Rock/Creek Chronicle's May 2008 Archives

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May 31, 2008

Josh Wheeler Wins Age Group at Florida Ironman 70.3

Rock/Creek Race Team member Josh Wheeler from Signal Mountain, TN won his division at last weekend's Florida Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. Josh, competing in only his second Half Ironman, came in with an impressive 4:30:44. His performance at the race makes him a 2008 Clearwater 70.3 World Championship Qualifier.

After a challenging swim, Josh came out of the water 20th in his age group. He made up some time on the bike and came off the bike in 4th place, then made up nearly four minutes in the run.

Josh blasted across the line after an incredible run, winning the Men's 18-24 age group. He collapsed over the finish line, having given the race everything he had.

Josh came in over a minute before his closest age group competitor, putting him in 28th place overall in a field of nearly 2000 racers. Congrats Josh!

Here's the full story from Josh, with a mile-by-mile breakdown of the run:

Leading into this race all the stars seemed to line up perfectly. Getting down to Florida six days before the race payed off tremendously allowing my body to acclimatize to the heat and humidity plus recover mentally and physically from the last few weeks of school. I knew the course, my taper went well and I remained confident in my fitness.

I woke up about thirty minutes before my alarm was to go off on race morning (3:30am). Showered, shaved and ate my oatmeal breakfast. I drank 16oz of Gu20 before I got in the car. Having packed the night before, we were able to simply walk down stairs and get in the car. I wanted to get to the bus drop off at about 5:40am thinking that would give me enough time to finalize my transition area and get a good warm up in. We stopped for coffee and by the time we got to the bus it was 5:55am. Oh well, I figured I didn't need that long of a warm up anyway. Standing in line, I got to shake hands and talk to Craig Alexander, who wished me good luck in his sexy Australian accent. The bus ride was smooth. Kept sipping on my second bottle of Gu20 as I strolled into the transition area around six o'clock.

I had a great transition spot. I made sure everything was dialed in before I left the transition. My tires were 145-150psi since I thought the road would be hot and the tires might expand on me a little. I made sure all my nutrition was secure and left transition around 6:10am with about twenty minutes left before my wave was scheduled to hit the water. Ran a few above LT pickups to get my heart rate up, stretched and walked down the beach start.

Waiting on my wave to get into the water I ran a few more strides to stay loose until the race announcer called us down. I felt I had a great starting spot. I was on the far outside in line with the first buoy. All the way until the gun went off I really did not get nervous. I simply remained focused on my game plan for the swim and listened for the cannon.

Once the race was underway, I ran as far as I could out into the lake and started to dolphin dive. I think I got in two dolphin dives before I abandoned the notion that I could dolphin dive and started to swim. I did not swim all out to the first buoy as I normally do in a race. I knew it was going to be a long day and I wanted to make sure I got a good position in the swim without having to red line my heart rate too early. On the way out to the first turn buoy I swam alone.

I saw a good pack forming to my right but they were about 30m off the buoy and I was swimming slightly slower than them but in a straight line, buoy to buoy. So I decided to hold my line for now, thinking I would intercept them at the first left hand turn. Once rounding the turn buoy and swimming over the top of a few of the slower swimmers from the previous wave, I found some feet wearing a green swim cap (aka my age-group) and stuck to his hip like glue till we made the second turn. I knew that I only had about 750m left in the swim and at this point felt comfortably uncomfortable.

I put my head down and started to hammer for the shore. The guys' feet I had been drafting off of fell off pace so I left him for open water. To my right once again the same pack of swimmers had formed and they were still about 30m off the buoy line. I made the executive decision to swim diagonally and intercept them thinking that swimming in that pack would save some energy for the bike. However, by the time I bridged over to their group I realized that they were not swimming as efficiently as I would like, so I made the second executive decision to bridge back over to buoy and swim alone for the final 500m.

Continue reading "Josh Wheeler Wins Age Group at Florida Ironman 70.3"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:07 PM | Comments (0)

May 30, 2008

$3300 Raised for The Boonies at 2nd Annual Scenic City Trail Marathon presented by Rock/Creek & Vasque

Chattanooga, TN- Clear skies and the promise of warm temperatures met the 45 marathoners and 147 half marathoners who turned out Saturday morning for the second annual Scenic City Trail Marathon and Half on Raccoon Mountain. The two trail running races, presented by Rock/Creek and Vasque, raised $3300 for The Wilderness Trail Running Association, aka Boonies. Proceeds from both events are used to run trail races, develop new and maintain existing trails in the Chattanooga area.

