Holiday Lake 50k

Event info
Date: February 11, 2012.  
Location: Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox, VA
Event Distance: 50k 
Hosted by: Extreme Ultra Running
Series: Lynchburg Ultra Series - event 1 of 4
Event Website: HERE

Other race reports on this event: 22 stories (and possibly more now)all linked from THIS page.

I am much later than usual posting this report. The real motivating factor was because I ran another race, which I  want to get to and I had to finish this one first. I had been 90% done for a long time, but never completed it. Life has been non-stop.
History
Even though I've covered this distance, just last month and a couple times previously, THIS was the event I was waiting for. I suppose I felt that to take part in one of Dr. David Horton's 50k's Was just something I HAD to do. Now I can check that off my list. If you don't know much about all he has accomplished, read the bio on that link and you'll be impressed to have a guy of such character and accomplishment in our region!
He and his friend Dr. Clark Zealand host the Lynchburg Ultra Series together, along with the Beast Series.
These are the region's ultimate ultra running events.

I wanted to run this event and this series for a couple years now. I always wanted to get my running up to this distance. I have a few people to thank for this. most importantly my wife, Lydia for allowing me to spend hours away from home and out in the woods. I'd like to thank my encouraging running friends. Especially Anita Finkle. She provided me the final step of encouragement that I needed to really get out there. I believe her encouragement to enter a 24 hour race was just what I needed to show me that I could do it! Also I'd like to thank some bloggers like Jenn at Freedom to be, for sharing her experiences of working toward and running her first ultras. I learned a lot from those stories she shared. I only hope that what I've been documenting here can help someone else get the info they need to accomplish their goals of running ultra marathons.

Events prior to the event
Why do I even call these races events, and not races? it is because they are so much more than a race to me. I think of shorter distances as races. and longer distances as events. They often take all day and there is food and friends and fun. how can you call that a race? I know it still is for many, of course it is. It can still be a race, even thought I call it an event. I think that shows it to be less intimidating and emphasizes it's just not all about gutting it out to the finish.

Trying to fit in my last long run was probably the more dramatic story in the small events leading up to this Sat. I sent out a message to running friends on FB that I'd like to do a long run. I changed the date on everyone a couple of times. and as my schedule would have it, I couldn't do it on a weekend. Which left me to run mid week in the afternoon / evening and it would take me long into the dark hours of the night. After stringing along a few friends and then changing plans a couple more times... I finally arranged with Eddie Mann that we would run the Chestnut Ridge Loop (next to Mill Mountain in Roanoke) and circle the 5.4 mile loop  times. Eventually the day came, I think it was a Thursday and it was a success. of course it got dark, which added an exciting element in the final hours. I was thankful for Eddie to have come with me and I believe it was his longest run at the time of his training... I'm looking forward to hopefully sharing with him his first ultra later this year, possibly at the Eastern Divide 50k.

The morning of
The race starts at 6:30, wow that is early. but I'm thankful for the early start. Of course that means it could be horribly cold, but thankfully today it wasn't. This also means that I wake up at 3:30 and try to leave at 4AM, so I arrive between 5:30 and 6 in just enough time to check in and get comfortable. That is exactly how it happened too. Believe it or not, the only thing I could have done differently was not take the first parking opportunity I saw which would have placed me closer to the race start, but it wasn't bad at all.

I arrived, Took a small walk to the lodge building where it was obvious that check-in would be located. grabbed my entry t-shirt, and scanned the left overs from what looked like a nice breakfast. I took a pack of chocolate covered donuts, which I knew would taste nice after the run. I saw a couple familiar faces, but didn't talk to anyone. Back to the car to make the final prep before the run.

At the start line, I looked around for familiar faces but didn't see them, I heard a couple names I knew being called out for not having checked in. Eventually Samantha Mitchell arrived to the start - Ah! finally a familiar face. Why does that help so much? I don't know. Just nervous energy. I knew others that would have been there but I didn't see them until later.

