I had such an incredible time last year running the TRR – a 6 day stage race of 120 total miles with 22,000 ft total elevation gain- that I wanted to run again this year. When the opportunity came up for me to work it as a massage therapist, I immediately said yes! I really enjoy doing sports massage for running events. It allows me the opportunity to visit with other runners and assist them in easing any discomfort or limited mobility they may suffer from after running big distances.
I was really looking forward to getting out of the AZ heat for a while, and smiled broadly as I watched the temperature drop as I traveled north through northern AZ, New Mexico, and finally into CO.
Finally got to wear my warm Xyience gear!
The race begins in this lovely little town called Buena Vista, here I planned to meet my friends Vanessa and Shacky to hike 2 fourteeners before I started work on Monday. Unfortunately, our directions got skewed and we missed each other in the early morning when we planned to meet so I ended up running a bit of the Colorado Trail on my own. I only went to 12,500 ft and about 6 miles round trip, but I felt good and was really happy to get some trail time in.
Colorado Trail
Due to some severe weather, Vanessa and Shacky only climbed one mountain that day. They were chased by a fierce hail storm but thankfully made it back safely! (I believe this was some divine intervention on my behalf that I didn’t find them at the trailhead. Not only did I miss the storm, I also suffered some DOMS from my modest run that day!)
The ‘Shacknado’!
The event itself had much more weather than the previous year. 2013 really didnt see much rain, whereas this year it rained at least once every day. (I camped in my car for the event, each time it rained I had a moment of gratitude for being warm and dry!)
For the majority of the week, I woke up early to get a run in before we started our work day. It felt amazing to feel the chilly air against my skin and to have the sensation of a cold nose! (You definitely miss that running in the desert in the summertime!) On the fourth day, we actually had the morning off so we could run the 14 mile stage. My heart was filled with joy as that was my favorite stage from the previous year! It has an intensely steep 7.5 mile climb with a 6.5 downhill finish with about .75 of a mile running through a river. Not crossing it, but running with it! Fabulous!!
Turns out, I was the third overall finisher of the crew who raced that day. I was pretty pleased to see that since I didnt really train at all for any sort of mountain running! I was also 30 minutes faster than last year but I attribute that mostly to the fact that my legs were relatively ‘fresh’.
Im not going to lie, being a part of the crew is a lot of work. In the morning we have to quickly disassemble the tents for 400 runners, travel to the next camp and reassemble said tents. Once that is complete, we quickly shower and head to the massage tents (we also assemble) and start massaging athletes until it gets dark. We break down the massage tents, go to sleep, and wake up and do it all again!
Tent City
The crew consists of some of the most dynamic, positive, hard working people I have ever met! I was really inspired by Val, a French Canadian who is an amazing massage therapist, but you should see her eyes light up when she talks about mountain biking! She helped me to be more open minded about the sport and definitely give it another try. (Currently ISO a mt bike to add to my collection!) There was another MT who also did Thai massage so I felt strength in numbers and didn’t feel quite as silly when I (literally) walked all over the athlete’s backs!
The week was full of laughs and great memories. I was able to reunite with old friends and make new ones, and I am certainly looking forward to next year!
This is definitely a race to put on your bucket list! Or you can make it a super fun working vacation by volunteering! 
Email me (hollyisfitness@gmail.com) for a discount code for $100 off next year’s registration for either the 3 Day or the 6 Day. Registration is open now & 2014 sold out quickly!
Team Xyience Athlete- Check it out! http://bit.ly/1pFdXPv
Holly Fitness 
I only did the 3 day but it was Awesome! Even better than I had anticipated! I may volunteer next year as a sweeper on my MTB 🙂
Thanks for your volunteer work. I’ve never run more than 52 miles in a week and after 60 miles in 3 days I was surprised how fresh my legs felt on day four. I attribute that to your feet and hands! You’re very good at what you do and intuitively knew what needed fixing each day. Thanks!
It was nice to meet you and you’re a very genuine person.
Cheers!
It was nice to meet you
Congratulations on your achievement! It was such a pleasure meeting you as well! Hope to see you again next year!