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 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 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]

Last Minute ticket purchases for Saturday's (10/3) public presentation at 7pm are still available online. Follow the link to PURCHASE SATURDAY TICKETS >

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)

September 30, 2009

Dean Karnazes' 50/50 Book Available at Rock/Creek

New York Times Best Selling Author and Ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes is part of the Rock/Creek StumpJump weekend this October 2-3rd weekend. You can purchase a pre-ordered copy of Dean's newest book 50/50- Secrets I learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days-and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! To pre-order purchase "50/50" go to http://www.rockcreek.com/books-and-calendars/5050-by-dean-karnazes/. We can hold the book for you to pick up at the event. Simply type "Will Pick Up In Store" in the comments at checkout. After the events, we will mail any books that have not been picked up. As a bonus, we will do our best to get the books signed.

Dean Karnazes will be speaking to the public at 2 North Shore on October 3, 2009. $8 general admission tickets are still available to purchase online and in-stores.

Go The Extra Mile: Life on the Run
A talk with Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathoner 

Rock/Creek 2 North Shore, Chattanooga, TN
October 3, 2009

 

‘Superhuman’ is the only word to describe Dean Karnazes’ feat of running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Dubbed "The Ultramarathon Man," and ranked among the 100 Time Magazine’s most influential people, Dean’s message to all is, "Get off the couch, get healthy, go the extra mile." With that mantra, and with a physiology adapted for endless running, he’s run 350 miles - nonstop - and most recently completed an ultramarathon across the world’s four great deserts, the Atacama, Sahara, Gobi and Antarctic.

 

Reserve your tickets today:

Saturday Event:

Three ticket options are available:



 CLICK HERE to Purchase Tickets Today!
Limited Quantity Available; these will go fast, so don't delay

$20- VIP Ticket includes the 6pm VIP Reception & Seat Reservation for the 7pm Presentation

$8  - General Admission Ticket includes Seat Reservation for the 7pm Presentation

$0  - Free Admission Ticket include a limited quantity of available free tickets.
         First come first serve with no Seat Reservation Guarantee for the 7pm Presentation
 
 After the amazing 2009 StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Race has finished and all stumps have been jumped, come join us for a VIP Reception at the One North Shore Penthouse for a one-on-one opportunity to mingle with Dean Karnazes. Thanks to smart|furniture for sponsoring the space, and to The North Face for bringing such an exciting speaker to Chattanooga. Tickets are required.

All proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to Lula Lake Land Trust. Help us preserve this amazing piece of property on Lookout Mountain! *Special Note: The VIP Reception is a Ticketed Event; separate from the Rock/Creek Trail Series Registration and the StumpJump Race Registration process.

 
Note: Friday's talk is open to Rock/Creek StumpJump runners only. 
See information on the Rock/Creek StumpJump here >

 

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Read the book before you see the presentation!


Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
by Dean Karnazes profiles his life and experiences with being one of the best ultramarathoners in the country.
Read and become inspired as one runner says,

"when I turned the last page, I immediately got out my running gear and had one of my best runs in a while" -Dave


Available online at rockcreek.com or in our two main store locations Rock/Creek at Hamilton Place and Rock/Creek at Two North Shore. 

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Posted by Mark McKnight at 6:12 PM | Comments (0)

September 4, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team places 5th at TransRockies Run

As usual, our Race Team members can always document their race experiences far better than we ever could from up here in the media office, therefore, the following is from our front runner (no pun intended) Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Matt Sims and his experience at the recent GORE-TEX TransRockies Run with fellow Rock/Creek Race Team Member Sheridan Ames, where they finished 5th in the 80+ men's division. - Rock/Creek

"The Trans Rockies is a 6 day stage race that takes you from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek, Colorado. The total distance over the 6 days is 115 miles. Elevation gained is around 25,000 feet. The format is teams of 2. You must run with your partner through the entire days course.

This event was incredible and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Is it hard? Yes...
Does the altitude affect a lowlander from Tennessee? Yes...
Is it worth the $2,000 entry fee? Yes...

The Trans Rockies event is very well organized. The team of event coordinators and sponsors take care of your every need. No detail is over looked during the 6 days of fun. When you arrive in Buena Vista, Colorado they give you a huge duffle bag that is home to all your gear for the week. Every morning you pack up the duffle with your personal items and drop it off at the U-Haul truck. While you are running they break down your tent (that they supply) and haul it to the next location where it is set up waiting for you when you arrive.

'What does a normal day look like at the Trans Rockies race?'

Wake up at 6am and crawl out of the tent, only to realize that it is 33 degrees and you wish you had brought a heavier down jacket. Stumble your way to the breakfast tent and fill up on eggs, bacon, cereal, oatmeal, and of course lots of coffee. Go back to your tent and pack up your sleeping bag and pad. Drop off your duffle and head to the starting line by 8:00am. At this point you look at the course map/profile and realize that you will likely suffer thru 4,000 feet of elevation gain and suffer even more when you have to run 9 miles down the mountain. High point today is only 12,600 feet. Oh, that should be fun. Go find your running partner and make them believe that you feel totally fresh and ready to run, as if the 24 mile day previous was no big deal.

8:00am- As you enter the starting line corral you have to go through a mandatory gear check. It is required that you have a emergency blanket, waterproof jacket, hat and gloves with you at all times. Once you have been "okay'd" you make your way up to the front when you suddenly realize that you aren't at a local race any longer. Both male and female winners of the Western States 100 are there. Standing beside them are another dozen male and female runners that have won countless 50k, 50 mile and 100 mile races. Then there is Dean Karnazes who looks like he is just going out for his routine morning jog.

