Ear to the ground

“Dang it, my fat fingers have misdialed again.”

-Local caller after transposing two numbers and getting the Telegraph offices instead of the dentist’s office  

High altitude suffering

Another epic challenge has joined the likes of The Hardrock Hundred, Durango MTB 100 and Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. The Silverton Alpine Marathon is revving up for its second year. And if you’re considering running in the grunt-fest, you should set down that Independence Day platter and get busy.

The high-altitude marathon follows a loop through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, climbing 3,800 vertical feet over its uncertified 26.29 mile distance. During that span, it crosses California Pass, 12,930 feet, and Hurricane Pass, 12,400 feet, giving it honors as the toughest marathon in the region if not the state.

Scott Eilerts, who finished the race last year, compiled these “Signs that that the Silverton Alpine Marathon is Not Your Garden-Variety Marathon:”

- You drive to the starting line, and a few minutes later the car windows have iced over – in August.

-You set a goal of 5:00: 00 based on your 10K pace of 45:00.

-You bring all of the waterproof/windproof gear that you have, but in the end go out with gloves, shirt, shorts, shoes and socks, and hope for the best.

-The race has a 10-hour cutoff.

- You get passed by a dog. Nicely, the dog doesn’t bite or use elbows.

-Your split times between aid stations range from 34:11 to 1:05:23, even though they are all about 4 miles apart.

-Your pace on the last, 8 downhill miles is slower than your pace on the first, 8 uphill miles.

-You arrive at the finish line (4:52+) and discover an unlimited supply of beer (unfortunately, it’s Bud).

-You are greeted by your mom, who is happy that you didn’t die out on the course.

-You discover that Bud tastes good, contrary to prior experience.

-The eighth (?) can of Bud tastes just as good as the first.

This year’s race takes place Aug. 27. For more information, log onto: www.silvertonalpinemarathon.com or call 387-5247.