John Cobbs of Birmingham, Alabama won the event with an impressive time of 3:38:04. Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill of Signal Mountain, Tennessee came in less than a minute back to win the women's division with a time of 3:38:49. Sal Coll of Chattanooga, Tennessee finished second male in 3:44:38 and Eric Ashley of Glenrose, Texas finished 3rd male in 3:50:18. Katie Grove from Smryna, Georgia was second female in 4:33:40 and DeDe DuBose from Chattanooga, Tennessee finished third female in 4:47:29.

In the half marathon, Rock/Creek Race Team members Michael Green and Clay Warner finished first and second. Green, of Rocky Face, Georgia finished first in 1:26:57, and Warner, of Ringgold, Georgia, finished second in 1:26:59. 17-year-old Nick Lewis 1:28:49 of Hanceville, Alabama finished third. Sue Kelly from Atlanta, Georgia, was first female in 1:39:46, Hope Hessler from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee was second with a time of 1:57:32 and Ashley Morris from Johnson City, Tennessee with a 2:02:01 finish was 3rd. Full race results are posted online at http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/

"We couldn't have asked for a better day or a better venue for the run," said race director Jamie Sanders: "Everyone had a great time out there today." Sanders thanked the many volunteers and sponsors, including Rock/Creek, Vasque Footwear, Mountain Hardwear, SmartWool, Black Diamond, Greenlife Grocery, and Hammer Nutrition.

The course is a scenic and rolling, single-track trail created by SORBA (Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Organization). The trail hugs the perimeter of Raccoon Mountain, a TVA pumped-storage facility and is one of the best trail running and mountain biking locations within 25 minutes of downtown Chattanooga.

The Scenic City Trail Marathon is part of the Rock/Creek Trail Series, a year-long trail running race series with 9 race dates and 13 distance options. The next event in the series is the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race, taking place on June 20, 21 and 22. For more information on the series, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

The race also was a part of Vasque's North American Trail Tour. The Lookout Mountain 100k & 10k on December 20th will also be a part of the Tour.

Photography available online:
http://flickr.com/photos/imultisport/sets/72157605234803616/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockcreek/sets/72157605331055809/

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, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, 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.

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Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:08 PM | Comments (0)

May 28, 2008

Boat Sale 'till June 1st!

Limited Edition Chaco Z/2 Sandals $20 Goes to Access >	Dagger Crazy 88 Whitewater Kayak Now 50% Off! >	Up to 50% Off Whitewater Kayaks Shop Now >
Jackson Kayaks 2007 Models On Sale >	10% Off All Yakima Racks & Accessories >	Pyranha Kayaks 30-50% Off >

$1500 Raised for Trails at Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race

The first race in the Rock/Creek Trail Series raised $1500 for trail building & maintenance

The series consists of mountain running events from 5 miles to 100k, including the StumpJump 50k and the Rock/Creek River Gorge Race.

www.RockCreek.com Store: 301 Manufacturers Road Mail: PO Box 4838 Chattanooga, TN 37405 Tel: 888.707.6708 View our Privacy Policy	Photo: Photo: Rock/Creek sponsored athlete Chad Wamack starting the final leg of a three hour portage in The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado.	My Email Preferences Please add info@RockCreek.com to your e-mail address book. You are receiving this email at [contact-email]: if you would like to unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences, Update Your Profile Please drop Mark a line at mark@RockCreek.com if you have any feedback or suggestions.
*All sales subject to availability. The best deals go fast, so get moving. Gift with purchase requires business shipping address within the Lower 48 states. See site for full shipping requirements. [forward-Click here to send this to a friend]

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:50 PM | Comments (0)

May 19, 2008

Media Alert: Rock/Creek and Vasque Present The Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, benefiting The Boonies

Media Alert
May 20, 2008

Contact:
Jamie Sanders, Race Director
423.505.0310 (mobile)
stumpjump50k@rockcreek.com

Mark McKnight, Marketing Director, Rock/Creek
423.643.1528 (office)
423.596.1573 (mobile)
mark@rockcreek.com

Rock/Creek and Vasque Present The Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, benefiting The Boonies

What: Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon presented by Rock/Creek & Vasque, benefiting The Boonies
Where: TVA Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility
When: Saturday, May 24, 2008, 8:00 a.m race start
Who: Rock/Creek, Vasque Footwear, The Boonies (Wilderness Trail Running Association)

Rock/Creek and Vasque proudly present the second annual Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, taking place at TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility on the trails developed by SORBA-Chattanooga. Both of these trail runs begin at 8:00 a.m. Race-day registration and check-in will open at 6:45 a.m. The race begins and ends at the Laurel Point Parking Lot.

