June 20, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Member, John Anderson, Takes First Place Before the Summer Season

The weather might have been fair for the 19th annual Collegiate Peaks Trail Run in Buena Vista, Colorado, but that did not inhibit Rock/Creek's Race Team Member, John Anderson, from placing first on May 2, 2009; finishing in 6:58:49; only five minutes behind the course record and setting the second fastest time in race history. The following is a personal race report from the Boulder, Colorado resident, as he carries us through his day:

"I went up to Buena Vista, Colorado last weekend to get my race season going with the Collegiate Peaks 50 mile and 25 mile Trail Run as everything is finally melting out after a snowy spring. The area is probably better known to the boating crowds from Rock/Creek Down Under but with several Fourteener Peaks and hundreds of miles of trails (including the Colorado Trail) it is a sweet running or hiking destination. I might add, it's also a good Disco destination if you head to the local watering hole on Wednesday nights.

As I drove into town Friday night I relived some old memories from the several summers that I guided raft trips on the Arkansas River. The race itself is a combo 25 mile and 50 mile event, with the 50 milers turning around and repeating the same loop in the opposite direction. The course is mainly on four wheel drive roads with several miles of single track and a few of pavement. It starts at 8000 feet and has around 5-6000 ft of climbing with some decent climbs. The unpredictable changes in weather conditions influenced my decision for the following technical gear:

Patagonia Nine Trails Jacket and Shorts, Patagonia Silkweight Tee, SmartWool PhD Ultralight Running Socks, and used the Nathan Waist Pack and the Ultimate Directions Handheld bottle.

The race began at the end of Main Street by the river and with a few quick words from the race director we were off into the cold, foggy morning. I settled into my pace and took in the mountain and river views. The weather was cool and overcast for most of the morning; it just felt good to be out there running. At the turnaround there was another 50 miler, Nick Clark (a UK transplant living in Fort Collins) right behind me and a few others within a few minutes. There was a brief moment as I crossed the river and saw the town play hole that I was thinking "Maybe I should have brought my kayak and only done the 25 miler..." Then I remembered that post-run ice baths feel warm compared to the Arkansas River in May.

After the turnaround we had a several mile climb up out of the river and for the next 10 miles or so Nick stayed about 30 seconds or so back and we put 15-20 minutes on the 3rd and 4th place guys. Right before the 38 mile aid station he caught me, and we chatted for a bit as we rolled into refuel. He then put a few steps on me, but I started to feel really good (or really stupid) and decided that I should make a move on the next big climb. I passed Nick and kept running steady and soon put some distance between us. I didn't see him as I came into the last aid station at mile 44 so I chomped down a gel and headed for the finish.

The final few miles parallel the river on roads and single track, and apart from the headwind I felt pretty good, although I'm pretty sure they added a few extra miles than when I ran the same stretch at the start of the race (just like at the StumpJump 50k where Dawson and the gang seemingly make the parking lot in front of Signal Mountain High School longer at the finish). I came into the finish at 6:58, five minutes off Tony Krupicka's CR from 2007 and the second fastest time in race history. Nick came in a few minutes later at 7:03 and third place, Bryan Goding, came in at 7:37.

All in all, it was a good race and I was happy with the result. It was my first race since Rock/Creek's StumpJump 50k & 11 Miler http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/, last year so I was anxious to see how my fitness was coming along for Bighorn. Besides, my brother is moving back here in a few weeks so I'd better be fit so we can pound each other down. It's time to focus on the Bighorn http://www.bighorntrailrun.com/and get some late race strength. Now, I just need to find a little polyester to wear to Disco night."

-John Anderson

Set your own course records at the Rock/Creek Trail Series. For more information on the series and upcoming races visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

Take a look at the upcoming Greenway 5 Mile Race, ideal for beginners at http://www.rockcreek.com/greenway/

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 9:48 AM | Comments (0)

June 7, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Jeff Edmonds, Runs Among Giants

Defeat within Victory? Jeff Edmonds words on running and progress:

Rock/Creek Race Team member Jeff Edmonds, of Nashville, TN took first place in the Avenue of the Giants Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and 10K in Northern California on May 12, 2009. Jeff finished with a quick marathon time of 2:47:51 with a pace of 6:24.

This popular Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and is famed for being well organized and rated by RUNNERS WORLD as one of the most scenic in the country. The race is held in the Humboldt Redwood State Park, about 250 miles north of San Francisco. It started up in May 1972 after a local running club, Six Rivers Running Club, wanted a course that would give them a chance to qualify for the 1972 US Olympic Trials. The course [PDF map] is a double out and back, starting under a canopy of Redwoods, and finishing with a gradual six mile uphill climb reportedly comparable to Boston's famous "Heartbreak Hill."

Since his win, Jeff has had time to ponder the marathon, and if you ever wondered what a Philosopher thought of racing, click the link to "Logic of Long Distance- Running and Philosophy" to read his opinions on the Avenue
of the Giants Marathon, and more...

" None of this, of course, was running through my head at the starting line. I was thinking the same things I always think. Relax. Let the pace come to you. Trust in your training..."

[Some explicit language and opinions, personal to Jeff, are expressed within "The Logic of Long Distance." Please make note before reading]

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:54 AM | Comments (0)

May 6, 2009

Rock/Creek Youngest Race Member takes 7th at Twenty12 ID

Rock/ Creek Race Team's youngest member, Johanna Gartman age 15, was youngest again as she competed Saturday April 18, 2009 in the USAT 2012 Talent ID Race, following the 2009 Collegiate National Triathlon Championships in Lubbock, TX at Buffalo Springs Lake. The course consists of a 750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run. Johanna finished 7th, surpassed only by women primarily age 25 and above, who were invited to this race because they were ranked in the 90th percentile nationally with hopes of showcasing their talent for a transition from amateur age grouper to professional elite.

Johanna was the third female out of the frigid 56 degree water with a swimtime of 6:43, was able to hang on the back wheel and contribute to a pace line on a hilly, windy three lap course with a biketime of 46:48 at 16.7mph, and ended up with the fourth fastest run time with a runpace of 7:01 and runtime of 21:47.

Johanna accomplished her goal of wanting another ITU race under her belt before competing in the Pan American Championships next month. At the Pan American Tirathlon Confederation Championships (PATCO) race in Oklahoma City, she will actually be representing the U.S. for the first time, racing against the best Junior Elite (16-19) girls from Canada, the U.S., and South America. The U.S. girls will contend for one of the three available spots on the Junior National Team, which will travel to World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia this September. The two other slots will be granted to the top two females at the Strawberry Fields Junior Elite Cup in Oxnard, CA, where Johanna will race in July.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 9:30 AM | Comments (0)

April 27, 2009

Rock/Creek's Kris Whorton Sets New Record For Female Masters Runner in 100 Mile Event

Simril Multisport Coaching's Lee Simril Interview with Ultra Runner Kris Whorton


Please join our Rock/Creek Race Team family in celebration of Kris Whorton's amazing accomplishment at Umstead 100. We honor her achievement by sharing this inspiring interview between Rock/Creek's Kris Whorton, and our newest Rock/Creek Chronicle guest writer, Coach Lee Simril, from Simril Miltisport Coaching:

LS: Congratulations on finishing the 2009 Umstead 100 mile Trail Race

KW: Thanks. It's been a good week.

LS: Is it true that you set a new record for female masters runners in a 100 mile event?

KW: Yes. The previous record was 17:13, set by Connie Gardner in 2006.

LS: How was your training leading up to the big day?

