tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16357915454645107362024-02-07T16:49:05.133-08:00Hot Wing Runner-The Average Ultra RunnerHotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-58242884657814703212018-07-27T14:37:00.003-07:002018-07-27T20:16:55.959-07:00Last Annual Vol State 500K: My Last Race Report<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_632385218"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_632385219"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0lhlLD1RAg?start=1" width="560"></iframe>
RUNNERS</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9vh1bRCGG6xP3AV4-GtR5DJ6Y5xPxwiGkfRVU6WMfvDPCaeFAb9G9863Ubu_OzCV72l9MyVtT7M3pX0xedc_HKhHVf7vrGNpR2MUKkXNsmcVsi03iflk3AqSCh-fpAdSjU7deOKTv_Y/s1600/Ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9vh1bRCGG6xP3AV4-GtR5DJ6Y5xPxwiGkfRVU6WMfvDPCaeFAb9G9863Ubu_OzCV72l9MyVtT7M3pX0xedc_HKhHVf7vrGNpR2MUKkXNsmcVsi03iflk3AqSCh-fpAdSjU7deOKTv_Y/s400/Ferry.jpg" width="300" /></a>I have been to many races, and seen many things, however, the Vol State roster is a mix of personalities like I have never been a part of. The Screwed runners were spread among three buses and shuttled across the state following the course backwards. I didn't have a personal relationship with a single person on my bus. I knew "of" people, but that was about it. In trying to be myself I threw out a couple jokes and nothing. It was like the new kid trying to fit in but failing. I messaged Janice like a third grader and she quickly replied that I would make new friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our bus driver is rather a bulky woman who may have played Roller Derby in the 70's, was an excessive smoker as revealed by the excessive mucous hacking. You could tell when her "jam" came on because the 6.5" tweeter heavy speakers would blast Bon Jovi and Aerosmith directly into our earholes. Tammy was cool.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wasn't able to really assess the field until stepping on the ferry to cross to the start. There was the dude who looked like Jim Belushi in a cutoff pink shirt, the lady in the sports bra with the bottom 1/4 of her titties hanging down, the topless guy, a couple hot chics and a mix of hippies, oldies, yuppies and guppies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What I do like about this race is the fact that many of the people are older and in fact, are more apt to beat younger and even more skilled people at this distance. There is a strategy to this race and you gotta learn it fast.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SLEEP</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Where are you going to sleep?" was the question asked most of me. I had the perfect plan layed out to where I would run approximately 30 miles then bed down for 4 hours then another approximate 30 miles. I had hotels and or road angel stations marked out every 25-30 for stops. I made my mile 29 goal an hour early and hoped to eat and bed down for 5 hours. Sleep was nowhere to be found, rather leg cramps that made me scream like a Mississippi hooker then the feeling of worms crawling through my legs for the next 3 hours. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkICTc6HBCW9fWPDtzo6lT-Fqw0Bf64-W3F37jS7bpjKxqfTNQPa_tmdE6SQ-Y49UReKY-E7OhUbTLu1HCEFbGZyIznVgkf1shKP3MfZ5F7fYGeG5PWcOsHklup-AQCjwt9lcR6vS-L_I/s1600/FireStation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkICTc6HBCW9fWPDtzo6lT-Fqw0Bf64-W3F37jS7bpjKxqfTNQPa_tmdE6SQ-Y49UReKY-E7OhUbTLu1HCEFbGZyIznVgkf1shKP3MfZ5F7fYGeG5PWcOsHklup-AQCjwt9lcR6vS-L_I/s400/FireStation2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While the Gleason Fire Station was WONDERFUL and had cots, food, and showers, sleep could not be found. Only resting of the body, but not the mind. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally on the third day after another hotel stay I ended up in the Parker's Crossroads Inn. It was a quaint little dump with the aroma of fresh sewage and damp carpet which was probably the result of a drunken trucker orgy. I cannot believe I actually took a bath in that tub. I couldn't stand the smell any longer and requested a new room. Feeling completely drained from the previous 2 days I felt I needed some time to refresh. I stayed at the Parson's Inn for about 8 hours, with sleep given here and there.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coming in to Linden had the promise of an amazing room at the Commodore Hotel. The Commodore is an awesome restored hotel and the owner set me up in a 5 star room, and garnished me with fruit and Epsom Salt for a luxurious bath. As I snuggled in the king size bed I fell into a deep sleep. About an hour later I was awoke to something slamming the hardwood floors in a rhythmic pattern followed by the bellows of pleasure coming from a female soprano voice. As I listened to her voice rising as if it where the climax in a Mariah Carey song I finally realized what was taking place. This woman had vocal stylings in a way that I have never personally experienced making me feel sorry for my wife that she got stuck with me. After her third climb to the top of the mountain, things settled down next door. Of course, my sleep was forever lost and in that semi state of sleep, only her voice could I hear over and over.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM0NfPwFNk7dArOjqnnIon3PkXMiHP5Dez7El-hbhRvA7AGyOKvyn44ACQnN1DWkglarLOQFdzDSAXgVG9-6p6uMipV-HeKnlzVBqKCXQiQzmdzdm1WqHSaHR6ayzXbGwZ1yYXqEuNpw/s1600/FireStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM0NfPwFNk7dArOjqnnIon3PkXMiHP5Dez7El-hbhRvA7AGyOKvyn44ACQnN1DWkglarLOQFdzDSAXgVG9-6p6uMipV-HeKnlzVBqKCXQiQzmdzdm1WqHSaHR6ayzXbGwZ1yYXqEuNpw/s320/FireStation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gleason Fire Department</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lewisburg (Celebration Inn) had the promise of good sleep until I poured an entire bag of Epsom salt into my bath thinking more would be better. An hour into my rest I awoke with hell's flames burning my feet. My feet had some reaction and swelled up because of the excessive salts and were they literally burning. After some crying, praying and meds, the burning subsided but not the swelling.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coming in to Harrisburg I was able to beg a woman for a shower. She washed and dried my clothes and allowed me to sleep on her back porch. This was the first time that I was able to get any quality sleep. I did wake up to her cat stroking me on my stomach ever so gently. I didn't resist.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While looking for a place to bed down in Tracy City I walked around a Baptist Church looking for a plug for my phone. I notices a Harley drive by a couple times. I noticed the Harley guy pulled into the next church to where I was walking to ask them if I could lay down there for a while. As I walked up I knew something was wrong. I told the men that I am sure they are wondering what I was doing. They replied yes. You see the guy on the Harley was a Cop and the the guy he was talking to was the Sheriff. They were about to come get me. I explained I was running a race and just looking for a place to charge and bed down. Thankfully, the Sheriff knew about the race and all was well. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiih_sg5Bw-FjHd5taytWC6NdQ6mrpzKpNlTJH0PeK8M-oqGWQD4jv6W1gj33nyyfQ2fdBkOOd3qhUTYmc3v50z2ZQJ2wIEToB_Jw2fWD8p4H7V7lBTNlRtFJhcVNtrVWwhy2lyQNuXE/s1600/break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiih_sg5Bw-FjHd5taytWC6NdQ6mrpzKpNlTJH0PeK8M-oqGWQD4jv6W1gj33nyyfQ2fdBkOOd3qhUTYmc3v50z2ZQJ2wIEToB_Jw2fWD8p4H7V7lBTNlRtFJhcVNtrVWwhy2lyQNuXE/s320/break.jpg" width="240" /></a>The concrete at the church was killing me so I tried the grass and eventually their flower bed. While the flower bed was the most comfortable, my hips could not longer stand it. I needed to get to the Road Angel Station at 295.<br />
<br />
The key to sleep on this course is to take 20 minute naps at various intervals. Believe it or not, they can refresh the mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
FOOD</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't think food would be a problem, however, it was. Running screwed, its not that easy to carry a kilo of Sword. Me being a connoisseur of Zaxby's and Bojangles, I thought I would do well. Nope! Once the heat takes over, I found the bulk of my calories would come from liquids. Chocolate milk, Coke, Gatorade or fruit juices. Most solid food I could not stomach. After a couple days I was able to eat some pizza and eventually more breakfast, but hamburgers or big meals were out of the question. Simple carbs, chips, snickers and fruit became my staple. Fruits were the most appealing especially on the long open stretches where heat consumed us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another key source was Pedialyte. The stuff taste's like the sweat from the balls of the Fat B@st@rd from Austin Powers, however it does work. I never wanted to get the gyna cramps again so I made sure to drink Pedialyte as much as possible.<br />
<br />
On my way to Hohenwald I came up to a gas station that had freshly prepared golden brown fried cheesticks, stuff with the finest cheeses made in a factory. I am telling you that stuff was amazing. Road Angel stations would be more snack based to which I was very grateful. Fake brown sugar Pop Tarts taste like filet mignon at 1 am. Any kind of cookies was a welcome, yet still, fruit seemed to be the most sought after for myself.<br />
<br />
Seriously, how many times in your life would you ever consider eating food from a cooler on the side of the road. If someone wanted to screw with us, they had the perfect opportunity. I got Desitin on a cookie and didn't even care.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
FRIENDSHIPS<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa2j-T_XCmh8vnYsHxL21oJh7ouQSD_Pcz_Q9G56oqR7xYLIx4enXeSexnVAd3X-e92pa1LOrskDjoqaAmiHCfVGzehNizM-tW-3gZ8pS-BVsBp2cyowkkUPxB6jvq5wakEoANPlXG9M/s1600/JulieAnaMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa2j-T_XCmh8vnYsHxL21oJh7ouQSD_Pcz_Q9G56oqR7xYLIx4enXeSexnVAd3X-e92pa1LOrskDjoqaAmiHCfVGzehNizM-tW-3gZ8pS-BVsBp2cyowkkUPxB6jvq5wakEoANPlXG9M/s320/JulieAnaMe.jpg" width="240" /></a>I literally only new about 3 people running the race. All three were faster than me, but I was the only looker in the bunch (talking bout you Andrea). For the first 16 miles its seems like a large group was in a line, then around mile 17 I found myself completely alone. It stayed this way until around mile 41. I came up on this 5' 1" chic with a long pony tail that was wrapped in a black sleeve. It was dark and I asked her where the Farmers Market was. I had missed it. So Rebekah and I decided to run together. Not long into our run she felt the need to tell me she was hispanic. That's cool, I love Mexican food so we had at least two things in common. She was joking about hispanics and we just laughed and laughed like a couple of cherry churros. She tells me about a Mexican restaurant called "La Chi Chi's" revealed is slang for "The Titties". Well you know I wanna go there. Save the Chi Chi's! My stomach started rolling and it was only a matter of time. Dark roads with no light and the occasional dog, I couldn't hold it no more. I called her name, apologized then floated a burmese biscuit. I felt so much better. She laughed, which was the wrong thing to do cause I kept letting them fly. I truly enjoyed my time with Rebekah and we carried each other through some tough scary sections. We come to AJ's the next morning and both can barely eat. As I get ready to press on, she tells me she needs a nap. I never see her again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREwPGpRRaBcDDBG9PFFHGL_zfPyX685VwPBs2rk07mjJmprjzJpugzUbVYSOTeF95CZ_ER_iG5tBk4afFiLJmWd1z8YwVXSN7Wp_KuQkVXrpJMz-EAW3ap8N51CQ4KFAHANUqFDmkdSY/s1600/Shenoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREwPGpRRaBcDDBG9PFFHGL_zfPyX685VwPBs2rk07mjJmprjzJpugzUbVYSOTeF95CZ_ER_iG5tBk4afFiLJmWd1z8YwVXSN7Wp_KuQkVXrpJMz-EAW3ap8N51CQ4KFAHANUqFDmkdSY/s320/Shenoa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I found myself alone again and this time for about 100 miles. There was the occasional passerby, but relatively alone until mile 161. Coming into Mack's Whiteside Market, completely busted, there was a group of ladies and a dude. I was in such a daze that I don't remember everyone there, I think it was Ben, Angie, Anastasia and Julie.<br />
<br />
There is a long stretch from Hampshire to Columbia and it was getting late. Anastasia and Julie are both accomplished ultra runners. Julie has over 200-100 mile or greater races. They do not want to set out on the next section alone and want to hook up with me. We sleep about 4 hours on a wonderful ladies back porch (she shall remain nameless so you don't sleep on her porch). As we left I didn't realize that I would spend many miles with these two. Julie is a APRN cancer nurse and Anastasia is a Barista and Stylist. As we talked I asked the typical questions..."Are you Mexican like Rebekah?" Seriously...I looked to Anastasia and here is how the conversation went.<br />
<br />
Me: Are you married?<br />
Anastasia: Yes<br />
Me: What does your husband think of you doing this?<br />
Anastasia: Long story or short?<br />
Me: Whatever doesn't put me to sleep (jk)<br />
Anastasia: Well my husband...blah blah blah....divorced...blah blah blah.<br />
Anastasia: Now my Wife she is a runner too....<br />
