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