Finally we were off.

The race


Speaking of the person in front of me....
As the sun came up and I was passing a couple runners here and there, while a couple runners passed me here and there. I came upon an almost familiar figure. I approached him by the side and said "Craig Burns!" sure enough I was right. I've only met Craig once and that was at the Mountain Masochist mis-point. We had a short conversation and he drove my car for me to take it to the end of the race so it was there for me when I was done sweeping the second half of the course. When I expressed my excitement for having recognized him, he humbly replied "It's the Spirit".

Craig and I ran together for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and his focus. Craig and I share the same the same faith in Christ and we were able to enjoy that element as we ran together. I could go on about how important it was to me to have that conversation with him. It was just the right timing. At times when I run, I pray and Craig entered my prayers more than once throughout that day.

A little longer down the trail I ran upon Helen MacDermott. Helen was dragged through the drama of me trying to organize a small group to run with in my final run before the big day. At last minute, I changed plans and she was unable to make that day and time. Life is hectic and schedules can sometimes be difficult to plan around. My life with a family and 2 babied, just makes it challenging. It was good to finally meet Helen. We chatted and ran together a short time as well.

As I was running along. I'm always thinking to myself... "Am I running too fast" because I've got a long way to run and if I run too fast now, I just won't have any energy later in the day. sooner or later I get behind another runner, or group of runners. usually when I find myself behind one or two runners. They may seem to be a tad slower than my desired pace to run at that omen, but I force myself to stay behind them for a little while, just to help control my pace for a moment. At times, thought I come upon a long string of runners and thought difficult to pass. I usually do. So along one long string of runners. I run into John Farmer. John and I crossed the line together at the Willis River Wilderness 50k just last month. It was nice to see him again. Just an encouraging face and name. He was surprised I remembered him. but of course I did.

After that I didn't see familiar faces until the turn around.

The course is 2 loops. Run it once one way, and then run it in the opposite direction. Before the turn around I crossed paths with Jenn from Freedom to be, and soon I was headed down a staircase to cross over a small reservoir  and then around the last part of the lake. Soon I was back to the start with another Aid Station. At this point I felt strong, but I knew I was going to slow down. It was nice to See JJ Jessee at the Aid Station.

JJ, along with Jenn are part of the Iron Mountain Trail Runner community in the Damascus, VA area. That group of trail runners really seem to have a great network of running friends with people always looking for others to run with, or someone asking for advice. I've benefitted a lot from their FB page alone and the conversations they have had there from time to time. I'd hope that we could have something like that in Roanoke, and I feel that we are getting there.

A short conversation with JJ helped estimate my finish time. I secretly wanted to finish at 6 hours. I stopped for a moment, enjoyed a short conversation and some more food and drink. I headed back down the trail.

Pit Stop!

Knowing the next aid station was 4 or miles ahead, I still decided to press on. Even before I got to the turn around Aid Station I felt that I may need to use the bathroom soon. I began to develop a theory that if my body is able to focus resources on digestion, then I'm just not running hard enough. So I kept pressing on, thinking of the 6 hour goal, which I knew I would fall short of.

The next AS was at mile 20 or so. I had no doubt that any of the ASs would have had anything I needed. and so I asked for some toilet paper. As the young volunteer went to look in the back of the vehicle, she turned to yell out to another volunteer, "Hey, where's the... never mind" She didn't want to yell the words "toilet paper" Which was the polite thing to do. Sure enough she found it and I was off into the woods in a totally different direction until I could no longer be seen.

I kept reminding myself that though I'm losing time on my goal, I will be more comfortable overall. Sometime in all my reading, I recalled how to properly go about doing this.... dig a hole, down to the depth of where it is packed dirt, and then cover it all up with the dirt (and leaves and whatever) you displaced.

