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October 30, 2009
Rock/Creek's New Trail Running Gear Page for Winter
Have you noticed while out on a run, your fingertips are getting colder, your ears a little redder, and your nose slightly more numb from the cold? Don't get caught up in an uncomfortable running pattern change to simply avoid the cold. Our Rock/Creek Trail Series Physical Therapist, Dee Martin, recently compiled an incredible article to get you geared up for running in the cold and maintaining vital body heat.
[Dressing for the Long Run ] Rock/Creek parallels her advice with a trail running specific guide for all your running gear needs.
We introduce to you below, our newest addition to www.rockcreek.com
Segmented by the essentials such as Top Selling Shoes, Socks, Running Insoles, Running shirts, and Running shorts, this is your guide for all running needs whether you are a seasoned trail runner or just beginning.
Trail Running Tip for this weekend:
We all need to keep in mind the importance of layering and maintaining your core temperature while out running. Long distance runs in the woods offer potentially hypothermic conditions, so be sure you always start with a good baselayer.
Rock/Creek suggests these top two brands of baselayers:
Patagonia Capilene:
Offered in 4 weights, this synthetic baselayer provides the most versatility among weather changes Men- You have your good ol' basic colors for baselayers to match and layer, however, Women- You gotta take a look at the expanded selection of colors and styles Patagonia has created for us this Fall season!
Icebreaker:
The finest Merino in the world is used to make this high activity performance product. Merino is a soft textured, rapidly-renewable material that breaths and retains heat automatically because it is a natural fiber. It absorbs moisture off the skin and evaporates it out during movement. Rock/Creek carries products by Icebreaker for Men's, Women's and Accessories.
Look into the Rock/Creek Trail Series to see which races inspire you to get out and run.
The Upchuck 50k registration is closed, but registration is still open for Rock/Creek's Lookout Mountain 100k / 10k on December 19, 2009. Click here for more details >
Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:06 AM | Comments (1)
October 29, 2009
Dressing for the Long Run, Preparing for an Ultramarathon
In advance of the upcoming Lookout Mountain 100k, Dee Martin, medical supervisor for the Rock/Creek Trail Series, has prepared a quick guide to dressing for an ultramarathon, with an emphasis on appropriate temperature regulation on cooler days. Please leave a comment and share your favorite clothing and gear choices with us!
It's that time of year again - brrrr! With the drop in temps and the beginning of autumn / winter ultra season comes the annual question, "what do I wear for the next race?" The temps in the Southeast can be all over the place through the winter. We've had 80 degree days (thank you, global warming) in late November / early December, temps can get into the teens & twenties at night (thank you, Mr. Frosty.)
Last year we saw a few cases of hypothermia set in during some long, cold, dark & rainy hours of racing. People came to run after many miles of training, yet had not packed the right clothes for the weather conditions!
This year let's get ahead of the game. Try out different combinations as you train over the next several months on cold / rainy days & find out what works best for you! Then you can start putting your drop bag / race day gear kits together.
Here are some guidelines & tips to keep in mind:
The Heat / Chill Factors:
When you are running, you should dress for temperatures 15 to 20 degrees warmer than what the air temperature is. That is, if you're running in full sun! When you are running under trees, dress for colder temps. And if it's raining & / or windy, dress for colder temperatures still. Also, if you're running at dusk or in the dark, you will need warmer layers.
For example...
If the temperature is 50 degrees, dress for 70 to 65 degrees if running in full sun.
If it's raining, subtract 10 degrees.
If the wind is blowing at 10 mph, subtract 5 degrees more, & dress for that temp.
Wind Speed:
Cold wind increases heat loss in proportion to wind speed; i.e., wind chill factor. Remember that the wind speed is lessened while you are running through forested areas, and increases in exposed areas. Last year during the Lookout Mt. 100 K, there was a 15-degree drop in temperature at High Point from the previous aid station due to the wind coming across Lookout Valley!
