March 22, 2009
Doughton Park Trail Run (16 miles)

Annette Bednosky invited all comers to join her on either a 16 mile trail run or a 32mile trail/road run. We all opted for the trail run. I picked up Matt Kirk and Uwharrie and we headed up north.

Matt and I had just tackled some challenging trails the day before in Old Fort. We arrived late but they waited for us. Doug Blackford and an ultra newbie joined us for the run.

I took my usual position at the back of the pack but moved along pretty well. A open spot led us over a little hump and then up the first climb. This was a rocky ascent, leading to the finest view of the day.

I trailed the group until the big descent. I cruised down the trail with reckless abandon. It felt fantastic to be able to open up all the way again. Finally, all joints and muscles were in top form.

I ran with Uwharrie, who kept cutting switchbacks to catch me. Eventually, I got ahead of her and she couldn't catch me. The views were tremendous but I was focused on speed. I waited at the bottom for everyone else and then I knew it would be a hike back up to the top.

On the way home, Matt and I stopped in Boone for a meal and to hit up a nice brew store. We didn't go home empty handed.

B-Rex