Of course I immediately felt better when I got on the trail, but I had lost track of all runners before and after me. I was running along a different group of people now. It was a bit of a mental challenge. I knew I wouldn't catch up to them. For some tho would not have been a concerning element at all, but out there in the middle of nowhere it was nice to feel like I kind of know who I had recently passed, and who had recently passed me. Those things give me comfort. It is like I feel that I fit in at this spot within the field of runners. That was disrupted. Once I felt comfortable that I was doing the same thing and only the faces had changed, I was back on track.

Heading home

I enjoy all that I learn from talking to other runners at such events. I spoke with another runner who was strictly sticking to her plan to run for 4 mins and walk 1 min. I tried to stay with her, but I was slowly losing the ability to run for 4 full minutes. but I was surprised how long I was able to stick to that. It is encouraging to find someone to run and chat with in those last miles. Even after pressing on and on, I still found the strength to keep pressing on.

It was nice to finish. A little less climactic than how it was at Willis River 50k when I had a group of friends awaiting, that was nice!

What was done differently

The main thing I did differently was changing some of what I was drinking throughout the race. I carried a 22 oz. Nathan handheld filled with alternating products. I switched back and forth from Pro and Neuro. I felt that I was getting my electrolytes from Salt Stick caps, so I used my drink as energy products. I felt that it worked well. 

The more amazing thing was in the few days after the run. I experienced a muscle recovery faster than I've ever had. I often take ibuprofen for about 3 days after a long run like this one. but this time it took less than a day to recover. It sure felt that way. I took ibuprofen ONCE the night of the race, and never again. I felt great. again what I did differently was that I've been drinking a Vi-Shape shake after my runs, usually 2 during the rest of the day, and often the following day as well. and I've been taking the Vi-pak of vitamins also from ViSalus Sciences.

Most people who really get into a sport or activity eventually find their product line that really works for them. and I'm really enjoying these products.

The Vi-shape shake is marketed as a post-workout recovery drink for protein and nutrients needed as well as marketed as a meal replacement for weight loss. I've seen it have amazing results in my family for weight loss, and I've read the stores of others, whom I don't personally know and seen pictured of those using it to improve fitness. I can now say I am learning it's potential for runners also.

What is next

Explore Your Limits 10k on 3/3/12, Then Terrapin Mountain 50k on 3/24/12, and on to Promise Land 50k continuing with the Lynchburg Ultra Series.

Frozen Toe 10k

Date: January 7, 2012.  
Location: Along the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail in Roanoke, VA. The start and finish is at New Hope Christian Church
Event: 10k (actually 6.15 mile) trail run
Presented by: Mountain Junkies, LLC
Event Website: HERE
Other race reports on this event: Cardioholics Anonymous, Running because I can, Doug Falls


Yet another fine event courtesy of the Mountain Junkies.

Up and coming Mountain Junkies. Josie, Bentley and Sutton
Photo courtesy of the Mountain Junkies

We met at the New Hope Christian Church on a Saturday morning that was much warmer than the previous 2 years. I ran this event last year and there was a couple inches of snow on the ground. This year, unseasonably warm, but welcomed.

Courtesy of Brandie Bailey

Courtesy of Brandie Bailey

Despite the fact that my favorite Race Directors were told that they could not maintain the trail prior to the race (something about it being on national park property, I think) it was still in very nice shape for the race.

The absolute coolest thing about this event, was the excitement that it brought. The vibe there was such like it had been a long time since many of us had seen one another. Of course it was October since the last Mountain Junkies event. Some of us have run together in one form of another since then, but it was sure nice to all be together again and with many new faces as well. This event's registration was full at 300!

Pre-race
The days leading up to the race. All I could think of is how fast could I really run this loop? The Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail (CRL) is as "home court" as it gets for me. I've run this trail more than any other in my whole life, but I know many others can say the same thing. I prefer to access it from the parking area just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Roanoke Campground. The trail does loop around the campground.