Wind speed can be estimated while out in the elements-
If you feel the wind in your face the speed is at least 10 miles per hour
If small tree branches move or if snow & dust are raised, approximately 20 mph
If large tree branches move, 30 mph
If an entire tree bends, about, 40 mph
You can calculate the wind chill factor using the internet or this chart provided by NOAA:
Drop Bag Kits:
If you are running an ultra, a drop bag can make a huge difference in your race - but what to pack & how? Remember to keep a simple organization system. When you are mid-race, you will want to find what you need quickly & easily. If you have a bunch of little items, consider using a tackle box, so you can see what you are looking for. You can use a zip-lock bag with labels inside for your first aid kit, extra socks, etc. Or consider using a camera bag with foam dividers.
Some items you may want to consider including in your kit:
Meds / First Aid
Aspirin / Tylenol / Ibuprophen
Tums / Rolaids / Pept0-bismol
Potassium / Electrolyte tablets
Sudafed
Antibiotic ointment
Compeed
Band-aids
Foot powder / Body glide / Bag balm / Vaseline
Sunscreen / lip balm
Scissors / Pocket knife
Clothes
Socks
Extra trail running shoes
Tech shirts - long & short sleeve
Capri's / Tights / Rain pants
Rain Jacket
Hat
Gloves / Glove liners
Sunglasses
Bandanas
Gear
Towels
Baby wipes / tissues
Headlamp / Flashlight
Extra bulbs / batteries
Goodies
Your favorite snack!
Recommended Clothing:*
Layers of light, loose clothing will insulate the skin with trapped air. An outer garment that is windproof, allows moisture to escape, and provides rain protection is best. Wool and polyester fabrics retain some protective value when wet; cotton and goose down do not. Areas of the body that lose large amounts of heat (head, neck, legs, hands) should be covered.
My personal favorites include jackets such as the Minimalist by Marmot- at 14 oz, it is light & flexible on the run, and offers great wind & rain protection.
The Patagonia Capilene Baselayer (Capilene 1- Silkweight line) is my first choice for a cold weather base layer. It has the best wicking qualities I've ever experienced and also insulates very well.
The Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Micro Dome Beanie is another fine winter wind-repellant piece to consider. Lightweight enough to layer under a hood, it will stay on in high winds better than a brimmed cap.
*Disclaimer: Neither Debra Martin or Archer Physical Therapy, Inc. have a financial interest in any of the products mentioned in this article. Rock/Creek, obviously, does.
About the author:
Debra (Dee) Martin, MSPT, CLT
Owner, Archer Physical Therapy
Specializing in the Endurance Athlete, Lymphedema and Swelling
Archer Physical Therapy offers unique assistance at many events in the TN & GA area through the Event Medical Coverage & Recovery Acceleration Program, developed by Debra Martin, MSPT, CLT. Debra has combined her 15 years of experience in treating wounds & athletic injuries throughout the rehabilitation process with cutting-edge research on medical care to meet the needs of endurance and adventure-sports athletes. She is not a psychologist, but recommends those who feel the need to sort gummi bears by color in their drop bag kit consider getting professional assistance. Check out the Archer Physical Therapy website for Race Day Tips and learn more about Preventing Injuries at www.archerpt.com.
You may reach Archer Physical Therapy at 423-693-5490 or find out more on the web: www.archerpt.com
Learn more about the Rock/Creek Lookout 100k, part of the Vasque PROJECT, benefiting The Boonies and sponsored by SmartWool, Salomon, Marmot and Hammer Nutrition.
Posted by Rachel Tucker at 9:40 AM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2009
Rock/Creek's first ever StumpJump 50k Film
For this year's Rock/Creek StumpJump, we wanted to bring the ultra trail running experience as close to you as possible. With the work of Andrew Kornylak from Atlanta, GA, we bring you the sights, scenes, grunts and strains from this growing trail race. The entire weekend was awesome, thanks to everyone who participated as well as volunteers and Rock/Creek staff (and a little help from the beautiful weather).
An extended version with more in depth interviews will arrive later this season.
~ Rock/Creek
2009 Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K Ultra from Rock/Creek on Vimeo
Can't see the video above? Watch the Rock/Creek StumpJump video on YouTube >
2009 FINAL results posted: 11 Miler | 50k
Now in it's 9th year running, the Rock/Creek StumpJump is gaining national recognition and prestige as one of the top 50k trail runs in the country, with racers from 20 states in attendance. This year's race will go down in Rock/Creek Trail Series history as the beginning of something tremendous for Southeast trail running, acting as a magnet for running talents and sponsored athletes such as Dean Karnazes (The North Face), Krissy Moehl and Bryan Dayton (Vasque) as well as hometown heroes like Josh Wheeler and Jaclyn Greenhill. Moehl, who also represents Patagonia, had just come from a victory at the Tour de Mont Blanc, and decided not to race but was on hand to volunteer.
