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March 24, 2008
Special Offers & New Spring Styles
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Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:54 PM
New Race Team Members, Early Season Victories
Rock/Creek celebrates continued success for the 2008 race season, as well as four new additions to the team. The season started off strong with team member Kris Whorton as she took the win at the Black Warrior 50K Trail Race. This race takes place in the Brushy Lake Recreational Area, a part of Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest. Kris also had the #7 fastest 100 mile time on UltraRunning magazine's recently released 2007 North American Ultra List. Her Umstead 100 miler time of 18:13 was the fastest trail 100 miler time for a female over 40, as well as the 4th fastest for any female in the world. In addition, Kris won the female masters' division of the Mountain Mist 50k back in January, where she also set a new course record for her division. "I am hoping that some of that talent can start rubbing off on me," her husband and running partner Randy quips. The Cheaha 50k trail race, held on February 27,2008 continued the winning streak for Team Rock/Creek. Husband and wife team members Jamie Dial and Wendi Parker-Dial, of Nashville, took first place in the mens and women's divisions, respectively. Jamie's time broke the course record by 20 minutes. Another husband and wife team, Matt and Natalie Sims, both placed 5th in their respective categories. Kathy Johns finished 9th in her division.
On March 8th, Josh Wheeler won Chattanooga's Scenic City Half Marathon. Josh is a returning Rock/Creek team member, cancer survivor, long time resident of Signal Mountain and former student of The McCallie School. Josh's time of 1:14:56 put him on the podium with another inspiring victory.
Team Rock/Creek's most recent victory is credited to new comer John Anderson. John is originally from Signal Mountain and a former student of The Baylor School. On March 10, 2008 John took the podium at the Old Pueblo 50 Miler Trail Run, located in Arizona. This race consists of loops of forest service roads and trails that are located along the south eastern part of the Santa Rita Mountains (part of the Arizona Mountains). John came in with a time of 7:20:45.
"We're excited to sponsor such a talented group of athletes," explains Dawson Wheeler, co-owner and President of Rock/Creek: "Our Race Team represents us in everything from 5 mile to 100+ mile races across the world. The Whortons are running stage races in Europe while Josh is winning a half marathon right here in downtown Chattanooga. The dedication and the diversity of interests- both athletically and in terms of volunteer and professional work- makes me proud to have these men and women associated with Rock/Creek. They are great role models to other runners as well as environmental stewards working to improve the trail systems in our state and national forest lands."
Rock/Creek proudly introduces this year's new team members:
John Anderson, Medical Student, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Boulder CO
Cathi Cannon, Graphic Designer, Chattanooga, TN
Jaclyn Greenhill, Pediatric ER Nurse, Chattanooga, TN
Kathy Jones, Medical Assistant, Chattanooga, TN
Returning this year:
Sheridan Ames, Hudson Construction project manager, Chattanooga, TN
Jamie Dial, Activities Coordinator, Vanderbilt University Outdoor Program, Nashville, TN
Wendi Parker-Dial, Artist, Art Teacher, Nashville, TN
Michael Green, High School Cross Country/Track Coach, Spray Tech (Golf Course), Chattanooga, TN
Matt Karzen, Laywer, Athens, GA
Geno Phillips, History Teacher, Chattanooga, TN
Matt Sims, Patagonia Sales Rep., Chattanooga, TN
Natalie Sims, Interior Designer, Chattanooga, TN
Stephen Taylor, Fitness Trainer and Endurance Coach, Nashville, TN
Chad Wamack, Commercial Real Estate Brokerage & Development, Chattanooga, TN
Josh Wheeler, Student at Appalachian State University Exercise Physiology program, Signal Mountain, TN
Kris Whorton, UTC English Professor, Chattanooga, TN
Randy Whorton, Environmental business owner/operator, Chattanooga, TN
Rock/Creek would like to thank the Race Team sponsors: Patagonia, La Sportiva, and Vasque.
