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

April 21, 2007
Crowders Mountain 50k

It was a warm start to a hot day. I felt strong, even with coming off a very long run from last week. This would be my first repeat ultra. I wanted to see improvement over last year's performance. I knew that was unlikely, considering what I'd put my body through last week.

We started up a gravel road. leading to the top of Crowders Mountain. It gets steep about a mile in and again at the top. The view is outstanding and contains the entire Charlotte skyline. I walked a good portion of the climb but got moving well heading down the mountain. The descent starts with about 300 steps, followed by a steep gravel descent and then hits rocky, rooty singletrack. About four miles in, I saw Byron Backer heading my way. He was already two miles ahead. He was followed by Annette Bednosky. Mohammed Idlibi and Greg Paige weren't far behind.

I felt strong at the turn around and headed back to the start. The singletrack went well and I cruised up the steps. The descent that was so easy last year was a good deal tougher with spent quads. I made it to the ten mile point in under two hours but I knew I'd slow down on the second circuit.

The second lap went better than expected but it still took 2:20. I ran consistently and performed well on the steps again. The heat was starting to take its toll and my body was ready to stop at twenty miles. I didn't have enough sense to listen to my body so I headed out for the third lap.

I felt fine but had no real power. I did more walking and the heat bothered me more and more. I was glad that I handled the steps much better than I did last year. As for the rest of the course, I didn't handle it as well. It took just over three hours to complete the third lap. My time was 7:26, up significantly from 6:37 last year. This was more of a test of endurance for me in preparation for Massanutten. Annette ran away with the race, winning by over 20 minutes.

Raging Bull