RUNNING BLOG: Jim survives the Squaw Valley Mountain Run

Sure, I heard the Squaw Valley Mountain Run was a tough race. I heard it has steep hills. I read it's 2,000 elevation gains from 6,200 to 8,200 in 3.6 miles.

But, I had no idea just how steep it was. This wasn't a run, it was a slow walk up a crazy steep trail.

The race started at the ski resort village and ended up at the Olympic area mid-mountain. About 500 people joined in the short, steep annual event.

At the start I tried to run slow enough to maintain the pace throughout, but that only lasted a quarter of a mile. Most of the other folks in the event were run/walking and I knew I couldn't do any better.

The views were incredible though. The top of Squaw Valley's peaks ahead and sharp drops to the Valley below. Once I got past the fact I wasn't able to run as I'd like, I enjoyed the trail and views.

With the San Francisco Marathon only 6 days ago, I really didn't want to push myself. I even stopped a few times and took some photos.

Now that I got my whining out of the way, my fellow RTO running buddy, RC, also took on the challenge. But he took off at the start. He's a veteran of the Mountain Run (this was the event's 29th year). And in typical fashion, he killed it. He finished second in his age group with a 38 minute time. My 54 minutes wasn't even close. But I did get to drive his 911 to Tahoe City after the run!

The best part of the event was the cool beer glass they gave out with the logo on it. And drinking three, free beers at 8,200 feet on an empty stomach and a little dehydration, I was feeling good!

I have a whole new level of respect for this race. I'll need to do some serious mountain training and try again next year.

Jim Hemig blogs on his running adventures in the Reno, Tahoe, Truckee and Carson City area. Follow Jim at nevadaappeal.com. Go to Opinion then Blogs.