May 5-7, 2007
Mountain Sports Festival Trifecta

Rock2Rock 10k
Friday night's run was the Rock2Rock 10k. Most 10k's are pretty basic, with a few hills but mostly flat. This wasn't the typical 10k. We started up a moderate grade, which became a bit more steep. After a short drop, the trail went up the steep drop of the Run for Africa. The climbing was relentless. The run gained 2,700 feet.

It became moderate then steep again. An easy section followed but only gave a false sense of security. Soon we were hit like a mack truck with one of the steepest trails I've seen. It was rocky and muddy, thanks to a drizzle. The mountain was entirely enshrouded in clouds.

I moved as quickly as I could up the trail. I ran with Amy Bly much of the time. We passed each other many times but I lost her on the singletrack, thinking I wouldn't see her again until the finish. A nice downhill greeted me at the top of the first rock. It was a little slick so I took it easy but didn't get to enjoy it for long as another climb greeted me. This one was even rockier but the terrain was gorgeous. This is called the "Garden of Eden" as well as "Eden Rock". Hemlocks dominate the peakand large expanses of granite cover the rest.

The downhill required grabbing whatever you could to steady yourself. The ground was slick and ridiculously steep, easily beyond 30%. It was difficult to stay on my feet. I figured no one would catch me on this stretch since I excel on downhills but I was surprised by not one but four women who blew past me. Amy was one of them. Her downhill skiing skills paid off.

I struggled through the rest of the downhill due to sore shins. All of my friends easily beat me. I gave it all I had but it just wasn't enough. The 1:16 time was actually not bad and I did get to finish in a sprint.

Sunset Stampede 10 miler

I knew I wouldn't be running like gangbusters up to Town Mountain road. I took it easy to save something for the downhill. Last year, I made good time on the climb but struggled coming back down. I got passed up by a guy pushing a stroller with not one but two kids.
I lost Amy early on and wouldn't have the chance to catch her.

The run was fairly uneventful but I did catch the guy with the stroller on the way down. I kept my pace for the last five miles and finished in an impressive sprint. The 1:38 time wasn't anything special but it was a two minute improvement over last year. Everyone I knew who ran it easily beat me.

May Mountain Madness Mama's Half Marathon

The third run of the weekend would be a bit more laid back. Adam Hill put this one on and it took place in Mills River. Adam, Sarah, Steve, Jason, Beth, Amy and I headed up the neverending road. It really does appear never to end and I've never been to the actual end of it, but it does have an end according to the map.

I stayed with everyone for a half mile or so and then dropped back into a very relaxed pace. Amy stayed back as well so I didn't get lonely. Gravel roads tend to drive me a bit batty. I was pleased when we finally made it to singletrack. Singletrack always ignites me so I took off with a burst of speed, running like a maniac. I still acted like a wuss when it came to the first two water crossings. I rock hopped them while most everyone ran right through.

Eventually, we came to a small waterfall and a fantastic water hole. I actually got in as did everyone else. We sloshed on until we hit the reservoir. I actually swam there. I generally just do water when I have to like on the January 1st run with eight stream crossings, including a waist high traverse.

I lagged behind on the climb back to the parking lot but completed all three runs in one weekend along with Steve and Amy. Sarah completed the half marathon after winning a 40 mile road race on Saturday.

Raging Bull