For more information and individual team profiles, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/raceteam/
About Rock/Creek
Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, http://www.RockCreek.com and http://www.ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.
RELATED ARTICLES:
John Anderson Wins Old Pueblo 50 Miler
Wheeler Wins Half Marathon, Continuing Rock/Creek Race Team's Winning Streak
Race Team Dominates Mt. Cheaha 50k
Black Warrior Race Report
Strong Finishes at Mountain Mist 50k
$4000 Raised at Rock/Creek StumpJump
Leadville 100: Race Team Report
Life is (Not Always) An Adventure Race: The StumpJump 50K
There's no 'I' in Adventure Race Team
Why I Love Adventure Racing...
How to Train for a 50K
Cotton vs Synthetic
Shop for Hydration Packs in our Gear Store
Make the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K Your First Ultra Marathon
Get details on the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race
Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:07 PM
March 20, 2008
The Bear Ran... Finally (Kayak
This trip report is from Cain Creek in Chattanooga, written by kayaker Chris Brigman, Rock/Creek's paddling expert and manager of our Down Under paddling store in Chattanooga, TN. When he's not around the shop, you can find Chris playing on the Ocoee or Rock Island, or chasing steep creeks after a good rain.
It was February 6, 2008 and two days of steady rain was enough motivation to quickly load our boats, grab our gear and prepare for a much needed day on the semi-classic Chattanooga Creek called Cain. This creek is a 12 mile run with two sizeable class V rapids, the Vortex and Drainpipe, not to mention several named and unnamed class III and IV rapids. Just as we finished loading our boats, I received a call from my buddy Kat, “The Bear, was at 17 inches and rising”. The Bear, located in Georgia, is one of Chattanooga’s legendary high-quality steep creeks that drops 857’ in 3 short miles. This creek has not run consistently in a few years…We were on our way.
We arrived at the Bear put-in and was surprised to find that we were the only ones there, and within minutes boaters began to arrive by the truckload. There were close to 20 boaters that morning, so we quickly split up into three groups for safety, and off we went.
The river begins as a series of very large steep drops, most with relatively high consequences, then transforms into a long, highly technical series of undercut and sieve-laden boulder gardens that are often blind and required diligent scouting. The most notable of the larger rapids are the Class V+ drops called Big Bang, and Stairway to Heaven. Big Bang is 20’ give or take drop with a narrow landing pool surrounded by unfriendly pointed rocks.
Sign up to win a Werner Paddle from Rock/Creek >
Stairway to Heaven is the Bear’s signature rapid. Here is the description that American Whitewater has on record, “(Stairway is a) 3-step 45' drop with the 2nd step 15'er landing on flat rock. This is a super-fun run, however back and rib injuries are common. Head injuries have been known to happen, so be careful. A common story you hear about Stairway is that people scout the drop and say "no way am I running that!" At which point they start to look at the portage. Then the hapless boater quietly gets back in the boat and starts to psyche up.
Out of the 20+ boaters that put on the Bear that day, the majority made it out without issue. However, there were a few broken boats, and a few swims which caused a few boaters to hike their way back to the put-in. Bear is a creek that we all look forward to running again soon, it is challenging and fun but equally respected. Be safe and good lines.
Note: Bear is a run that should be paddled only by those capable, and there are several access issues with the Park Service regarding hiking out. If you must hike out due to injury or equipment failure, you should absolutely avoid hiking out through Cloudland Canyon State Park as it is considered trespassing and you could be charged as such. If you must hike out, do it on the right side of the river. There is a trail near the bottom of the run on the river left side that is a very easy hike. Most importantly, have respect for the rangers and the property as they control much of the access to the park.
Sign up to win a Werner Paddle from Rock/Creek >
Shop for creek boats, whitewater kayaks, canoes, paddles, and accessories at Rock/Creek >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:48 PM
Free Chaco Mug w/ Purchase
We just launched a new promo where you can get a free Chaco & Rock/Creek custom mug with any regularly-priced pair of Chaco sandals or shoes. Come check it out, the mugs are pretty cool. They're plastic with an insert that you can see from outside and inside the mug.
