Race Run on the Rocks Moab, Utah March 7-9, 2025: TransRockies Running

Pre race day shake out at the Delicate Arch .

Visiting Moab, Utah, has always been on my bucket list. A few members of the Bad Ass Chicks Run Trails team, who competed in 2024, raved about this event. I experienced major FOMO seeing their photos posted on Instagram. The day registration opened, I was on my computer and registered for the Full Pint.

Bad Ass Chicks Run Trails Moab Race on the Rocks Team 2025 left - right : Allison Fryer, Rhonda Callow, Robin Humble , Rianna Burnham, Patricia Roney, Lisa Bruschetta , Peter DeVries and me . Missing Peter Locke .

Moab Run on the Rocks is a three-day trail running weekend in Moab, Utah, with various distance options. The Full Pint is 53.6 miles (85.6 km) with 4,480 ft of vertical gain, while the Half Pint is a little less intense at 33.1 miles (53.1 km) with 2,670 ft (811 m) of vertical gain. Both courses are challenging, offering Moab’s finest single track.

The weather for the three-day event was stunning: blue skies and sunshine all three days with perfect temperatures. It was a bit chilly in the morning but warmed up by the time the race started. Coming from sea level in BC, the altitude played a factor. It’s difficult to know how altitude can affect your performance, depending on your home region and altitude. I didn’t think the altitude would be a big factor for us West Coasters, but it was more difficult for us to adapt compared to those from Alberta or Colorado.

**Stage One: Navajo Rocks**

*8:30 AM start, 19.6 km, 304 meters elevation gain*

On race day one, I felt as though I was sucking air through a straw. The effort felt hard for the slow pace I perceived, and my stomach felt queasy by the end of the stage. I hiked any inclines to catch my breath but seemed to recover on the flatter downhill single track sections. I took a lot of photos and reminded myself, “I’m in Moab; enjoy it.” It was, truthfully, a hard course to race because the scenery was so spectacular. I just wanted to stop, look around, and take it all in. I reminded myself not to panic; this was the first day—don’t burn all your matches. I finished day one in 5th place in the 50-plus age group.

My preparation had gone well leading up to the race. I followed a consistent weekly schedule of Wednesday peak endurance hill or road interval training, long runs on weekends, two to three strength sessions a week with Vic Movement Collective community boot camps, yoga 4-5 times per week, swimming with MRT twice a week for recovery cross-training, and my usual bike commuting. I sprinkled in a few of the Island Road Race Series races for some pre-race intensity.

Lisa and Allison recovering after stage 2.

I purchased a new running pack from Frontrunners Victoria, the Salomon Advanced Skin 12 (I really wanted a purple pack, but they don’t make one, so I opted for turquoise). I love how it fits like a glove—no bouncing around, and I hardly know I’m wearing it. It has lots of side pockets and easy access. The insulated water bladder sleeve was a nice touch, keeping my main water source cool for warmer weather. I had my sun sleeves and gloves to keep me cool, a new visor from Lululemon to keep the sweat and sun out of my eyes (I find I can’t seem to run with sunglasses on), and I wore a cooling buff under the visor. I prefer compression socks and wore my Canadian flag socks, which always make for a good conversation piece. I received many comments like “Go Canada!” I noticed other Canadian runners had the same idea.

I switched from the Brooks Cascadias to the Brooks Catamounts, which are lighter and softer—more trail race specific for this type of terrain. I loved the cushiony feel. I wore gaiters, which helped prevent too much of the silky sand from getting into my shoes. I had been dealing with a foot issue at the base of my right metatarsal pad, and I had my foot taped with second skin to decrease discomfort for days two and three, thanks to Sheri Lampkin, M.Ed., ATC, GTS, and her crew who provided athletic therapy services for the athletes competing. I also took advantage of some post-race recovery massages after the stages.

Sheri Lampin rockstar therapist for Moab Race the Rocks !

My race nutrition plan used mostly Tailwind nutrition, aiming for 200-300 calories per hour. Depending on how I felt, I might add in some solid food, but during this race weekend, I couldn’t manage it. I had worked with Andie Pask on my nutrition plan leading up to the race. However, I miscalculated my Tailwind intake by half on day one and realized I was likely under-fueled. Things went out the window later that day. I experienced a migraine headache, nausea, and vomiting after the race and couldn’t keep anything down. After taking two Advil with bubbly water, I found myself vomiting over the fence at the evening awards. I was so embarrassed, thinking people probably thought I’d had too many post-race beers, but I hadn’t had any. I think it was due to a combination of not enough electrolytes, too much sun, altitude, and heat from the post-race hot tub. In hindsight, I didn’t listen to my body and rest; instead, I pushed through because I didn’t want to miss out on the post-race awards and festivities. I went to bed early without any dinner.

Post race hot tun with Lisa and Patricia.

I really wasn’t sure how days two and three would go, but I was hoping for the best.