Thanks to all volunteers and especially the race sponsors! Rock/Creek, SmartWool, Salomon, The North Face, Marmot, Vasque Project, Hammer Nutrition, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Deuter, Columbia, END Footwear, Greenlife Grocery, Trail Runner Magazine, and Southern Sprint Water.
For more race information, visit rockcreek.com/stumpjump/
Produced by Andrew Kornylak akornphoto.com
Become a fan of the Rock/Creek StumpJump on Facebook
Become a fan of Rock/Creek on Facebook
Follow the StumpJump twitter feed for year-round updates on the race & training runs
Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:39 AM | Comments (1)
October 23, 2009
Patagonia Fall Weekend Sale!
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Sale Sandals Rain Jackets All Jackets |
Climbing Gear Paddling Gear Travel Gear Camping & Hiking Gear |
Sign Up to Win Gear Sign up today for a chance to WIN $500 of The North Face Gear Click here to Sign Up > |
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Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)
Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival (Nov. 13 & 15)
Join Tennessee River Gorge Trust when they host the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, On Tour at the Tennessee Aquarium on Friday, November 13 and Sunday, November 15, 2009.
These educational films aim to motivate viewers to make a difference in their community and around the world. The films expose people to forward-thinking ideas and global awareness with topics that range from community activism, conservation and wildlife to some that are just plain fun! Patagonia, one of our favorite brands at Rock/Creek, and one of the most environmentally-minded companies in our industry, sponsors this festival every year.
Friday (November 13) evening's films are geared toward a more mature audience with complimentary soft drinks, refreshments and a cash bar. Friday's feature films include Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars, Homegrown Revolution, Renewal, and The Story of Stuff.
Sunday's (November 15) family-friendly event includes refreshments, storytelling by Jim Pfitzer, and light-hearted and thoughtful films that will inspire children and adults including Goldfish, Once Upon a Tide, and Seed.
To view film bios, please visit Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival.
EVENT DETAILS:
Dates and Times:
Friday, November 13, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Cost: $15/Adult
Family-Friendly Showing: Sunday, November 15, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Cost: $10/Adult & $5 Child (12- under)
Tickets can be purchased at www.tnaqua.org, Prices and Registration details available here. Proceeds Benefit the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. For more information, please visit www.trgt.org or contact the Trust office at 423.266.0314.
Posted by Rachel Tucker at 8:53 AM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2009
Triple Crown Bouldering Series- Hound Ears Recap
The Rock/Creek sponsored Triple Crown Bouldering Series, presented by Marmot and the Southeastern Climber's Coalition, launched the first event of the three-location bouldering series on October 3rd, 2009 at Hound Ears in Boone, NC. Below are Triple Crown Co-Organizer, Chad Wykle's impressions from the competition. He described it as the "best Triple Crown competition in 16 years..." But before that, a video from Andrew Kornylak wrapping up the day's events:
"Beautiful weather, seamless volunteer support, a psyched capacity crowd of climbers, a brand new collection of boulders, and amazing support from all of our sponsors combined to launch one of the best Hound Ears competitions in sixteen years!!Bluewater and La Sportiva kicked-off the weekend with the annual BBQ pre-registration dinner on Friday at the Grandfather Mountain Campground (pork tenderloin, beef brisket, sausage and shrimp skewers) and a perfect micro brew from the Boone Brewing Company. Enough said, huh? Climbers feasted as they caught up with friends; many of which hadn't been seen since the finale of Triple Crown 2008. They also had a chance to pour over the new Hound Ears Comp Guide with the hopes of laying the best strategy for the comp.
Saturday dawned cold and clear; perfect conditions. Five Ten offered just the right breakfast to climbers- fruit and cereal, and climbers funneled quickly through registration and on to vans and buses for the short ride to Hound Ears.