KW: Training for Umstead was a bit atypical because we had a big 4 months last year with four 100 milers between July 19th and November 8th so I figured I would just carry it through the year after I signed up for Umstead in September. The first 100 was great, but we DNF'd on the second (three weeks later) with only about 18 miles to go. I still feel wonder at what happened to us on that one because we both felt good physically but we weren't into it mentally after about 55 miles for me and 75 for Randy. The next two 100s went well but I think I came out of the year feeling a little more worn out than I expected I would. I guess I was mentally tired because my head just wasn't in my training over the next few months and although I did the miles, averaging about 50 a week from November to the end of February and ran a few races, I didn't have my head in them and without the mental component, I just wasn't running like I wanted to. Umstead had been in the back of my mind for months, but I hadn't committed emotionally and I didn't want to go up there and run a half-assed race so about the third week of February I had a little talking to myself about commitment and attitude. Two weeks later we headed over to Mississippi and I ran a really solid, comfortable race, and had a PR. It gave me the mental confidence I needed and I figured I could gut out a borderline 17 hour finish at Umstead. I kept my mileage up for the second and third week of March and then only ran about 35 miles two weeks before and 4 miles the week of Umstead.

LS: Please give me a run down of your nutrition for race day, beginning with the night before the race and ending at the finish line.

KW: At about 4:30 we had an early dinner of rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a beer. Race morning I had a little oatmeal about 2 hours before the start and half of a Recoverite. I'm not a big eater before or during races because I don't want to give my stomach fits. During the race, I had a Heed/ Perpetuem mix in my water bottle about every hour and I went through about two packets of Clif Blocks. I also ate a few cantaloupe cubes, a few pieces of potato with salt, and in the early evening, I drank Mountain Dew or Pepsi at the aid stations to try to settle my stomach a bit. The Heed/Perpetuem mix really works for me. Randy met me with a Recoverite at the end of the race.

LS: Please tell me your best moment of race.

KW: The whole day was really lovely and I enjoyed most of it, but I actually enjoyed mile 98.5 to 99.5 the most. We were running up the road to make the last turn into the finish stretch and it felt like we were flying because we were moving so fast. I don't know what the actual time on that mile was but it felt like a 7 minute mile and it was really empowering to feel so strong and so good at that stage. I felt like I could run like that pace for a couple more miles.

LS: Please tell me your worst moment of the race.

KW: I don't think I really had any worst moments on this one. Two years ago I had a lot of stomach problems and had many pit stops so when my stomach started going south on lap 7, I was a little concerned. I had to stop three times during those 25 miles but it was okay and everything held together.

LS: Did you use any pacers or safety runners during the race?

KW: I did run with "pacers" from 50 miles onward but it was more for conversation/company than pacing. Randy ran 50 to 75 with me and Stephen Smith ran the last 25. Pacing is really a misnomer because it's unrealistic for someone who's run 50 miles to be able to keep up with someone fresh. The "pacer" is there for companionship and the runner sets the pace. My companions, Randy and Stephen, did a great job keeping me company and I was happy to run with my usual training partners. I ended up feeling like I was out there on a training run.

LS: Did you get to enjoy the post race party? Do they have post race parties at 100 mile running races?

KW: We had our own little post race party actually. I came in about 3.5 minutes after the lead woman (Jill Perry) and didn't realize at the time that she had just finished. She was nearly 40 minutes ahead of me at the end of the 6th lap so I had no idea I was so close to her. I came in and Blake, the race director, and some of the other race personnel were talking to her but I still didn't get that she had just finished. My contacts were kind of gooped up from the pollen and I noticed a guy off to my left. He was standing there sort of expectantly and I didn't recognize that he was my friend Kean Hankins from Pinhoti. Randy came running in, bummed he'd missed the photo op at the finish line and Stephen sort of stepped off to the side. Then I realized the guy was Kean and Randy, then Stephen, and then Kean hugged me. We went inside, sat in front of the fire about 20 minutes, and just felt happy. Randy took care of me like he always does--he handed me a long sleeve shirt and a Recoverite and was generally awesome. Kean gave me a bottle of Champagne and then Randy, Stephen and I went back to the hotel and I got a shower, a beer, and some pizza. I could only handle about 2 bites but it was good. The race "party" was the next day at noon when the race was officially over but by then, we were nearly to Asheville where we had a great lunch of bison burgers, spinach salad and beer.

LS: What motivates you to compete in Ultra Running Races, as opposed to just exercising for the sake of fitness?

KW: I love running and being outside. Races give me the opportunity to explore a new or favorite place, to see old friends, and to get food and water on the way. Some people really get inspired by the competition element but I'm not very good about thinking in terms of beating someone else because I see a race as a challenge to myself and it doesn't make sense to try to have it be about how or what I can do against someone else. Sometimes I go into them with a goal, but usually I just want to enjoy the day. Races also encourage me to stay on track with my training--if I don't put in the miles, it will be harder to get through the event.

LS: What are some of your race plans for the rest of 2009?

KW: We have a fun marathon planned in Louisville at the end of the month (Kentucky Derby), Sweetwater 50K in Georgia in May, and Tahoe 100 in July. We don't have anything on the schedule beyond that, except maybe UpChuck 50k but Randy is planning on Pinhoti and I'll probably crew for him to return the favor for all he's done for me the last 6 months.

About the author:

Lee Simril, USAT Certified Coach, USA Swimming Coach

"Since competing in his first triathlon in 1985, Lee has had a passion for the sport. Lee was the captain of his soccer team at Brevard College and went on to run track at High Point College in N.C. He was a captain and MVP at the conference and district meets. After college, he competed nationally as a Triathlete. Lee thought he would eventually get a "real" job and leave sports behind, until he met his wife Brenda. Brenda was equally passionate about endurance sports, and within a few years, they had formed a four person Adventure Racing team that won the United States Adventure Racing Association's (USARA) National Championship. Lee has coached Soccer, Masters Swimming, Youth Swimming, and Track and field for over twenty years. For the last thirteen years he worked for the American Bicycle Group (ABG), which manufactures Litespeed, Merlin and QR bicycles. During this time he worked with top athletes from around the world in the sales and design of wetsuits and bicycles." Check out the Simril Multisport Coaching website to find out how you can "Reach Your Full Potential" through SMC for quality consultation and training www.simrilmultisportcoaching.com/default.html.

The next races in the Rock/Creek Trail Series have opened registration. Check out these upcoming races:

Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Presented by Vasque
May 23, 2009 - Raccoon Mountain - Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/

Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
3 days of mountain trail running: 22 mile / 18 mile / 20 mile
June 19-21, 2009
Lookout, Raccoon, and Signal Mountains
http://www.rockcreek.com/stagerace/

Rock/Creek Stump Jump 50K
50K & 11 Mile Trail Running Race
October 3, 2009
Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

April 2, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Member Andy Anderson Wins Rucky Chucky 50k

Rock/Creek Race Team Member Andy Anderson ran circles around the recent Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50k on March 21, 2009 in Foresthill, CA, resulting in a first place win. Andy won the race with a time of 4:18:04.00, making it the second fastest time in the history of the Rucky Chuchy 50k. He missed the course's fastest record time, 4:15:00.00, by five minutes. As Andy states rather simply, " I ran the second fastest time in race history which was fun, but HARD! It went down for 16 miles, then back up 16 miles."

The Rucky Chucky 50k is the second race in a larger series of races facilitated through Ultrarunner.net. Runners remember the course for its 4500 ft elevation change through the duration of the race. Despite the dramatic climbs, a previous race report by Scott Dunlap provides testimony to the beautiful spring atmosphere along the American River. The course runs from Foresthill, follows the Western States 100 course to Rucky Chucky, then snakes back to Foresthill.

Find full Results for the Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50k and more information about the Race Series at www.Ultrarunner.net/raceseries.

Andy, the newest member of the Rock/Creek Race Team, grew up nearby in Signal Mountain, TN along with his brother, John Anderson, who is a Race Team Member as well.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)

March 10, 2009

Rock/Creek Takes Victory in Both Divisions of Mississippi Trail 50

The Rock/Creek Race Team left the Mississippi Trail 50 feeling confident and empowered despite this year's weather and course changes. What was intended to be a training run resulted in two great achievements of the day. John Brower won the overall 50 mile title (for the second time) by about 20 minutes with a final time of 7:21:50 and Kris Whorton won the women's overall 50K title with a final time of 8:05:44.