Me:.........................<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslrYHPIrD8GDlYWU_aQtzgtdeIEM83DbGjYF3rjeOJ4IuaW4CNdhKhIYMULICnztwkQWTnnGof5JtJRVEOfJCbQYch83YHKVTQ_qNInqedbxShjbnggup849RX4owB_YtrG48bcGeE3M/s1600/julieMaxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslrYHPIrD8GDlYWU_aQtzgtdeIEM83DbGjYF3rjeOJ4IuaW4CNdhKhIYMULICnztwkQWTnnGof5JtJRVEOfJCbQYch83YHKVTQ_qNInqedbxShjbnggup849RX4owB_YtrG48bcGeE3M/s320/julieMaxi.jpg" width="240" /></a>I didn't know what to say. I have never been in this situation before. It was the first time that I have ever ran with someone who was a barista at Starbucks. Julie, Anastasia and myself made it through the night and enjoyed Hardees for breakfast in Columbia. After fitting one of my maxi pads to Julie's back we trekked for the Glendale Market. As soon as we see the Market Anastasia asks me to take a picture of her topless on the bench. She tells me she's gay so its ok. No, no, no....gay boobies, straight boobies, three boobies, it doesn't matter. They are still boobies to me and I don't think my wife would allow that. So I go inside and let Dee do the photoshoot.<br />
<br />
Anastasia and I had been side by side for some time. I lost her in my peripheral vision and turned around to see her drop her pants and squat right on the road. When she caught up to me I told her to warn me first, cause I saw side butt and the deuce she shot out. She didn't say anything for a couple of seconds then replied, "Did I really shoot out a deuce? I know I farted but didn't realize anything shot out."<br />
<br />
Coming to Shelbyville, Anastasia had pulled away from Julie and I. We took a detour and went down to the waterfall to soak our legs. Julie's heel was looking bad. We were beat up and just needed to rest at the Courthouse. After lunch the ladies decide to push on, but I needed rest. After about and hour I found out that Julie had returned to the courthouse and was dropping from the race. Imagine making it to around 223 miles and pulling the plug. I had grown close to the ladies and now I was by myself again.<br />
<br />
Julie and her husband Val met me at the top of Monte Eagle for dinner. Being in there company was special. People who barely knew me yet wanted to spend some time together. I would loved it had we finished together.<br />
<br />
When I was broken at Northcutts market, Whitney Franklin, a lady whom I had never met, saw my post and came to find me, just to encourage me.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ08IYq85zGiBbjWoZtJCoc_djZ1I7KORsUbqWhj0Sbh7tocisLdZuWEDCiL-SoP0TODgs4iPAmDevnhaN50O0ZB4Evq2F3xijpfkTGwmKXabfvyuiWqaUiZYWPQI7gZMFcFGGz_cjL8/s1600/IMG_6476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ08IYq85zGiBbjWoZtJCoc_djZ1I7KORsUbqWhj0Sbh7tocisLdZuWEDCiL-SoP0TODgs4iPAmDevnhaN50O0ZB4Evq2F3xijpfkTGwmKXabfvyuiWqaUiZYWPQI7gZMFcFGGz_cjL8/s320/IMG_6476.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Shortly after she left Tony and Kristin Trapani had left Savage Gulf to come and find me. Again, people who I was friends with on Facebook, but didn't really know, and here they are sitting in front of me trying to encourage me.<br />
<br />
The Ultrarunning community is special. Ultrarunning doesn't care if you are rich or poor, black or white, fat, skinny, a Doctor or a trash man. Ultrarunning is no respecter of persons. Just bring your ability.<br />
<br />
ROAD ANGELS<br />
If you are going to run this race, plan as if there are no road angels. There presence is amazing, and it could be more devastating to be expecting one and find out they are not there. Praise the Lord that every projected one was there and others that were unexpected. Thank you to the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx-0qbe6w9Atferypkp8OIwmoJ_nbw6sE-M7eLl1moWjnZ4afOWjZ7oPhR68-awwGa394b1V6yqmcmtjKnHOC-3ZnDjfiNwxePYqNDznSSC-2waHIMH45KXexuQQYMpWTG4rsqQyATEM/s1600/IMG_6440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx-0qbe6w9Atferypkp8OIwmoJ_nbw6sE-M7eLl1moWjnZ4afOWjZ7oPhR68-awwGa394b1V6yqmcmtjKnHOC-3ZnDjfiNwxePYqNDznSSC-2waHIMH45KXexuQQYMpWTG4rsqQyATEM/s320/IMG_6440.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>Tim from Martin First Baptist</li>
<li>Dude with warehouse on the right heading toward Martin</li>
<li>Coolers on the side of the road with ORANGES!</li>
<li>Monty </li>
<li>Mr. Hinson</li>
<li>The NUTT Family</li>
<li>Mr. Schmalley</li>
<li>The tent on the right before the campground angel (those pop tarts were a dream)</li>
<li>The Campground on the left with cots and showers.</li>
<li>The families driving by handing out drink</li>
<li>The Wartrace Family</li>
<li>The roaming Wartrace/Shelbyville guy</li>
</ul>
<br />
INJURIES</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over 314 mile you are bound to have an injury. Blisters on the pinky toes were an early issue. The blister on the center of my foot was the worst. Every touch sent pain all over my body. I popped it several times but seemed to be missing a spot. I cut a hole in my sole hoping to allow the blister room...nothing. Later I had the idea to put moleskin under the sole and cut its hole out in order to give the blister more room before touching the bottom of the shoe. IT WORKED!<br />
<br />
If your balls are barking go buy you some maxi pads, coat it with Desitin and slap on. Problem solved.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIYIosJh4Eeqh2u3fozE6nMjjq4DEacM6e93oQLh1Li-1ubGg7zCuIXqp3G0lDCx6UZ1DQnt6t9bksDHGOo1mVTAUqtuQ-LPiljM_-khRUpQC82WeNothkAxAWEMsYa5iHexM0HONzEU/s1600/Maxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIYIosJh4Eeqh2u3fozE6nMjjq4DEacM6e93oQLh1Li-1ubGg7zCuIXqp3G0lDCx6UZ1DQnt6t9bksDHGOo1mVTAUqtuQ-LPiljM_-khRUpQC82WeNothkAxAWEMsYa5iHexM0HONzEU/s320/Maxi.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Somewhere before Wartrace my left shin was aching. It persisted and got much worse through Manchester (250). Finally the pain was directly where the top of the tongue of the shoe is. On a long wide open stretch to Pelham it seized up. I would have to lean back sorta like relieving a cramp. I couldn't walk. No shade, running low on water and 6 miles from the next aid of any kind I could not walk. Spoke with Joe Fejes, Franklin Baker and Brett Franklin. Consensus was, keep going. I finally got angry and just ran. I realized that I could shift my weight to my right side and actually run. This worked great until going down Monte Eagle. Going downhill it would try to seize on my and I would do the stretch thing. Going down the mountain I leaned back to stretch it and I hear some snapping, like little rubber bands breaking.<br />
<br />
Anastasia had caught up to me at Schmalley's place and we decided to finish the last 14 together. Everything was going well until mile 306 when I heard a loud POP on my right foot. Again, I could not walk. With an ankle brace and a ace bandage I was able to walk the last 8 miles in to the finish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1wO0vGbRwK-Ad-NX_PwqngBIyMmDlby95NN7aSH5UjlfUdIJ14RGAIZfatocgsOFjoxbqjFNmyM8y5ukkKbHMmmmemhRaytQwb4_oQZByje88AeDsdOb5-1SbLLrc0SFBLBTRa2lxYU/s1600/306Help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1wO0vGbRwK-Ad-NX_PwqngBIyMmDlby95NN7aSH5UjlfUdIJ14RGAIZfatocgsOFjoxbqjFNmyM8y5ukkKbHMmmmemhRaytQwb4_oQZByje88AeDsdOb5-1SbLLrc0SFBLBTRa2lxYU/s320/306Help.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So that snap was a little worse than what we thought. Turns out it was my tendon rupturing. The following Thursday after completing the race I had surgery to rejoin the tendon. So as I am typing this I am half naked, on meds and recovering from the surgery.<br />
<br />
FORSAKEN BY GOD?<br />
I prayed a lot during this race. Early on I would ask Him to provide water and food when I needed it. Just when I was about to run out of something, there would be a cooler on the side of the road, or someone would pull over and hand me a bottle of something to drink. From Manchester to Pelham is when things got rough. Left tendon seizing, full sun and no shade I was feeling all alone. I would pray even yelling out to God that I needed Him to help me. No relief. At that moment I could barely walk. I posted about my issue. Many responded with prayer and encouragement. Dennis Holland asked me a simple question..."Do you trust Him?" Not too long after that I saw a truck come by and turn into a field. On the back of it was a sticker that I had come up with around 1994 and had sold them all across the US. You know the sticker of the little boy peeing on Ford or Chevy? Well I had the sticker of the little boy kneeling at the cross. I have not seen one of these in years, then out of the blue when I needed it the most, God showed me he was with me. So I ran....When my right tendon ruptured I didn't know how I was going to finish. I prayed and am so grateful to the family that brought me a brace and ace bandage.<br />
<br />
There are times in our lives where we feel Him all around us. It's what we do and how we conduct ourselves when we don't feel His presence that matters the most. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
<ul>
<li>Meeting the Australian Duo Simon Bonnick and Rob Donkersloot. Even though their English sounded funny, I had a great time hanging with them. </li>
<li>Bacon</li>
<li>The Pizza at Glendale</li>
<li>The Pizza from Pacos</li>
<li>Discovering the male benefits of a proper fitting Maxi Pad</li>
<li>When the orgy next door quit so I could sleep</li>
</ul>
<div>
LOWLIGHTS</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Deep Blisters</li>
<li>Heat rash</li>
<li>Heat Blisters</li>
<li>Torn tendon</li>
<li>Trek through Lewisburg</li>
<li>Trek to Pelham</li>
</ul>
<div>
MY RECOMMENDATIONS/GEAR LIST</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Desitin- you can put it anywhere.</li>
<li>Neosporin- Task the rash pain away</li>
<li>Two Pairs of underwear- wash one and hang on back and let dry</li>
<li>Two Pairs of socks</li>
<li>Blister kit- Read Fixing Your Feet by Vonhoff</li>
<li>Sunscreen- Unless you are already leather, you will need it</li>
<li>Hat by day, Sweatband by night</li>
<li>Survival Poncho- can also be used to keep warm. If you are wet and it is night you will get cold if you are trying to sleep</li>
<li>Bivvy Sack or Mylar Blanket- See above</li>
<li>Scalpel- cut holes in your soles</li>
<li>Sweatbands around the wrist- Kept my hands dryer</li>
<li>Toothbrush- for when your teeth get hairy</li>
<li>Wet Wipes- Clean your stanky tootie</li>
<li>A couple of Clif or Pro Bars to carry you through a long section with no aid</li>
<li>NUUN- I highly recommend these for electrolytes. Doesn't take up that much room and will help you on a hot day</li>
<li>Chapstick</li>
<li>TwoToms for any spot that will chaffe</li>
<li>Bladder with a soft flask. You will run out of water.</li>
<li>Offline GPX viewer- Very reassuring to see my blue triangle on the correct course</li>
<li>Put everything in zip lock bags</li>
<li>Headlamp- You don't need more than a 40-50 lumen lamp</li>
<li>Bug Spray- you most likely will lay near some grass</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jk72Ayvlckp0Mdl2joxpbR13QvsG5SYi6wkkYD_KabdDuChh97QssCEEgrv9y1HPP5LUTPcULMUz8PCjq-N4ncWh23ZDdolCRdEqMtbEhb6vm4HN6tZKGNIpw0Tc9asbrvtQZNEnYWw/s1600/Rhoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jk72Ayvlckp0Mdl2joxpbR13QvsG5SYi6wkkYD_KabdDuChh97QssCEEgrv9y1HPP5LUTPcULMUz8PCjq-N4ncWh23ZDdolCRdEqMtbEhb6vm4HN6tZKGNIpw0Tc9asbrvtQZNEnYWw/s640/Rhoda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqCYWiwjUN-jMXI3gfwI39GJJFyC31g7xladpva_QlFGSgWa1PO6wmgLFvTO4_fJO-WwN6C5uEUiHUhaZbo-_HeZMCJ0ZP7v6SjDbs_b5aAk4pDrT2_clWs0QXI506HUnUfMWQVgXTwA/s1600/Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqCYWiwjUN-jMXI3gfwI39GJJFyC31g7xladpva_QlFGSgWa1PO6wmgLFvTO4_fJO-WwN6C5uEUiHUhaZbo-_HeZMCJ0ZP7v6SjDbs_b5aAk4pDrT2_clWs0QXI506HUnUfMWQVgXTwA/s640/Sunrise.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFK2ed85poQuUSK1pMF_HD-laXqQVMnqOjwfAZUMkkNqL7H09ksPgOdiIqkihwRnZzqUPbbbz9HViaCnbG-uweeYUOOYza7AGznh528VtcbhBY9tzrMMPJULjRhQ_1-K0mttcOLjV2uA/s1600/TimFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFK2ed85poQuUSK1pMF_HD-laXqQVMnqOjwfAZUMkkNqL7H09ksPgOdiIqkihwRnZzqUPbbbz9HViaCnbG-uweeYUOOYza7AGznh528VtcbhBY9tzrMMPJULjRhQ_1-K0mttcOLjV2uA/s640/TimFB.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNeUIRhmjszVboOqMPXyDemwWuQaGeHlY46fjXv-mw0RGxysEugBcfcmFBf0Qvv1UYHgqZxIg8yhKT7RZ_BC_6wJcM15mlSmGnsT_rkxhhbrqxaOtqc7uZlHw-cPFnn1lSOvNdpjlt6A/s1600/WaterFall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNeUIRhmjszVboOqMPXyDemwWuQaGeHlY46fjXv-mw0RGxysEugBcfcmFBf0Qvv1UYHgqZxIg8yhKT7RZ_BC_6wJcM15mlSmGnsT_rkxhhbrqxaOtqc7uZlHw-cPFnn1lSOvNdpjlt6A/s640/WaterFall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLApoxUyq4n3QhVUhp9sDwxSlryZM-pfGEGQ7fBK5fqMWEd9mpVBel9tAUlOAdgPw_AK3umOug2vdp9DTkxA35P0fChxpMPBOcgwU4Uw26fJBHgswFLHHv2MOgPfEdrdMGo0129SjYgI/s1600/IMG_6439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLApoxUyq4n3QhVUhp9sDwxSlryZM-pfGEGQ7fBK5fqMWEd9mpVBel9tAUlOAdgPw_AK3umOug2vdp9DTkxA35P0fChxpMPBOcgwU4Uw26fJBHgswFLHHv2MOgPfEdrdMGo0129SjYgI/s640/IMG_6439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwkPcKSgh08br2HqDW-7Zj7wJnMRmViK59PViuE00AGLZtiEB7s6v07YBUpUPRVXZX37oDMlX3lCb1GYJSmpI8FwJhWDhO8TCmykYgGUT_O96QHa8K0Vr6KqGQKTg6_HPDMFHG9WnI2E/s1600/Ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwkPcKSgh08br2HqDW-7Zj7wJnMRmViK59PViuE00AGLZtiEB7s6v07YBUpUPRVXZX37oDMlX3lCb1GYJSmpI8FwJhWDhO8TCmykYgGUT_O96QHa8K0Vr6KqGQKTg6_HPDMFHG9WnI2E/s640/Ice.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUXPYsyLtbStR5pLsV5VE4u_Y_iRhqFjwTujvDc0XlCL_kVmHYm-T7-KNILJJpzSrZZZVaeCiDL3MGgZJ07dxEXNJ7OXugNTRKH3lCL0h07LI-4uH6Dh7fd5d_YN9oLwGWioQH1aC-_g/s1600/PeePee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUXPYsyLtbStR5pLsV5VE4u_Y_iRhqFjwTujvDc0XlCL_kVmHYm-T7-KNILJJpzSrZZZVaeCiDL3MGgZJ07dxEXNJ7OXugNTRKH3lCL0h07LI-4uH6Dh7fd5d_YN9oLwGWioQH1aC-_g/s640/PeePee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRHhqw8iGgJU9QSq-dZk1ISs59XrLnXEg-wX3rfiLS_uxt_oZYw8DrnhxJ6J8qhUzvP58beMJ-22OzzZLkHJMfvikcR5scz0jmOrd1u4p3iUWk1lsOmhu3zCaSzogmRVq1694Vxn0AXE/s1600/IMG_6414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRHhqw8iGgJU9QSq-dZk1ISs59XrLnXEg-wX3rfiLS_uxt_oZYw8DrnhxJ6J8qhUzvP58beMJ-22OzzZLkHJMfvikcR5scz0jmOrd1u4p3iUWk1lsOmhu3zCaSzogmRVq1694Vxn0AXE/s640/IMG_6414.