Off you go down a dirt road that will eventually lead to a 20% grade up the mountain on single track trail. Stunning views await you at every turn. Eventually you pop out above tree line and realize how fortunate you are to be where you are. Every 7 miles you come to an aid station/checkpoint. This is where you graze through the fresh cut fruit, GU, pretzels and myriad of other snacks. Eventually you top out at your high point of the day and then run down hill forever, finally crossing the finish line sometime before noon.

At the finish line you gourd yourself on the post race food, reflect on the day and how you feel. Eventually you work up enough courage to go sit in the nearby creek for 15 minutes to speed up the muscle recovery of your legs. After you've done this you walk to your tent, grab your duffle back and head to the mobile shower.
Once you've cleaned up then you are ready to hang out at the Salomon/Gore-Tex Relaxation Station where you can eat, listen to music, stretch and basically just hang out. If you want a massage then walk across the grass field and go pick between 20 massage therapists. If you'd rather walk into town and grab a beer, check your email, post a tweet or blog your little heart out, then go for it.

Dinner is at 5:00pm underneath the tent. It's literally a little city of runners that moves from one place to the next. After dinner they do awards and photo/video presentation of the day. It's always a ton of fun during the evening ceremony. The evening ceremony typically ends around 9:00pm, where you can then choose to hang out by the fire or head straight to your tent. For me, choosing the tent was always a no brainer.

People have asked me if it was worth the $2,000 entry fee (per team). I think any normal week vacation is going to cost around $2,000. In my mind this was a true vacation. I was doing what I love to do, which is run; in a unique place with a bunch of great people. We met some really good folks that we will undoubtedly stay in touch with. Every day is filled with activity as well as plenty of rest. I will also say that the sponsors of this event really out did themselves. They gave away so much stuff to every participant that I seriously thought I was going to have to ship a box back home. This doesn't make or break the event in my mind, but if you are one that really likes to "get" free stuff, this is the event for you. (jackets, watches, gloves, scarf, flashlights, first aid kits, duffle bags, hats, visors, socks, coffee mugs, water bottles) and the list goes on...

Go do the Trans Rockies race next year. Sign up early, because this event is gaining in popularity every year. Keep in mind that if you are not a "camper", you shouldn't let this stop you. You can easily do this event and sleep in a hotel or campground cabin every night. There were even families of runners that brought their kids. It's totally doable for the average runner.

'How do I prepare for the Trans Rockies?'
Run... Run up hill and run downhill and when you are done running, then run some more. If you live at sea level, then run with a bag over your head.
[Editor's Note: Extreme sarcasm was used in the previous statement. We DO NOT support running with a bag over your head as an effective training model, so don't even try it!]

While we don't have anything quite as extensive as the TransRockies, we do have the Lookout 100k coming up, as well as the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k, where Dean Karnazes will be running as well as speaking. Come join us, and hear first hand from Matt and Sheridan about the race!

Also, big thanks to Salomon for inviting the team out for the race!

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 3:10 PM | Comments (0)

August 25, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team takes prelim Second Place

Rock/Creek Race Team members Matt Sims and Sheridan Ames have been tearing it up on the trail in Colorado as a part of the strenuous GORE-TEX Transrockies Run; a six-day stage race from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek, CO.
Our boys are listed in second place for the preliminary second stage finish in their age group. [Results in PDF Format]

The race started on August 23 and will finish on August 28th. Running teams of two represent numerous states, countries and sponsored athletes who are battling it out for daily stage finishes and the coveted first place bragging rights.

Matt sent our office an email to let us know how the race has been going:

" Sheridan and I are having a great time, the altitude of course is kicking our tails but we are getting stronger every day. After day 1 we finished 6th place but only 4 minutes behind the 3rd place podium...Today [day 2] was awesome! Lots of climbs and we hit a high point today at 12,500. This event is a real production and really worth the time and investment.

Oh, one more thing. We talked to Dean Karnazes about his upcoming trip to Chattanooga for the StumpJump 50k; He's a little scared we're going to make him drink moonshine and do things he doesn't want to do. [EDITOR'S NOTE: We really DON'T just sit around and drink moonshine] I told him to be prepared for a good time.

Our legs are holding up fine, Thanks for all the support!"
Adios- Matt

The video made from the Second Stage race below shows our Rock/Creek Race Team member Matt Sims while stretching within the first few seconds of the videos beginning. (Sims is the guy with the white visor on!)

We hope you pick up the feeds and follow our Rock/Creek Race Team guys as they continue on and hope for a strong finish on the 28th!

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 3:52 PM | Comments (0)

August 6, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Member Finishes GA AT Charity Run

~For those of you who have followed the inspiring story of Rock/Creek's Race Team Member Matt Karzen's run for a cause, you will be pleased to hear he has successfully completed his goal of running along the Georgia Appalachian Trail (about 76 miles). Matt started the adventure on July 25th. Matt is now rested and recovering and put this event report together. He shares his experience with our community in order to inspire others to parallel their activities with their passions to go and do good to make our world better.~ Rock/Creek



"I knew up front this effort to 'one-shot' the 76 miles of the Georgia AT would be at the outer marker of my capacity to endure - that is, after all, sort of the point. But this time the journey to the edge of my possibilities was for a reason way bigger than me. It was beyond the usual motivators, like running just because it's fun, or racing other people. This run was planned and executed to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation - an organization that provides educational grants (and other crucial services) to the children of U.S. Special Forces Operators killed or injured in the line of duty. All told it looks like we will raise about $6,000.00, so in the end, despite the grinding fatigue, the hollow nausea, the numb spots in my left foot, the spiders in my face and the bear attack on my car (for real..), it was, in my book, a big success. Here are the gory and beautiful details:"-MK

Pre- Race Preparation:

The Georgia Appalachian Trail from north to south, consists of 76 rocky single track miles, about 20,000 feet of vertical climbing and descending spread among a stack of steep grades that profiles like the read-out on a heart rate monitor. It is an excellent place to find humility.