The Carl Touchstone Mississippi Trail 50 in Laurel, MS demonstrated the meaning of the phrase, "over hill, over dale, over fire burnt trail" this past race. The race trail underwent a minor change after controlled burning in the area caused some remapping. Rock/Creek Race Team Members Randy Whoton, Kris Whoton, Goug Dooley, and John Brower each had a different experience out on the trail compared to previous years.

Rock/Creek Race Team member Randy Whorton recalls the MS50 event;
The scalding 80 plus degree heat influenced Randy's decision to back down to the 50K event, but still offered enough mercy for his 7th overall finish. Randy was not the only runner to feel the heat that day. Bear comments from the MS50 race day report, "We may have the only 50K in the country where 62 people sign up, 60 start, and 92 finish!"

Randy praises Doug Dooley, who "presented good strength and pace, despite uncertainty of his healing double stress fractured foot, and placed 10th in the 20K event." His intention for the race was to test his foot strength and feel out his recovery efforts.

The weather was no match for Kris Whorton, and Rock/Creeks newest member John Brower. Kris won the women's overall 50K title. Randy explains: "Kris did have some competition. Ann Heaslett led Kris by nearly 10 minutes with 17 miles to go. Ann won two national ultra titles in 2002 (50 mile and 24 hour) and was named the USA Track and Field 'Ultrarunner of the Year' in 2005. Kris not only caught her, but ended up winning by over 12 minutes, also beating all but 4 of the guys. Doug aptly called it the 4th quarter smack down."

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:08 PM | Comments (0)

March 5, 2009

Race Team Member Greenhill in Local Paper

Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill showed up on the front page of the Chattanooga Times-Free Press this morning. In the article [read online or via PDF download], she talks about her recent experience finishing second female (9th overall) in the Coastal Challenge, a 6-day stage race in the Costa Rican jungle. There's also an audio clip on the Web version of the article; about halfway through she talks about the monkeys howling in the jungle, which seems like fun. We followed her progress here on the Chronicle on day one when she took the lead, day two, as well as in this post from stage four, and this final post.

You can read Jaclyn's race team biography online.

For a multi-day stage race closer to home, read about the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race, also mentioned in the article.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:40 AM | Comments (0)

February 23, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Sets Course Records at Black Warrior 50k

It should be considered mild to say that the Rock/Creek Race Team ran well this weekend. The Black Warrior 50K on Saturday met the runners with fantastic weather and a sloppy course due to recent rain and what appeared to be many herds of horses shortly thereafter. The mud should have led to some slower times than previous years, but previous years have not seen the likes of the Dials and Matt Sims. Jamie Dial won and broke the old coarse record set by Dewayne Satterfield who has won over 50 ultras, and Wendi Parker-Dial broke Kris Whorton's record by nearly 9 minutes (Kris placed second). The remaining R/C team members that ran the 50K, Natalie Sims and Randy Whorton also placed well. The 25K was dominated by Matt Sims, also breaking the old record.

On Sunday the first ever Southern 6 was run. Johanna Gartman finished first female. Sheridan Ames dominated the men's masters division, and for some unknown reason, Randy and Kris and a few other Sat 50K'ers, Lee and Brenda Simiril decided to give it a go. Kris won the woman's masters division and Randy placed third master. This race should prove to be a most popular event in years to come. Fantastic organization and course.

- Randy Whorton

Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:53 PM | Comments (0)

February 10, 2009

Greenhill Finishes Second in Coastal Challenge

The final race update from Costa Rica's Coastal Challenge came out this weekend, and Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill, who had been fighting it out for six days with Costa Rican Ligia Madrigal, took second place. Madrigal put about thirty minutes on Jaclyn, finishing at 34 hours, 59 minutes. It sounds like she was suffering a bit toward the end. According to the official race report, "American Jaclyn Greenhill traded pole position with Madrigal throughout the six-day race, but pulled back on Friday due to blisters and a sprained ankle. She finished second overall with a time of 35 hours, 31 minutes."

Congrats Jaclyn! What a great race and an awesome performance. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

About The Coastal Challenge

The Coastal Challenge is the "World's Expedition Runâ„¢," releasing runners over approximately 230 kilometers of exotic and wild Costa Rican mountainous regions and rugged coastline. For six days, runners embrace the spirit of adventure, discovery and camaraderie within a long distance running competition while navigating wide river crossings, rainforests, jungles, windswept highlands, beaches, and rock outcroppings. It is an expedition run of epic proportions introducing competitors to the hospitality of the local Tico culture while pushing the limits of their will and endurance. For more information visit www.thecoastalchallenge.com.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:53 PM | Comments (0)

February 6, 2009

Update: Greenhill Fighting for First in Costa Rica

Stage Four's reports have been published, and Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill continues to vie for the top spot in the Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica. With less than an hour separating the top women (Greenhill at 25:53, Costa Rican Ligia Madrigal at 25:22), the next few stages should be very interesting as they duke it out. Stage Four marks the midway point, so the next stages will be critical.

Jaclyn and Madrigal tied for first in Stage Three with a time of 8:50, which gave Greenhill the overall top spot for a day. According to race reports, that was the longest stage, challenging "competitors with blistering sand, cool rivers, and dusty roads before ending at the pristine coastline of Playa Ventanas."

In the full report from Stage Three, posted on the event Web site, the race designer describes the course:

"We threw competitors a curveball with a waterfall traverse at the beginning of the course," said Rodrigo Carazo, race designer, who set up day three so that competitors were forced to cross several rivers. "Today was another difficult trek into remote areas of Costa Rica that visitors would never see or experience on any type of tour."

Stage Four, named "The Revenge of the Borucas," after the original inhabitants of the area, the Borucas Indians, gave the racers up and down hill climbs that one competitor described as a "roller coaster." You can read the full Stage Four report here.

Good luck Jaclyn!

Posted by Mark McKnight at 6:56 PM | Comments (0)

February 4, 2009

Update: Greenhill Second in Day Two of Coastal Challenge

The Coastal Challenge continues in Costa Rica this week, and we're following Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill's progress. She started the race strong ending in first place on Stage One. Monday's Stage Two results have been posted, and Jaclyn finished another challenging day in the jungle in second place. Here's a teaser from the race report:

What a difference a day makes. Following a relatively short, 33-kilometer first day, competitors at the 2009 Coastal Challenge (TCC) encountered a mountainous day-two route that featured more than 2,200 meters of elevation gain over 39 kilometers. With temperatures hovering in the mid-90s, the field of 70+ competitors battled sun and sand in a course that moved from the misty, muddy rain forests of Savegre Valley to the sundrenched sand of Playa Dominical. The competition is also heating up as the top three male competitors continue to jockey for the lead in the expedition category.

"We designed stage two to give competitors their first taste of wild Costa Rican terrain," said Rodrigo Carazo, race designer, who forewarned competitors at the pre-race briefing that day two would test their determination. "We started them (competitors) on a climb through dense rain forest to give them a taste of the hills, and then challenged them with a lot of technical trail running through mud, grasslands, and streams." [...]

Ligia Madrigal of Costa Rica finished first in the women's expedition category with a time of five hours and 59 minutes. Madrigal, who gave birth just eight months before the event, created her own brand of cross training for this year's TCC; she often woke around 4 a.m. to get in a few hours of running before spending the rest of the day working and taking care of her baby.

"I got seven hours of sleep last night and it made all the difference," said Madrigal, who, because of her role as a new mom, hasn't had more than a few hours of sleep since giving birth. "The course was amazing and the views were incredible. You could see the mountains, the water, everything."