Our friend Jim Horton designed them, and the inside highlights different areas where Chaco & Rock/Creek have partnered to raise money and awareness for access and environmental issues over the years.
Shop for Chaco Shoes & Sandals at Rock/Creek >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:45 PM
March 19, 2008
It's Not Too Late for the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race
On Saturday March 27, 2008 Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area will open its gate for the 2008 River Gorge Race, a 10.2 mile and 6.5 mile race that will challenge running enthusiasts of all ages. The course is designed to cover the Mullins Cove Loop. The longer 10.2 mile run is all single track running with the race beginning at 8:30 am. The challenging 6.5 mile run starts at 9:00 am and contains a mixture of single track and Jeep Roads that will keep you on your toes.
Registration is still open, so lace up your kicks and join us for a Saturday that the whole family can enjoy.
It is not too late to sign up. Online registration closes on March 24,2008 at 10:00 pm. Click on the link below for full race details.
Proceeds from this race as well as all of the Rock/Creek Trail Series benefits the The Wilderness Trail Running Association,
a.k.a. "The Boonies"
Click here for full race details and to sign up today >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:32 AM
March 13, 2008
Video: Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk Trailer
Rock/Creek and Greenlife Grocery are proud to present a new IMAX film at the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga, TN. The film, "Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk," has a strong conservation message, explaining in clear terms how intensely our water resources are being strained by the demands of population growth. Robert Redford narrates and the Dave Matthews Band provides the soundtrack. Robert F. Kennedy, founder of the Riverkeepers, as well as anthropologist and author Wade Davis travel down the river on a rafting trip with their daughters and Shana Watahomigie, a member of the Havasupai tribe and the first Native American to become a National Park Ranger and river guide.
The film opened today for a limited audience of local school children and the media. I attended the preview and have to say that the movie was well worth watching. I didn't realize how drastically world population growth has effected our water resources. The Colorado River, in fact, no longer reaches the delta. One of the most striking images from the film shows a cracked and completely dry river bed where the Colorado used to flow. I'll post photos from the event tomorrow. The movie opens Saturday the 15th, and will run for several months. Be sure to stop by the Aquarium IMAX and check it out.
We're also running a $300 Gift Card giveaway on our Web site in connection with the sponsorship. Sign up today!
Read the TN Aquarium's Press Release on the movie >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:43 PM
March 12, 2008
Video: Environmentally-Sensitive Shopping Area
This is a bit old now, but I just found this video on the new Rock/Creek store on the North Shore of downtown Chattanooga, TN. In it, the developer talks about how the building recycles rainwater for irrigation, the contractor used recycled timbers and other materials, and purchased materials produced locally where possible, reducing the overall carbon footprint for the project. Enjoy!
The reporter mistakenly credits the building with having attained LEED certification. In fact, the certification will not happen until the entire project has been completed. (Although we're on track to receive the certification, and I'll definitely post here when we do).
See photos of the new store on flickr >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:41 PM
March 11, 2008
Jaclyn Greenhill Joins Rock/Creek Race Team
We're happy to welcome Jaclyn Greenhill to the Rock/Creek Race Team. Jaclyn lives in Chattanooga and has been running with several of our race team members for years. Here she talks a bit about what motivates her to run, gives a few top finishes from the past, and outlines her projected 2008 race schedule. If you see her at a race, be sure to introduce yourself! Welcome Jaclyn!
Occupation: Pediatric ER Nurse
Age: 30
Favorite Run: Mesa Trail at Chautaqua Park in Co; Prentice Cooper. There really is not a trail I have run that does not contribute to my overall growing passion for trail running. Each trail provides a different beauty that I cannot find many other places in life. So with that said, all trails are
pretty much my favorite.
What I love most about running:
There is a simplicity to trail running that you cannot really get with any other sport. You put your running shoes on, drive, or run to that special trail and go. A few seconds later you realize that all of the stresses and worries you had before are no longer there.