Friday, June 24, 2009, 5:30 p.m.: Ben Green and I drove up to Blue Ridge Gap, located on an unforgiving forest road that intersects the A.T. about 3 miles from the North Carolina state line. Ben was there to provide all manner of logistical support AND to run the last 50K with me. A former Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who worked SAR duty in the Pacific, and an Ironman finisher, the young man is no stranger to suffering or helping others. Up front things got interesting, as I struggled to get my sedan up the rutted dirt road so as to limit our hike into the camp site to 3 miles. Once miraculously parked at the gap, we grabbed up the tent etc., mixed up some powdered nutrition drinks on my trunk and started up the trail. Upon arrival, we chilled out at the base of the gnarled tree that dominates the GA/NC border at Bly Gap, and went lights out about 9:00 p.m. During the night, unbeknownst to us, rats ate our toilet paper and, get this, a bear, apparently thinking the spilled Hammer Perpetuem on my trunk meant there was food inside, tried to eat my car. Claw scratches and tooth puncture marks now bedazzle my rear plastic bumper, and my license plate was folded in half. Did not see that coming.

Morning Beginning:
Saturday, June 25, 5:00 a.m.: I shuffled around the tent, greased up the feet with Vaseline, slid on the SmartWool socks, tightened up the Salamon XT-Wings, guzzled some coffee from the Jet-Boil, and at 6:30 a.m., I stood at the GA/NC line, pressed the button on my stopwatch, and started running.

Miles 1-9: The trail from the state line at Bly Gap to Dick's Creek Gap is super nice, especially when moving south, as it is gently downhill most of the way. I did stop by my car to ponder what wilderness-bound scoundrel might have vandalized the bumper and trunk - I did not realize it was the bear in whose living room I had parked until Ben figured it out later. Other than that, it was a very peaceful run through the early morning woods to Highway 75.

Miles 10-25: This section, through the Tray Mountain wilderness area, is challenging, home to the twin peaks of Tray and Rocky Mountains - steep, sharp topography on the section's west end. The climb out of Dick's Creek on the east end is also sort of a biggy, but it was the first real one of the day, so I rambled up at a clip that was appropriate given the overall goal, but making good time none the less. About mile 17, the trail arcs up, to the top of Tray Mountain. By this time it was getting warm, I was getting tired and I bumped into my first encounter with "the sadness": That's the emotional valley, the low in "highs and lows" that people talk about when they do things like run big long distances. About that time my buddy Jeff, who was waiting to run with me at Unicoi Gap, sent me a text message meant to motivate: "U suck. Hurry up." Had I been on an emotional high, I might have clued in to his actual intent and been inspired to attempt a throttle-up. However, not being happy at that moment, I replied, and I quote: "Bite me. Go Home." Sorry brother - you know I love you. Up and over Tray, fast on the down to Indian Grave Gap, heinous march up Rocky Mountain, and there were my boys at the top: TJ, Jeff, John, Ben, Rob and Georgia State Patrol Trooper Atwood, all ready to run. Sensing the desperation in my cyber-tantrum text message, they had hiked up from Unicoi. We ran down Rocky Mountain at a solid clip, to Unicoi Gap, recklessly ignoring the miles yet to come and having too much fun with that steep, technical Hahanenkam of a descent. Re-supplied at Unicoi, Ben drove on to the next road crossing down range, and off we went - me, Jeff, John, Rob, TJ and Trooper Atwood.

Miles 26-40: After the steep freefall from Rocky into Unicoi Gap, the first thing we did is head straight back up about 1100' in just over 1 rock strewn mile. We topped out, and Johnny set a nice pace at the front. A good section of the trail is an old wagon road that slopes gently down in this direction, so for the next 9 miles or so, we were all smiling and running.

However, it was the first time running on the AT for several of the dudes with me, and during their recruitment I did not really tell them much except to say "it's only 14 miles, pretty mellow terrain, only one real climb". All technically true, but I guess I forgot to mention the sharp rocks that cover much of the trail, and between those, and the big climb, some of the boys were hit with empty water bottles and sore feet about ¾ of the way through. When Rob, another Ironman finisher, went to the front and stepped up the tempo with about 3 or 4 miles to go, dehydration and bruised feet took their toll on the other road-shoe clad, single water bottle guys.

Trooper Atwood went off the back, and Jeff hung with him. John and TJ had road shoes on also, and after a bit slipped back a tad with sore feet, as Rob lead me into Hogpen Gap looking a lot stronger than the previous 40 miles under foot intended. At Hogpen were Ben, and David Crowe and his wife Gay. David is a supremely powerful cyclist, a former pro, founder of Athens' notorious Winter Bike League and a man with a gigantic heart of gold. He and Gay had a cooler full of PB&J, Coke, icy water, dark chocolate and even Heinekens. Ben, ever the first responder, had a ground pad laid out for me and I took a load off for a spell. After a PB&J and a Coke, I re-supplied and stood to move out. When I left, Trooper Atwood was still out there, somewhere, in the woods, no doubt praying he didn't get into a foot chase that night on his shift.