So many time I set out to run the CRL fast, and come in at 52 mins. Another day, I'm sure I broke 50, but no, 52 mins. Another day I thought I'd take it easy... sure enough 52 mins. Is it a magical place? Some would wonder.

Not long ago, I ran it in 50 mins. It was an attempt at running it fast. Of course the weather was much cooler than previous times I attempted to run CRL fast.

I am surveying my friends and seeing who will run it at which planned speed. Some I knew I couldn't hang with, and others I thought I may be able to. I think I choose wisely.

At the starting line
I think I choose wisely because I stuck with Doug Falls for the first 2 or 2.5 miles. Which wasn't easy to do for most of it. but once we got the main hill for the course, I figured if I was still with him at that time, that it would be at this point that I would pass him, and it was. I really enjoy running with Doug. He is faster than me on average, but I'm learning that I'm faster than him on hills. We run well together. We push one another. That is the way running friends should be. I always look forward to running with Doug.
Phil on the other hand... I mentioned at the start something about keeping up with him at the very beginning, until we got to the trail. HA! He was gone from the start!

Courtesy of Brandie Bailey - pretty awesome pic of the race start

Course
The course is along the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail. one of my favorite places to run in town. It is so close to the hospital and downtown, you can be there in minutes. This trail makes you feel like you are deep in the woods, but then you realize you are on the outskirts of a campground and a neighborhood here and there. You cal feel like you are far away, but you never really are. The loop crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2 locations. For the race we went under the parkway at a cross road as the National Park Service didn't want runners crossing the parkway at a race.  The elevation profile for the course is below, courtesy of the Mountain Junkies, LLC whose website I STOLE the image from.

Elevation gain and loss is right at 800 ft. The biggest most noticeable climb is from mile 3 to 3.5. The final downhill is a nice ending. nothing too horrible on this course as long as you are used to running hills. If all you are used to is flat roads, then this event will prove to be a tough one... but if you are really up for a steep Mountain Junkies race. Check out the Mill Mountain Mayhem. There is no question why it is the lowest attendance of any of their events. It is quite intimidating. I have a race report on it from 2011 HERE. Interested parties will have to wait until April to run it.

So... how did the race go?

I really felt settled in to a pace after the hill climb at mile 3.5, in fact my plan was to push it harder than normal until before the hill... settle down a bit to save some juice for the hill. Run the hill slow and steady as I normally do, and then after recovering from the hill try to settle into a flowing pace, but something consistent with those around me.

I noticed that very little passing was happening with those around me. I felt that this was a good sign, that I had placed myself well in the starting crowd, and that I ran the first portion of the race at the correct pace, to have settled in to the pace that I did, that there was little to no shuffling going on.

Last year I started out slow, and it was just a mess once on the trail. Passing on single track isn't easy. Fortunately many parts of the trail are wider than single track and allow for passing.

The last portion of the loop flowed nicely. Knowing the terrain I was on, I could easily prepare for what was ahead. I settled in, maybe a little too well.

The last mile or less
I found myself behind the 3rd female overall. I was pretty excited to be that far up in the overall results that there was only 3 ladies running ahead of me. I was reviewing in my head the goals I had for this race. I had no number for the time I wanted to see on the clock. I just knew I wanted to run it harder and stronger than I ever have run on that trail, and by this point in the race, I knew that I had accomplished that. I also wanted to try and place well in my age group. Knowing I would not likely make top three in AG, but I still wanted to run strong.

At this point in the race I had settled in to the thought that my mission was accomplished. I looked ahead on the turns and saw no competition ahead of me. No apparent age group runners in what I would this would be a catchable distance... and so I settled in. I shouldn't have let this happen.

The final stretch
Finding myself behind the 3rd female overall, I was pleased with my performance... until. I had concluded that I wouldn't blatantly pass this lady. I had thoughts that it might be rude to do in the final moments of the race...until. I was happy with how I had run and knew any age group competition was not in reach and so I figured I would take this pace to the finish right behind this lady.... until.