**Stage Two: Gemini Bridges**

*7 AM start, 39.6 km, 600 meters elevation gain*

I slept it off, and thankfully on the morning of the second day, I woke up feeling better and was able to drink coffee and eat a gluten-free bagel. The girls reminded me to “take it easy.” I didn’t think I’d have much choice, as the fuel tank was on empty. I could see Rhianna and Robin looking strong and pulling ahead on the long section of red fire road before we turned onto the single track section. Robin later mentioned she saw a flock of bats; however, I sadly missed them. “Run your own race,” I reminded myself. I needed to slow down, just keep it steady, taking small sips of Tailwind followed by water. I knew today was the most important for points, so I aimed to get through it as best I could. This wasn’t a super technical stage, with lots of fire road climbing, which suited my strengths. Running on slick rock is an exhilarating experience. The shiny rock has a smooth, undulating surface, and the grip can be unpredictable, making it tricky to run and requiring agility and focus. I noticed my foot on the off-camber uneven surfaces. The breathtaking desert landscape surrounds you with vibrant red rocks and expansive canyon views. The air is warm and dry, which triggers a nosebleed for me. I told myself if I could finish in under five hours, I’d be happy. I took a risk and tried the electrolyte drink offered on course (F2C Nutrition made in Canada—I’ve used it before; I know not to try anything new on race day), and 1.5 liters of water and Base Salt got me through the 40 km course in just under five hours. I finished day two in 4th place. I was elated, and I think the girls were just as surprised that I finished.

**Stage Three: Bar M**

*8:30 AM start, 21.7 km, 346 m elevation gain*

My energy was back. This course was the most technical stage, and my legs were more tired, with lots of slick rock running. My thoughts during the race were to get through one section at a time. By about 7 km, I started to feel okay. I found the slick rock felt like running on uneven concrete, how I would imagine running on Mars. My shoes felt super grippy, like Spider-Man on the hard surface. I had to concentrate on picking my feet up, as it was rocky and I could trip easily if not paying attention. I thought about how all those lunges and squats that Andie made me do paid off, as this course required leg strength. I focused on looking ahead down the trail, remembering tips from Patricia’s downhill running clinic: running on your toes is like putting on the gas, running on your heels is like putting on the brakes—some helpful tips I learned from Patricia Roney, the overall first winner in the Half Pint event. Way to go, girl!

Patricia Roney first place overall in the Half Pint .

My mantra has always been, “Looking good, feeling strong, nothing can go wrong.” It rhymes, and I repeated that over and over in my head, especially when the going got rough; it really helps to regain focus. I had to remind myself of where I was and how grateful I felt to be in Moab, doing this crazy adventure with the Bad Ass Chicks and other Victoria folks and like-minded runners. I conversed a little with fellow Canadian racers Stuart and Daniel from Vancouver, and a group of prairie people from my hometown, Saskatoon and Estevan, were competing as well. Of course, there were many American participants, and thankfully, I didn’t notice any drama given the political status of the USA. We were all there to enjoy each stage of the race, take in the scenery, and get to the finish line.

With about 5 km to go in the last section of stage three, I happened to look back and saw a woman in my age group (I had looked up my competitors' numbers in the AM) running the technical section fast and furious, coming up behind me. I focused ahead, but she passed me. I thought this was going to turn into a race to the finish. I truthfully wanted to just cruise in and enjoy the last few kilometres of this event. I was feeling anxious, and my thoughts shifted from “just let her go” to “hell no, you can’t let her go; you will regret it if you don’t try.” I stayed close behind her and eventually passed as we came to the turn with about 400 meters on the fire road to the finish. My only hope was to sprint as fast as I could, like a scared crazy lady. I finished just ahead of her and later thanked her for pushing me to the end. I don’t think she was impressed, but really, it came down to a race to the finish line.

Forest Dwellers Victoria - Ron and Lois Woolley and Carlea Remodo and me at the stage 3 finish .

I finished in third place in my age group and overall in the 50-plus general classification. I couldn’t really believe it, and I felt emotional. I am grateful that I never gave up.

The TransRockies Race volunteers and aid stations were exceptional, with no shortage of food options that catered to gluten-free runners too. The pre- and post-race venues were professional and entertaining. I loved the nice touch of fire pits and lawn chairs for the racers. There was no shortage of post-race food or beverages, along with some good giveaway swag.

The 50 plus top 3 finishers . Made the podium .

The energy of the event provided a high-voltage, thrilling atmosphere. What I really loved was how the racers would cheer on the last finishers, especially on the last day as we did the wave to welcome in the runners. The race welcomed all abilities and ages of runners, from the super-fast elite to the slower hikers.

The best part of the trip for me was traveling with six other Bad Ass Chicks from Victoria. It was a fun journey from start to finish; we all got along and packed a lot into six days.

Bad Ass Chicks at the finish line stage 3 .

If you are looking for a destination race, I highly recommend the Moab Race on the Rocks. I would do it again in a heartbeat! PS if I did this event before , I would consider going a week before to acclimate and stay a week later too .

A big thank you to my coach, Matt Cecil; Andie Pask, Victoria Movement Collective; Peak Endurance; Bad Ass Chicks Run Trails; Nikki Jomba for helping organize our amazing condo accommodation and vehicle; Lisa Bee for being our amazing chauffeur and "cat herder"; and Rhonda for being a superhero attending to a medical incident. Thank you to Houde (Kevin McDonald) and the TransRockies Running volunteers for a memorable three-day amazing adventure in Moab. Thank you to the various photographers on the race course . Congratulations to all who participated and finished . See you next year…?