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-20877593098972677812017-09-17T13:36:00.004-07:002017-09-17T13:37:28.515-07:00My Last Barkley Fall Classic-Sucking from My Hose<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNpLizCQOP0g5XPseW7Y32TgJTCdXH6rw3GPZfkcr7qZCPEgTwHJRZejP3Y1E4lde9USvDt_X3QKUrF5DF1O3OO_191ZtHCkKPHzj1pzP5UIkpYpI8rIrtKcEwQ1gecIKMYEtWg4NCIM/s1600/Major-Testicle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNpLizCQOP0g5XPseW7Y32TgJTCdXH6rw3GPZfkcr7qZCPEgTwHJRZejP3Y1E4lde9USvDt_X3QKUrF5DF1O3OO_191ZtHCkKPHzj1pzP5UIkpYpI8rIrtKcEwQ1gecIKMYEtWg4NCIM/s640/Major-Testicle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testicle Down-Photo by David Major</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />Dr. Ambien prescribed me a great nights sleep. Not sure how I ended up in the same bed as David Thurman...was kinda awkward telling your best bro that his hand was not between a pillow. Up at 4:30 and out the door by 5:30 heading to Frozen Head. Seeing the changes to the course gave me and many other previous BFC finishers a false sense of hope. This year, Testicle Spectacle, Meth Lab, an Rat Jaw would be in the first 11 miles...then a cakewalk from that point forward.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Laz evidently lights his Cigarillo blunt and we strut off sizing up the competition and excited about not having to deal with a train going up North Old mac, except we had to deal with a train ALL THE FRICKIN WAY UP NORTH OLD MAC. Equally it pizzes me off the people who try to pass on a half track. We are all trying to get up the same friggin trail and there is nowhere for any of us to go. Finally reaching the jeep road we are able to spread and the dude who was the train conductor pulls off to pee.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had to figure out a quicker way to get down Testicle and Meth Lab and upon reaching both that problem was solved for me. Within about 1/10th of a mile we were on our butts doing the Alabama Slip-n-slide, except it wasn't a family reunion/Tinder meetup. Thankfully the many people front of me used their taint-meat to press the thorns into the mud making my mud sliding somewhat fun. Thankful for my decision to wear those outdoor pants that the legs zip off. Unfortunately some ladies made some wrong decisions that should "crack" you up. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvoaj0hsU0O8cETzrW2dz5f3vHZWWiXz7qR9BR1KZSkFTytULBff_wvcM7i7wLBxmFeAI2_AfwaRYi_nlG32ftPZIgU65YGKka8CQTyikKe4NUnuilyf8BLofUwEU2LN3t2nvbUeRzcg/s1600/Major-Testicle+Bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvoaj0hsU0O8cETzrW2dz5f3vHZWWiXz7qR9BR1KZSkFTytULBff_wvcM7i7wLBxmFeAI2_AfwaRYi_nlG32ftPZIgU65YGKka8CQTyikKe4NUnuilyf8BLofUwEU2LN3t2nvbUeRzcg/s320/Major-Testicle+Bottom.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testicle Up-Photo by David Major</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dead Deer, and everyone looking like they had a bowl of Ex-Lax Chili, we make it to the bottom, across to the church and a tongue kiss from the bib-puncher heading back up.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This would be my third time down Meth Lab, and I do not remember it being as steep as it was. On about a 15'-20' drop a dude tells me, "I'm gonna have to catch you. just slide as fast as you can." I thought what is this guy doing. Well, he was right. As I slid faster and faster, I was eventually united in a loving embrace with this dude, else I would have ended up in some pain. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally got the opportunity to meet Heather Kralj, and her, David and myself prancer-sized to the prison, through it, over the wall, into a dark sewer drain...you know the kind where you would expect a clown to be hiding. Heather seemed to be a little scared and like a real man, I stepped aside and let David lead us.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxyzQp-dNi8z4VQAyczCf9cYkXiZh2q9jEs1gAIKLuEUT9TvcpZR_B8l8LP1Ur3ksP3jP7hub4ZwTvNkmrPjSsxkpSQrw_qlQiYoihK1Jy3ALy-JS0XWr-2aexQ2OKSPb08Qzr37B7-M/s1600/Annis-Prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="960" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxyzQp-dNi8z4VQAyczCf9cYkXiZh2q9jEs1gAIKLuEUT9TvcpZR_B8l8LP1Ur3ksP3jP7hub4ZwTvNkmrPjSsxkpSQrw_qlQiYoihK1Jy3ALy-JS0XWr-2aexQ2OKSPb08Qzr37B7-M/s320/Annis-Prison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Clark Annis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We begin the ascent up Rat Jaw. An email was put out this year that unless you go up the power-lines, you are cheating. I was so happy to discover that someone had cleared a trail all the way to the top. That someone would be the top 20 runners. Everyone in the southeast likes to think their mountain has a Rat-Jaw equivalent, but I am hear to tell you that they are incorrect. Pictures CANNOT provide sufficient detail for anyone to get any sense of the experience they are about to encounter. For much of the approx 1.25 mile climb I am on all four limbs. </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj_UxsHf3c9U-EIUfScpOxQ2J2-xoLKpL9SnzF-Zv4YHgNEncGpIKn_ccL4mf16Ax21QKmC7tXbWiJfNukGHwx7unIpt1QqbufrrYiFhF5xhQOusvL-GEOpoq83zbWTXYGx7IhiBXR3Q/s1600/Riddle-Ladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj_UxsHf3c9U-EIUfScpOxQ2J2-xoLKpL9SnzF-Zv4YHgNEncGpIKn_ccL4mf16Ax21QKmC7tXbWiJfNukGHwx7unIpt1QqbufrrYiFhF5xhQOusvL-GEOpoq83zbWTXYGx7IhiBXR3Q/s320/Riddle-Ladder.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by David Riddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Slow climbing, Heather and David are complementing the curvatures of my sensational buttox, and in their favor I had switched from one product that produced serious "Tailwind" to Sword, which has left me ethanol free. I find it amazing that while climbing, you feel some of the briars that wrap around your taco's and burritos, it doesn't really affect you till later. I had to take several rest breaks going up, causing Heather and David to leave me. What I thought was an advantage (climbing Testicle and Rat Jaw early), was actually to my detriment. After climbing the tower, I realized my quads were trashed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7U2caQSH17PUE57EMyGvcXTT3CcQgJIPeFBz6qNwtnZBPy8KXsiqeyGICga-ap0utYRH4g6YFu92j3WbpzIIlT44XWhqgsAKNWSZAAq9YWcingUHpG-MuBS8u3Ekx-fWFELRhDk-ADI/s1600/Annis-Sewer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7U2caQSH17PUE57EMyGvcXTT3CcQgJIPeFBz6qNwtnZBPy8KXsiqeyGICga-ap0utYRH4g6YFu92j3WbpzIIlT44XWhqgsAKNWSZAAq9YWcingUHpG-MuBS8u3Ekx-fWFELRhDk-ADI/s320/Annis-Sewer.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Clark Annis<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even so, I figured I would make the cutoff with no issues. Leaving Tub Springs heading to Garden Spot. Early in the race I told several people to make sure that when they cross "Ball Sweat Fence" they will go a little ways, then the trail will cut off to the left...there was no sign there last year coming down, but to make sure they go left. As I approached that very spot there was no sign and a bunch of runners going straight. I yelled that I think we were supposed to turn left. A lady pulls out her map and points were the gate was and that the trail shows going straight. I went with her and a few others trusting that possibly that intersection was not the one I thought it was. All of a sudden people are coming from the front of us and the back of us. I estimate that there were approximately 50 people standing together looking at the map. I tell everyone that we should have taken that left. Another guys speaks up stating they did take the left and at the top there was a sign pointing left that brought them back down on the previous trail. We all go back and trek up and there is the sign pointing to go left. Eventually, we trek further up to a two way with no signs and go both ways. A friend had found the correct way and pointed us forward. Bib punch and we are off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the people with me at the "Junction of Lost Souls" was Chad Hause. Chad was in the top 15 coming up Rat Jaw, but found himself with me, and without water. We ran/walked for a long ways. I got him to run when he probably didn't feel like it. He was getting dizzy, and there was no way I was going to leave him. I pulled off the mouth piece from my hose and made him drink. There is no worse feeling in a race then being without water and have dry mouth. We make it to the aid station spent. I wasn't for sure if Chad would continue or not. I leave thinking I could still make the cut-off but inside knew I wouldn't be upset if I did. The first 11 miles were most likely designed to break runners. It broke me. I knew the last climb up Bird mountain would be tough, but I didn't realize just how bad it would be. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjzAiusPOU_KNz1H0VemC41lCHP9A3_FjVJaJhK4ZXD1nBUpCQj1EVE845uT1peKf__2PcvayFfBUr9xykTLlMVTsv-FOHpJXyHfJyARF1orBjL2Avs2QMfkScHMQ_1rDh1zuxAzODps/s1600/Riddle-lost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjzAiusPOU_KNz1H0VemC41lCHP9A3_FjVJaJhK4ZXD1nBUpCQj1EVE845uT1peKf__2PcvayFfBUr9xykTLlMVTsv-FOHpJXyHfJyARF1orBjL2Avs2QMfkScHMQ_1rDh1zuxAzODps/s640/Riddle-lost.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junction of Lost Souls-Photo by David Riddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chad, Melissa Wagner and myself pushed the best we could. Eventually, the roles reversed and Chad was having to wait of me. Well, he didn't have to, he told me that I didn't leave him, and there was no way he was going to leave me. The quote of the day came from Chad when he stated, "There are only 10 switchbacks up and 10 switchbacks down." There is NOTHING in Alabama to prepare you for the switchbacks on Bird Mountain. It's not the pitch, its the length of them that is so hard to prepare for. At least with Rat Jaw and Testicle you know it's straight up and done. The switchbacks were as numerous as the "No GPS" posts on the BFC page. They annoyed the fool out of you and were non-stop.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even before reaching the top, I had done the calculations and knew there was no way to make the 50K cutoff, and to be honest, was ok with that. I had the prize in 2015...Today I was ok with the Marathon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People wonder why I(we) do these things. I know why I do. It's meeting and running with you. The relationships built from these events are priceless. Watching people finish and begin to cry brings tears to my eyes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you are at these events, try to remember someones name...It means the world to them.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4iPU2WMerzcqzNVS2J6Rh7-4xxIhD1Vfi_nv2-_jofWbFn5bl-VfrnKt7XZY1yHUh3jOjQbJEutR29EyuK21uz3zk4cVxygWXnVV8boOZONEAFFeQk0M9gteKiP6YBPSRdUctiJag4w/s1600/IMG_4431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4iPU2WMerzcqzNVS2J6Rh7-4xxIhD1Vfi_nv2-_jofWbFn5bl-VfrnKt7XZY1yHUh3jOjQbJEutR29EyuK21uz3zk4cVxygWXnVV8boOZONEAFFeQk0M9gteKiP6YBPSRdUctiJag4w/s640/IMG_4431.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather Kralj-BFC 50K Finisher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMCX-bJF4_skqvUCTrcvM2K7Yz7rRtukaj8JcGBoY8Yg867Rr3hDUq7XuIGZnUGXd1EIaO_DQofSniqkJj18ZIB6s3Ci8L-hYtSOsQ29nS1TUNJ8BbZnOn4br_sxPJN2W71TuaXGONEk/s1600/Annis-Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMCX-bJF4_skqvUCTrcvM2K7Yz7rRtukaj8JcGBoY8Yg867Rr3hDUq7XuIGZnUGXd1EIaO_DQofSniqkJj18ZIB6s3Ci8L-hYtSOsQ29nS1TUNJ8BbZnOn4br_sxPJN2W71TuaXGONEk/s640/Annis-Me.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8waGta99xsHsBq0-mBIS8cm4ZLQqnQRPlSiaaSahb6ymNN8wZj2nn5VKdfLE-xo7TAD1FmPer-poQdpOkLz-X9H0piUFJt8a3J2zRjaUQfEa4P4gTPN3jh5S4ejVrPZMq0oup1H2_Fps/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8waGta99xsHsBq0-mBIS8cm4ZLQqnQRPlSiaaSahb6ymNN8wZj2nn5VKdfLE-xo7TAD1FmPer-poQdpOkLz-X9H0piUFJt8a3J2zRjaUQfEa4P4gTPN3jh5S4ejVrPZMq0oup1H2_Fps/s640/IMG_4438.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Thurman0BFC 50K Finisher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpFneLZk2yyIeCJhBYf5NuaUZV_Gm8NxJPwtWdzmfhyphenhyphen7bC8kxseE9-Yb_FwuRFiUzjmBa1_LmnyktfnUWNQXiN8J7sd5EdvRyX0p1L8vGyWaKV6VoQ5F6AUKJcPpxTx97qrXQ_njVKkI/s1600/Riddle-HimandRob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpFneLZk2yyIeCJhBYf5NuaUZV_Gm8NxJPwtWdzmfhyphenhyphen7bC8kxseE9-Yb_FwuRFiUzjmBa1_LmnyktfnUWNQXiN8J7sd5EdvRyX0p1L8vGyWaKV6VoQ5F6AUKJcPpxTx97qrXQ_njVKkI/s640/Riddle-HimandRob.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of Goons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-82502385873437431352017-06-10T01:01:00.002-07:002017-06-10T01:18:07.468-07:00A Very Cary Korea Trip<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHHl9lJoISxmd96wyy9oxNuLeMMyrJESXkyFiDBxA3d0wdoEieZ6cSu4Dch5ljvtDNMB5NMfVL-aqAqgsRrT5GPWLy80hb-jn-TvpzvjPllfnKyKdIqATycEoGaqN0d_onx23tL5LIyY/s1600/IMG_3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHHl9lJoISxmd96wyy9oxNuLeMMyrJESXkyFiDBxA3d0wdoEieZ6cSu4Dch5ljvtDNMB5NMfVL-aqAqgsRrT5GPWLy80hb-jn-TvpzvjPllfnKyKdIqATycEoGaqN0d_onx23tL5LIyY/s320/IMG_3939.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cab Driver who I thought was kidnapping me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No this is not a race report. However, If you know me or have read my race reports, you may enjoy the stories and description of my trip to Korea.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Made it to the Incheon Airport...walking around looking like a tourist, a man asks If I need a cab. I nod and he grabs my bag and takes off. Struggling to keep up and assuming he is actually a cab driver I follow the best I can. We make it to his van and before I can ask any questions my bag is locked in the back. I get in the van looking for any "official" taxi information or a meter or something....nothing. While he is taking off I am looking for my seatbelt. He had modified it because he installed bars blocking the luggage area from the back seat. I guess someone else must have freaked out, grabbed their bag and fled. When he reaches 140KM per hour, I begin to take pics of him and any road signs, in the event I have been "taken" and was about to be sold into sex slavery. You think I'm kidding?