Miles 41-46: This stretch from Hogpen to Neels Gap I ran alone - not real long, but with several stout, short, steep climbs. Around 6:00 p.m. the rhythmic stride of my time chasing Rob into Hogpen disappeared with a bout of ugly nausea, and it was here, around mile 43, that I began to draw on the inspiration of the Special Forces kids: No way was I going to go negative, dwell on my petty nausea and the long slog ahead. I thought of the sacrifice and resilience of those SF soldiers, and their children, and in a bizarre flip, it was they who were helping me - I knew the donations were in, I knew the money would go to the kids whether I dropped out or not, but it was the thought of what they and their parents go through that inspired.

It was then that I truly realized what an honor it was to have the luxury of doing this. Being, in that moment, all about the love of family, I called wife Pam and son Sam, who were waiting at Neels. The sound of a loved ones voice is a miracle-worker, and they urged me on, with giggles, so I stepped it up again and pushed hard into Neels Gap. There were Pam and Sam, along with Ben and others in support. What a welcome site. I munched some pretzels, took a bite of date bar, goofed off with Sam and draped a towel over my head to see if the nausea would pass. After about 30 minutes, it sorta-kinda did, so Ben and I geared up and stepped together across the road to the base of Blood Mountain: 30 miles to go, and it was definitely about to get dark in those woods.

Miles 47-56: The prospect of marching straight up 1250' from Neels Gap to the top of Blood was so daunting that I think the utter helplessness of it actually made it easier: I recently discovered the phrase "Embrace the Suck" - one of my new favorites. Once I let go of the dread, it was actually a pleasant, although difficult, climb. It's quite steep, with big 18" step-ups to add to the fun. Ben and I plodded up, and somewhere along the way, the sky filled with ink. It was pitch black, with a sharp crescent moon peaking through the forest canopy, and when we hit the top of Blood, the view literally stopped us in our tracks.

Looking south, the lights of the small hamlets of north Georgia twinkled in the broad basins (valleys?) below, and the sky was awash in stars. Here we were, just north of Cleveland, Georgia, and my mouth was hanging open. It was awesome - period. There was, however, much work to be done, so after a brief audience with some of the best Mother Nature has to offer, we tipped over the summit and moved down the trail. This is where things got tricky, on so many levels.

First, it was about here that my quads sent me the bill for the fast descents earlier in the day. Each step off any ledge or on any steep down-slope activated a gland in my legs I didn't even know I had which apparently produces pure ground glass. Plus, even with a quality 4-bulb LED headlamp, the A.T. is sketchy in the dark - sharp granite edges pop out of the trail like weeds, so any misstep could be, well, painful at best. I guess what I am trying to say is, I slowed way down.

We also got totally freaked out by the sounds of an invisible, but very large and lumbering, mammal thumping off the trail nearby, and we either saw or imagined a C-130 military aircraft rip-skimming the ridgeline on night maneuvers. Ben tells me he used to practice night flying in his Blackhawk in this area, so I guess it was real... After a while we managed to fumble our way to Woody Gap. Waiting for us there was Kirk Smith, another local animal, multiple Ironman finisher, Boston 26.2 dude and a guy who voluntarily rides a bike with Crowe. Kirk had gone on a 65 mile "single-file Saturday" bike ride that morning with David, then at 9:00 p.m., jumped in his car and drove up from Athens to do the last 20 miles with us. The man is the man. We shuffled into his company at Woody Gap about 1:45 a.m. or so, re-loaded, and now we were three for the final push.

Miles 57-76: A couple years ago, when my brother paced me at Leadville, he said afterward that "running at night has a quality all its own. If things are going to get weird, that's where it is going to happen." Confirmed. Again. Kirk was a great source of stability - as he put it, he was the "the only sober guy at the party". His grounding presence notwithstanding, I could swear I dreamt the 3 hours from 2:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. I sort of floated between a deep, hollow void, and a giddy delusional euphoria. The down moments involved a stomach so empty it echoed, coupled with a gag reflex intolerant of more than ½ a gel at a time, plus the whole glass-in-the-quads thing.

The up moments were like having beer goggles on and looking in the mirror: I thought I was doing great, cruising along, and I was for sure having fun, but I was actually the same old worn out dude not moving very fast. The funky, head-tilting moments are too numerous to recall, but I do remember the following: The eyes of tiny spiders sitting on the low grass and leaves, reflecting like mirrors in my headlamp; some bigger spiders and their webs wrapping around my face as I passed through; a HUGE spider sitting high in his web, that looked like a freaking crab (can you tell I have a spider thing?); the dew on the underside of the leaves, reflecting a hue in the glow of our headlamps that made them look like they were covered in white fur or snow; the periodic bear rambling sounds and getting to the point where that hardly warranted a glance; eating one of Kirk's PB&J's while sitting in the dark, in the dirt, in the woods; disclosing more details than one ever should about the location of more problematic chafes; the first light of the morning sky. Beyond that, all I can tell you is that running (or hiking) through the woods all night is something that everyone should do at least once - I guarantee you will not regret it.

Once daylight broke, fatigue, specifically sleep deprivation, became overwhelming. The effort itself takes its toll, but once you get near 22 hours without sleep, that, at least for me, becomes the elephant on the back. The trail seemed to constantly break straight up for a short brutal 10-15 minute climb, then drop straight down in a stabbing, wincing descent, again and again and again. At one point, Ben was seeing foxholes covered in camo-netting and non-existent bridges over ravines. When the wind kicked up through a big canyon between the ridge we were on and the one to our left, I swear I heard a tailgate party: For about 10 minutes, it sounded like we were trumbling through the parking lot at UGA's Sanford Stadium about an hour before kickoff, complete with the sounds of the Red Coat Band warming up someplace in the distance.