Americans Jaclyn Greenhill (6:09) and Kelly Ridgway (6:18) placed second and third, respectively, in the women's expedition category. Ridgway, a first-time TCC competitor, said at one point she thought she lost her shoe and sock in the mud, but could only find her shoe. "I couldn't find the sock anywhere, and then realized it was still on my foot but covered in mud!" She also had rave reviews about the course: "If I die after this race I will have truly lived." [Full report online]

I can't wait to hear first hand about this race from Jaclyn! It sounds like fun and definitely something to put on the "life list." I'm also anticipating the updates from yesterday and today. I'll post as soon as I hear anything about those.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

February 2, 2009

Greenhill First in Day One of Costa Rican Expedition Race

Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill of Chattanooga, TN is currently competing in a seven-day expedition race in the Savegre Valley in Costa Rica. Yesterday was the first day of The Coastal Challenge, and she came in first place. According to the race report, the first day of the race brought heat and humidity and covered more than 33k of dirt roads, rain forests and rivers.

Awesome job Jaclyn, and we'll be keeping an eye on your progress over the next week!

More from the race report...

"We were thrilled to have intense heat, cooling rain, and a challenging route that brought competitors to an oasis in the middle of the rain forest," said Tim Holmstrom, race director, alluding to the pool and tropical lodge at the finish line where competitors relaxed before setting up their tents. "From grueling trail paths to the final water crossing - where competitors could either cross by swimming or using a hand trolley - this was far from a typical long-distance run." [...]

"In the women's expedition field, Jaclyn Greenhill of the U.S. cruised to the top spot in a time of three hours and 47 minutes. Kelly Ridgway, also from the U.S., finished second (3:58), while Costa Rican Ligia Madrigal (4:03) took third. The expedition run - the cornerstone of TCC - pushes competitors over 237 kilometers in the ultimate test of will and determination...

"Greenhill, who was soaking in the lodge's natural pool after finishing, said she most enjoyed the water section and "cow-patty trails" of the first stage. She also noted she was traveling with her mother, Janet, who is participating in TCC's adventure tours. [Full report online]

Check out Jaclyn's profile on the Rock/Creek Race Team page >
Meet the entire team >
Sign up for the 2009 Rock/Creek Trail Series >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2009

Stone Fort Bouldering Comp Wrap-Up

Triple Crown Bouldering Series

Stone Fort Recap
Words By Kevin Jorgeson
Photos by Sarah Gale

For those unfamiliar, The Triple Crown Bouldering Series is presented by Rock/Creek and has three stops: Horse Pens 40 in Alabama, Hound Ears in North Carolina, and The Stone Fort (formerly Little Rock City) in Tennessee. The goal of these events is twofold: First and foremost, the mission is to raise funds for the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Carolina Climbers' Coalition. Secondly, these unique events provide the vendors to promote the sport of bouldering. These two goals go hand in hand as access is sensitive in these areas. As the number of climbers that practice bouldering grows, education and awareness of responsible land use is key.

Thanks in large part to the work done by the event directors, Chad Wykle and Jim Horton, in conjunction with the SCC, CCC and Rock/Creek, a strong community has been developed in the South, access to many areas has been secured and positive relationships have been developed with private land-owners, BLM, and National Forest management alike. The night before the comp, Rock/Creek hosted the premiere of Andrew Kornylak and Josh Fowler's new movie, Heart of Stone. Over 400 people came out to watch the film, which focuses on the past successes and present challenges to climbing access in the Southeast. Lisa Rands, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden-Caldwell, myself, and other regional activists also spoke out at the premiere in an effort to raise funds and awareness.

Departing for my first Triple Crown event, I was planning on being a spectator due to the nature of my recently injured finger. However, it only took 5 minutes at the bouldering area to realize that my injury was no match for a little tape and determination.

In its sixth consecutive year, The Triple Crown Bouldering Series has been growing in popularity. Over 480 climbers registered to compete in the last stop of the 2008 tour, enough to require 4 school buses and a Uhaul truck to transport everyone and their crash pads!

Conditions were prime, with the temperatures hovering just above freezing most of the morning and evening. To stay warm, I only needed a Power Stretch Full Zip Jacket and the TR6 Jacket. The Power Stretch provided the perfect balance of warmth, comfort, and flexibility. The TR6 was light enough to pack into my carry on baggage and the synthetic insulation kept me plenty warm between climbs.

Despite having so many climbers in one area, it rarely felt crowded. The long stretch of boulders spread out the crowds so that you could enjoy yourself on the problems. The sheer diversity of style and difficulty that Stone Fort provides is amazing. With grades for all levels and angles for every style, you were bound to find climbs that not only suited you, but also left you smiling long after you topped out.

I spent the first half of the day cruising around, climbing as many easy classics as I could find. Let me say, there are a lot! Despite the event technically being a competition, it didn't feel like it. There was the occasional stressful moment for climbers when an important climb did not come together, but on the whole, the atmosphere was that of a day out bouldering with A LOT of friends.

As the day progressed, I was psyched to see some of the hard climbs the area had to offer, in particular, The Shield. This beautiful wall is made possible by an intricate series of seams and edges up an otherwise blank sandstone wall. Despite my finger, I could not resist a few attempts. I did all the moves pretty quickly, but in the end did not link it all together. After not bouldering for over two months, it felt good to try really hard again. Here is a picture of my friend Max coming close.

Moving on from this line, I returned to a nice 30' wall that we had walked past on the way to The Shield. What makes Stone Fort so unique is the features the rock provides. Sandstone is typically blank in nature, with sloping features dominating the landscape. At Stone Fort however, you see the features typical of volcanic rock (pockets, knobs, and perfect edges) but with the texture of sandstone. This wall in particular was riddled with knobs, creating a puzzle of holds to sort through from start to finish.

Overall, the 2008 Triple Crown Bouldering Series was a great success, raising over $20,000 for local access initiatives. A big thank you goes out to Rock/Creek as the driving force behind the event, Marmot as the title sponsor, the SCC, the CCC, and all the companies that supported these events. Access to climbing is a privilege, not a right, and the work done in the South has set a great example for how to approach, negotiate, secure and respect land for climbing on.

Marmot has been a long-time supporter of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series and 2008 marked Marmot's second year as Title Sponsor. Kevin Jorgeson has been a Marmot Athlete for several years and has climbed at the Triple Crown, Yosemite, England and more in the past year. Learn more about him on marmotpro.com.

Watch Heart of Stone, a new film by Andrew Kornylak celebrating rock climbing in the Southeastern United States which debuted at the 2008 Triple Crown during a special event hosted by Rock/Creek Outfitters.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:13 PM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2009

Voices Against Mountaintop Removal Mining

Biker gives Appalachian towns a voice
Trip is to protest mountaintop removal mining

By Brittany Moore

Sam Evans wants the voices of Appalachian families near coal mining sites to be heard, so he's cycling to Washington, D.C., to hand-deliver protest letters written by mining communities.

"The bike ride for me is just a way to take the voices of the people who aren't being heard right now and take them to Washington, D.C.," said Evans, a third-year law student at the University of Tennessee. He plans on leaving Tennessee Jan. 9 and arriving in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20.

Evans won't be alone for the 750-mile trip. Missy Petty of Conservation Fisheries Inc., a nonprofit organization that rescues endangered fish species, will join him for the first half of the trip.

Evans and Petty plan to stay in homes close to coal mining sites to see for themselves the impact mining has on nearby communities, then gather letters protesting mountaintop removal mining. Evans will hand-deliver the letters to the Natural Resources Defense Council, which will give the letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"We just want people to be aware of what's going on in their own backyards and want them to care," Petty said.

According to Evans, a sludge pond similar to the one that broke in Kingston on Dec. 22 rests above an elementary school in West Virginia.

"If it breaks it'll bury the school," Evans said. "It's just another sludge build waiting to happen, and the people have been trying to address that for years."

Petty agreed.

"There have been people killed in these communities, and they're drinking water that's polluted, and because they're poor, no one's hearing their voices," she said. "Because Sam and I are able to get out and ride our bikes we're going to reach out to, I hope, you know, the nation." Evans said he's flown over areas impacted by mountaintop removal mining in West Virginia.