The Scenic City Trail Marathon will set the bench for a state record in trail running. The trails at Raccoon will be fast and forgiving, making for a great leisurely race for new trail runners or a full-on speed fest for those in the hunt for the first state record for a trail race.

Now part of the Vasque North American Trail Tour, this year's Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon promises to be an incredible experience. Sponsored by Rock/Creek, Vasque, Mountain Hardwear, and SmartWool. Participants will receive a technical Wicked Tee from Mountain Hardwear. Prizes and raffles will be provided as well.

Proceeds from the race benefit the trail building efforts of the Wilderness Trail Running Association (a.k.a. "The Boonies"). Specifically, the proceeds from this race will help build the trail for the Lookout Mountain 100k, taking place on December 20, 2008 along with a 10k.

For more information visit:
http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/

Photo Opportunities:
Well over 100 trail runners from around the United States will be competing on a beautiful course with sweeping views of the TN River Gorge and the Raccoon Mountain Reservoir.

Interview Opportunities:
Jamie Sanders, Race Director
Randy Whorton, President, The Boonies

Map to TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility (via Google Maps):
http://tinyurl.com/6dh9tu
When you get to the TVA Road, you follow it up to the gates to the facility. From there you will see signs directing you to Laurel Point.

About Rock/Creek:

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:49 PM | Comments (0)

Free Sock w/ The North Face Footwear Purchase

While supplies last, Rock/Creek and The North Face are offering a Free sock with your footwear purchase. Stop by and get yours today!

Check out our selection of trail running shoes from The North Face >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:40 PM | Comments (0)

May 12, 2008

Free Footprint w/ Mountain Hardwear Tents in May!

Get a Free Footprint w/ Mountain Hardwear Tents in May! Stop by RockCreek.com today for a rare deal. As you probably know, a footprint (aka "ground sheet" or "ground cloth" depending on where you live) makes your camping experience easier because the tarp is exactly the size of the bottom of your tent. You don't have to worry about a tarp sticking out from under the tent floor and collecting water. These footprints are manufactured to the exact specs of the bottom of the tent. This deal can save you up to $50 depending on which tent you choose, and it runs while supplies last, so don't waste time!

Shop for Mountain Hardwear Tents at RockCreek.com >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:43 PM | Comments (0)

May 7, 2008

Five Ten Savant Multi-Sport Shoe in Stock Now

Rock/Creek has the new Five Ten Savant multi-sport shoe in stock now! Check it out:

The Savant Multi-Sport Shoe by Five Ten is a true, all purpose shoe for any type of adventure you decide to go on. The Savant is a versatile shoe that provides all day comfort with its highly breathable, quick drying and fast draining synthetic uppers that repel pebbles and debris while you move. A super solid compression molded EVA midsole and TPU plate provides awesome protection for the bottom of your feet from sharp roots, rocks, and gives you stability on uneven terrain or tough portages.

The Savant has also become a favorite of the elite athletes that take part in freerunning or the less acrobatic sport, parkour. With its amazing Stealth co-molded C4/S1 rubber you get a performance enhancing rubber that allows you to stick like no other shoe can, giving you confidence to do that thief vault or barrel roll.

Great shoes for warm weather hiking, river crossings, freerunning, portages and any place where you need incredible support, protection, versatility and traction.

For a limited time, Rock/Creek is offering the Savant at a discounted price for anyone who buys them early!

Check out the Men's Five Ten Savant Multi-Sport Shoe >
Check out the Women's Five Ten Savant Multi-Sport Shoe >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:28 PM | Comments (0)

May 1, 2008

Andrew Akridge Paddles Entire Tennessee River

Today's Chattanooga Times Free Press included an article on one of Rock/Creek's elder statesmen, Andrew Akridge, who has set off with fellow Chattanoogan Dave Petty on a paddling trip that will cover all 652 miles of the Tennessee River. They started the trip near Knoxville and passed through Chattanooga midday yesterday. Here's an excerpt, read the entire article and see a video on timesfreepress.com or look for today's paper.

