Imperial Challenge

This year was my 4th imperial challenge...each year it gets harder, especially since I don't live at 10,000 ft anymore. So coming from an altitude in MN and racing up to 13,000ft is quite the lung buster. I've had a bloody nose for the past 2 days from the lack of O2 and effort.

So what is the Imperial Challenge?
The Imperial Challenge is a pseudo triathlon.
The Imperial Challenge is a rite of spring.
The Imperial Challenge is a party.
The Imperial Challenge is what you make of it.
The Imperial Challenge is fun!

You start in town Breckenridge on your bike and ride 6 miles up to the base of the Breckenridge ski resort. At that point you transition to your skis and climb up to the tallest peak of the mountain at 13,000ft. You put skins on your skis for traction. Once you get to about 100 yards from the very top you have to take your skis off and hike because it's too steep. Your legs and lungs are burning the whole time up the climb and once you get to the top at 13,000ft you put your skis on and ski down a double black diamond and then to the blues and finally green runs to the base. You would think that the downhill is easy, but your legs are completely screaming from the climb and you have to stop and rest a few times on the downhill because your legs hurt so much. Also, you choose the lightest ski set up that you can get away with to help you with the climb, but it makes for a sketchy downhill..

I'll be back next year...I love it.

2010 I was 10th in 40-49 with a time of 2:11:59
2011 I was 8th in 40-49 with a time of 2:18:25