 



 King's through the grass.


 Me on the summit.


 Brian cruising the descent.