Competitors gathered at the top of the mountain, made demo selections, received quick instruction, and launched in to the boulderfield for seven hours of bouldering. By all reports (and scorecards) a fantastic day was had by everyone, competitors and volunteers alike. Climbers filled their scorecards and pulled-down until 5pm, and everyone returned to the campground for dinner, music, and beverages.
As usual, the awards ceremony did not disappoint. Thanks to the wonderful support (and prizes!!) from all of our sponsors, we had over 500 climbers, volunteers, and representatives glued to the stage. In our effort to always reward the positive, a Sterling Rope was given to a young competitor who displayed a perfect example of perseverance with an hour long effort at one of the fields best V2s. Ultimately, she found success on the boulder problem and won a great prize for her "never say die" attitude!
Both the Carolina Climbers' Coalition (CCC) and the Access Fund were at the event in force. Triple Crown is very proud to partner with both of these organizations in our continuing effort to support climbing access in the southeast. Anthony Love, President of the CCC, reported that $690 dollars was raised at the event, and several new memberships were generated.
In addition, Triple Crown delivered a check for $2,000 to the CCC for the Asheboro Boulderfield located in Eastern NC.Triple Crown continues to support climber access to this wonderful resource by covering the lease on this property each year. Special thanks to all of our sponsors for helping make that donation possible.
Please continue to follow the event at our website www.triplecrownbouldering.org
We will continue to update the site with photos, comp reports, and the awesome 'Beta Films' from Andrew Kornylak as we move on through the series.
Next stop......Horse Pens-40!!All the Best,
Chad and Jim
Triple Crown Bouldering Series 2009
www.triplecrownbouldering.org
Posted by Rachel Tucker at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)
October 21, 2009
Tennessee Wild- Wilderness Workshop (Oct 31)
There will be a Wilderness Workshop planned for Saturday, October 31 in Chattanooga. From 10 AM - 2 PM, Tennessee Wild will hold a Wilderness Workshop at the Chattanooga Nature Center. Representatives from Campaign for America's Wilderness and The Wilderness Society will be on hand for this fun and interactive training.
Attendees will learn how they can get involved with our effort to expand wilderness in Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. The workshop is free and open to the public. Childcare will be provided.
Directions to the Chattanooga Nature Center >
For more information, or to register, please contact Jeff Hunter at 423-322-7866 or jeff@safc.org.
Tennessee Wild is dedicated to protecting wilderness on the Cherokee National Forest for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. They aim to educate the public about the benefits of wilderness and promote volunteerism and the sound stewardship of Tennessee's wild places.
Tennessee Wild organizations include:
Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning
Sierra Club: Harvey Broome Chapter (Knoxville, TN)
The Wilderness Society
Cherokee Forest Voices
Smoky Mountains Hiking Club
Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition
Southern Environmental Law Center
Campaign for America's Wilderness
Posted by Rachel Tucker at 9:39 AM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2009
Over $13,000 Raised for Trails at 9th Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k
Crisp air and Tennessee dirt packed trails welcomed more than 600 determined trail runners the morning of October 3, 2009, for the 9th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k and 11 miler. Today, Rock/Creek announced that race entries and matching donations from a variety of sponsors raised over $13,000 for The Wilderness Trail Running Association (aka The Boonies). The money will be used in The Boonies' ongoing efforts to secure access to new trails, maintain existing trail systems, and run great trail races. Specifically, beneficiaries this year include The Cumberland Trail Conference, Friends of the Cumberland Trail, Lula Lake Land Trust, and the Signal Mountain High School Cross Country team.
Winner Joshua Wheeler of the Rock/Creek Race Team came in three minutes ahead of last year's time for a first place men's winning time of 4:15:00. Wheeler grew up in Signal Mountain and lives in Boone, NC. Nicholas Selbo, from Chattanooga, TN, came in second with a time of 4:21:53. Third place male finisher, Bryan Dayton came in at 4:34:57. He also grew up near Chattanooga and now lives in Boulder, CO and represents Vasque. First place female overall was Sally Brooking from Marietta, GA with a time of 5:37:28; just 6 minutes shy of 2008's winning time for females. Rock/Creek race team member and Signal Mountain, TN resident, Jaclyn Greenhill, came in second with 5:45:10 and Emily Ansick of Auburn, AL finished third female with a time of 5:51:39.
