Warning: the following words and images will allow you to vicariously see the world with the eyes of Sultan. Read at your own risk. The name Sultan has many meanings, but derives from the peak Sultan Mountain in Silverton, CO!


Thursday, May 12, 2011

Jazzfest in New Orleans

An hour after I boarded a flight headed towards Alaska, the pilot mentioned we were now just north of Memphis and the Mississippi River.  I leaned over to take a peek at the river many are saying is rageing at its strongest since the 1920's.  What I saw was a clear breach of a levy and a massive portion of land flooded with water.
Earlier last week I made it back out to the swamp lands of New Orleans and decided to go for a run with Saltman Sam for another go at the Jazzfest 100k.  Some heat and humidity was exactly what I needed before heading North to Talkeetna.
We set off from Sams house, nestled in quaint neighborhood's not far from the French Quarter.  We ran along Bayou's,  some that later turned into canals, along side levys and reaching Lake Pontchartrain, a massive body of water that one day Saltman Sam plans to run the entire circumference of, just under 150 miles.
After reaching the lake, only 9 miles into the humid adventure my body began to remind me of my Umstead dizziness.
We headed back towards town, and ran thru the Jazzfest lands, and by million dollar mansions, past streets that only a French tongue truly appreciate.  We ran thru Autobon park, where we refilled our bottles.  I felt fatigued and not fully recovered.  I also knew what laid ahead, running 20 miles upstream on the Mississippi and back.  This section, like the previous section is flatter than a Blueberry buttermilk pancake.  It is also fully exposed during the hottest part of the day. The sun will beat you down, especially if you're not acclimated to the heat and sticky humidity.
By the time I reached the Mississippi I let Saltman Sam know that I would be giving the legs a break.
I opted to run walk the 7 miles back to the French Quarter mostly on Magazine street.  I'm glad to made that choice, and was happy to learn that Sam pulled off the 100k in 13+ hours!  Awesome run, and all the best at Western States this year!!
Since our run the Mississippi seems to be actively building momentum, which might be problematic for Louisiana and New Orleans.  I'm hoping for the best.