"It's not just hundreds of mountains," he said. "It's reaching the point to where it's thousands."

Petty said they've "been getting the word out to a lot of mountaintop removal groups" about their trip. "We know there are ways to mine without destroying the tops of mountains," she said.

Follow Sam's progress and learn more about mountaintop removal mining online at the Voices Against MTR website.

Sam is a former Rock/Creek employee who started a bike taxi during his time in Chattanooga.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:40 AM | Comments (0)

January 7, 2009

Jamie Dial Third in Tsali Foot Fest

Rock/Creek Race Team member Jamie Dial placed third in the Tsali Foot Fest in Almond, NC, this past weekend. He came in after our friend Mark Lundblad and Jeff Edmonds. Lundblad came in at 3:46:33, Edmonds 3:51:33, and Dial came in close behind at 3:53:58. Congrats to all!

The race benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and has a 50k, 25k, or 8 k option.

Here are the other top 3 positions from the race:

Women's 50k top three:
1.Rebecca Phalen - 4:54:56
2.Sarah Woerner - 5:25:23
3.Dominique Benson - 5:40:31

Men's 25k top three:
1.Kevin Lisska - 1:49:36
2.Mark Ledyard - 1:50:57
3.Matt Roane - 1:51:46

Women's 25k top three:
1.Anne Lunblad - 1:57:06
2.Elizabeth Patrick - 1:59:32
3.Kelsey Hanger - 2:08:58

Men's 8k top three:
1.Curtis Rowe - 37:16:00
2.Jason Aytes - 38:00:00
3.John Hillman - 38:04:00

Women's 8k top three:
1.Julie Richards - 38:20:00
2.Michelle Scifers - 40:19:00
3.Rebecca Graham - 43:05

(Thanks to Asheville's Citizen-Times for the tip)

Read more about the Rock/Creek Race Team >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:10 AM | Comments (0)

December 9, 2008

Race Team Report: Pinhoti 100 Mile Trail Run

Rock/Creek's sponsored athletes Randy & Kris Whorton went down to Alabama a few weeks ago to run the inaugural Pinhoti Trail 100. Here's what the race Web site has to say about the course:

The 1st Inaugural Pinhoti 100 is a Point to Point Trail run starting in Heflin AL on the unmolested Pinhoti single track trail. Runners will make their way over the highest point in Alabama while navigating over rocks, through creeks and across beautiful ridge lines of the Talladega National Forest. The course will consist of 80.62 miles of single track trail, 16.98 miles of jeep road and 4.52 miles of pavement and will finish on the rubberized track in the Sylacauga High School Football Stadium.

Randy gives us this report:

The race provided both both ends of the "fun" scale. It really sucked because I had to drop out at 27. My ankle just had not healed enough. I sure wish I could have run this one, I think I am in good shape and the race was on a magnificent north to south point to point single track trail on a range between Atlanta and Birmingham.

This is a true wilderness trail and the leaves were in perfect fall colors. Shit! I just get sick thinking about haw great it would have been. Now for the other end of the "fun" scale. I convinced Kris to continue without me at mile 20, at that point we were in 13th place and Kris was the 3rd woman. She was not happy about parting and for the next 10 miles or so she was planning on dropping at 50K.

She made the right decision to run it. Kris continued to pass other runners all through the night and finished strong and happy in 23:23, winning the woman's division and smashing the old course record; she placed 6th or 7th overall. The trail was quite overgrown and Kris shredded her legs but no other injuries reported, other than the normal blister or two. She is walking around today like she sat on the beach all weekend, but I believe that she will be taking it easy for the next few weeks and she certainly will be keeping her legs covered for a while.

Check out the Rock/Creek Trail Series for more great trail running races >

Check out our Trail Running Gear Guide at Rock/Creek >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:58 AM | Comments (1)

August 27, 2008

Rock/Creek Employee Honeymoons on the Appalachian Trail.

Ask any Rock/Creek employee what their top reasons are for working at Rock/Creek and it is likely that they will mention the flexible scheduling that allows us to take extended backcounty and trips abroad. The owners and managers not only permit us to take these trips, they also highly encourage it. How else are we to gather an intimate knowledge and understanding of the gear we sell? This also helps to keep the job exciting and reminds us why we entered this industry in the first place.

Currently Rock/Creek has a valued employee through hiking the Appalachian Trail. But Jessica is not out there alone, rather she is experiencing nature and the people of the Appalachians with her new husband, in celebration of their recent marriage. A week in the Bahamas simply wasn't enough for the adventurous two. The couple has documented their honeymoon on their blog site AndrewandJessicaGage.blogspot.com. On the site they are keeping a comprehensive trip report including pictures and videos from the trip. Don't be mistaken, its not all miles and miles of trees and brush. Jessica and Andrew have come across some interesting people, including a spirited bluegrass band in Monson, ME, staged at the local General Store.

We all would like to wish Mr. and Ms. Gates a safe and adventurous journey, both on the trail and in marriage.

Read more about Rock/Creek's diverse staff and their various adventures on our Staff Profile page >

Posted by bradmcallister at 5:32 PM | Comments (0)

August 25, 2008

Rock/Creek Race Team Wins Flatlanders Division at Wild West Relay

Plane ticket to Denver: $250

30 zip-lock baggies filled with boiled potatoes: $40

20 gallons of water: $25

Rental of a 12-passenger van, aka "The Stank Tank": $800

Participating in the suffer-fest known as The Wild West Relay: Priceless

On Friday, August 1, 120 teams pushed off from Fort Collins, Colorado to begin the 2008 Wild West Relay, a 195-mile, running relay in its fifth year. The race took teams on a northwestern route from Fort Collins up into the Rockies, crossed into Wyoming then headed Southwest over the Continental Divide before finishing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The nonstop event took teams anywhere from 24 hours to 35 hours to complete and consisted of 36 individual legs or sections. A single member of each team would run one of the legs, tag a teammate at the end of the leg, and hop into the team van to ride to the next exchange zone.

The Wild West Relay welcomes all varieties of teams and we witnessed this on the course - the super competitive (some elite teams averaged close to 6:00 miles), the super ultra (a team of only three completed the entire course), and the teams that painted their faces, wore skirts (both men and women) and wrote crazy sayings on the sides of their team vans.

Our Rock/Creek team consisted of six runners placing us in the ultra division. Each of us had participated in endurance events of some kind before - triathlons, bike racing, ultras, adventure racing, etc. - however, this event presented a few challenges that would new to some of us. Elevation: The elevation during the race ranged from 6,000 ft to 10,000 ft above sea level. Elevation plus lots of running = lots of fun. Although our team was constantly moving, each runner had a couple of hours of "downtime" between each leg. Just enough time for your body to cool off and tighten up before the next run. Minimal sleep: I don't believe anyone got much more than 30 minutes of sleep. For adventure races, this is evidently the norm; however, for several of us, this was a new race addition.

There was also unanticipated (for some of us) fourth element - the heat. Chad Wamack had warned me that "it gets pretty hot in Colorado in July and August." I kept thinking to myself, "but it's a dry heat. That won't affect a Tennessee boy used to suffocating humidity." Well, a dry heat of 102, as it was on Friday afternoon, can affect you. The dry heat sucks the water out of your body exceptionally fast. So, we quickly learned (or at least I did) to get out of the sun and get in plenty of fluids as fast as possible after a stage. I started to run with a "technical" shirt because it retained just enough moisture to help keep my body temperature down.

After our team had gone through a complete rotation (each person running a leg), I believe we all got into our own routine for recovering from a leg, "cleaning up" (consisted of some combination of wiping off with moist "toilettes", changing clothes, hanging up clothes to dry out, etc.), getting in fluids and food, and "warming up" before the next run. As the race wore on, it became a challenge to continue to eat. After throwing down Power Bars, Cliff Bars, Gatorade, Pop Tarts, boiled potatoes, potato chips, and chocolate milk, your stomach just wants a break.