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z8isDnusJreub6hPwPmGOHDPt59wEh_44EpD_SMKbEsVYsp85v4YXbeI_S7e0aMdjLZbsUoNb4Y7ee6SF77dtPAMYd7dnGJo008hDiq8LsDp3iCllf6085HrKeFdRq17d09iMe60fCA/s1600/IMG_4040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z8isDnusJreub6hPwPmGOHDPt59wEh_44EpD_SMKbEsVYsp85v4YXbeI_S7e0aMdjLZbsUoNb4Y7ee6SF77dtPAMYd7dnGJo008hDiq8LsDp3iCllf6085HrKeFdRq17d09iMe60fCA/s320/IMG_4040.JPG" width="240" /></a>I make it to the hotel, walk off the elevator on the sixth floor and walk towards my room. On the way I hear a woman screaming. I stop in the middle of the hallway shocked, and wondering what I should do. Is this woman in distress? Do I need to call for help?. As she continues to scream it finally hits me what is actually happening. Lets just say she was not in distress.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBTL5fE6qOSrqpgtaCl_d-so21MlerFFmv4gx8TmpKK7rRJXocYVyXmZNwj3lMmFGxPp_2p3AHSYkPC6Sez9fZg1QTh9V8n2WzxFYkhKPY1TBLNAMIPXHvRE7zQVl8oAd-napcIuw40M/s1600/IMG_4082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBTL5fE6qOSrqpgtaCl_d-so21MlerFFmv4gx8TmpKK7rRJXocYVyXmZNwj3lMmFGxPp_2p3AHSYkPC6Sez9fZg1QTh9V8n2WzxFYkhKPY1TBLNAMIPXHvRE7zQVl8oAd-napcIuw40M/s320/IMG_4082.JPG" width="320" /></a>The following day, tensed up from the 15 hour flight and still in disbelief of the mating calls from room 627 I venture to the Siloam Sauna, a Korean bathouse. Ok, this was a recommendation from Joo Kim, to which I told her NO WAY! However, I thought about it, researched it, and found it is safe and no "627's" happen there. This is not like a German bathhouse where men and women are together. The men and women split for the bath portions. I walk in, strip down, and make my way to the bath area. All of a sudden I am surround by 45 naked Korean men. First thing is shower. Second make your way to one of the many pools. As I got in each pool I read the "benefits". First the massage bath, then the salt bath, followed by the jade bath. I got to the mugwort bath but refrained from going in since the sign stated that it was a good vaginal cleanser. I walk over to a group of dudes in spandex. These men spend their days exfoliating other naked men. So when in Rome...I lay down on the table praying and ensuring I do not think about room 627 or my wife at any time. I did not want to be the laughing stock of Korea. The man begins to scrub me with a belt sander. Thank the Lord for the pain because there was no way I was going to mistakenly derive any pleasure from the experience. Back, legs, and sides done. It's now time to turn over and let him sand blast my top side. So far so good. Then he makes it to my mid-section and without hesitation, grabs my lil smokie moving it out of the way so he can scrub my inner thighs....I almost flat-lined.On my third trip (yes I said third) to the bath house something weirder happened. First I thought the symphony was in town cause one dude walked in carrying a bassoon between his legs. Look, it is impossible to be in a room with that many naked people and not see anything. There is the b-hole surprise room. This is a room where there are 4 nozzles hanging from the ceiling and what looks like a massage table. So I lay on the table and there is this button. Well of course I'm gonna press it. Lets just say, make sure you are in the right spot or else a jet stream from one of the nozzles will sodomize you. The next room I enter is the "Salt Sauna". I walk in and can hardly breath due to the heat. There is a 90lb old Korean man in there taking salt from a bin and rubbing it all over his body. I begin to do the same. He looks at me with two handfuls of salt and motions for me to turn around. UH OH! So I turn around and he rubs the salt on my back for me. I will never disclose whether or not I returned the favor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the way back to the hotel I pass by Seoul station where I see a couple of homeless Koreans in an argument. One man and one woman. All of a sudden the man starts throwing leg kicks while a cop stands in between trying to stop the situation. The whole time I'm singing the song "Kung fu Fighting".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFQ3CtencrUItnq0aEDn9KFL2NOLcPUp_4E4Xyvy3DqL6B8m7f-s87FrQywggABQ89K-7sujCsnp09FcrrhLBregGcA1ojq1KuTR2cvqJMyXwf3VPILpIyZkeSEMD1U9QUKxax3vTU5o/s1600/IMG_4028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFQ3CtencrUItnq0aEDn9KFL2NOLcPUp_4E4Xyvy3DqL6B8m7f-s87FrQywggABQ89K-7sujCsnp09FcrrhLBregGcA1ojq1KuTR2cvqJMyXwf3VPILpIyZkeSEMD1U9QUKxax3vTU5o/s320/IMG_4028.JPG" width="320" /></a>I think I met a Korean relative. We are on a tour bus to the demilitarized zone...the border of North and South Korea. Leaving the city we drive through the country where there are rice fields all around. Suddenly the bus drive pulls over on an elevated highway. Actually, he doesn't pull over, he just stops in the right lane. He opens the door, grab's a box of tissue, looks at me and points to his stomach. Yep, our bus driver just exited the bus, and was hanging off the side of the road taking a poop. As he came back to the bus, I could see him wiping off his fingers with tissue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's all the funny stuff. Now the cool stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01c4ra75VIof93EaX8n3nzfc19QM7NOm-2fJ2TckgRjfiD5P8DJXqITCp734j5q3VMzkIyAvrxEgxsDapB0XY4Uvudsx9ARqb38TnmEJgmloo633q1Kq9vKHzF-8gOifOH_2uj310QWQ/s1600/IMG_3982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01c4ra75VIof93EaX8n3nzfc19QM7NOm-2fJ2TckgRjfiD5P8DJXqITCp734j5q3VMzkIyAvrxEgxsDapB0XY4Uvudsx9ARqb38TnmEJgmloo633q1Kq9vKHzF-8gOifOH_2uj310QWQ/s320/IMG_3982.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Korea is absolutely amazing. The food scares me. In the open market they were serving stuff I had never seen, and one I knew exactly what it was. The area I stayed in was not a tourist spot, rather where everyday Korean's go for. I literally ran all over the northern section of Seoul (north of the Han River). Ran by some Palace's, up an old wall, around the complex where the President lives, along a river running through the city and to Domino's. Yes, I was so tired of Korean food I had to find a Domino's pizza. It cost me 220,000 Won but I did not care.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlqQDSHaNLaj3Rg9Nlp4SvS_zuNBdD2enOrTC8NS8sNmPk230OIxVR-rbveHDjMMDT70WMLEHQquK6cEtoY4U1Lx-7tF5eUxTNtpnLwVmtDrJQ54-s0-FV3LkZi5ixCbAtqd3xdS1Pjo/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlqQDSHaNLaj3Rg9Nlp4SvS_zuNBdD2enOrTC8NS8sNmPk230OIxVR-rbveHDjMMDT70WMLEHQquK6cEtoY4U1Lx-7tF5eUxTNtpnLwVmtDrJQ54-s0-FV3LkZi5ixCbAtqd3xdS1Pjo/s640/IMG_4003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The sites, people and smells that I encountered will give me a lifetime of memories. Best part of the trip was finding a handmade jewelry shop where I purchase my wife a silver wedding band.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I LOVE KOREA...See you in October Korea.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGt36suVPl7es_mhl55oWiLTS7IR0Pj9quotvxsAo2S05d7dhD0OukXsmeWkl7lpuVpb4VUOqJ4rlpO5A7lEQ0h98grND5v1w0uJucuLUoH4ClIXZfWcy2B0NH_mLVDNipJ6MU1sv4ws/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGt36suVPl7es_mhl55oWiLTS7IR0Pj9quotvxsAo2S05d7dhD0OukXsmeWkl7lpuVpb4VUOqJ4rlpO5A7lEQ0h98grND5v1w0uJucuLUoH4ClIXZfWcy2B0NH_mLVDNipJ6MU1sv4ws/s640/IMG_4022.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHUeOLsuKCFeivqo1osmV_4xBxcjiYgguZ4cNKQH7mD-vphSEsDaIW3G1cAvGo8dQvwd8mItFuMOH3DfvWwHV5jqajnvzho1-sjmUR4qDfSxifNzDc8ZCMJ0r8ks0FTFoSF5XLFH0cww/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHUeOLsuKCFeivqo1osmV_4xBxcjiYgguZ4cNKQH7mD-vphSEsDaIW3G1cAvGo8dQvwd8mItFuMOH3DfvWwHV5jqajnvzho1-sjmUR4qDfSxifNzDc8ZCMJ0r8ks0FTFoSF5XLFH0cww/s640/IMG_4015.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw7vn1KmOZsnb4GU5j1J4WbAcCA50o3I6U9LBU6_vVwbS3Ro4KmgP6c990pwqHLFJ2acEHDFUPvIbxF9tAYyJbzoPzccAHbCK-3YUceRCiFMVkSVspZCu67yz9EMaRYo5G9NhLZfvdTE/s1600/IMG_4048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQw7vn1KmOZsnb4GU5j1J4WbAcCA50o3I6U9LBU6_vVwbS3Ro4KmgP6c990pwqHLFJ2acEHDFUPvIbxF9tAYyJbzoPzccAHbCK-3YUceRCiFMVkSVspZCu67yz9EMaRYo5G9NhLZfvdTE/s640/IMG_4048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Room where you cross into North Korea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Wz5AxruOvEd-18AF1nZuaW2QZaJYGz7MoYlwgXrKEhd8v4jPvl_FI55hKoja0QKI1i199xxxOa0hjZg6SCY2cYcDJk4ciNPbRAYr5BujpWnl2ViH7c4TEDG48JOYbHxrjzrC-nsnmfs/s1600/IMG_4052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Wz5AxruOvEd-18AF1nZuaW2QZaJYGz7MoYlwgXrKEhd8v4jPvl_FI55hKoja0QKI1i199xxxOa0hjZg6SCY2cYcDJk4ciNPbRAYr5BujpWnl2ViH7c4TEDG48JOYbHxrjzrC-nsnmfs/s640/IMG_4052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle of the buildings is the line. Big Building is North Korean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZUdsBRVNn5uH5uNgqax9-cH2Gw7cC5rHTkYvWj_ld0Ug5NOX7_mN3idF3PafX3INJWXEekw3qEfWb5EkiSUkzsfbgqt0EkLCxR9UglG1xwzpr9x3uUmsF6DDZzBM7PYUH2hrk_BwQ44/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZUdsBRVNn5uH5uNgqax9-cH2Gw7cC5rHTkYvWj_ld0Ug5NOX7_mN3idF3PafX3INJWXEekw3qEfWb5EkiSUkzsfbgqt0EkLCxR9UglG1xwzpr9x3uUmsF6DDZzBM7PYUH2hrk_BwQ44/s640/IMG_4068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIHBXRkX5sRPOJ71MhU51XUnuZcm0mVxzCAe3ZEk3fsgElK3Tcj434hYBaeyvyZfO101JMs0usx0QjvPtmf_FvRp-chtSDWobY211IPMk7i5VYsU7SU65XBLmulqmqh-Wp9rRvtCFozc/s1600/IMG_4070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIHBXRkX5sRPOJ71MhU51XUnuZcm0mVxzCAe3ZEk3fsgElK3Tcj434hYBaeyvyZfO101JMs0usx0QjvPtmf_FvRp-chtSDWobY211IPMk7i5VYsU7SU65XBLmulqmqh-Wp9rRvtCFozc/s640/IMG_4070.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-xdJ4OPtj-wDO17KVOS_aOLhonfgMhceW7-01RtBIHV4A6oP76rWDlVWxYftjDgH-J5XhFzZ2lOz0PaqcOkmcSgi5QFjy_xUF7KrGxNU71sA-QdFrAlSu1YtDZdjnG0b6xSuoNLKeAU/s1600/IMG_4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-xdJ4OPtj-wDO17KVOS_aOLhonfgMhceW7-01RtBIHV4A6oP76rWDlVWxYftjDgH-J5XhFzZ2lOz0PaqcOkmcSgi5QFjy_xUF7KrGxNU71sA-QdFrAlSu1YtDZdjnG0b6xSuoNLKeAU/s640/IMG_4076.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriKlW90toSoBpLUTNLGt9x22HgCEeddT73jJKE0luzMbpbXH5zQSatthryolBaqW4hV55ymmq6mQq2d700atcR-AeR_IQxi6zbY3-rIHxoe8TgWMWlNcRze6MvT1eh3Dh4zya_2DiDi0/s1600/IMG_4079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriKlW90toSoBpLUTNLGt9x22HgCEeddT73jJKE0luzMbpbXH5zQSatthryolBaqW4hV55ymmq6mQq2d700atcR-AeR_IQxi6zbY3-rIHxoe8TgWMWlNcRze6MvT1eh3Dh4zya_2DiDi0/s640/IMG_4079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CT Paek, and Simon: Some big wigs in the City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN4MmLE5CZ-jPemLe7F2MMsZm75sGV9_TfxKWZvInozMlHzSqKfTw7vzx8oFXdeG7Frdz5UEO_Hj0JnCzcgScpmctnObsgUGMntl4V7DO93l6eTgsQyN9wiIo9xC4_BL_6hwHgwMFo-A/s1600/IMG_4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN4MmLE5CZ-jPemLe7F2MMsZm75sGV9_TfxKWZvInozMlHzSqKfTw7vzx8oFXdeG7Frdz5UEO_Hj0JnCzcgScpmctnObsgUGMntl4V7DO93l6eTgsQyN9wiIo9xC4_BL_6hwHgwMFo-A/s640/IMG_4084.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGvBImShlCljMf_zQpTsTAjUgMaZtKG6Fqq0tiB_o3epntin9B35nSYII0YQ8VmuxxnZbXThlUUTAqIEPe5qPd72ATa5ySl0QhIvZ5vb2Gt5F9Y9dBE_fMDN2QbvOs2kevu3j00KWKQU/s1600/IMG_4091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGvBImShlCljMf_zQpTsTAjUgMaZtKG6Fqq0tiB_o3epntin9B35nSYII0YQ8VmuxxnZbXThlUUTAqIEPe5qPd72ATa5ySl0QhIvZ5vb2Gt5F9Y9dBE_fMDN2QbvOs2kevu3j00KWKQU/s640/IMG_4091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuffvaEc02vRrmAapNk-pVCeQVP_xe32fCy8rwDLt_QpY-o7CxNFMixlfMqZIRAmmcy9ODdzH_F7Fo8MgmPR5tEcQbuGTGsnEumXhCFcb2c02rbzzHJD_Ykf1VrcbspstYr6J6dxeNxNE/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuffvaEc02vRrmAapNk-pVCeQVP_xe32fCy8rwDLt_QpY-o7CxNFMixlfMqZIRAmmcy9ODdzH_F7Fo8MgmPR5tEcQbuGTGsnEumXhCFcb2c02rbzzHJD_Ykf1VrcbspstYr6J6dxeNxNE/s640/IMG_4086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIn7azmcZOPQbZDZ16fLhLJcaQvzlw3UKdYLsMjJUbBlRIHeVLQrDbsv_Xljs6aEjoZuqH4OeNyFKQJqnd3JuBbsCIN3OQlP6D1ApGl02mcPW8-epJuEJgOtVvdLTbeY_hmK62a1HgFA/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIn7azmcZOPQbZDZ16fLhLJcaQvzlw3UKdYLsMjJUbBlRIHeVLQrDbsv_Xljs6aEjoZuqH4OeNyFKQJqnd3JuBbsCIN3OQlP6D1ApGl02mcPW8-epJuEJgOtVvdLTbeY_hmK62a1HgFA/s640/IMG_4023.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-17288525362211841652017-05-08T18:18:00.004-07:002017-05-08T18:30:20.406-07:00Strolling Jim: Suunto, Sword and Shick<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV8Zq63rEQeLIBcmnwOcCQ_cftHg7ZWDTi7DaW-Cs-bQWxDXoSDg0PhSIgCRBYZogA1AzmDo2Mwebp6jECZ5INoFMMbOHCUbuT-J72c8SDZwEKge6VP4CGxfgo0xFxIkOeGXRcOpZqIM/s1600/Holmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV8Zq63rEQeLIBcmnwOcCQ_cftHg7ZWDTi7DaW-Cs-bQWxDXoSDg0PhSIgCRBYZogA1AzmDo2Mwebp6jECZ5INoFMMbOHCUbuT-J72c8SDZwEKge6VP4CGxfgo0xFxIkOeGXRcOpZqIM/s400/Holmes.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before and during the race several people come up to me, some I know, and some I don't and ask me how my "anus" is. To provide some context let me share with you my Facebook Post from the Thursday before the race.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">TRUE STORY: Just got one of
the phone calls from an Indian Scammer...</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">Scammer: Mr. Long, I am with
"XYZ" Company, this is in regards to your medical care.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-justify: inter-ideograph; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">Me:Ok</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-justify: inter-ideograph; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">Scammer: Do you have any pain right now.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-justify: inter-ideograph; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">Me: Yes I do.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scammer: Can you tell me
where?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Me: Yes, it is in my anus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scammer: Your anus? Anus...