It is just you and the trail.
Check our flickr page for more of Jaclyn's photos >
Races/ Significant Accomplishments:
Atlanta Marathon 2003 -2nd place
Efix Adventure race 2004- 2nd place
Blue Ridge Adventure race 2003,2004- 6th place
Iceland half Marathon 2005 -2nd age division
Cohutta 100 mile mt bike race 2005
Carrboro 50K 2006- 2nd female
Holiday Lake 50K 2006- 5th female
Goblin Valley ultra 2006- 3rd in division
Twin Falls ultra 40 miler 2006- 3rd female
Fort Yargo adventure race 2007- 1st all female team
Stump Jump 2007- 3rd female
+ several other adventure races, triathlons
Upcoming races 2008:
Dirty Spokes 12 hr mountain bike race
Oak Mountain 50 K
Rock/Creek River George Trail Race
Scenic City Trail Marathon
Pikes Peak Marathon-?
Transalps stage race-?
Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k
RELATED ARTICLES:
John Anderson Wins Old Pueblo 50 Miler
Wheeler Wins Half Marathon, Continuing Rock/Creek Race Team's Winning Streak
Race Team Dominates Mt. Cheaha 50k
Black Warrior Race Report
Strong Finishes at Mountain Mist 50k
$4000 Raised at Rock/Creek StumpJump
Leadville 100: Race Team Report
Life is (Not Always) An Adventure Race: The StumpJump 50K
There's no 'I' in Adventure Race Team
Why I Love Adventure Racing...
How to Train for a 50K
Cotton vs Synthetic
Shop for Hydration Packs in our Gear Store
Make the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K Your First Ultra Marathon
Get details on the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:21 AM
March 10, 2008
John Anderson Wins Old Pueblo 50 Miler
The winning streak continues for the Rock/Creek Race Team. John Anderson took first place in the Old Pueblo 50 Mile Endurance Run in Sonoita, Arizona. John, originally of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, currently lives in Boulder, Colorado where he studies medicine at the University of Colorado. He joined the team this year. Here's his race report from this weekend:
I've been going to the Old Pueblo 50 Mile trail race for 3 years now and it's always a well run event. It takes place in the mountains outside of Tucson and the course climbs about 7500 ft throughout the race. If you see a helicopter it's not because ESPN 8 is filming the race--it's close to the Mexican border so the area is fairly heavily patrolled. I didn't see any Border Patrol during the race but driving to and from the start/finish I saw several government trucks.
The first half of the course is a mix of singletrack on the AZ trail, 4WD roads, desert gullies, and about 4-5 miles of gravel road. The next half is mostly single track as well as some 4WD roads. Along the course there are plenty of yucca, cacti, and amazing desert views. There are even a few creek crossing, but I'm pretty sure that even the smallest playboat wouldn't fit.
This year was definitely the hottest one I remembered and the hottest that the race director, Duane Arter, remembered as well. The day started off in the mid 40s and was somewhere around 80 by the time I finished.
The morning was clear and the moon was still bright enough to run without a headlamp, so off we went trying to get some miles in before the sun came out blazing. I was feeling a bit under-heat trained, but as luck would have it so were Sean (Team Inov-8 runner) and Nate (Team LaSportiva runner). Anyway, The three of us went out pretty hard as we knew that it would be hot soon. Sean dropped back on the climb up Gunsight Pass (mile 17ish), but then Nate left me around mile 25 on the way up to California Gulch.
I caught Nate at mile 33 and we ran together for the next 3-4 miles, and then Nate started having some ankle and hydration problems (by the time he finished his ankle was beat up pretty badly from the loose grapefruit sized rocks and steep downhills).
Not really knowing where these guys were, but knowing that they were both strong finishers (Sean has won Mt Masochist and this event in the past and Nate had the CR at Wasatch for several years) I tried to push a little bit on the way out of the aid station at mile 40. Also, I knew that Matt Sims might cover me in fish oil and let his cat Roscoe chase me if I got passed in the last few miles.