Photo courtesy of the Mountain Junkies

Out of no where she and I were passed. Immediately I thought 2 things "Oh no you don't!" and "He might be in my age group!"I kicked it from there to the finish and even though I passed the girl whom I had committed myself to not passing, the important thing is that I passed the guy that passed me in the final stretch. He didn't end up being in my age group after all.

Immediately after
It hit me that I should have run that last half mile downhill a bit harder and suddenly I began to think of next year. How come after conquering a course stronger than I ever had, I begin thinking of next time. Me and the CRL have an interesting relationship. There is a lot of training left to do there... I'm not done with it. Not at all. I think that is what hit me at that moment. I began to tell myself "Good job, but you can still do better"

I found a couple running friends and had some quick post race conversations. I grabbed a couple of bites to eat... of course chocolate chip pumpkin bread! A Mountain Junkie post-race staple. then off to the car I went as I had an assignment.

Post race assignment
My wonderful Mother-in-Law had been sick all week, but she still agreed to watch the kids for us as we ran this race. So instead of coming to the race with them, she stayed at the comfort of our place and I was to pick them up. The plan was right when I was done running my hear tout, to go home (Across town) pick up 3 kids and return to the race! Sure no problem, right?

Josie and I after the race. Courtesy of Brandie Bailey

It worked out quite perfectly actually. I called to let her know I was on the way. When I arrived the car was loaded with babies and accessories! I jumped from one car to the other and was back on the road. If this was in between stages at a triathlon, my Mother-in-Law would be the best crew EVER!

Returning to the event
In the car I had my 2 children and my nephew. During the time I was gone Lydia and Ruth both finished the race and had time to cool down. Then I show up with the kids. I think it worked out perfectly. I'm thankful that Connie watched them for us and allowed us to have the fun that we did. Conversations, awards and eating. Post race not only included the typical fruit and bagels and drink, but also Salazon salted chocolate, chocolate chip pumpkin bread, Dru's cookies, and WARM apple fritters. Where in the world can you get post race goodies like that?!?!?

 We were of the last to leave and just couldn't get enough of the Mountain Junkie love that was so apparent in the air. Lydia even said to me after the race that she wanted to go run!

What is next?
One week until the Swinging Bridge / Willis River 50k. It will prove to be a cold, wet and challenging run. I'm glad there is a group of us from the Roanoke area going, so I will have familiar faces around me. That is always a plus.

Thank you to Mountain Junkies, LLC and to all the other Mountain Junkies that ran on this day! What fun times are ahead. If you were there and didn't sign up for the RNUTS series, the price went up after today.

Anthem Into The Darkness 4 Mile Night Trail Run

Be sure to read what Phil and Doug said about this race also:
Cardioholics Anonymous
Doug Falls

Today (October 22, 2011)  was indeed a special day, being able to run 2 races in one day. To my knowledge I had only one chance to do that, and it was earlier this year but I was late learning about it and I even forget what the events were. They were shorter runs and both Local to Roanoke.

This was my second time running in the Anthem Into The Darkness.
I dont feel that this race report does justice to how amazing and fun this event is. I wish I had more pictures and different ways to communicate that to you. This event is like none other. It's not a race for the most part, it's just a fun run. It has a slight Halloween theme to it, but it is VERY family oriented.

It was another fine event put on my the Mountain Junkies, LLC. I'm proud to say I'm a Mountain Junkie! I love the adventurous events they put on. I cant wait to run more of these events for the second time.

This run takes place at NIGHT TIME, on TRAILS.
In case you diddnt get that from the title, or the nifty logo above. Funny thing, is that each year, I hear from at least one person in attendance that they have never run trails, and of course they never run at night. The Race Director makes it mandatory that each runner carry one light, and encouraged 2. using 2 lights helps cast different shadows allowing for better perception of the terrain.