Does it hurt right now?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Me: Yes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scammer: I can provide you
some cream to make the pain go away. You will apply it to your anus...Are you
interested?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Me: Heck Yeah!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scammer: Can you tell me
exactly where the pain is?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Me: Yes on my anus, you
know, my butt-hole.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scammer: Your butt-hole?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Me: Yes...Do I rub the cream
on myself or should someone else do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scammer: Your butt-hole? I
am sorry I cannot help you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>113</o:Words>
<o:Characters>648</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Columbia College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>5</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>760</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:sans-serif;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me: Do you want me to send
you a picture of it</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: "san francisco" , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">
</span></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCboWmy0jvDzjulFdIsQVHjRLyHuhV7FARRRkRc0ippQrrIiTH5BC-ecwB9dZcbkcbpJCAkGGA1-1sjbIf9UJDqDKyrN1B9-A-XG88gSozfe011nwhPLRYDBqHB5yMlKXTsx1-eqSiOCQ/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCboWmy0jvDzjulFdIsQVHjRLyHuhV7FARRRkRc0ippQrrIiTH5BC-ecwB9dZcbkcbpJCAkGGA1-1sjbIf9UJDqDKyrN1B9-A-XG88gSozfe011nwhPLRYDBqHB5yMlKXTsx1-eqSiOCQ/s400/IMG_3771.JPG" width="300" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Laz is standing next to a mud puddle watching cars drive in the pot hole parking lot. I walk over and introduced myself even though I have met him a couple times. You see I don't expect people to remember me, yet I hope they do. "Hello sir, my name in Cary Long." In that smoky high pitched voice he replies, "I recognize that name." Ok, so Laz recognized my name...I'll take it. Probably the only reason he recognized it was because I posted a FootPath map of the course with the south loop going the wrong direction to which he promptly replied "The south loop is the wrong direction!" The other post he may remember me from was when I posted and used the word "hundo", and he replied with a paragraph of his disdain for that word. Maybe I should work on Sandra...At least Terry Durbin likes my post every now and then.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pre-race is full of bro and sis hugs from Olaf Wasternack, David Riddle, Jeff Deaton, Travis Esterby, James Suh, Gina (Spanish Lover) Loyd, and Brooke McLananhan. Kim Crow quickly comes over to say hello and tell me she is going to avoid me because she is afraid of screwing up and me calling her out in a report. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMuczVrUm6AQJPJfqUJQumngvhETpGylx_KBSY9X8CE2I7oNHEwm17Vhk4jVEg3oQhQCADER-I1Vo_3jmXLtoVInRwP5t5sByaSdTa5wWJYTxHMkRgT_9a8fK7D2SYAkOowgPK7R9Ws8/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMuczVrUm6AQJPJfqUJQumngvhETpGylx_KBSY9X8CE2I7oNHEwm17Vhk4jVEg3oQhQCADER-I1Vo_3jmXLtoVInRwP5t5sByaSdTa5wWJYTxHMkRgT_9a8fK7D2SYAkOowgPK7R9Ws8/s320/medal.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I came into this race over confident and undertrained. Prayed that I wouldn't suffer, and off we go. Quickly I find myself running with Annie Randolph of Georgia and we seem to be set on the same pace. 9:30-9:45 on the flats, walking the hills, and 8:00-9:00 on the downs. Sun out and temps in the high 40's-60's gave us hope of the perfect conditions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With my new Suunto Spartan Ultra, which is so much better than Garmin (Martin Schneekloth), I monitored my run continuously and ran with relative ease. Somewhere around 10 miles Richard Shick and some bald dude I had never seen caught us...Turns out it was Joe Fejes, I quickly introduced myself hoping he would say, "Yeah Cary, I know who you are." Nope! I even talked about how we had just talked about him on the podcast.....nothing. So we cut up a little bit, he complemented my matching RC team kit and he and Richard leave us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ8ePgBflIIf51vNPbyHV4n_ymnQDVpYn-F-WHulk037U0o7QwvlUurv4nXclNYNG9LSn-S6tBRuTiLg0HiZ2C5hm9FVAjiR9ihPlDjTdfmlrZyqqcigOktoEYvnl34U7wje6s_dC2ns/s1600/christy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ8ePgBflIIf51vNPbyHV4n_ymnQDVpYn-F-WHulk037U0o7QwvlUurv4nXclNYNG9LSn-S6tBRuTiLg0HiZ2C5hm9FVAjiR9ihPlDjTdfmlrZyqqcigOktoEYvnl34U7wje6s_dC2ns/s320/christy.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the point where I tell you how everything went wrong, I got stung by bees, crapped my pants, chopped the end of my wanker off, etc...Nope, nothing happened. I was having a great race. I stuck to Sword and supplemented with Honey Stinger gels, and waffles. It was all I needed. Surprisingly I caught Richard, Joe, and the silver bullet Karen Jackson, who I don't think I have ever beaten. However, my nemesis Christy Scott was no where in sight. Out to the main road for the last grueling 2 miles, I see her off in the distance. I gave it everything I could to just catch her. One mile to go she turns around, sees me, moons me, and we decide to just run in together and let the chip timer decide.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To top it off, talking with Brooke and Kim are talking to some dude name Joshua...It was frickin Joshua Holmes. I introduced myself and he said "Yeah Cary, I know who you are."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In 2016 I said "Never Again!" But 2017 held some great first times for me...New Suunto, Sword carried me through, and I beat the Shickhead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I love this sign.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ87UPyH1J5U502dX4PT4gR8sCimvNhj_bS59tSuKGr-TT3oiUTGz34n74tC_tXZcemmKTWxXZiVcAhOWPrxD1h6d1NbbM7bTBEnFmUekXQ2AjjORXCrEF_0XRU5RjVtGGaFGvttYF9KI/s1600/God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ87UPyH1J5U502dX4PT4gR8sCimvNhj_bS59tSuKGr-TT3oiUTGz34n74tC_tXZcemmKTWxXZiVcAhOWPrxD1h6d1NbbM7bTBEnFmUekXQ2AjjORXCrEF_0XRU5RjVtGGaFGvttYF9KI/s1600/God.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-2292917040795658772017-02-26T11:48:00.004-08:002017-02-26T11:57:45.302-08:00Mount Cheaha 50K: The Shickhead and Yoga Lindsey<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF6Cm2Euok0W1Q7ny4sf7vB22qMgy3XBCXnq-G2EWE-gZERAMnBYxZNCJo0OY9IfUHUen9YWu4Bg0IEzvPYPxShlC26ilXOYsiEvJ_J0A29jdsWeVQgvLBbEsgWRbU9AtgWLvdz5hcKg/s1600/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-4513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF6Cm2Euok0W1Q7ny4sf7vB22qMgy3XBCXnq-G2EWE-gZERAMnBYxZNCJo0OY9IfUHUen9YWu4Bg0IEzvPYPxShlC26ilXOYsiEvJ_J0A29jdsWeVQgvLBbEsgWRbU9AtgWLvdz5hcKg/s640/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-4513.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis-We Run Huntsville<br />
http://werunhuntsville.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
7:15 p.m. Janice and I meet Christy at a local restaurant in Podunkville, Alabama. Our waitress was one of those ladies thats 150 lbs from the waist up and 35 lbs waist and below.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Angel: "Hey my name is Angel."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Did it hurt when you fell?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Angel: "No, cause I fell straight to Hell!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "......................................................."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
....a few minutes later</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Gracias"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Angel: (speaking something is Spanish) "Do you know what I said?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Angel: "I have big hairy balls."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "......................................................."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Janice: "Don't say another word to her."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christy: "I bet she smokes weed."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoQElKHRooh-iYhlXM1auztStklXh6j3oH9ssNfNLy2PyBqzRqGsXD2hAMo_Xjz4EOgXlyY6VZUIGRAz6fCBEnKi0zAuN_u3M233b0-PdhcAOYKR85kfm4X6alLFJUrRiau2Z3e6HZ9o/s1600/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-3506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoQElKHRooh-iYhlXM1auztStklXh6j3oH9ssNfNLy2PyBqzRqGsXD2hAMo_Xjz4EOgXlyY6VZUIGRAz6fCBEnKi0zAuN_u3M233b0-PdhcAOYKR85kfm4X6alLFJUrRiau2Z3e6HZ9o/s400/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-3506.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis-We Run Huntsville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Race morning we are at the starting line at 6:30 awaiting a 7:30 start. I see the blue poo shelters and have the urge to send them some refugees. I was a little scared cause I looked in there and they were fresh. Last time I used a fresh one, the initial deposit resulted in a geyser of blue water covering my white seat cushions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Favorite part of races is seeing familiar faces. Ryne Anderson, Trey and Dreama Campbell, John Brower, Jennifer Raby, to name a few, and meeting some new people like Hunter and Season Lane. Also feeling a little uncomfortable when I saw Lindsey Dial checking out my sweet Rock/Creek Race Kit. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Buses are an hour late and the race subsequently starts an hour later. Beautiful clear skies and the temperature rising, "Sweet Home Alabama" begins to play and we run 20' to the trailhead and walk for a 1/4 mile. I purposefully started about 3/4 back to ensure I did not go "B's" to the wall. A couple miles in I find myself in a train of people with a guy in front walking the flat part. He never looks back to see 50 people behind him. I risk an ankle twist and take the high side to get around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijphu5v_zlOOB-E_iP-QO2Y0kdHJso2RgX4UpyHqIdkOnQW0o9Ox6KM6_aDJ-PPd08OaFdwSbQAh3k9RO_1oX1IVTwEbeJEe7M8fyXugmYe4Bv5UCzPJcW_bWTGk16U_nm_23UKzzymLs/s1600/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-0529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijphu5v_zlOOB-E_iP-QO2Y0kdHJso2RgX4UpyHqIdkOnQW0o9Ox6KM6_aDJ-PPd08OaFdwSbQAh3k9RO_1oX1IVTwEbeJEe7M8fyXugmYe4Bv5UCzPJcW_bWTGk16U_nm_23UKzzymLs/s400/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-0529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis-We Run Huntsville<br />
John Brower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually Birmingham's favorite redneck Jared catches me and we team up and run conservative. Everything is going well until we catch Lindsey Dial. If you catch her it's because of one of two reasons...You went out too fast, or she is running very slow. Nevertheless, I was intent on being able to claim I beat her. Feeling great at this point we run strong and she pulls us....however, I was feeling great, yet a part of me knew this was too fast. 2-3 miles of banter and talking about Hot Daniel, David Riddle, Emily Ansick and farting in Yoga I feel myself beginning to struggle. Finally, Lindsey hits the downhills like a little tan fawn while Jarred and I pound them like Wilderbeast with a Lion on our back. I look back and see Richard Shick and get a little pizzed. How did this 67 year old shuffler catch us? I tell Jared he is about to "Get Shicked", but he doesn't know what that means. With Lindsey out of sight, we back off and get to mile 15 aid station. I realize the past 3 miles were a huge mistake. Had I not taken a bladder and Skratch, it would have been much worse. Beautiful sun and upper fifties were taking a toll. Every cool breeze, Jared and I would thank the Lord and move on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After mile 15 the trail begins to level out somewhat yet it is a constant around the mountain to a corner drainage, slight up and repeat over and over and over. Relentless rolling single track. Up to mile 15 we were on a 6 to 6.5 hour finish. We finally made it to the bigger creek crossings where Gregg Gelmis is awaiting. I immediately get in the water and get on my hands and knees to ice my legs. Unbeknownst to me, Jared is behind me air spanking me in front of the camera. What he didn't know is that I was draining the bologna-pony right where he was standing. With Gregg was my buddy Chris Strope who was quitting there. I looked at him and simply told him to come on. Lied to him and told him the dirt road was only 3 miles from there. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leaving the water we climb again to the most beautiful section of the course. We climb over and around the side of a wonderful waterfall with pools. The three stooges settle to walk any and all hint of a climb and Curly shuffle the flats and downhills. The trail NEVER ENDS! A couple Birmingham chics catch us and Jared feels compelled to leave Chris and I. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You know that point in the race where you have no more and you accept the death march? We were there. To the dirt road, paved road and to the final aid station excited to begin the final climb called "Blue Hell". Non-stop climbing we get to this little rock chute where Gregg is above taking pictures. Chris and I stop in utter despair to rest a second. Such an amazing cool breeze in blowing up the mountain and through the little chute, when all of a sudden I smell the smell of rotting flesh mixed with cat urine and dog anal pheromones. I turn back to see Chris with his head turned and a grin on his face. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lIScn4HlIbXTkNd0uT6JY9HnlFcIeYO1YZTG-WOuWy8ScK5LoyOJsL5ygMdOGh7mxZBqsHdsUkOtf0rPLnz_Gn4rw2lBk7QH7hJvx_wboJXNBDflz0gwOutRGkE00CnF8G5UpWXyJZE/s1600/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-4843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lIScn4HlIbXTkNd0uT6JY9HnlFcIeYO1YZTG-WOuWy8ScK5LoyOJsL5ygMdOGh7mxZBqsHdsUkOtf0rPLnz_Gn4rw2lBk7QH7hJvx_wboJXNBDflz0gwOutRGkE00CnF8G5UpWXyJZE/s640/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-4843.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis<br />