Male Masters winner Jay Curwen from Asheville, NC didn't quite clear the stumps, resulting in a slight injury on the trail, however, that did not hinder his solid finish time of 4:55:34. Following behind him were male masters finishers John Dove from Georgia with a time of 5:10:48 and third place male and Rock/Creek Race Team Member Randy Whorton from Chattanooga, TN with a time of 5:17:43. First place female masters winner was Enid Gonzalez from Kennesaw, GA in 6:13:48 and second place was Nancy Lewis From Greensboro, GA with 6:58:48. Third place, in 6:59:43, was Lisa Zaccarelli of Nashville, TN.
Runners Theodore Towse from Nashville, Marcus Faudi from Soddy Daisy, TN, and Brad Schneider from Bowling Green, KY took the podium spots in the 11 mile race with times of 1:25:41, 1:26:59, and 1:27:16. The women's podium included Shanna Hutchinson of Aspen, CO, Elizabeth Callaway of Athens, GA, and Lucie Becus of Franklin, TN, with times of 1:39:37, 1:42:32 and 1:45:42 respectively.
Rock/Creek hosted a vibrant vendor fair and packet pick up the Friday before the race at their 2 North Shore location. As hundreds of racers came through to pick up packets, the general public was invited to browse the latest gear and sign up for giveaways and raffles from race sponsors. After the fair, registered racers enjoyed a catered carbo supper where Laura Fryer from La Sportiva gave away dozens of pairs of free trail running shoes.
Saturday came quickly and beautiful weather awaited the runners as they congregated at Signal Mountain High School for the race start. After a pep talk from race organizers, the 50k and 11 Mile racers were off for a road start to thin the field before they hopped on to narrow singletrack trails. The race was a spectacle of gazelle-like speed, agility, and athleticism, as the top runners confronted challenging descents and climbs. First time racers were surprised by a few unique geological formations with names like Mushroom Rock, Indian Rock House, and the ankle-busting Rock Garden.
The Chattanooga area was represented by the accomplished ultramarathon runner and Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Joshua Wheeler, from Signal Mountain, TN. Andy Anderson from Truckee, CA, brother of 2008 StumpJump Champion and fellow team member, John Anderson (now of Boulder, CO), also grew up here. Wheeler, coming off a recent tibia injury, took a risk to train hard for this race after returning from a medical mission in Africa. He started building mileage in Africa and ramped up his weekly mileage to 100-120 miles a week in mid to late August. "For six weeks I went and found the most technical and steepest trails around. I knew going into the race that Bryan Dayton would be strong; being the 50k National Champion, I knew he was the greatest threat. It has always been a project and a dream of mine to win that race [StumpJump 50k]; I'm thrilled to have a high finish against a pretty competitive field while coming off an injury. It was finally great to string all the training together," Wheeler explains.
Race Director Jonathan Mobley credited the perfect combination of weather, racers, volunteers, and sponsors for the ultimate success of the race: "Rock/Creek's StumpJump exceeded my expectations on more levels than I could take the time to explain. We could not have asked for a more beautiful early Fall day. Participants were anxious to get on the trail and were excited by what they had accomplished when they crossed the finish line. No matter what personal goals runners had set forth for themselves, they were all equally inspiring. I would like to personally thank all of our sponsors for their endless support and volunteers for their tireless efforts to make this race a huge success. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!"
Now in it's 9th year running, the Rock/Creek StumpJump is gaining national recognition and prestige as one of the top 50k trail runs in the country, with racers form 20 states in attendance. This year's race will go down in Rock/Creek Trail Series history as the beginning of something tremendous for Southeast trail running, acting as a magnet for running talents and sponsored athletes such as Dean Karnazes (The North Face), Krissy Moehl and Bryan Dayton (Vasque) and hometown heroes like Wheeler and Greenhill. Moehl, who also represents Patagonia, had just come from a victory at the Tour de Mont Blanc, and decided not to race but was on hand to volunteer.