Auditory and visual hallucinations by our side, we pressed on. The paucity of mile markers, coupled with my earlier delusion as to our pace between 2 and 5 in the morning, left me scratching my head (and really wanting to whine) after a while as to why we were not done yet. When we hit the sign that said, to my eyes, "Matt, you still have 4.2 miles to go, and its uphill, so step up brother", I had another moment of what I think may be a powerful new zone for me, if it continues to make itself available: Embrace the Suck. I experienced an involuntary resignation to my inevitable reality, true acceptance, and it was suddenly not nearly so troublesome. I think that if we just let go of it - if we, as Christopher McDougall said recently, "demand nothing from our endurance", it will thrive, it will provide and it will get us where we need to be. So, in the end, at the end, the last 4.2 miles I actually felt pretty good.

Springer Mountain: David and Gay Crowe, and dog Gibby, met us at the finish. I don't even want to know how long they may have waited. They, and Kirk, shuttled Ben and I in all of our stinky funk, back to my Yogi Bear-chew-toy car at Neels Gap. I changed clothes, ate some jerky, drank a sprite, and stapled my eyelids open to drive home because all I wanted was to see my wife and son.

Conclusion:

So, the whole thing, as things like this are meant to be, was a grand adventure. I remain convinced that probing the boundaries of suffering and sacrifice in this manner is good for everyone, wherever those boundaries might be, and I know it is good for me. But traversing terrain in this way, on a beautiful summer weekend in the mountains a couple hours from my house, with my friends, is, in the end, a tremendous luxury.

The U.S. Special Forces push their boundaries on a level that I can only pretend to comprehend, leaving their families for months on end, ducking bullets and pursuing antagonists that specifically intend only one brutal fate for them. Indulging in my luxury run this past weekend, while challenging, vivid and beautiful, was primarily to honor all of them in the best way I knew how. They 'do' for the rest of us, without hesitation, at the ultimate cost and under the most grueling and dangerous of circumstances. They are my heroes, their children are my heroes, and I hope they will be blessed with strength and peace.
Matt Karzen, 7/29/09

Donate to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through First Giving

Donate Directly to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through their website

Inspired to test your skills and endurance on a trail? Register for the upcoming Rock/Creek Trail Series, the StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race October 3, 2009 in Chattanooga, TN.

Weekend events feature special guest Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes, for Friday 10/2 and Saturday 10/3 night speaking opportunities and VIP Reception Saturday 10/3. As well as a huge Vendor Fair hosted at Rock/Creek Two North Shore store location on Friday.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)

June 29, 2009

Words from the Master of a Stage Race

Coach Lee Simril, the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race Men's Masters winner, shares his impressions of the 2009 Stage Race. He is a guest writer for the Rock/Creek Chronicle, and with that said, here are some words from his three day trail experience:

"First of all, a BIG congratulations to all the finishers this weekend - what a huge accomplishment.

Secondly...Wow, what a cool race! This was my first running stage race and I was not sure how I felt about stacking multiple days of hard and long running races together. I tend to take a couple of easy days in between hard running efforts, but I just could not resist doing this race in my own backyard.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how my body handled the back to back days. Maybe it is the fact that the race is held on trails and not road, so it minimizes the pounding. I felt a little stiff and tired warming up each day, but once the gun fired it felt like any other trail race.

Competing for your overall raking in a stage race is very interesting. Each day you race for a finish on the day's race, while at the same time you are building an overall ranking for the combination of the three days. The concept is simple: each day you try to make up time on the people ranked in front of you. The trick is being able to do that without burning yourself out and getting caught by the people behind you.

Most people in the race had their own little battles going on with the people around them, and it made for very interesting racing. After the days' stages we all congratulated each other and had a few laughs about the events of the day.

The race organizers set up ice baths to use after each stage to aid in recovery. The ice baths were very popular and well used. Natalie Sims had one of my favorite quotes of the weekend when she advised a runner who was unsure about getting in the bucket right after he finished that "maybe you should wait on taking an ice bath...so that I can do mine now"...Now that is diplomacy!

Tempted to add this event to your calendar for next year? You do not have to be a superman or woman to finish a running stage race, you just need to build your running mileage for a few months beforehand and be willing to push yourself. The course is challenging and the weather can be hot, but it would not be a truly epic adventure if it was easy."

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:

Rock/Creek Greenway
5 Mile Trail Race
August 8, 2009
Greenway Farms Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/greenway

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 12:43 PM | Comments (0)

June 11, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Member Matt Karzen Receives Local Spotlight

The Athens Banner-Herald recently published an article on Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Matt Karzen's running for a cause. Previously mentioned on Rock/Creek's blog, read more of what Online Athens had to say about Matt's goal to run the length of the Georgia Appalachian Trail (76 ish miles) straight through, as a fundraising effort for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

"Karzen is training to run nonstop all 76 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, a ridge-running feat he estimates will take at least 22 hours. He is asking people to show support by donating to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which gives educational assistance to the children of U.S. special forces personnel killed in the line of duty..."- [Full article: OnlineAthens.com]

At the time of writing, Matt had reached 35% of his goal of raising $10,000. Check out the firstgiving box to the right of the homepage on blog.rockcreek.com for updates.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

June 10, 2009

Kris Whorton's Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race "Pep Talk"

In preparation for the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race, Rock/Creek Race Team member and 2009 Female Masters 100 Mile champion Kris Whorton takes a few moments to talk participants through a multi-day trail running race from preparation, completion, to recovery.

Physical Training:
Depending on the length of the event, you want to try to simulate the conditions you'll be running in, especially duration (both distances and number of days), and speed. Plan to do several three day back to back runs to be mentally and physically prepared. Your longer preparation runs should be no more than 30% shorter than the actual distances you will run. You will, of course, be more mentally prepared if you run the distances you will be running in the event. Additionally, you should know what foods and drinks work for you while running as well as before and after. The distances for the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race are short enough that you should be able to pull through if you run into issues with foods and fluids. Still, it is best to bring what you need and carry it with you.

