November 18, 2006
Bent Creek Gobbler 50k

Fun runs are friendly gatherings. The stiff competition isn't there. That doesn't mean people don't try. It's just not cutthroat like at some races.

The temperature was amenable for running and we carpooled to the start. I was joined by a few runners from HEAT. Mike Kennedy, our fearless leader, Dan House of adventure racing fame and Loren Shriner, a newcomer to distance running. Also there were Steve Parrish and Mike Piercy, from FAC 50k and Shut-in, Kevin Lane from Pitchell and Sandy Austin from Shut-in. Some elite runners showed up as well. Annette Bednosky, Danny Dreyer, Matt Kirk and Adam Hill, the race director were all present.

The course was to consist of two 15-16 mile loops. The first would take us on a good portion of the Shut-in Trail. The second would utilize many shorter trails.

We started on Bent Creek's South Ridge road. This is a wide gravel road with mostly gentle climbs which winds its way on the side of a mountain range to its intersection with Shut-in.

I started out near the front but quickly faded toward the back. I'd like to stay with the elite runners to converse but I'd be too tired to talk with them if I did. I finally got to meet Lloyd Basten, a true veteran runner who, next year could become the first 70 year old to complete the Shut-in Ridge race. I ran with Mike Kennedy and Loren Shriner from HEAT (High Endurance Athletic Training) for a while. They were on their first long trail run and completed the big 16+ mile loop. I also ran with Lloyd and Sandy for some time.

I ran the last six miles of the first loop alone and would be alone the entire second loop as well. The rest between loops yielded some outstanding homemade juice by Patti Kirk. The only problem with homemade juice is how difficult it is to go back to store bought afterward. I quickly caught up with some other runners and then headed down the road with Dan. He went on to his car as I hit the trails again.

First up was Explorer, a popular mountain biking trail. This led to Pine Tree, past the dam and on to the Hardtimes connector. My pace was slow but steady as the miles wore on. It was on to Wolf Branch, which I hadn't been on in years. This trail climbs gently to a road which leads to Ingles Field. This trail was full of mountain bikers and I had to leap out of the way a couple of times. This climb is much easier than the Shut-in climb.

Hickory leads down to Sidehill, which takes us to the final stint on Lower Sidehill. This trail has been manicured and is a pleasure both to run and to ride. I hollered a few times as I neared the finish to let everyone know I was near the finish as the lot was just a bit below me. Bent Creek road was upon me and led straight down to the finish, where Adam and Matthew were waiting. Mathew ran two aid stations and then ran the second loop. Just four of us did the entire run. I struggled through it as I wasn't fully recovered from the double Shut-in two weeks prior. I still ran it in 5:50, setting a personal best for an ultra.

Raging Bull