Top racers as well as raffle winners took home over $20,000 worth of prizes from various sponsors, including tents, sleeping bags and packs from The North Face. All 50k racers took home a pair of SmartWool socks and everyone down to the volunteers scored a technical t-shirt from Marmot. Hammer Nutrition and Greenlife Grocery provided race day nutrition and prizes. Volunteers from Signal Mountain and Ooltewah Cross Country teams helped hand out finishers' medals and cook hamburgers for the post-race meal. The day's festivities didn't end with that meal however, as Dean Karnazes headed back down the mountain after running the race to give another presentation as part of The North Face Speaker Series. A private VIP reception before the show raised well over $6,000 for Lula Lake Land Trust, with money coming in from ticket sales and being matched by Volkswagen, Audi Chattanooga, and First Tennessee. Other sponsors included Lyndhurst Foundation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Medium, Talk Radio 102.3, Riverside Wine and Spirits, and Smart|Furniture.
The Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k and 11 mile course would not exist in its current location without the support of the Cumberland Trail Conference, a non-profit organization responsible for trail building, maintenance, and fund raising for what will eventually be a 300+ mile trail stretching across the state of Tennessee. As a beneficiary of the race, the CTC is guaranteed funds for support and published trail maintenance days, so be sure to check with the Rock/Creek Chronicle to plan for upcoming events.
Race sponsors included Rock/Creek, The North Face, SmartWool, Marmot, Vasque Project and BOA Lacing System, Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Deuter, Columbia, END Footwear, KEEN, Chaco, Merrell, Greenlife Grocery, Trail Runner Magazine, and Southern Spring Water.
Rock/Creek StumpJump is the oldest and largest of the 10 Rock/Creek Trail Series races. The next race will be the Upchuck 50k in November, then on to the longest trail race in Tennessee history, the Lookout Mountain 100k. For more information on the series, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/
For photography and official results, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/
Photos courtesy Rock/Creek, c. Lucas George (top) and Rachel Tucker (middle & bottom).
Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:25 PM | Comments (0)
October 14, 2009
Eric Charette's Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k Report
Eric Charette from the Huntsville Track Club came up for the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k and has compiled a great race report with photography from all over the course. Eric placed well, 5th overall, with a time of 4:44:35. You may remember Eric from his 2nd place finish in the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race back in June. Great job Eric, and thanks for the awesome report!
Here are a couple highlights:
To soak in sweeping views of the Tennessee River Gorge while running above the cloud line along the rim of Signal Mountain on some of the best trails in the east amongst national class talent in perfect temperatures with great race management is the best way I can describe this race. In its 9th Annual running, Stump Jump 50km by Rock/Creek is a classic and should be on every runners future race calendar.
In this race there were several keys to my success. The first one was advanced course knowledge. This summer in the Stage Race, we ran the first 6 miles of the course and then on a later trip, Joey Butler, Eric Fritz and I came out to run the middle 20. Knowing that the two miles out to Mushroom Rock was on a jeep road and very fast helped me to create some separation before running through the first aid station.
Read the full report on Eric's blog, Sirius Ultra Runner.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)
Rock/Creek StumpJump in Ultra Running News
If you had a tough time last weekend at the 9th annual Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k, you weren't the only one! Check out this race report from Faun Ramey for Ultra Running News:
The 8:00 start time finally came and we lined up on the start line. I lined up toward the back knowing I would not challenge the leaders this day. Right before the gun went off, I noticed that Dean Karnazes was taking off his sweats. He jumped into the crowd just in front of me. It was kind of cool having an ultrarunning legend right in front of me.The gun sounded and we were off. The first bit was on the road as the crowd thinned a bit. We then hit a gravel portion of trail. It went on for about 2 miles and the pace was around 8:30 or so. At one point during this stretch I was actually ahead of Dean! It didn't last long though, as he roared past me on a downhill section and I never saw him again.
With all thoughts of staying ahead of Dean Karnazes to the finish gone, I settled into a rythym. We left the gravel trail and hit dirt but the trail stayed pretty smooth and wide enough for everyone as the runners were still concentrated a bit. It wasn't long before we left this smooth and wide section for narrower single track that was uneven and mostly downhill over rocks and boulders. I remember sarcastically making the comment to anyone who could hear that, "I can't wait to come back up this!" It was extremely steep downhill navigating that was impossible to run.
