Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Monte at packet pickup
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Porta-potty line at the start
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
American Dipper in stream at the start
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Waiting to start
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
The first waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Continuing to ascend - the first 5 miles were all uphill.
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Continuing to ascend
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Near the top, about 1500' and five miles above the start
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
The photographer, quads still functional
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Descending past another waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Looking down Multnomah Falls
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Crossing talus
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Monte mid-course
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Columbia floodplain woodland
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
The trail goes under the waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Under the waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Woodland
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Crumpled barn - too much rain
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Another waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Runner crossing below waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Another view of the same waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Moss-covered talus. The farther east we ran, the more moss we found
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
The highway and a Columbia River dam, somewhere around mile 20 I think
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Really mossy woods
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Twenty mile aid station
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Snow in the woods
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
The last big waterfall
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Cold mossy woods
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
The photographer on cold mossy talus. Quads still functioning.
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Lunch at the finish - burgers, chips and a keg of ale
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Runner's eye view of the finish line
Gorge Waterfalls 50K Run, 3/12/2011
James Varner puts on a great race and his inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 50K in March 2011 was no exception. The point to point course ran east along the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, mostly on trails and past a dozen or more spectacular waterfalls. Unfortunately I hadn't trained for hills so the 6000 or so feet of up and down ate my quads; I had to limp in the last few miles using sticks for crutches. Nonetheless, a race not to be missed next spring.
Monte finishing

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