My calf started to cramp up and I was starting to lose the hydration battle, but I smelled the barn (or was it my own body odor?) and headed to the finish. The mile long meadow at the end seemed to take forever but I did blow by a few trees like they were standing still. Anyway, it was a fun weekend and I managed to convince a few folks from VA to check out the StumpJump in the future.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Wheeler Wins Half Marathon, Continuing Rock/Creek Race Team's Winning Streak
Race Team Dominates Mt. Cheaha 50k
Black Warrior Race Report
Strong Finishes at Mountain Mist 50k
$4000 Raised at Rock/Creek StumpJump
Leadville 100: Race Team Report
Life is (Not Always) An Adventure Race: The StumpJump 50K
There's no 'I' in Adventure Race Team
Why I Love Adventure Racing...
How to Train for a 50K
Cotton vs Synthetic
Shop for Hydration Packs in our Gear Store
Make the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K Your First Ultra Marathon
Get details on the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:39 PM
March 7, 2008
Wheeler Wins Half Marathon, Continuing Rock/Creek Race Team's Winning Streak
Rock/Creek Race Team member Josh Wheeler won last weekend's Scenic City Half Marathon here in Chattanooga, TN, with a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes and 56 seconds. Congratulations Josh! He continues the Race Team's winning streak this season with this incredible run. Josh, a twenty-year-old runner from Chattanooga, is currently a student at Appalachian State University.
Josh won the race ahead of two strong seniors from Bryan College's running program. With his usual self-deprecating humility, he describes the battle:
While he seemed to win with ease, the 5-foot-5 Wheeler said that was not the case.
"I was absolutely running scared," he said, smiling. "Those guys behind me were running well. I'm definitely not built to be a runner. I'm short and stocky, not like those long drinks of water chasing me." [Chattanooga Times-Free Press, click the image to the left to view full article]
Josh has an incredible story. He was already a great athlete in high school at The McCallie School. He was on his way to being a national champion in wrestling when a brain tumor ended his wrestling days. Josh became a triathlete immediately after recovering from the multiple surgeries, and became a source of hope and a role model for many. He has raised many thousands of dollars for cancer research and was inducted into the Tennessee chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame last year.
Josh continues to train for his current focus on the sport of triathlon. Saturday's Half Marathon was training for the Florida Half Ironman triathlon. You can read more about Josh's philosophy and see his top finishes on his Rock/Creek Race Team profile.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Race Team Dominates Mt. Cheaha 50k
Black Warrior Race Report
Strong Finishes at Mountain Mist 50k
$4000 Raised at Rock/Creek StumpJump
Leadville 100: Race Team Report
Life is (Not Always) An Adventure Race: The StumpJump 50K
There's no 'I' in Adventure Race Team
Why I Love Adventure Racing...
How to Train for a 50K
Cotton vs Synthetic
Shop for Hydration Packs in our Gear Store
Make the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K Your First Ultra Marathon
Get details on the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:29 AM
March 6, 2008
Spring Patagonia in Stock! Hundreds of New Styles
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Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:05 AM
March 3, 2008
More Photos of Mt. Cheaha 50k
We have a few more images that just came in from last weekend's Mount Cheaha 50k. Check them out on flickr (click the photo to browse):
RELATED ARTICLES:
Race Team Dominates Mt. Cheaha 50k
Black Warrior Race Report
Strong Finishes at Mountain Mist 50k
$4000 Raised at Rock/Creek StumpJump
Leadville 100: Race Team Report
Life is (Not Always) An Adventure Race: The StumpJump 50K
There's no 'I' in Adventure Race Team
Why I Love Adventure Racing...
How to Train for a 50K
Cotton vs Synthetic
Shop for Hydration Packs in our Gear Store
Make the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K Your First Ultra Marathon
Get details on the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:54 PM