Read the full report at Ultra Running News
See full results, photography, and more at rockcreek.com/stumpjump
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:17 AM | Comments (1)
October 9, 2009
The North Face 2-Week Exclusive Invitation
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Sale Sandals Rain Jackets All Jackets |
Climbing Gear Paddling Gear Travel Gear Camping & Hiking Gear |
Sign Up to Win Gear Sign up today for a chance to WIN $500 of The North Face Gear Click here to Sign Up > |
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Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:22 PM | Comments (0)
October 6, 2009
Rock/Creek StumpJump Results & Photos
Rock/Creek's 9th Annual StumpJump 50k & 11 Mile trail race results are now posted! Check the race page for results. Also, be sure to become a fan of the StumpJump on Facebook and post links to your photos & race reports!
Rock/Creek Race Team member Josh Wheeler won the race in 4:15:00. He also set a record for this new course (we're running for the second year on this course, which is generally accepted as a "longer" 50k than the original course). Nicholas Selbo, also a Chattanooga native, placed second. Bryan Dayton of Boulder, CO, who won the race back in 2005 and held course record on the old course (prior to construction of Signal Mountain High School), came in 3rd.
Sally Brooking of Marietta, GA came in first female with a time of 5:27:28. Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill took second in 5:45:10. Jenny Hadfield of Willow Spring, IL took third in 5:46:44.
Race results have been posted online. The race went off Saturday with beautiful weather and world-class runners. In addition to Josh's win, we had several Rock/Creek Race Team members place well: Jeff Edmonds and Andy Anderson, came in 4th and 6th. Masters winner Jay Curwen of Asheville, NC finished and won the masters title despite breaking his arm on the course. He refused help and finished the race before heading off for treatment.
Josh Wheeler, originally of Signal Mountain, grew up in the area and has raced the StumpJump several times. He said he was coming off an injury and was thrilled to win the race. "I always wanted to win that race; it always was a project and a dream of mine to win," Josh said.
"Sponsors and volunteers made the race happen," explains Race Director Jonathan Mobley: "We really have to thank The North Face, SmartWool, Marmot, Vasque Project, Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Deuter Packs, Columbia, END Footwear, Greenlife Grocery, Trail Runner, KEEN, Chaco, Trail Runner Magazine, Southern Spring Water, and of course Signal Mountain High School, The Cumberland Trail and all the rangers at Prentice Cooper WMA. Without all these players we would not have a race."
Congrats to all finishers, and everyone who had the courage to come out and give it a try! We're really looking forward to an amazing 10th anniversary race, so stay tuned for 2010 details.
Mark your calendars now for the next race on October 2, 2010! Visit the Rock/Creek StumpJump Web site for year-round updates on sponsors, venues, and other developments.
Also keep in mind that the Rock/Creek Trail Series includes 10 race dates throughout the year. Our next race is the Upchuck 50k, a very tough ultra for those who didn't think the StumpJump was hard enough. December 19th's Lookout Mountain 100k & 10k is also part of the Vasque Project and should not be missed. Come run with us before you gorge yourself on turkey and holiday sweets!
Come join the discussion at the new Boonies Web site, http://www.runintheboonies.org/
Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:45 PM | Comments (0)
October 1, 2009
Rock/Creek StumpJump speaker Dean Karnazes in Chattanooga Times Free Press
As the weekend's momentum for the Rock/Creek StumpJump events are about to hit full swing, Rock/Creek is proud to share local coverage our StumpJump guest speaker Dean Karnazes is receiving for his accomplishments and coming arrival.
Coming to Chattanooga as part of the StumpJump 50k weekend, The North Face sponsored athlete Dean Karnazes will be speaking to the racers and the public for two nights only.
Joan Garrett, Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter, caught up with Dean for a quick phone interview before he heads our way. Here are a few things Dean had to say when asked questions about his beginning to run and why. He was out celebrating his 30th birthday and expressed a life changing moment...
A:...at 11pm at night I just said ' I am leaving, I am going running...to run 30 miles tonight to celebrate my 30th birthday' That one night of gusto changed the course of my life"
Q: What do you think about when you want to quit?
A: I use a technique I call baby steps. We tend to get ahead of ourselves especially in a marathon or half marathon... Don't think about what is still left in front of you. Just be in the moment, and be really present. Think about your next footstep. Do your very best in your next footstep, your next footstep and your next footstep"
[Read the Full Article w/ Audio]
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Posted by Rachel Tucker at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)