Mr. Petty had wanted to kayak the length of the 652-mile Tennessee River for many years, but struggled to find a partner for the trip, said Philip Grymes, the director of Outdoor Chattanooga and a friend of the paddlers. It was not until Mr. Akridge, an employee at Rock/Creek Outfitters, called Mr. Grymes looking for a partner to paddle the entire river that the idea took off, Mr. Grymes said.
After months of planning with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers, the trip launched where the Holston and French Broad rivers converge east of Knoxville, Mr. Petty said.

They�ve paddled about 188 miles so far and have about 464 to go.

The two men paddle for eight to 11 hours a day, eating packed foods such as oatmeal, tuna and protein bars. At night, they camp along the river�s edge.

Full article online >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:47 PM | Comments (0)

Rock/Creek Race Team Members Take Southeast Regional Championship Titles

Rock/Creek Race Team Members Take Southeast Regional Championship Titles for Trail Running in 50k & Half Marathon Distances

This past weekend the Rock/Creek Race Team took several podium spots in trail races around the country. The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) held the southeast regional championship for trail running at the Sweetwater 50k and Half Marathon. Both titles went to Signal Mountain residents and Race Team members this year. Long-time Signal Mountain resident and team member Sheridan Ames took first place in the 50K with an impressive time of 5:01:44. Rock/Creek team captain and new Signal Mountain resident Matt Sims continued the domination by taking first in the half marathon with a time of 1:38:16. Kathy Johns finished as 6th woman overall. She was the 30th overall finisher of the 50k with a time of 6:41.

This second annual race took place on Saturday, April 26th. Located right outside of Atlanta, Sweetwater State Park offers a challenging course including steep climbs, gnarly downhills and treacherous creek crossings. This year, team Rock/Creek made their presence known at the race, and they obviously made an impression that will not soon be forgotten. For Sheridan Ames, the 50k title had special significance as his first ever 1st place win. Ames has been to the Ironman World Championships in Kona, has run the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim solo, and has run races for years, so the southeast regional championship was well deserved. Ames reflects on the race, explaining that "the course was very challenging, physically and mentally. The river crossing was particularly interesting. Wading through waist deep cold rushing water while holding onto a rope to keep you from being washed downstream was a new one for me. Sharing the win with fellow team members made the race particularly special, and I'm now looking forward to the Shadow of Giants 50K at the end of the month."

Matt and his wife Natalie Sims as well as Kathy Johns and Sheridan Ames, all Rock/Creek Race Team members, met up at 4:45 a.m. in Chattanooga and arrived at the race about two hours later, ready for a challenge. Matt Sims had to fight for the half marathon title. Since there were 150 runners in the half marathon, he headed out to the front early. Sims maintained his lead throughout most of the race. He says: "As soon as we joined the trail, I was able to get away from [the other runner challenging for the lead] on some technical turns and steep rocky downhills and never saw anyone again until mile 12.5. I thought I pretty much had this one in the bag until I heard the leaves rustling behind me with a younger runner bearing down on me in the last half mile. Miraculously I was able to hold him off and crossed the line with 15 or so seconds to spare."

Several other Rock/Creek Race Team members finished strong this weekend as well. Race team members Johanna Gartman and Stephen Taylor won the overall women's and overall men's titles at Chattanooga's Scenic City Triathlon. Johanna is a new member of the team, and at only 15 years old has already won several races including the 2007 Ironkids National Championship in Phoenix, AZ.

John Anderson, fresh off a win at the Old Pueblo 50 Miler in Arizona, managed another impressive podium finish this weekend. He finished second behind La Sportiva athlete Anton Krupicka at the Zane Grey 50 miler, which takes place on the Highline Trail near Payson, Arizona. John is a Signal Mountain native who currently studies medicine at the University of Colorado. He describes the race course, which "has around 11,000 feet of climbing and the 'trail' consists of downed trees, washed out gullies and tons of loose, ankle-breaking rocks. While the race is billed as the toughest 50 miler in the US, I don't know if it's the most difficult, but it is certainly one of the most technical courses with only a few steps of actual smooth trail."

Rock/Creek and all the race team sponsors congratulate Sheridan, Matt, Johanna, Stephen, and all the race team members for their victory and continued support of the sport of trail running: "These racers continue to blow away our expectations as they have taken the podium in races across the country this Spring. In addition, our race team members have been working on building new trails, organizing and supporting the Rock/Creek Trail Series, and raising money for The Boonies," explains Rock/Creek co-owner Dawson Wheeler: "We're proud to have them associated with Rock/Creek."

For more information about the Rock/Creek Race Team, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/raceteam/

About Rock/Creek: