February 9, 2008
Rattle My Heart 50k

The Rattle My Heart fun run began in Montreat, climbed up to Rattlesnake, headed through Ridgecrest, traveled down Kitsuma, followed a road for a bit, headed up Heartbreak Ridge and cme back on the Toll Road and the Lookout trail. I was looking forward to this run. I'd done Kitsuma and Heartbreak out and back each with Sarah last year. I'd introduced Adam to these trails and they are certainly among my favorite anywhere.

I was in no hurry and just wanted to get in the miles as a recovery run after Uwharrie. My knees had been bothering me but I had no issues at Uwharrie since I took it easy on the downhills. I thought my knees were fully recovered so I'd test them out on a downhill or two.

I took a different route to Rattlesnake and easily beat everyone there. Everyone was surprised to see me at the summit since I began in the back. I was able to rest and get ready for the first descent. I hammered it and felt fantastic doing it.

At the tennis courts, some runners made a wrong turn and headed down to Ridgecrest. Steve Parrish, Rob Rikkoon, Adam and I headed up the steep road to the lookout, took some pictures and descended on a steep trail. My knees were now feeling it. I had to take it very slowly. I stayed with Steve until we met Charlie Roberts at the Kitsuma trailhead.

Steve went ahead with Adam and Rob and I took my time. Two other runners caught me at the top of the mountain but I could no longer descend so Kitsuma became more of a death march for me since it is primarily downhill. I hiked the trail and then hiked most of the road to the Heartbreak trailhead. I filled up on food and headed back to the finish with Charlie. It was nice to hang out and wait on the finishers.

February 23, 2008
Mt. Mitchell Challenge

I'd been stricken with a nasty cough the Monday before the race. By Friday, it seemed as if it had run its course. Liz Bauer, Scott Brockmeier and Mohammed Idlibi joined Matt, Lily and myself for a feast of pasta, bread and salad on Friday night.

I felt just fine before the race. I made my rounds talking to dozens of friends who were running. I was a sweep, along with Stu Gibeau and India Coleman. I found out that India would not be running. I started out slowly and wound up falling behind Stu and an elderly runner. It looked like it would be a long day. A couple of late starters caught up to me but when the climbing started, I couldn't stay with them.

At the first aid stop, I informed the captain that I would be unable to complete my duties as sweep. The plan was to just do the marathon course. My chest congestion proved to be a formidable foe. I wound up stopping at the Parkway, after just 14 miles of pretty much hiking. Every time I tried to run I coughed up nastiness.

I got the chance to see all of the marathoners run back down and cheer them on. Some Challenge runners passed as well and I got in a few quick words with many. Annette Bednosky looked strong and well on her way to victory. Kevin Lane and Matt Kirk looked very relaxed and they would both cross in third place.

I hung out at the Parkway aid station and greeted many more runners. Sarah had some issues and was forced to stop there on her way back. We expected to have to wait until everyone was through to get a ride back. The photographer showed up and offered us a ride to the finish so we went.

I talked with some finishers and then got drafted to work the finish line. I relayed info to Wally Dunn, who announced the runners as they were about to cross the finish line. Chris Shields had been grabbing finishers' numbers and then joined me with the name relays. It was quite enjoyable and I still got to work a full day for the race. The dinner, the best post race meal around was very enjoyable and most runners showed up. It's one the better social hours around for distance runners.

B-Rex