420 runners braved the chilly air which was perfect for running.
Location was the Explore Park, which has some interesting history. I'd love to go into it here, but honestly do some Google searching if you are interested. Basically the park is closed, but the trail system remains open because of some awesome people (Mountain Junkies LLC) have made an agreement that if they keep the trails maintained, then they will stay open. This is one of 2 events that the Mountain Junkies host here. The other is the Explore Your Limits 5k and 10k. Read my report on that event from 2011 HERE.

My running friend Doug Falls has hosted a few group runs on these trails over the past year. So, I've been on the trails quite a bit since last year when I ran this race for the first time.


Pre-Race
I am thankful for my Dad and Step Mom who came to watch the kids, so that Lydia and myself could run this evening.
Lydia and I were equipped with our head lamps and a hand held. We upgraded our lighting from last year. Last year we both had Energizer head lamps bought from a local hardware store, and a small hand help bought from Advance Auto. We had the headlamps from camping supplies, and I bought the hand helds as a cheap additional suppliment. Of course it was fine and sufficient for the race, as EVERYONE out there is carrying a light or two and you can see much better than you thing you may be able to. Seldom do you find yourself alone out there with over 400 runners on a 4 mile course.

Over the past year Lydia and I have been running at night a lot more lately. We  have both bought quality 60 lumen head lamps. I payed $55 for mine, Petzl Tikka XP2 (purchased from Roanoke's Outdoor Trails). She payed $15 for hers, Kelty brand, purchased from Target. Ironically they are both 60 lumens, cast a spot light for 60 meters, and take 3 AAA batteries. The Petzl has a nicer case and other light settings, but The Kelty is a sweet deal, but doesnt seem as durable.
The hand helds I bought are 120 lumen Mag-lite XL LEDs. So we were well equipped with light.

Petzl Tikka XP 2

I wanted to be sure she and I both have quality lights for this event, but mainly so when we run at night we remain VISIBLE. So incredibly important for night running, or early morning running.

So we arrive good and early at the event, so my folks can get oriented in the day light, and know what to expect.

Race Start
This year you could enter the event either as a racer, or as a runner. The runners started 10 mins after the racers. During the time of registration I diddnt really plan to race the event, and I was thinking that I diddnt want to be in the way of all the racers, fighting for position on the trail. So I registered as a runner.
I think this really served me well, as I was planning for my own time improvement from last year which was 39 mins, and I planned to do it in 36.

Mid-race
Starting in front of the pack with the runners, gave me a fairly clear trail ahead. The first mile or more is not single track and allows for passing quite easily. Beginning on road, then gravel, then grass and all downhill so far. A lot of spreading out of runners. You dont know it but you are running along side the Roanoke River at this moment. The trail transitions from grass to trail slowly and unknowingly. Eventually you are climbing up a hill that I bet most runners would never consider in the daylight, but it's a short one (0.11m). Then a left turn onto the Endurance Loop, Intermediate loop, and finishing the last mile on the Beginner loop. Additional details of the race course HERE.

I'm glad the race ends on the Beginner loop. The Explore Your Limits 10k finishes right after you get out of the woods from the Intermediate loop, and there's a bit of a climb in that last mile. So finishing with a more simple rolling mile is nice, as you can push your pace a little.

I think that my position starting at the front of the second group (the runner group) was fairly strategic, as no one passed me, and I was passing only those that slowed greatly after getting into the woods, or the few that were in the back of the racers group.

The entire course was well decorated with glow sticks, and random flashy things. Nothing scary but it was themed for Halloween. It kept the trail exciting and fun!

Post-race
Crossing the line within my goal of under 36, my time 35:22, which earned me 4th place in the age group of 20 men ages 35-39. What a successful weekend!

The post-race goodies were consistent with all Mountain Junkie events... a FEAST! Mama Maria's in Salem, VA provided pasta, while the table was full of home baked Dru's cookies, and MJ signature chocolate chip pumpkin bread, Salazon chocolate and so much more. I really need to get more pictures of the food spread out for runners after these Mountain Junkie events. If you cant run, you might as well register just to eat!