The one constant in the event, the great scenery provided by the Colorado countryside, made staying up well worth it. Covering the distance on foot (and staying awake for over 24 hours) really lets you soak in the landscapes and experience the Colorado outdoors - the mountains, the valleys, the rivers - at all times of the day - sun rise, high noon, sun set, and the pre-dawn, quiet hours.

Definitely a great experience. We finished as the first place flatlanders team (all team members residing below 2,500 feet sea level) and 22nd overall. A continuous relay of this length really made me appreciate taking the post-race shower, the post-race nap, and that I don't regularly live out of a van (aka The Stank Tank).

-Kevin Boucher

2008 Wild West Relay Rock/Creek Team:

Sam "Lightning" Linhoss, Team Captain

Leigh "It never looks like I'm running hard" Linhoss, Team Accountant

Matt "Look me in the eyes when I'm talking to you" Sims, Team Outfitter

Natalie "Everyone Remain Calm, Heat Stroke is a Learning Experience" Sims, Van Decorator

Chad "Captain Lats" Womack

Lisa "Yes, I look at feet every day but even I'm not touching your feet Chad" Womack, Team Podiatrist and Driver

Kevin Boucher, Team Fighter Pilot

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:24 PM | Comments (0)

July 24, 2008

Vacation Local (Loco!)

Gas prices are up, atmospheric carbon is mounting, schedules are tight and budgets are tighter. Add in the fact that airport security is a pain and that now you have to pay to check your bags, its no wonder why many have decided to forgo the 2008 summer vacation season altogether. Vacations have become a strain. But they shouldn't be, nor do they have to be. The key is to look local.

Sure, there is a certain status associated with long distance travel. When you live east of the Mississippi, its all about heading west. Climb the Rockies, surf California, hike the Redwoods, mountain bike Utah. When you live out west its all about leaving the country. Now, don't get me wrong, I believe there is certain inherent value in experiencing every thing this country and the planet has to offer (I spent many years vagabonding on a soul search for that value) but to only have grand views of far distances is, paradoxically, near sighted.

Its amazing to me how many people who are so well traveled are limited in what they know about local opportunities for adventure and personal growth. This is especially true here in the southeast where opportunities for outdoor vacation and recreation are plenty. We live in the county's hotbed for natural diversity, a diversity that is only matched by the world's most tropical rain forests. Dedicated rock climbers come from all over the world to test their skills on southeastern rock. Miles of hiking trails, underground caverns and navigable rivers add to the lure of the region.

We've all seen a similar tend in the food market. People have been advocating eating local foods and buying local goods for years now. The products are healthier, they support the local economy, they have less of a environmental footprint and they reconnect people to their immediate surroundings. With four dollar a gallon gas prices and astronomical fees on airline tickets, its time to take the this local philosophy one step further, its time to start advocating local vacations.

Save some gas (and some carbon)

What hurts most about long distance road trips? Is it the $4.00 a gallon gas that empties your pocket faster than it fills up your tank, or is it the knowledge that each mile driven compounds a growing global problem. For me its a little of both. Air travel, though necessary in many cases, is particularly bad for global climate change. It has been estimated that nearly half a pound of carbon per passenger per mile is emitted during a flight. Doesn't sound like much but it does add up when you consider how many miles the average flight is and how many passengers are packed into each plane. Whatever your perspective, you benefit from driving less to your destination. I've crunched a few numbers and have come up with a few "one-tank" trips. These are valuable vacation opportunities that require only one tank of gas for a round trip drive. Since Rock/Creek is headquartered in Chattanooga, the city will be my origin for all of the listed trips. If you don't live in Chattanooga, no problem. There is plenty of fun to have right outside your back door. Get out a map and compass, do a little research and I guarantee you will find some enticing trips that will have you packing your bags in no time. Who knows, you may even find that the money you save on airfare might just be enough for that new play boat you've been eying.

On average cars and trucks in the sold in the United States get 300-350 miles per fill up. Since your going on vacation and weighing the car with gear, dogs and kids I'll go with the lower of the two estimates. So if you live in Chattanooga where does that 300 miles get you? All of these trip will get you there AND back on one tank of gas...if you decide to come back that is!

Chattanooga to Great Smokey Mountain National park (133-153 miles): Ah the smokies, no area in the United States has a more dense and diverse population of flora and fauna. Its a meca for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiast of all kinds. There are plenty of activities including bike touring, fishing, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and camping. The area will certainly keep you busy and, since it is so close you will have plenty of opportunity to return time and time again.
From Chattanooga the Gatlinburg Entrance, 153 miles. The Townsend entrance is 133 from Chattanooga. You'll want the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps' Great Smokey Mountain National Park map to plan your trip. Also, Hiking Trails of the Smokies is a comprehensive guide to the official trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering 149 trails with detailed narratives. Includes a full color, all-park trip planning map plus 165 trail profile charts.

South Cumberland State Park (70 miles): One of America's oldest state parks, the Cumberland State Park received its prized designation way back in 1938. Inside the park there are plenty of opportunities for both land and water activities. Camp and hike; canoe, fish or swim. Paddle boats and other equipment can be rented at the the park and there are excursions for both large families and solo travelers. Trails vary by degree of difficulty and duration, so you're sure to find something that will work for everyone in your group. Falcon Guide's Hiking Tennessee has a section dedicated to hiking in the state park. The area is also nationally known as one of the best rock climbing sites in the US. The Dixie Cragger's Atlas will help you plan if your heading into the park to climb. If you need a break from outdoor recreation, be sure to check out the Homestead Museum which documents the life of the 250 families that were the original homesteaders of the land.

Ocoee River (75-100 miles): When the summer Olympics came to the southeast in 1996, the Olympic committee had many choices when they were deciding where to hold the whitewater kayaking events. Ultimately the decision was made to hold the events on the Ocoee river. The river is a mecca for all levels of paddlers. For those who are not into the rush of bombing down rough rapids, there is the option of watching the excitement from the safety of the river bank. There are also plenty of hiking and camping options in the area. A quick google search turns up many cabin renting options as well.

Lost Sea, Sweetwater, Tenn (74 miles): Hey got a few young ones you need to keep safe and entertained. Only 74 miles from Chattanooga, The Lost Sea is America's largest underground lake. A glass bottom, naturalist led boat ride offers visitors a unique tour of the lake. Also available are guided caving tours. Kids can pan for gold and gemstones. Leave your Sunday best at home, you will get down and dirty in the caves. Quick drying warm clothing is your best bet. North Face has a great line of durable technical clothing for the whole family.

Those that need a little reprise from the wilderness after a long and active outdoor vacation can stop by any one of areas major southern cities. Visit cities such as Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Huntsville and Birmingham to get a jolt of southern big city life at its finest. Each City is unique but all offer good music, southern style food, and great night life.

And if your not from here (or even if you are), DON'T FORGET CHATTANOOGA. Disney rated the city one of the 50 best for family vacation fun. CBS featured Chattanooga as one of 4 top "Green vacations" (a list that included the Galapagos Islands) and in 2001 Outside Magazine named Chattanooga one of the 10 best outdoor cities in the country.

Recently more accolades have come Chattanooga's way. Outside again placed Chattanooga high on its list of best outdoor cities and Rock & Ice named the city the nation's number one for rock climbing.

Part of the outdoor allure of the city is the hundreds of miles of trail running possibilities throughout the area. Miles and miles of trails zig-zag and traverse the 3 mountains that surround the city. If you're a trail runner and thinking about heading to town, be sure to join one of the 9 races that make up the Rock/Creek trail series. In partnership with the Boonies Wilderness Trail Running Association and other local businesses, the trail series is dedicated to raising money for trail building, maintenance and other forms of low impact outdoor access. Whether your a beginning trail runner or a long-distance veteran there is a race in the series for you. Complete scheduling for the series can be found on RockCreek.com.