At the POOT CHUTE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once you get to the top, you are not finished climbing. Todd Henderson rerouted a little to a new trail that looked like it was built by Beavis and Butthead. WHEN IS THE CLIMBING GONNA STOP?!?!?! Back to single track out of the woods, with about .2 mile to the finish. I walked through the finish, staggering, on the verge of passing out. My worst Cheaha by almost an hour. YET! It was wonderful to be out there. Praising God to be done, I laid down and Dewayne Satterfield'ed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the way down the mountain my stomach is hurting and I feel like I may can squeak one out and nobody know. Janice hollers and I turn around to see Christy's head sticking out the window. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love you, my wife, son, and my Savior.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuFt8_pIqcJjKBdxJO-XmtRT9lBD1_Z0Gz0j9g3b32bF2A1Dz2ItvHC15PVys25pv2zfbxDq3PsOj9MKnc0vOAE__CxYYQLlie4776R7Eh9s8-WH-oRaqvwmQA0v_cDuqAVrXSJLPDzE/s1600/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-1590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuFt8_pIqcJjKBdxJO-XmtRT9lBD1_Z0Gz0j9g3b32bF2A1Dz2ItvHC15PVys25pv2zfbxDq3PsOj9MKnc0vOAE__CxYYQLlie4776R7Eh9s8-WH-oRaqvwmQA0v_cDuqAVrXSJLPDzE/s640/2017+Mount+Cheaha+50-1590.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-65886289394413475132016-10-02T17:59:00.001-07:002016-10-02T18:00:39.021-07:00Stump Jump-Bloody Barry and the White Rastafarian<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATEOqOw59n-_x2YyiGkidAqJOQcdeA3j_VGJ5vwZeY3fw-YqGnZXaDXWrhqcjnyFHXdGmxr0SzOAq_3h5PNY_Hg-ZlZQjmbUrlQXIOYZR9sKSHjCCTJs_jGSmyHrVIS7uQJzLOOEayhE/s1600/cary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATEOqOw59n-_x2YyiGkidAqJOQcdeA3j_VGJ5vwZeY3fw-YqGnZXaDXWrhqcjnyFHXdGmxr0SzOAq_3h5PNY_Hg-ZlZQjmbUrlQXIOYZR9sKSHjCCTJs_jGSmyHrVIS7uQJzLOOEayhE/s400/cary.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jobie Williams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you know Huntsville runners, then most likely you know who Martin Schneekloth is. He and I are kinda opposite in so many ways...He wears green pants, I wear no pants. He buys underwear from Express, I buy underwear from Unclaimed Baggage, etc...A Chattanooga friend lent us his house for the weekend while he was out of town. So hear is the scene...The alarm was set and we did not have the code. We get the code after about 20 minutes of the alarm going off. I go inside and immediately get in my underwear. A couple minutes later I look over and Martin is his panties filling his bottles with Sword hydration mix. All of a sudden it hits us....If the cops come in they are going to find two guys in their underwear with a bag full of white powder resembling cocaine and a pistol. Daniels has a king size bed and 2 twin mattresses for his kids. We feel it inappropriate to sleep in the kids beds so make the decision to both sleep in the king size bed. As I climb into bed evidently my foot or hand breaches the zone of bro-trust and he freaks out. I guess in Germany, 1 cm over the line means I wanna french kiss. I sleep like crap cause Martin is talking in his sleep and in German so I can't understand. I wake up at one point to find him spooning me but I was so tired I didn't feel like making him move, not to mention I was a little cold. (just kidding...that part didn't really happen)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMjRt62PCvUfyQ4ntxEAZRxTxnOSN5cW5mG6CsCXzuqGznmenG8RAmPCTV6Je-7XvWz9i30tNRcxruNXX9rQehUcCD98u7j41AV9Q2duw08iYNm9Pf-A3UQAZXsO1ri0coVHzIYmZj9k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-02+at+7.46.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMjRt62PCvUfyQ4ntxEAZRxTxnOSN5cW5mG6CsCXzuqGznmenG8RAmPCTV6Je-7XvWz9i30tNRcxruNXX9rQehUcCD98u7j41AV9Q2duw08iYNm9Pf-A3UQAZXsO1ri0coVHzIYmZj9k/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-10-02+at+7.46.55+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In honor of Women's History Rock/Creek decided to pattern the course after ovaries. After hugs from Katy H. and Jobie's wife me, Nathan Judd, his sister with a mustache, and David Thurman set out for an adventure. The temps are wonderful with some humidity so the sweating starts early. Being undertrained I start very conservatively hoping it will carry me the distance. This dude comes flying by us after a couple of miles. The Whastafarian (white rastafarian) was sporting a fine man-bun dread locks combo you have ever seen. I really wanted to beat him. Everything is going well, the trails and overlooks are gorgeous. My plan is working out great...gels, Sword and conservative running. Through Indian Rock aid station, high five from Dawson, Mark, Brian we begin the 10 mile loop to McMullen Cove. This section would be rough due to the rock garden. We roll into the Fast Break Athletics aid station and I see my buddy Shannon bent over in pain. I hug her and tell her to just run with us. Her spirits are low so Nathan and I are doing everything we can to cheer her up. Shortly after this a group of us are running and a brown bear or maybe a chipmunk, I don't know which one,it happened so fast, jumped out at me and I screamed and freaked out. No one knew what was happening but everyone thought they were about to die from something. Up a dirt road climb I hear this gagging/choking noise. I turn around and Nathan is sticking his finger down his throat trying to puke. He looks at me and laughs, then does it like three more times. The gaggles and sharp consonants echo up the road and he's just laughing after each one. We roll into the aid station catching my training partner David Thurman. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I tell the crew, "lets go and get ahead of bloody Barry." So this dude had blood all over his head and shirt. I asked him what happened. He stated he ran into a tree. I thought, how stupid! He showed me the wound and there was bark still in it. We are run together, survive the rock garden and finally make it to McMullen Cove. By this point I had reached my limit of training. Monster drinks, gels and a wink from that hot Molly chic did nothing to help me. Coming down to Indian Rock I hear Shannon say "hear it comes." I turn around and see her bending over. At this point I'm thinking she's about to launch a licorice twizzler from her late night sizzler, but instead more gagging and gurgling. To avoid smelling it I keep going. Around Indian Rock, suddenly I see black and my ears are ringing. Like bloody Barry, I had slammed my head into a tree. It was over. I could not run another step. Dave, Barry, Nathan and Shannon head on and I walk.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_ceiL05ufWKozaJmRRpowQvOC05PAhEmVqzeayq8LQ2DPoCB3Na3SFGseLDTnxZlFb74QohbUT5RUJBqasj3myNj_kFAGeA7PEK_TJ_GxwKiKB5gJnAkMWfEGESOvr3L84Di3QsMWps/s1600/michael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_ceiL05ufWKozaJmRRpowQvOC05PAhEmVqzeayq8LQ2DPoCB3Na3SFGseLDTnxZlFb74QohbUT5RUJBqasj3myNj_kFAGeA7PEK_TJ_GxwKiKB5gJnAkMWfEGESOvr3L84Di3QsMWps/s320/michael.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Emerling-Photo by Jobie Williams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For 8 miles I death marched and watched more than 30 people pass. You know what pizzes me off? When you are obviously suffering and someone comes by and says, "You're doing great!" No I am not. I am walking and want to push you off this cliff. I climb Suck Creek, Mushroom Rock and literally walk through the finish line.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am not the runner I was last year, mainly due to the condition I came down with in January, however, I count myself blessed to be out there and do what I do. I our glory and our suffering we meet so many people and develop life-long relationships. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Grateful to each one of you who reads my Race Reports. If we've met on trails or you like my reports, look for me on Facebook. Also go buy a bunch of stuff from Rock/Creek. I have to justify my existence with them somehow. Tell them I sent you. BTW, I got beat by the lady wearing the granny matching workout pants suit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Evidently my day wasn't as bad as these two. David Kilgore, running some other race also ran into a tree resulting in a light scrape to his head. Kelli Kilpatrick running the Yeti 100 wins the award for the nastiest chaffing on earth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m5DSFanlADb9qj7WNRJv9h8O4vSy9nby9NU__EXPA5Pk2MotJ9dV7hzIdnxLTzlexoJzBE5gZ2btlWLtqjQYgThVfNw0q1e1b8elKSKru1Yaw8qjdbxSvbU5GHYrY3QK-NrQpg8iGok/s1600/Kelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3m5DSFanlADb9qj7WNRJv9h8O4vSy9nby9NU__EXPA5Pk2MotJ9dV7hzIdnxLTzlexoJzBE5gZ2btlWLtqjQYgThVfNw0q1e1b8elKSKru1Yaw8qjdbxSvbU5GHYrY3QK-NrQpg8iGok/s320/Kelli.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoClJLsB7rgNn59u1G81EyWHt1ZUL1iFBF5dw_NpSprzFTkUwbfKvVLtxWb4ux4sqMc2VhKtdyxBIbPJMwkyYnVjVlc_8BtSCxb3Rh2mzxBcuz9fu2tphaqQlrcWRT8lW_JxXq_dvOi2Q/s1600/14448952_10208415211315498_5885771058172943868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoClJLsB7rgNn59u1G81EyWHt1ZUL1iFBF5dw_NpSprzFTkUwbfKvVLtxWb4ux4sqMc2VhKtdyxBIbPJMwkyYnVjVlc_8BtSCxb3Rh2mzxBcuz9fu2tphaqQlrcWRT8lW_JxXq_dvOi2Q/s320/14448952_10208415211315498_5885771058172943868_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-75780538854609273782016-09-18T15:18:00.001-07:002016-09-18T15:28:16.474-07:00Barkley Fall Classic- Judgment Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UK_iOsVH4oIeXZ3ZI-fdErdgLRMnLhEMkw_Kl9KB4HbeG-TkVTQkADhGa964pB-n_k3whpGBNtSi5JowKoxhvrpSAg7X-sw4SHPhnLe8WltVWbqC9aVx2h0E7CoQ-ljIdovoQ6lCo9I/s1600/BFC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UK_iOsVH4oIeXZ3ZI-fdErdgLRMnLhEMkw_Kl9KB4HbeG-TkVTQkADhGa964pB-n_k3whpGBNtSi5JowKoxhvrpSAg7X-sw4SHPhnLe8WltVWbqC9aVx2h0E7CoQ-ljIdovoQ6lCo9I/s400/BFC1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huntsville Runners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everything that I did not want to happen did...everything I wanted to happen did not. After the 2015 BFC 50K finish I said I would NEVER do it again. As soon as Laz sent out the email for registrations, it took one email from Tim Pitt and I was signed up for 2016. My fears this year were being alone, getting in a train going down after the first climb, suffering, DNF'ing and getting hurt. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
30 minutes before start I had only let out little chocolate salamander and just knew I would be dropping pie somewhere on the initial climb. Going up the road I saw everyone of my friends pulling ahead of me. We begin the initial climb which kills the lower back and there are these two "Corporate" type guys using big "business" people type words and talking about how they write down their feelings at work and share with a group. Next listening to people pontificating "what the Barkley means", then the newby who wants to pass me going up hill with 3 feet between me and the guy in front of me. The girl talking loudly making no sense. I make it to the top and it happens again. Stuck behind a train on the downhill. I felt my frustrations rising and had to realize these people are just doing what they can do, they don't have the problem, I do. I'm able to pass a few people and eventually pass the train conductor. Finally, some running. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWElgZ0ETuWmuGZgz2RZ3D7HNkDbXHdT8TsRVLVzMAg0eJpFHyx-TREUREtVpctNPNUaetlUDxo7IlnsuRV7KTIcosdIz_6Mqow8bijuFlIq-vYA_bMmooVSgsLvYrHpDPoEqCIc_-NQ/s1600/Tyler-Wong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWElgZ0ETuWmuGZgz2RZ3D7HNkDbXHdT8TsRVLVzMAg0eJpFHyx-TREUREtVpctNPNUaetlUDxo7IlnsuRV7KTIcosdIz_6Mqow8bijuFlIq-vYA_bMmooVSgsLvYrHpDPoEqCIc_-NQ/s320/Tyler-Wong.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler Harbin- Photo by Misty Wong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started feeling good on the two big subsequent climbs and could see two of Huntsville's hottest runners in front of me. (so I don't get beat up by their significant others, we'll change their names and call them Dana and Christy). Feeling good and in my own little world I begin to wonder why the front of my legs were experiencing an unpleasant sensation.....SON OF UH!...OH MY LORD! OH GOD! WHAT THE CRAP! I am covered in yellow jackets. Arms are flailing, stings to the ear, head, back, quads, butt and ankles, I take of running and pass three people as I am getting gang raped by these demons. My entire body is in hell's flames. My thought is, "I'm gonna die out here." I see Dana and Christy and they had been hit too so, no sympathy from them. Next I hear these intense screams down below where I had just been. A shrill echoed through the woods akin to someone being hacked by Jason, and sawed by the Texas Chainsaw dude. More and more people were getting hit. I make it to the aid station to find 2 more friends had gotten hit. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YELLOW JACKET STING COUNT:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me- 37</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dana- 8</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christy- 15</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David Nast -18</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ryan Chaffin- 70</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5MAh_tXIPwdqbTEySJcdpkpzCutRaURAW2M0nIcaiROkBDsjTTidJW5IHhSNRPnBr4x-A4KX7gZB8vleDUm_VQFPB3-O4NVB2TwAFSUN0Md2KuW97qYBbshLlzOTBji7pN7KOMHZJhc/s1600/Testicle-DavidWhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5MAh_tXIPwdqbTEySJcdpkpzCutRaURAW2M0nIcaiROkBDsjTTidJW5IHhSNRPnBr4x-A4KX7gZB8vleDUm_VQFPB3-O4NVB2TwAFSUN0Md2KuW97qYBbshLlzOTBji7pN7KOMHZJhc/s400/Testicle-DavidWhite.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testicle Spectacle-Photo by David White</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My buddy Martin Schneekloth was not far ahead and has to carry an epi-pen...He had just missed the nest which could have ended in disaster for him. Ryan was PIZZED and David was not completely coherent. As we leave the aid station you can still here the screams. We finally get some flat running and I am trying to process everything that just happened. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We get to the Jeep road section, you know the sections where Laz and Steve say the course is "WELL MARKED!". What they mean is that the course is well marked on the map they give you. It's up to you, the runner, to figure some things out. We come to a closed gate and wonder if we are going the right way. We figured we were when we looked at the wood portion and could see the b@LL sweat running down it where others before had lapped their legs over to cross. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I feel my legs fading quickly on the jeep road, but never questioned whether I would finish or not up to this point. In these types of races you will go through a range of emotions and you realize if you are up, you will come down, and vice versa. All down the road are stories of the yellow jackets. Out of the woods to Testicle Spectacle and the horror sets in. There was a clear path all the way down, however it involved either rolling down or sliding down...your choice. I chose to go palms on the ground with my face to the ground and slide down on my hands and toes. This worked great until I straddled a briar and it latched on to lil Timmie. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuL6cUBv8zorW0JnlyEUReij-QZxYHxBC_lAj8uF4TFn93vxk2h_IKisk9YN2tnCCNdGv2LFnJlRUusIcr5DyP_dhsIqFQZav048N4_WjW_UWib6yT1mii0RstNmPMOo2u2n0zkgD46w/s1600/CherylMiller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuL6cUBv8zorW0JnlyEUReij-QZxYHxBC_lAj8uF4TFn93vxk2h_IKisk9YN2tnCCNdGv2LFnJlRUusIcr5DyP_dhsIqFQZav048N4_WjW_UWib6yT1mii0RstNmPMOo2u2n0zkgD46w/s320/CherylMiller.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Cheryl Miller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I go down, I pass most all my friends going back up. All I can ask is that they say a prayer for me. I make it to the Church and sit there a few minutes trying to decide if I was going to quit there or not. I choose to continue and at least get to the top of Testicle and down Meth Lab to the prison. On my way up I see a friend sitting down. She replied she needed to catch her breath. Now you must understand the climb back up this powerline cut involves you using your hands and feet. It is so steep with nothing but dry dirt and the occasional briar to grab onto to pull yourself up. I see me friend stopping more so I tell her I'm gonna wait. She tells me to go on, but I have never seen her like this before. She is always strong and consistent. I told her I wasn't going to leave her. We finally make it out of Testicle with multiple rests all the way up. I was done. I was quitting at the prison. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Going down Meth lab is when things got scary. About 3/4's of the way down her breathing became short and labored. She couldn't get any oxygen. She sits down hoping to catch her breath. The breaths become more labored and she is about to pass out. I sit there for 30-45 minutes thinking she is about to die out there and that if I have to give her mouth to mouth she is going to be pissed when she finds out. All of a sudden she rolls over and begins to puke. Oh my the gagging sounds she made. Then she lets out this sound that I can only describe as if a gorilla was trying to say the word "Artichoke". The sound mixed with voice inflections of an unknown language dialect echoed through area. All of a sudden she stands up and says, "I feel much better now." WHAT! I thought you were about to die, I even cried a little and you spew beef stew everywhere and now you feel better?!?!?!?! We begin walking down the rest of Meth Lab hill laughing about her puke noises. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_519U9L0wLRhg-HwAO-DiBTlP7DZ-dRGmrFnvo8Q0q49kWnZePAcuA2eY7vTJ6apVfT0ZG2-N1cCxbSneHwexuf_NmHfm0zC_bXLSjJ733-8-uaOjYS_6U4eExly_6rHCjnVhG6F4org/s1600/PhilOrndorff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_519U9L0wLRhg-HwAO-DiBTlP7DZ-dRGmrFnvo8Q0q49kWnZePAcuA2eY7vTJ6apVfT0ZG2-N1cCxbSneHwexuf_NmHfm0zC_bXLSjJ733-8-uaOjYS_6U4eExly_6rHCjnVhG6F4org/s400/PhilOrndorff.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Phil Orndorff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were done. A friend met us at the road and I was off to the finish line to officially DNF. I knew what was to come with Rat Jaw and I had no shame in quitting. Was it the stings, lack of weekly miles, heat or 18lbs extra that kept me from finishing? Who knows. This is not the kind of race you can really make plans for. I had no clue I could finish last year and I did. I knew I had the capability to finish this year and I didn't. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hear the carnage was pretty bad this year. One dude stepped on a rattlesnake (didn't get bit), another got in a hornets nest on Rat Jaw. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I said I will never go back and I am somewhat confident I mean it.</div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-85795839054829529052016-08-29T18:08:00.002-07:002016-08-29T18:08:22.426-07:00Yeti Snakebite 50/50: YETI FARTS and the Big Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx84V9kVfgqRHjzsQMH0VdBcQlCQGEQa9LiMh_WEzib3_mfb67_0PtQGBbAR1xK_F8wDvFjEc53xKCvunsCsxjs5Y917oNINIOvZqW2cgX-E77dUIiT4w7DQsOVbS5643LbQrYKAB-ME/s1600/IMG_2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx84V9kVfgqRHjzsQMH0VdBcQlCQGEQa9LiMh_WEzib3_mfb67_0PtQGBbAR1xK_F8wDvFjEc53xKCvunsCsxjs5Y917oNINIOvZqW2cgX-E77dUIiT4w7DQsOVbS5643LbQrYKAB-ME/s400/IMG_2836.JPG" width="225" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Yeti 50K left me in pain, emotional and full of questions. I left there completely drained physically, emotionally and intestionally. This was my first trail ultra since being admitted to the hospital back in February. According to the website the course is fast and perfect for a first timer. Pfff, I'm a veteran at this. Told friends I expect to finish around 6 hours. I was wrong. WARNING: This report is full of farts so be aware.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We get to the campsite around 3pm and within 5 minutes my man titties were dripping like Kate plus 8. We sat out in the heat before the race so long my coin purse reached full stretching capacity and was hanging out both sides of my shorts. Thankfully I had my Boudraux's Butt Paste with me. I grease up and Rick Rawls, David Nast and Ryan Harbaugh head to the start line. What I love most about races is seeing the people you have become friends with through other races. As soon as I got there I could smell the Birmingham people right away (old spice, Schlitz beer and aqua net hair spray). Next came in the Nashville people then the Oxford crew. Martin Schneeklot rolls in just before the start. Heard he was at a Sausage festival. Megan, Emily, Lindsey, Scott, Allie and Liz and their crews topped off the party.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJAyQJFrTzaOivyXIfBSWLHXHovBrBDLyVM9Zg_zdzmJuMfkuRlmVszWcTj1LnffmFWpvfX-BwItACXoEFZSzd0NRoYAVLcWmdyg_bVMQ9BDvsFK1UEShuxfSojJYxzJMMT3ohZ2ky-U/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJAyQJFrTzaOivyXIfBSWLHXHovBrBDLyVM9Zg_zdzmJuMfkuRlmVszWcTj1LnffmFWpvfX-BwItACXoEFZSzd0NRoYAVLcWmdyg_bVMQ9BDvsFK1UEShuxfSojJYxzJMMT3ohZ2ky-U/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick and David</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We line up for the start, tuck in my new potatos pocket and we are off. I don't sell out my friends but certain guy I was running with started fartin within the first mile then had the nerve to chastise me when I joined. So anyway, Before we even complete the first loop, Fartin Martin and myself are contemplating quitting. Granted he did ride a 100 miler that morning, I had no excuse. It was so hot and I had determined my race depended on him starting the second loop. It got dark sometime after the river crossing which consisted of some great volunteers and a tranny (dude in a wig trying to look like Kenny R). and I actually felt some fear....meaning I didn't want to be out there by myself in the dark. We enter the start finish area and I ask him, "What are we gonna do?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David Nast and I begin to walk, allowing Martin to go get his pack and catch us. If you only had a hand bottle, you were suffering. Martin emptied his bottle half way through the first loop. By the start of the second loop I had already sucked down 50 ounces of Tailwind, and I promise you Tailwind produces the nastiest tailwind I have ever seasoned the atmosphere with. At first it was just all hot air biscuits, but later turning to the most sinister stench. David didn't know it but I was already quitting in my mind. I tried to draw inspiration by thinking of my wife and son. I envisioned my offspring telling to start the third loop, but he wasn't convincing me. I thought about this report and my excuses for not finishing. Like I stated earlier, this race left me with many questions...Was it the extra 18lbs? Was it too hot? Was I undertrained? This is why I don't like loops, because they are easier to quit. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Martin catches us at the river crossing, along with Allie. Imagine this cute lil punk 1st time 50K'er catching a veteran like myself and being happy about it. She don't know it but she almost got pistol whipped. Next I hear Martin screaming "Where's my water bottle!" He thought it had floated out of his vest. He hollers at the tranny and other volunteers. They respond, then he asks them if they are drunk or did they really see it. I thought it was about to turn ugly, but it turns out he knew them. After the race and all the screaming and F-bombs, Martin discovers his bottle still in his pack. We push on and slowly Martin and David slip away. Yep, I'm done. I'm quitting. Running sux.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I slow roll to the start/finish area and tell Jason I'm done. I had convinced myself that it was physical and not mental. I physically could not continue. Jason told me to take some time then just walk it if I had too. So I'm at the aid station, Ryan Harbaugh, Megan Nobriga, Scott Perry, Lindsey Hardest, and Emily Kennedy pull in. Every Huntsville runner is pushing on and here I am quitting. So what did I do? I farted at the aid station and cleared it out. The are was stale and there was no wind movement, so it could be felt for a 20' radius. I didn't care, I was done. Jason kept pushing me to give it some time. The dude Allie's currently smooching comes over with a roller and and Red Bull. I down the Red Bull and walk to the chair to change my batteries in the headlamp in case I decided to go out. Jamie Henderson gives me a message from Martin, something like..."Martin said he loves you and you are his inspiration and that you should continue." It didn't sound like Martin but I thought maybe...Spencer (the Allie smoother) hands me another Red Bull and I see Lindsey and Ryan standing there. I asked if they were waiting on me, hoping they would say no. They said yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How could I not at least start the 3rd loop. I have watched these two runners develop into ultra-runners and here they were "mentoring" me. For the record, Ryan was topless and in spandex. We set out for the 3rd loop and I feel the Red Bull kicking in. I don't know what Lindsey was snorting but she takes off and leaves us. Eventually Ryan and I are being followed by the blonde chic from the area. I politely turn and apologize for what I was about to do. Then I let it rip. She was about 15 feet back when it wrapped around her face. Her only reply was "YEP!" I just gassed this innocent woman and didn't care. I told her my name was Brandon Mader. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From that point forward my goal was to catch Lindsey, Megan and Emily. I did all three. Ran with Megan and Emily for a while and as I would start to pass Megan, she would start running...We have somewhat of a little rivalry going on. I really wanted to beat her and Emily. Finally I started running before the power line cut and broke her. Crossing the river they were about 50' behind and I didn't stop for water, hoping to put a lead on her. By the time I reached the staircase, I was looking for a place to drop a steamy. There was no where to go. I make it to the top and the trail splits. I go right to relieve myself. Hunching over while trying not to fall off a cliff is harder than you think. It took every bit of energy I had. I could see Megan and Emily and they crested the top and went left. I had lost all my drive to catch them. I reach the 2 mile out mark where the Park Rangers had been all night and politely asked for water. They told me they had a little of their personal water. I didn't realize that until he was pouring it in. It was coooolllllllld water. I told him, "God bless you sir...", and then I started to ugly cry. My face contorted but no tears came out. I was dehydrated. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lindsey passes me and then Ryan. Ryan and I decide to walk it in. Out of the woods we come to the finish. I was officially the last place Huntsville runner (which Megan was quick to confirm) and was ok with it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So the title says, "Yeti Farts and the Big Girl". Sometime during the second loop we passed a big lady walking the course. When I characterize her as a big girl, I do not mean any disrespect, nor am I making fun of her. We realized she was a part of the race. Remember this race started at 7pm, so this was late. I assumed she was running the 11 miler and just walking. During my 3rd loop, we pass her again. I realize she is doing the 50K. I don't know her name or if she even finished, however, she had an impact on me. I wish I had taken the time to ask her name. For now, I will call her "Inspiration". So as I passed Inspiration the second time I ripped one on her and she passed out for about 27 seconds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZE6sWB6zKJ3TfNeKIp2GrI3cSkM2ozLgi3Kr6s7IXtn29UJz9mG5m2cW8GMo4ETj8EpyzMx8eZKETvRYC1B7QzzL92aAlc5dGvu-Z4KSR2keXml-aApH7RWVMSDb_uDtDFADHW64de8/s1600/meLizDavidShannon.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZE6sWB6zKJ3TfNeKIp2GrI3cSkM2ozLgi3Kr6s7IXtn29UJz9mG5m2cW8GMo4ETj8EpyzMx8eZKETvRYC1B7QzzL92aAlc5dGvu-Z4KSR2keXml-aApH7RWVMSDb_uDtDFADHW64de8/s640/meLizDavidShannon.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdw85d5V3jrW8C9r8832VQ1BF1SKXFIdiCJkvaHTjXNTX-x6haozkgL6auibak6JTesm-aHpM7LTLTpZgo00kzEqtWf7ZDBn0vq8ILMzDlOjTqGuJIbDZVzo75epOhZToeUEUe7sgVZo/s1600/meg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdw85d5V3jrW8C9r8832VQ1BF1SKXFIdiCJkvaHTjXNTX-x6haozkgL6auibak6JTesm-aHpM7LTLTpZgo00kzEqtWf7ZDBn0vq8ILMzDlOjTqGuJIbDZVzo75epOhZToeUEUe7sgVZo/s640/meg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-62768210410092133512015-11-12T16:39:00.002-08:002015-11-12T16:39:24.763-08:00Pinhoti 100-Ed's Fudgesicles<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_ArkKCyfwgk2LJ9ps77B963Xi-sxhUiR9w-8YUlG-YwWSz-oCxXHFfxj-xfSqfakMUt6ivglErZZcvYpKutns7yCStmS7DscKeUTSXaLRRTZ8oIr94Zx2sQdkiADupvBFzb9ERlXyYM/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_ArkKCyfwgk2LJ9ps77B963Xi-sxhUiR9w-8YUlG-YwWSz-oCxXHFfxj-xfSqfakMUt6ivglErZZcvYpKutns7yCStmS7DscKeUTSXaLRRTZ8oIr94Zx2sQdkiADupvBFzb9ERlXyYM/s640/Start.jpg" width="640" /></a>The forecast had reducing chances of rain each day and predicted the rain would taper late Saturday with nice fall like temps with lows in the 50's overnight and daytime high's in the upper 60's. About the only thing right was the high's,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It all started when I said I would never do another 100, then I accidentally clicked on the Pinhoti registration. Brad Reed wanted me to work out with some cross fit sissy's named Cindy and Murph. Didn't do that cause I enjoy my status as somewhat cool. So I took his other advice and bought a kettle bell and tried to incorporate two cross training days a week coupled with 35-60 mile weeks. While I was not faithful to the cross training, Barkley Fall Classic proved that what I did had rewarded me with some success.