Don't surprise your system and don't leave anything that you can control to chance.

Mental Training:
As with any event, focus on what has gone well in your training and practice positive mental self-talk. Learn to stay present in your run rather than thinking about what remains. This will serve you well when you are only 10 miles into day one,15 miles into day two, or 5 miles into day three. If you've done the physical training then you have to be able to count on your mind. It can convince you to quit when there is no reason to except fatigue or the daunting fact of miles or hours remaining. Repeatedly tell yourself you feel strong, you feel fresh, your training is solid, you are enjoying the day. Don't focus on anything that isn't positive. The trails will be difficult but you are ready for them. It will be hot but you love the heat and run well in it. If your stomach starts to turn on you, tell yourself you feel good.

Another tactic is to smile or even force yourself to laugh when you are really feeling bad, and then you will start smiling or laughing at the thought that you are smiling or laughing when you feel terrible. It sounds crazy but it works.

Pre-race week:
Don't attempt to "carbo load" the week going into the event, or "really" hydrate, or "load up" on salt. Approach the event like it is a marathon or a 50k and do the things you would normally do. Eat well, drink, sleep. Run what you feel like but definitely on the light side (M - 4, T- 3, W - 4, Th- 0, F - day 1 of event).

Each day's approach:
Eat some breakfast, something you are used to, and give yourself time to digest enough that you won't have stomach problems. You typically need about 3 hours; if you don't have 3 hours, go ultra light on pre-race food and start taking in calories early in the event. Do what you would for a marathon or 50k.

Approach the start line with the idea that you are running the first part of a race and you must pace yourself accordingly. Don't go out too fast since you don't want to stress your body too much. Be mindful of food, fluids, and electrolytes over the course of the run. Be mindful of the toll of the miles, and the heat.

Each day's completion:
Be sure to have a recovery drink of choice and a snack in your car. We'll have some food at the end but it's best to go with what you are used to and supplement it with what we have. Your body will recover and be better prepared for the next day if it isn't shocked with food it isn't used to. You'll want a small amount of food and plenty of fluids, enough to get you off the mountain to your hotel or home where you can get a shower, get horizontal with your feet up, and then eat and drink some more. It is critical that you eat and drink and rest. Plan on your snack and a very light meal immediately following your run and then have something again before 7:00. Soak in a tub with Epsom salts. Get a good night's sleep.

Preparation for next day:
At the end of each day, get to your hotel and get your feet up. You must rest. Each day will be challenging (mentally and physically) in this event but each day you will know that you are closer to being done.

Recovery (the week after):
If you were properly trained and have no significant soreness, resume your running schedule. The stage race shouldn't represent any kind of upset. If you are sore or overly tired, scale back for a week or two.

Challenges:
Food -You may experience a loss of appetite during or after each stage, but you must eat and drink - you will have a significantly more difficult time finishing all three days if you don't replenish your fuel stores.
Chaffing/blisters - Wear shorts, shirts, bras that discourage chafing, and shoes and socks that you know will work for you. Lube up! Wear sunscreen, a hat, glasses. Bring all the things you need and normally use on a long run.
Mental recharging - At the end of the day, focus on what went well and what you plan to do the next day. Do not think about what didn't go well, unless you are planning to eat more, drink more (do some small adjustment to improve your run). Feel free to take time in the days following the event to consider what you will do differently next time, but until you are completely done, maintain a positive outlook and stay present. Don't think about the next stage until you are in it. What this means is don't run day one and think, "How am I going to do this for two more days?" Instead, tell yourself that you are doing great and you are enjoying the day and the course you are running.

DON'T DO ANYTHING NEW!!!

Benefits: Increased strength and confidence. A powerful sense of accomplishment!

Thank you Kris. Rock/Creek wishes everyone a safe preparation time this week and we will see all race participants bright and early on Friday, June 19.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 2:53 PM | Comments (0)

June 3, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Member, Josh Wheeler Successful at White Lake Half Triathlon

Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Josh Wheeler, finished third at the White Lake Half II Triathlon for the Open Males Division. Wheeler, native to Signal Mountain, TN now living in Boone, NC finished in 4:20:27 with a swimming time of 29:57, a bike time of 2:21:51 and a run time of 1:25:49.

" I waded out into the water, dolphin dived twice and was then informed by the announcer that the race would be starting in 45 seconds. 'Cool,' I thought, 'Let's get it on'...The first hour we were rolling mad thunder. I think I clocked through the 27mi maker at the hour... I stayed calm and continued to focus on good nutrition and my own rhythm... With a mile left, I re-attacked on the downhill, surging and opened a small gap..."

Follow him through his whole race day at White Lake and previous races, by visiting his personal Blog at http://jrwheeler.blogspot.com/

Great work Josh! We look forward to reporting your continued success with school and races.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 3:31 PM | 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 15, 2009

Rock/Creek Racer Kris Whorton Runs 100 Miler in 16:05

Chattanooga's Kris Whorton on Thursday ran the 100-mile Umstead 100 course in Raleigh, N.C., in 16:05, which put her ahead of the second fastest time in the world last year at 16:19 run by a Russian at a race in England.

Here is the account from her husband and fellow Rock/Creek Race Team member, Randy Whorton:

Something really special happened on Saturday that I thought you all might like to hear about, and I, of course, have to be the one that does the bragging because Kris would rather keep it quiet. This is a brief account of the Umstead 100 mile trail race.

