Race Across New Mexico, Stage 3

Stage 3 began slowly, with the first 3 miles at a 12 min/mile pace. After those first miles, though, my legs loosened up and I picked up the pace again.

This stage was very scenic and exciting!

First of all, we went through this town called "Pie Town." The pie tasted okay, but to tell you the truth, there is this place in Florence, Colorado that makes the best pie in the world (so you should go there!)

A couple miles later, I saw two animals cross the road, probably 300 meters up the road. They were very low to the ground, and a smaller size, so I knew they weren't mountain lions. They could have been, however, wolves! A lady had talked to us about wolves being in the area...the person in front of me was probably 5 minutes up the road, and the person behind me was 3 minutes behind, so I was all alone. Sort of unsettling, but I hoped my bright green jacket would frighten any wild animals away as I ran by.

Next, I passed over the continental divide! I thought it would be the highest point on the course, but it actually was about 300 feet lower than the highest point a couple miles down the road.

Next, I entered the Cibola National Forest. Spread out in New Mexico, this is also the forest that the Cedro Peak 45k and 45 Mile takes place in. The Cedro Peak 45k, which I ran in 2013, was very treacherous and awesome, and I was glad to be back in this National Forest.

At around 13.5 miles, we hit the highest point on the entire course from CA to DC, at 8128 feet. I was excited to see my altimeter hit 8000 feet, but didn't get a photo of the highest point:

Stage 3
Distance - 26.53
Time - 4:36:21
Pace - 10:25
Calories - 1955
Elevation Gain - 1119
Elevation Loss - 1273
HR Avg - 140
HR Max - 169
Minimum Elevation - 7259
Maximum Elevation - 8120

Totals (3 Stages):
Distance - 79.54
Time - 13:36:36
Pace - 10;16
Calories - 6306
Elevation Gain - 3132
Elevation Loss - 3245
HR Avg - 145
HR Max - 182
Minimum Elevation - 7024
Maximum Elevation - 7792