Next steps:
Regardless of where you plan to go the key to a good trip is education and preparation. Be sure to get yourself a guide book and maps for the region you are visiting. Need some more info? A great place to start is by contacting your local tourist information resource. Here in Chattanooga that's the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. If your vacation goals include outdoor fun and adventure we would love to recommend a few great places for you. Stop by one of our stores or visit us online at www.rockcreek.com. We will do what we can to prepare you for your epic vacation. Don't feel silly if you don't know of a particular gem in an area that you have lived your whole life. No one can possibly know all the opportunities that exist in any region, particular one as rich as ours.

Posted by bradmcallister at 4:01 PM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2008

Florida Native Completes 3-day Circuit at 2008 Stage Race, Participant Entry

Capt. Scott Griffith sent us this narrative after running all three stages of the 2008 Rock/Creek Mountains Stage Race. Enjoy and if you have a story that you would like to submit send it to media@rockcreek.com

Maybe I should have said no.

I received an e-mail from Lisa Purul eleven days before the race. That gave me just enough time to get in my one long run five days out and then start my taper. For those not familiar with this race, it's a three-day, staged trail race. Each day, runners traverse approximately twenty miles on the scenic trails just outside of Chattanooga, TN.

I should have read the description on the website more thoroughly before agreeing to the race. I still don't know how far we really ran, but it was long and more challenging than any of the hills we have around here. The trails were on Lookout Mountain, Raccoon Mountain, and Signal Mountain. From the recurring "mountain" theme, I should have been a little more leery.

I replied to Lisa's e-mail with a "yes," and Lisa, Paul Brannon, and I headed off to Chattanooga. While Lisa and I were planning to run the first two days of the race, Paul planned only to run one of the days.

For being a small race (probably not the largest budget), you could not have asked for more. Chad Wamack, one of the Rock Creek Racing Team members, arranged our heavily-discounted lodging at a very nice hotel in the middle of Chattanooga. Luckily for us, he also agreed to meet us after breakfast each morning so we could follow him to the race sites without getting lost. I've run the Marine Corps, Chicago, and Boston Marathons and never received such an accommodating reception.

After arriving at Lookout Mountain for the first day's race, we met Kris Whorton--inarguably an accomplished runner. She was the official cat-herder for the race, making sure everything went off smoothly. By the start of the race, she already knew everyone's name, proving a keen attention to detail. Her bio can be found at www.rockcreek.com/raceteam/#kris.

Off we went the first day, following a bicycle escort for the first bit of the course until we hit the trails. Chad told me the bike would drop me; so, naturally, I had to stay with it until it turned off. And I did. And I paid for it.

After we hit the trails, I had no idea where we were going. I figured I would just follow the guys in front of me. Bad plan. Apparently, the leaders didn't know the course that well, either, so we took the scenic route. The good news was that the back-tracking was downhill. For those who are wondering, getting lost two miles into a twenty-mile race is not a good start. After that, we were a little more careful and paranoid about following the trail. We continued past the aid station/gummy bear stop (they must have known I was coming) and ran out to Covenant College. When you drive into town, you can see the college perched on top of the mountain, a vantage point that affords it a great view of its surroundings.

Up the mountain, down the mountain, up the mountain, down the mountain.

With .6 miles to go, you hit the one water crossing. You could go around it, but that would be no fun--especially with the photographer sitting there yelling at you to go through it. So I went back and splashed in the water. It probably didn't help the race time, but I had fun.

On day two, Chad led us out to Raccoon Mountain, described as a flat and fast course. In fact, the course was supposed to be so flat that the official course description included no elevation profiles. Never trust a Tennessee designation of the word flat. The course was hilly enough and overgrown enough that the most mileage anyone recorded on their Garmin was 12.6. The trail was eighteen miles long, plus detours. It was, however, faster than the previous day. The highlight of my weekend came on this day, when I passed one of the mountain bikers on an uphill stretch. As day two came to a finish, I waited for Paul and Lisa. Despite his aforementioned plans to run only one of the race days, Paul crossed the finish line. Lisa followed in short order, and both formed a consensus to hang up their shoes for the rest of the race.

For our third day, Chad led us out to Signal Mountain.

Wait a minute...didn't we only plan to run two days?

Signal Mountain was, by far, the hardest of the trails. Fortunately, everyone was sufficiently well-rested after the flat course the day before. The times were slow, but you don't get to run trails like this in Florida. At one point, the trail dead-ended into a rock face where the trail simply went up. The pace varied from less than a crawl to running full-blast through sticker bushes and thorns where you couldn't see the rocks and roots you were tripping over. By the end of the day, only twenty-six of the thirty-four people that started the race at Signal Mountain finished. About sixty people raced at least one of the races. Paul ran all three races, beating Lisa in only one of the three. He did, however, finish just ahead of her in the overall standings, which made his day. Lisa was second overall woman. And I had fun.

The 2008 Stage Race benefited The Boonies (Wilderness Trail Running Association). Now part of the Rock/Creek Trail Series, this year's stage race was an incredible experience. It was presented by Rock/Creek and sponsored by Mountain Hardwear, SmartWool, and La Sportiva. Participants received a technical Wicked Tee from Mountain Hardwear. Prizes and raffles were provided as well. For more information on the Rock/Creek Trail series and for dates of future events visit. http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/default.asp

Posted by bradmcallister at 2:47 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)

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

January 8, 2008

Grand Canyon R2R2R - Rock/Creek Race Team Report

This past October, several Rock/Creek Race Team members, two friends, and myself all headed out to the Grand Canyon for a Rim to Rim to Rim (known as an R2R2R) adventure run. We started at about 3:30 a.m. from our cabin at the top of the canyon, and headed down the Bright Angel Trail, across the river, up the North Kaibab Trail, and back the same way. Some day I'd like to write a full account, but for the time being, Stephen Taylor set up a video on YouTube with some of the scenes from the first half of the trip:

Other race team members on the trip: Kris Whorton, Randy Whorton.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:41 PM

August 9, 2007

Tellico Staff Trip

Hey guys, I forgot to post this video, sent over from Ryan on our fulfillment crew a couple weeks ago. It shows a few of our staff enjoying the natural beauty of the Tellico River, running from western North Carolina into Tennessee. If you haven't ever seen this part of the country, believe me it's a beautiful place. Or just watch the video, and see for yourself...

Shop for Fly Fishing Gear at Rock/Creek >

Read about other beautiful spots convenient to Chattanooga >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:48 PM

April 27, 2007

A Foray into Hell's Kitchen

There is a chill in the air and my feet are freezing! This rude awakening turns into a frenzy of activity as I prepare for another ski day in Banff, Canada. The temperature outside my crowded hostel bedroom is in the negative and the thought of free pancakes and coffee starts to make my stomach churn.

I have been in Banff for a week now and my legs are starting to complain about too much work, but my mind says we’re running late for the bus. It is day seven and I have yet to take a day off. Today’s destination is Sunshine Village, located fifteen minutes from Banff.

I’ve heard about the great variety of steep terrain at Sunshine and my thirst for such has yet to be satisfied while on this adventure. Making my way down the stairs to eat, I notice that for the first time since my arrival, the sun has managed to make its way through the clouds. Two pancakes and four cups of coffee later, I find myself walking briskly to the bus with a killer caffeine buzz to boot. Naturally I am early, and as I wait for the bus to arrive I give my gear a final check and plug in the Ipod for some pump up music.

Arriving at the base, I take my skis and hop on to the gondola. At this point you still cannot see the ski area as it is neatly tucked back into the mountains. The gondola can not move any slower, despite the fact that it is billed as “high speed”. Perhaps it is my anticipation that makes the ride long, and the fact that I still have yet to see the actual ski terrain. As the Gondola rounds the final corner, the sun hits me directly in the face and there in the distance is the resort. It is absolutely spectacular! I exit the Gondola and find myself in the center of it all. As I gawk at the scenery, I am being knocked around by people who are scattering about in a hurry to catch the lift to the top of one of the many mountains.

