Letter From the Editor

This is me happily finishing the second of three legs at the Red Rock Relay Zion. I ran it with a team of eleven talented runners and though trying, this relay is worth doing. The camaraderie of team racing on a beautiful course, coupled with the joy of finishing strong makes for a truly satisfying race experience.

The late season snow has almost melted, and it’s finally prime biking season in Utah’s mountains. Escape hot valley temperatures and spend a day riding in our scenic canyons. I experienced Deer Valley’s lift-served mountain biking for the first time this summer, and the gorgeous Deer Crest trail is a must for intermediate riders. You’ll begin at the top of Bald Mountain and enjoy stunning views, thrilling singletrack and speedy downhill sections as you ride to the resort base. Get more information on Park City mountain biking in my summer getaway story on page 17.

Why do we love racing? It’s expensive, painful and exhausting, but something motivates us to plan our race calendar each year, sign up for a few events and spend months training, excitedly anticipating race day. For me, be it a 5K or full marathon, crossing the finish line is a glorious rush that is rarely found in everyday life. I love the thrill of racing; challenging myself to accomplish goals that once seemed impossible, all while getting stronger with each trai ning session. (Even if that strength comes in the form of sore, tired muscles.)