Kris was physically fit, sure, but as many believe, the 100 miles is mostly a mental challenge, and no one, including Kris, knew how ready she was mentally. I knew that she would do well, but I must say that this one is a bit over the top.

First, a little about the race. Umstead 100 is clearly one of the most popular 100's in the country because it is quite fast and easy. It takes place in the Umstead State Park in Raleigh, N.C. It comprises of 8 laps of a 12.5 mile loop on a wide multi-use trail. It is nice to have your own stuff and supporters handy every lap and it is virtually impossible to get lost in the woods. Also, there is only 8,000 feet of elevation gain which by trail standards is a fairly flat course.

Kris ran this race in '07 with a time of 18:13, which became the 4th fastest time in the world that year for a female 100 mile trail race (1st for women over 40). This year she was hoping to break 17 hours and set what we all thought to be a ridiculously aggressive schedule that would put her at 16:40. Her thought was that she would likely not be able to hold the pace, but it would leave her with enough time in the bank to get under 17.

Well, she started out faster than the plan and held the fast pace throughout the day and finished in 16:05! Just for reference, the old record was 16:21. The fastest time in the world last year was 15:29 by an Italian lady at a race in Italy and second was 16:19 by a Russian at a race in England. In '08 there were only 7 women in the world that ran under 18 hours.

OK, here comes the crazy part - Kris running an insane time of 16:05 did not win the race. The girl that won it did so in her first-ever 100 miler and only beat Kris by 4 minutes. The two girls placed 3rd and 4th overall out of 275 starters. Kris broke the masters record by over an hour.

One final tidbit, Kris's time would have put her 10th on the world's fastest men's list for '08. Wow, I still can't quite believe what just happened and sure am proud of her.

__

Interested in more information about the Rock/Creek Trail Series or want to run them yourself? We have open registration for these upcoming events:

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/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:34 PM | 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 24, 2009

Rock/Creek & La Sportiva Offer You the Chance to "Give Greenback$"

Rock/Creek and La Sportiva N.A. (makers of technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking footwear) announce the launch of their Giving Greenback$ campaign. For each pair of La Sportiva Hiking, Mountain Running® and Approach shoes sold at Rock/Creek, La Sportiva will donate a $1 to one of three charitable organizations: the Carbon Fund, The Conservation Alliance and Global Water.

"By partnering with La Sportiva on Giving Greenback$, we will be able to offer our customers the chance to make a difference today, one dollar at a time," says Mark McKnight, from Rock Creek Outfitters. "As a member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, Rock/Creek's number one priority is to provide a quality experience to our consumer base. In addition to offering great products from a great brand, Greenback$ provides our customers the chance to support quality organizations promoting environmental change directly."

La Sportiva's "Giving Greenback$" campaign is a partnership with participating retailers from the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA), a group which unites independent outdoor retailers and promotes the experience of outdoor enthusiasts across the United States.

As a part of the Greenback$ program, Rock/Creek is now offering such La Sportiva products as the Fireblade, Crosslite, Imogene, Wildcat, Cascade, FC 3.0.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:19 PM | Comments (0)

March 23, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Members & Race Included on 2008 Ultra List

The Ultra List, compiled by Ultrarunning Magazine, includes two Rock/Creek Race Team Members this year. The list highlights the fastest 100 times from each distance, from 50k up to 100 milers. John Brower, one of our newest team members, made the list as the 65th fastest 50 mile time at 6:51. He won the Mississippi 50. In fact, he won that race again this year, as we reported earlier, so we anticipate he will show up on the list again next year.

Kris Whorton made the 100 mile list twice, in #40 for her Vermont run at 22:32, and again for Pinhoti at #66 with a time of 23:25. Awesome job Kris & John!

Also, the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k made the list as the 10th biggest 50k in North America, with 198 finishers.

Ultrarunning continues to grow as a sport. Rock/Creek added several new ultra-distance trail runs this year, most notably the Lookout Mountain 100k, which will take place again in 2009. Here are some interesting facts from the 2008 ultrarunning season:

503 North American ultra distance races
30,789 finishes by 17,139 individuals (20% growth over 2007)

The race distances break down as follows:
45% of the finishers were 50K races
26% 50 mile
9% 100 mile
3% 100K
The rest were non-standard distances

2,592 of the finishers last year were 100 mile finishers, up by 50% over 2007 and that is without the largest 100 miler (Western States) which was canceled due to fires.

84% of all finishers were on dirt, the rest were hybrid, road or track.

Also of note, the fastest 100 mile time in the world last year was 13:27 by the Greek legond Yiannis Kouros who is 52 years old and the holder of 134 world distance running records. The second fastest time was an hour back. So if you've been thinking about picking up a new sport, it'll take a couple years, but if you're healthy, you're probably not too old to start! Read our article on making the Rock/Creek StumpJump your first 50k and start training today!

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:24 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)

A Cold Day at Mount Mitchell Challenge

This year's Mount Mitchell Challenge turned out to be the worst, weather-wise, in the race's history. Nick Whited, one of our newest Rock/Creek Race Team members, has this report:

The challenge; What a race it was. I started off at a good clip but being smart. Everyone seemed to want to push the pace with Mark Lundblad. I was up there for a mile or so then wisely eased off the pace and let them be 15-20 seconds up on me. We then hit the hills inside of Montreat College and it seemed that everyone hit the brakes. I steadily began moving up (I was in 7th or 8th at the time); by the time we got onto the Buncombe County Horse Trail I had moved into third. All of this was occurring as the temps were in the mid 40's in a steady rain. As I approached the summit I began to notice how sluggish I was getting by my inability to move on the technical stuff. I then starting shaking uncontrollably. My jaw became so tightly clenched I thought I was going to break a tooth. I got near the top and a cameraman was worried about my appearance and told the EMT. They made me go inside a building and took my vitals - hypothermia. They stripped me down, wrapped me up and put a blanket over me. Took me over an hour to finally warm back up. An EPIC run to begin the season and with Rock/Creek. I'll get 'em another day. Seems everyone who finished had a little more beef to them. The tall skinny individuals with little body fat were the ones suffering.