I get my bearings and head up to some moderate terrain for a lengthy warm up. Once my legs are awake, I head over to the bread and butter area, called Goat’s Eye Mountain. Goat’s Eye holds all the steep chutes, tree runs and anything a crazy fool would like to ski as long as it is borderline deadly. There are many runs on the mountain that have stern avalanche warnings, even for the runs that are in bounds. One of the most memorable of these runs is called Hell’s Kitchen. This particular run is very steep, about 45 degrees or more in some places, and there is nothing but trees.

As I make my way through the beginning moguls to tree line, I quickly notice the forest closing in on me. Before I know it, I’m deep in the trees and the slope is only getting steeper. I have to take my turns a couple at a time because if I get going too fast there will be no way to stop. I do wear a helmet, thanks to some forceful peer pressure from my coworkers, Brooke and Wes, last year in Utah. Hell’s Kitchen really challenges your skiing ability as the path is not straightforward. If you go too far in one direction, you will be faced with the decision to jump a cliff. Stray too far in the other direction and the trees are too narrow to pass through. My legs at this point are really burning, but there is still a lot of steep tree skiing to go. I never knew that one could actually break a sweat in zero degree temperatures, but I find that out while playing in Hell’s Kitchen.

Once I make it to the end of the run I encounter some locals at the lift, out of breath and sweat running down my brow. The friendly locals take notice of me and ask where I have been. Upon mentioning Hell’s Kitchen, another question follows: “Where are you from?” Somehow I’m able to slur out “Tennessee”. Their eyes open widely as they proceed to tell me that they cannot believe I’m from the south, and that Hell’s Kitchen is a hard run. I guess that explains why I was alone for the entire run. I spend the next 5 days on Goat’s Eye Mountain ticking off numerous runs, mostly alone.

I will always remember my trip to Banff, and though I do not have many photos, (I can’t take pictures of myself in action) I am always happy to paint a picture with my words and memory. For those of you who are wondering how you can get your turns in for the winter while living in the South, it takes plenty of planning, a lot of saving, and most of all, a drive to accomplish a goal that you hold dear.

About the author: Clark Luckmann has been with Rock Creek for six years. He currently runs our fulfillment and customer service operations from our warehouse in Chattanooga, TN. He loves lip syncing Stevie Wonder tunes, long walks in the park, and skiing his brains out. He tries to get a few turns in after our trade shows in Utah, and usually takes one big trip every year.

See Clark's Banff trip photos at flickr >>

Check out Goggles on sale at RockCreek.com >>

Check out Hardshell Jackets at RockCreek.com >>

Tell us about your latest adventures!

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:37 AM

February 19, 2007

When do we get to ski?

Come check out our flickr account for some new photos from Brooke in the Tetons, as well as a couple new ice climbing photos from Wes Napier at Whitesides last weekend. Also be sure to stop by our Winter Clearance Sale at RockCreek.com. This is the best time to save on all your favorite outdoor clothing and gear from brands like The North Face, Arc'Teryx, Marmot, Patagonia, and more.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:33 AM

February 2, 2007

Little River Canyon Video

Rock/Creek employees Chris Brigman and Moe Edmiston paddling Little River Canyon in Alabama. Check it:

Related Links:

Get information on Local Creeks

Check out the latest Whitewater Kayaks

Go to Whitewater Paddles

See all Paddling DVDs (aka Kayak Porn)

Visit our Kayaks and Paddling Gear Section

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:43 PM

January 19, 2007

New Kayaking Videos on YouTube

Thanks to Jamie Sanders for this new kayaking video:
This is Sanders doing a couple 360's on the Ocoee River, at Hell Hole.


Related Links:

Get information on Local Creeks

Check out the latest Whitewater Kayaks

Go to Whitewater Paddles

See all Paddling DVDs (aka Kayak Porn)

Visit our Kayaks and Paddling Gear Section

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:24 AM

Suck Creek Christmas

A Suck Creek Christmas
by Mo Edmiston

I woke up; it was a dreary morning, not to mention that it was Christmas Day. Great, I thought to myself, it is raining. Christmas Day, and there isn’t anyone to go paddling with. Rolling out of bed, something caught me by surprise.

It was a phone call from Chris. “Where are we going paddling today?” he asked. “Checked the radar and looks like Suck Creek has a bit of a chance,” I explained. Suck Creek is a local run that is about ten minutes from downtown Chattanooga and generally runs with minimal rain fall. It lies at the base Signal Mountain and Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area. Plans were made, boats and gear were packed; I wished my mom a merry Christmas and explained I would be back later. Off I headed to meet everyone at the store for a Christmas day on Suck Creek.

We arrived at the take out to see that the river was running a bare minimum. “Looks good,” I said. So we geared up and headed for the put in. To add to the list of great surprises, this would be the first time I would run the newly cleaned out lower section, thanks to Jeremy and Bryce. This was going to be the perfect day, I thought to myself as Chris Brigman, Taft Sibley, Chip Smith, and I shoved into the water to see what kind of adventures lie downstream.

We charged through the first section of whitewater, styling such rapids as Road Construction, Slow and Low, and Pinnacle. Finally we got down to the crux rapid called Knucklehead, which was not frequently run until this year when someone moved the house size boulder in the landing. We decided to take out and run the cars back up for one more run before continuing downstream to the unknown rapids.

Same as before, everyone had great lines throughout the run. Then we arrived back to the lip of Knucklehead. This rapid has not only eaten boats but people as well. I gave it a good hard scout and decided this was going to be my day. I got a running start and smack I hit the pillow. Just in time, I was able to get off the much needed left stroke, sending me flying off into the pool below. As I bounced through the next rapid I saw Taft go next. Bam! I hear as everyone on shore burst out with the awful “uuuuffff,” which no paddler likes to hear. But to my surprise Taft came floating through the run out with a big smile on his face.

It turned out he wasn’t lucky enough to pull off the necessary left stroke, and it sent him flying off in the wrong direction, smashing his bow into the shallow pool below. Taft paddled away unscathed, only sending a boat shattering blow to the front of his kayak. After watching Taft, Chris and Chip decided to walk Knucklehead saving it for next time. With our adrenaline still pumping high we continued downstream to the next major rapid.

Having not ever seen the infamous rapid, Beyond Thunder Dome, we made up our minds to get out and scout. With the river so low, the bottom drop all funneled into a slot and dumped off a five foot ledge, disappearing into the mist of the peton rock below. Taft decided to probe it first. The rapid consists of three must-make moves, the last being of the most importance. Taft styled the top drops as if he had been running this rapid for years. He finally reached the crux; stroke, hit, he was through unscathed. I opted to run it next, hitting the same line; followed by Chip. Thanks to Chris, everyone stayed safe, while he was nice enough to set up a throw rope. We continued down the unknown section of class IV boogy water.

There was still one more rapid we had heard about. It had taken a piece of our friend Jeremy’s knuckles the week before. Giving it a proper scout, we gave it a go. The move was to boof a four foot ledge going right, then land in an eddy barely big enough for one boat to turn around, then complete the rapid by ferrying back across the river to the left. I am not sure what this rapid is called, but they should have named it 50/50 because fifty percent of our group ran the last part backwards. After completing that rapid the river dies down a bit, still delivering some fun class IV boogy water until you reach the bridge.

With the bridge in view, a big smile started to come across my face. It was Christmas Day, we had just gotten two laps and a personal first descent of what is to become the “New” Suck Creek. Pulling up to the cars we got dressed, ran shuttle, and made plans to come back for another couple of laps the next day if the creek held its water. We said our goodbyes knowing that until future holiday adventures, this was the best Christmas present one could get.


Related Links:

Get information on Local Creeks

Check out the latest Whitewater Kayaks

Go to Whitewater Paddles

See all Paddling DVDs (aka Kayak Porn)

Visit our Kayaks and Paddling Gear Section

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:26 AM