Once I was completed running and cooled down a bit, I walked back on the trail a short way and ran with Lydia in to the finish line. She improved her own time by 8 minutes!

I'm excited for my running friends Phil and Pam who really connected with their daughters at the back of the pack. In a few years I'll be remembering you as I walk with my son!

Race Report: Explore Your Limits 10k

 Explore Your Limits 5k and 10k, put on by Mountain Junkies LLC
 I ran the 10k.

Photos used by permission from the Mountain Junkies LLC FaceBook page

I always love the excitement at the events with the Mountain Junkies. Thank you so much to Josh and Gina... and all the volunteers that made the day possible!

 Prior to this event, I had been running at Explore Park (mile post 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) learning the trails and the elevations in the month or two prior. It was almost silly that I had not been out there much before this, cause I've been running the trails around Mill Mountain and the Chestnut Ridge Loop countless times. There are a lot of miles of trails out there and many more miles that can be made outside of the marked trails.

I diddnt know the exact course for the 10K and it wasnt posted with much detail on the Mountain Junkies website, but it wasnt where I had thought it went. The parts of the 10k course that I did run previously, I had been running in the wrong direction. So, being able to anticipate hills or rocky sections etc. was limited. It was almost as good as not having run, but not really. I came to learn during pre-race announcements that the full course isnt "advertised" online because a portion of it is on private property and the Mountain Junkies have access to it on race day only. So, now I understood. As the Mountain Junkies are usually very good at giving info on the course and trails.

The 10k runners started 10 mins before the 5k runners. Once we left the start line, we did a short loop and then ran back through the start line from the opposite direction. This was a GREAT design. As we all ran back through the start line, the 5k runners were there to cheer us on, very nice!

The first half of the 10k loop was the same as the 5k loop. This took us through much of the Explore Park historical areas. See Explore Park is shut down. It was an expensive venture that Roanoke took on. It existed as a sort of living museum of primitive culture. Restored historical structures, a working tavern and grist mill among the buildings to see. The park had a promising future at one time, but it was around 2007-2008 that it closed, leaving only the trails left to enjoy. These trails are "intermediate, twisty, rolling IMBA style single track".

I was pleased with how I ran.
I was pleased with my pace being under 9 min, and I never really that fast on trails. I am pleased with my performance. Glad that I ran every hill with some energy, passing people always feels nice in a race. I've been working on my confidence with long strides on trails and especially on the downhills, and I see how that payed off today. Climbing takes endurance (to keep pressing on), descending takes confidence (to increase stride and speed). I dont recall the elevation of the trail, but toward the end of the 5k mark was the real hill that left everyone talking. it pressed on for what I would guess to be less than a half of a mile, leaving you forgetting what beauty you just saw. But atop the hill was the parking lots, and soon after the finish for the 5k runners, and the split back off into the woods for the 10k runners to take on the Endurance Loop. which twisted and rolled and twisted some more. It may be of the more twisty trails I've been on.

I had brought along with me my sister-in-law, and it was her first trail race, she even beat her PR 5K time from a previous road 5k! nice! And she won a $10 gift cert at Walkabout Outfitter too!

I enjoy seeing all the familiar faces and making friends and just being outdoors. Having my wife and baby there to cheer me on as I pass back through the crowd was priceless, as well as having my son wanting to hug me at the finish despite the sweat and mud and panting breath.

Montvale 10M is next. and I'm keeping my event registrations coming in, in advance. I'm all ready in for the Montvale 10M... and I got the check wrote and envelope sealed to be mailed on Monday for the Mill Mtn Mayhem. Which by the way, for those still reading - that's one heck of a course! in case you havent run it before.

For those not running the next 'Junkies' event, how about volunteering? I'm hoping to volunteer for the Fab 5k in August.