Mark Lundblad ended up taking the win and Cynthia Arnold took the women's victory. In the Citizen-Times article on the race, Arnold describes the race:

"I felt like I was running in ice water," Arnold said. "The race staff and volunteers helped me to keep going. I was lucky and got some hot water near the top when I felt like I was going to pass out. The conditions got worse the higher I got up the mountain."

Glad to hear that you made it off the mountain safely, Nick, and we look forward to hearing about your next races.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:51 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)

January 13, 2009

New Race Team Member: Nick Whited

We're pleased to announce a new race team member, Nick Whited, from Virginia. We're happy to have him on the team and look forward to seeing what the 2009 season brings for him! Welcome Nick.

Nick Whited

Age: 30
Occupation: Substance Abuse Counselor for the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services.

Favorite Run or Race: One of my favorite runs is in Damascus, VA where I run a big loop on a few trails, the Appalachian Trail (5 miles uphill); then 2 screaming miles downhill on the Backbone Rock Trail; then uphill for 3 miles on the Iron Mountain Trail in TN; then follow it back to the VA Creeper Trail and head back into Damascus; this is a staple 18 mile route; Another route is in the rural area of Burkes Garden, VA where I can run to the AT via a dirt road then go any direction with a large amount of options.

My favorite race(s) would have to be The Mount Mitchell Challenge (40 Miler). It has the makings of a championship event and is not a far drive; another would have to be the Frosty 50k in Winston Salem, NC because it is low key and organized great.

What I like most about running: The challenge of getting out everyday and enjoying the scenery. The feeling of nerves and fatigue on race day and when they are both gone after the starting gun.

Tips for other runners: Don't overtrain; enjoy the journey; and hire a coach - it will make a difference in your running at any level.

Races or Other Significant Accomplishments:
4:17 mile PR
Currently working on my PhD in Pastoral Care Counseling.
2008 Season:
Frosty 50k 4th
Bull Run 50 Miler 8th
Rattlesnake 50k - 2nd
New River Trail 50k 4th

2009 Season Plans:
Frosty 50k
Mount Mitchell 40 Miler
Umstead 50 Mile
Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
Charleston 15 mile
Stump Jump 50k
JFK 50 Mile

Read more about the Rock/Creek Race Team online >

Find out more about the Rock/Creek Trail Series >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:38 PM | Comments (0)

September 17, 2007

Ultramarathon Gear List

Rock/Creek Race Team member Matt Karzen recently completed the Leadville Trail 100, so we asked him to reflect on his experience there and share some gear recommendations with us. Please leave comments if you have experience with running ultras and have any other gear suggestions.

If you are thinking about doing a trail 100, especially one in remote mountain terrain at altitude, you need to think hard about gear. Having the right, or wrong, gear can make or break your event. Obviously, there is nothing like experience to tell you what works, and everyone has different needs, but in the end you need to be prepared. Based on 100 miles at Leadville, here is a list of items you might want to consider:

Light: You need a quality LED headlamp, minimum 4 bulbs, regulated, and an extra set of batteries. I used a Petzl headlamp with a single head strap and had no bounce, plenty of light and good comfort. You should also have a backup handheld light. I had the headlamp with me from the beginning, and the handheld and extra batteries I picked up at the last aid station before dark or had waiting for me in drop bags. I never used the handheld, but it was good to have.

Top Layers: The Patagonia Airus short sleeve shirt is the best running shirt I�ve ever worn. It was my base layer for all 100 miles and never soaked. Zero chafing problems. I also used an old Patagonia long-sleeve (cold weather zip neck) � this was in a drop bag at mile 40 and then on or around my waist as the elevation and dark came in earnest. If you are at altitude at night, it could get into the 30�s or 20�s like it did at Leadville. For that I recommend a nice cozy lightweight Patagonia fleece pullover as a third layer, and perhaps your rain jacket.

Gloves/Hats: Something in between knit and full winter gear. I used a mid-weight poly glove that worked in all conditions. Visor � keep the sun and hail out of your eyes, and besides, your hair is gonna look really bad. I had a winter hat with me from mile 60 on, and I might have put it on once for a few minutes. Its worth having in case you really get chilly.

Rain/Weather: A good rain jacket is crucial. It needs to be hooded � a hat is fine for cold, but if it rains/hails/snows hard, you are gonna have a wet melon and that is a problem. I used a full zip jacket with hood � it worked for both moisture protection and to take the edge off the cold night air. If there is one thing besides hand-held water bottles that I would tie around my waist and carry the whole way, it�s a good rain jacket. Don�t worry too much about breathable fabric vs. full seal gore-tex � you are gonna sweat anyway, and you can unzip to de-fog.

Bottom Layers: You could probably do the entire thing in shorts, but I am a cold guy, so I had a pair of high-quality, loose fitting running pants waiting for me when it got dark at 60 miles. Shorts were fine throughout, including at altitude and in the hail, but the night cold is prolonged, and these pants kept me cozy. No tights�. I recommend a good pair of lightweight shorts with pockets and no liner � use compression shorts underneath to prevent chafing and maintain �organization�.

Continue reading "Ultramarathon Gear List"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:49 PM