December 8, 2007
Burningtown 100k

This run was devised as an alternative to the Hellgate 100k. Denise Davis planned it after not being able to get into the Hellgate run. The route consisted primarily of a loop on the Appalachian and Bartram Trails along with some dirt road to fill out the 100k distance.

I expected it to be a tough go. The weather was nearly ideal, especially for December, but I knew the route trail would be exceedingly difficult, even approaching 100 milers in terms of difficulty.

We met Friday night to get set for the midnight start. Just three of us set out, Denise, Alan and myself. Denise's husband, Tony, would supply aid after daybreak.

The dirt road climbed to the AT at Tellico Gap. We then headed south on the AT, continuing the climb. The trail was covered with leaves. As we climbed further, they became wet and soon we experienced some light rain.

I struggled to keep pace but we stayed together for most of the run. The lookout spot at the top of the climb was relatively worthless with the fog and darkness. We passed a shelter, which was right on the trail. No one was sleeping there.

The climb to Wayah Bald was difficult for me. The trail became more technical which, when coupled with rain and fog, made it a slow go. It rained harder on Wayah. The weather report stated no rain, but each time we approached 5,000 feet, It rained.

Our time for Wayah was just 15 minutes off of our goal. I knew the trail for the next 15 miles, but it was quite muddy, which really slowed me down. The first descent was tricky to follow. The trail was covered with leaves and I kept getting off of it.

The descent to Nanatahala lake would be formidable. The leaves and mud made it treacherous as I struggled to maintain footing. I was quite ecstatic when the mudslide to the lake was over.

After a brief pavement section, it was back onto trail. This was a pleasure and I finally took the lead for a while. There's a fair amount of descending and this wasn't muddy. The trail drops onto a dirt road, which took us to our first aid stop. Tony Davis had a carfull of goodies and we were soon off again.

Alan took off and stayed with Denise. He had plenty of energy and I was lacking it. This section was mostly runnable, so we made good time. After a lenthy, gradual descent, Denise went ahead. The last climb for me was exhausting, although it wasn't all that steep. Coming off the mountain, the trail switches back repeatedly until a large water tower comes into view. From there, it's road down to the power plant.

I had planned on dropping at this point. My body was just too beat up from so many ultras this year. Tony gave me a ride back to my car. Alan and Denise wisely changed the route and headed back toward Wayah via Piercy Creek. They called it a day at 50 miles and I stopped at 37. I could've continued but it would have been at a snail's pace. I was quite comfortable with calling it a day. I knew I'd be back on this trail again soon for the Bartram Stage Run anyway.

B-Rex

November 17, 2007
Bent Creek Gobbler 50k run

The second running of the Gobbler saw a fun run record of 21 participants. Most only did one loop last year, but it would be an even split this year. The first loop starts on a gravel road which climbs gently with some rolling hills.

I started out in first for about three seconds and then dropped back. Eventually, nearly everyone passed and I was by myself. Tammy Gray was just a bit behind and since I couldn't put more than 50 yards between us, I just waited for her and we ran most of the gravel section together.

At the aid stop, manned by Matthew Johnson, I learned I was five minutes behind the last runners. I made it a point to catch them before the next aid stop and I caught them just as we all pulled in. I ran with Mike Piercy and Curt Euler until the next hill and then took off in pursuit of others. I never caught anyone else.

The route followed the Shut-in trail from Hardtimes up to Bent Creek Gap Road. The road is all downhill so I just let gravity take over.

The second loop follows the road a bit and then takes Explorer and Pine Tree, two mountain biking favorites. Then it's around Lake Powhatan, and on to the Hardtimes Connector.

I struggled as I climbed up Wolf Branch and then Ingles Field. My body wasn't in the mood to run very fast. Ingles Field took longer than anticipated. I enjoyed Little Hickory Top and Sidehill. They have some nice downhills and then spill off onto a gravel road, which leads to the last trail, Lower Sidehill.

Lower Sidehill received a makeover and is now very bicycle friendly. It's one of the best trails in Bent Creek, alongside Ingles Field Gap and Explorer. Green's Lick is easily the best riding trail, but it's a bit dangerous for runners due to its popularity amongst bikers.

Knowing I was on the last trail was reassuring. I'd struggled throughout most of the day so a PR was not a possibility. I still got my second best time for a 50k, but was again slower than the previous year. Nine runners finished the 50k as opposed to just four last year. I have the distiction of being the last finisher two years running. My 6:30 time doesn't sound too bad but it's a relatively fast course. The total climb is about 4200 feet.

B-Rex