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I get to the race start and see the usual race posturing taking place; the warm up sprinters, the woods squatters thinking no one see's them, the normal bearded guys, the fashionable bearded guys, the guy showing off his man-bun and finally the barefoot guy who technically had a man-bun. (Craig you are the normal Bearded guy)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scott Bell and I made a pact to run the whole race together, which lasted approx 19 miles when he decided I sucked and wanted to win. Except for the yellow jackets, and the man-bun barefoot guy getting lost, the first 30 miles was somewhat uneventful. Like when Benj and I run together, Scott (who is redheaded) and I decided it more efficient when one has to pee, for the other to go also. So we stop at a creek crossing and for some reason I felt it necessary to ask him, "Does the carpet match the drapes?" He said yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since the start of the race it had been raining on us, however, it was slightly warm and very humid. Because of the constant rain, every creek crossing meant continued wet feet. Coming through the half marathon point with a pack change, kisses and slaps on the butts for my crew we proceed mostly uneventful on our way to the Morgan Lake aid station which greeted us with a gorgeous waterfall, and a big runoff to cross. Greetings from Michael Campbell, and the other BUTS I continued without Scott to Bald Rock.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My calves and quads were aching so I decided to squat in a creek crossing. Just about the time the bologna pony was going to release some crystal light a guy comes in and says "I may drink some of this water." <b>#whyisthiswatersalty #wheredidwarmwatercomefrom</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai-uy7Iok4nbLr1O213Z6sh4ZynhomyM5fv5-Sb_JXTwSXBpkFyTGa1XkbK_6sFg13q4p5AdTCi2VVkssUqiNVxMjz6KeSk33f_GvkuY6oagz4MBPDS_zIjx6Xx9TvvoAgQuTAny0DVo/s1600/Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai-uy7Iok4nbLr1O213Z6sh4ZynhomyM5fv5-Sb_JXTwSXBpkFyTGa1XkbK_6sFg13q4p5AdTCi2VVkssUqiNVxMjz6KeSk33f_GvkuY6oagz4MBPDS_zIjx6Xx9TvvoAgQuTAny0DVo/s320/Martin.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4f2XMIUYVgfPaw91fSpm05JZbG61tIGwOzJ_yyVAZaZxG7LpvfjKBMunCRaDLytEpg0MLELqA26t_ZAfYXR5Fjk__QAiM9cYZUkL8wLuQNSk3h6uH-JMIAOqQc4wFQYp6UCajlwiClY/s1600/Forty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4f2XMIUYVgfPaw91fSpm05JZbG61tIGwOzJ_yyVAZaZxG7LpvfjKBMunCRaDLytEpg0MLELqA26t_ZAfYXR5Fjk__QAiM9cYZUkL8wLuQNSk3h6uH-JMIAOqQc4wFQYp6UCajlwiClY/s320/Forty.jpg" width="320" /></a>Much of 27-40 was a blur. I remember running with a BUTS named Jake but that is about it. Everything else was becoming miserable. The climb to Bald rock consisted of dwindling light and dense fog that gave the sense a guy in a mask was around the corner ready to hack me up. and eat my liver. Up to Bald Rock on the side of a slippery cliff I made it to the board walk to be greeted by Jeff Deaton and my wife. As soon as she asked me if I was ok, I had to choke back an ugly cry. My crew set me up at Tony Scotts Bed and Breakfast aid station. Jeff told Martin Schneekloth all of the changes I wanted, and I could tell by the look on his face he was not happy. I was sick of Tailwind and the food portables I made. My whole food strategy fell apart transforming from wholesome nutrition to a sweaty redneck buffet where the dirty kid is licking the corn nuggets.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Martin jumps in to pace me as we begin the Blue Hell descent. This was no trivial pursuit, rather it was very dangerous. The constant rain had formed a river of rushing water that we could not see but definitely hear. It was so foggy the flags could barely be seen and parts of the trail were washed out like a mudslide. At one section I lost all footing and began sliding down the cliff. There was nothing Martin could do but holler at me to grab something. We all know he wasn't going to jump for me. Going down we catch Benj and Megan Nobriga and make it to the bottom together towards 45. We come into 45 to be greeted by our Huntsville friends and suck down more Coke. Caffeine was all I wanted due to the continuous fatigue of running in the rain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Martin and I enjoy a long road section until we again hit the dreaded single track again. At 40 I took off my Brooks Cascadia's and slipped on Altra Lone Peak's. I was doing my best not to piss Martin off for the next 20 miles so I tried to run before he would tell me too. The rooty, rocky single track proved difficult for me. My Altra's were excellent at finding every root and rock to bump uglies with. I got so mad I started yelling. Martin told me to stop getting mad or it would get worse. Well it did. I broke down once and asked God why was He allowing this to happen to me. I am 60 miles into a race of my on will and blaming God for stumping my toes repeatedly. What I realized if He was telling me anything was to hold back on this rough section to keep me protected. So as I settled back the toe/rock copulation ended. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Out of the woods to the mile 65 crew point I sat for more Coke and whatever else I could find on Tony's truck. Martin wasn't going to give me a caffeine pill yet, however I told him I needed something to get me up Pinnacle. Jeff Deaton and I set out for Porters Gap then the Pinnacle climb. But wait! No one told me about the friggin climb right out of 65. We leave Porters Gap at 68 and after a short ways had not started climbing and I hear music. Jeff says that we must be close. Close? There is an aid station before the climb? I was confused...I thought the aid station was on top. The aid station never came and the music went away as we began the climb to what I only assumed was Pinnacle. 6wks later of intense climbing I hear the music again only to be taunted for what seemed to be an eternity. Back and forth with more BUTS people (Sonny). By this point, words had escaped me. Only grunts and head nods that only a caveman could understand would be my form of communication. Into pinnacle with the BUTS people again. A couple of ladies would ask me if I wanted this or that, however, I could not say anything. Only look an nod. One of the ladies who I did not know calls me by name and compliments my butt or something like that as I left. Later on at some aid station I turned to see some woman on the side of the trail standing in an awkward pose. As soon as I turned toward her I high-beamed her only to realize why she was standing awkard. She had her hand up her shorts squirting liquid plutonium out of her foober. (female-g@@ber)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At some point we finally break free from the single track to some jeep road. HALLELUJAH! About the only thing I remember until daylight was hoping Jeff would tell Martin that I did good. Daybreak on the climb and along the ridge brought fierce wind, continued rain, cold and my buddy Ed on the side of the road covering up some fudgesicles. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7sSG6yepsfIF-ZBuUx6eF8TnESZOJTyBCK1jVkZ68BaubFZ-xaK21r-oi0fhD3eYHMBy3xWhyphenhyphen-5DOczHJBfocQdKN3xcLXlTEl4UughfRZwJBhNL6_2T5XgLNxW4m4pbqkOCBCrTllg/s1600/EightyFive-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7sSG6yepsfIF-ZBuUx6eF8TnESZOJTyBCK1jVkZ68BaubFZ-xaK21r-oi0fhD3eYHMBy3xWhyphenhyphen-5DOczHJBfocQdKN3xcLXlTEl4UughfRZwJBhNL6_2T5XgLNxW4m4pbqkOCBCrTllg/s320/EightyFive-2.jpg" width="240" /></a>The wind was ripping through my exposed skin, and I stayed just on the edge of beginning to shiver. I knew that I needed to press to stay warm. During the descent to 85 I saw a single car on the road and feared that I had missed the cutoff. Continuing on I saw more cars and then at that point hoped I had missed the cutoff so that I could stop and lay down. Of course in my heart I knew that I would seriously regret it and pushed. Coming into the aid station I was met by my friend Eric Fritz only to see his mouth moving but not really sure what he was saying. Rumor has it he thought I looked like crap and told me to put my panties on to cover up my vagina. Some lady heard it, thought it hurt my feelings and told him he was mean. Hahahahaha, someone actually felt sorry for me. I only remember a couple off faces even though so many friends were there. Dana because she is blonde and Martin cause he was dragging me inside a trailer to sit down. Not sure what happened in the trailer..Next thing I remember is Janice telling me I have to get up and go. The look of concern on her face was on full display and I just did what she said. Anya (Martin's wife) and I set out for the last 15.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK4K59-OMan583k9Mmop7XlONRZ1kNslqZlq3nwiWHo9BKGYpjYMztMSn6M41AL4LlDboG6hRIScZJRD6h2JLA7G2jClwbPhJkC_MFWRmy9qXA9re5gmh9qOOx9s2O4abvrl40GxqN8A/s1600/EightyFive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK4K59-OMan583k9Mmop7XlONRZ1kNslqZlq3nwiWHo9BKGYpjYMztMSn6M41AL4LlDboG6hRIScZJRD6h2JLA7G2jClwbPhJkC_MFWRmy9qXA9re5gmh9qOOx9s2O4abvrl40GxqN8A/s320/EightyFive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my mind I am thinking about how long it will take to do 15 miles. Normally 2.5 to 3 hrs, however, I knew it would be more like 4-5 hours. I had to quickly break that thinking and focus on just 85-90. We set out at a decent pace. Anya is so encouraging and pushes me in a way that makes me think its my idea. It was so cold and I didn't want her to suffer so I made every step intentional. If I remember correctly no one passed us from that point forward, rather we were reeling in people. The temps begin to warm slightly as we make it to 95. More coke and we push on for more dirt road to 95. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Literally from 65 on I had to stop and pee at least 20 times. Not even joking. I would drink some water then a few minutes later stopping to pee. One time I stopped a little to soon and didn't let Anya get far enough away before little beefy out...I had to remember I was not running with one of the dudes, however it didn't phase Anya. I even pooted on her. She began to run in front a little and tell me we would stop at the stump...run at the flag, etc. She anticipated the inclines and give me the landmarks for the walk breaks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Into 95 I make googoo eyes at some brownies then proceed to put them into my mouth like a Hardees commercial, except without the bikini and hose pipe. More Coke and 5 miles to go. We are back on trail at this point and something rises up in me and I take off. Anya is no longer in front, rather running behind me cheering my surge on. Next thing I knew we hit the pavement, thinking we had only 3 miles to go.....Wrong, per Mr. Fritz who drove up told me it was about 4.5 miles. He also told me Martin was coming that I better start running. So as soon as I saw Jeff and Martin we started jogging again. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before hitting the main road, Eric told me a bunch of people were walking to get going if I wanted to gain some slots. I told Anya lets go. We didn't run fast, rather consistent until we saw the stadium. Anya starts screaming at me and I get a shot of adrenaline and take off. When I hit the track I ran faster than my 5K pace. I could hear the cowbells and people hollering my name, so I ran harder and 10 feet before the finish line I threw my hands in the air! Fell into Janice's arms for a much needed embrace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfY7Hy-CemYjQV78JDGFUsdAYtPYse6J8rCagOS0nu8sZdiYEKol_8PIbw_f73JI-w57dz5MYYynErCPcVxeArjxkUEcQ5NzaDm5v_28kc-ywwryqQqDrgmGBOGwK5LmLVc8g9AFbVi4/s1600/Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfY7Hy-CemYjQV78JDGFUsdAYtPYse6J8rCagOS0nu8sZdiYEKol_8PIbw_f73JI-w57dz5MYYynErCPcVxeArjxkUEcQ5NzaDm5v_28kc-ywwryqQqDrgmGBOGwK5LmLVc8g9AFbVi4/s400/Finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My goal for the race was 24 hrs. Of course this goal was not realistic since I finished in 28:25. It started to feel like a failure until I realized that this was a much different race. Also, because of how I finished. My prayer was to finish strong. You see at Thunder Rock I finish at such a low point. I wanted that feeling of my hands in the air. I got it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What got me through the race? 1. A good friend Nathan Judd, took the time to write me notes for various points on the course, telling me a story coupled with scripture. That scripture stayed with me and allowed me to draw upon the message as I struggled. 2. The thought of my wife being there through the whole race, and the anticipation of seeing her at every crew point. 3. My crew was so good to me. When I couldn't think for myself clearly they guided and encouraged me. Not sure why they like me but I'm glad they do. I care for them deeply and one in particular hates this sappy stuff. 4. To my Father in Heaven who told me I could do all things....Plus I had to repent for blaming Him for the feet stumping.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
FUNNY STORY BREAK: So after the race Eric tells me about this guy who comes into 85, pulls out some chamois cream like product, sticks his hands down his shorts and lathers his new potatoes. Then the dude without regard for anyone else, sticks his hands in some aid station food and begins to eat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOFvYyL85IGpDbBMHpsVHpL92x-QsAAcA5A_tyGzmx_JAypR140x7Pr2-wFBnv3qu-Znr6QuE36bfpaMGljnmjpNwSvyeUCbSK6_x5zMhihifUeq6YlS9yBxiA5-I4ej-Nm0ek67o_Es/s1600/MeJanice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOFvYyL85IGpDbBMHpsVHpL92x-QsAAcA5A_tyGzmx_JAypR140x7Pr2-wFBnv3qu-Znr6QuE36bfpaMGljnmjpNwSvyeUCbSK6_x5zMhihifUeq6YlS9yBxiA5-I4ej-Nm0ek67o_Es/s640/MeJanice.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNhnnu7RjHWDmKrt5c1ez5iqWwfdtYk-6Oj3ki6_EHTGE-8a8dBaA9YLIyhzW7HowZ9sq4SnefN7cNGZvAVZ1DrRli3m6tr3RX16nSRUYKBDH-PArWm5246zkmCqbiohSLsE4yRqncHQ/s1600/MeAlex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNhnnu7RjHWDmKrt5c1ez5iqWwfdtYk-6Oj3ki6_EHTGE-8a8dBaA9YLIyhzW7HowZ9sq4SnefN7cNGZvAVZ1DrRli3m6tr3RX16nSRUYKBDH-PArWm5246zkmCqbiohSLsE4yRqncHQ/s640/MeAlex.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpdF_vRAIlRbeMeHZiHwr_vmeLMPmAa8mnmxoeEuZhQnxZTx0bampvpJZ4q8NrsqWfcA29TNJxA3L2ihxRtGmdr9uo4hLFjRp760ondaY8VUAkh4Pmk5tMFF0AnubOJeRJdvYqzXSpDw/s1600/Kimber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpdF_vRAIlRbeMeHZiHwr_vmeLMPmAa8mnmxoeEuZhQnxZTx0bampvpJZ4q8NrsqWfcA29TNJxA3L2ihxRtGmdr9uo4hLFjRp760ondaY8VUAkh4Pmk5tMFF0AnubOJeRJdvYqzXSpDw/s640/Kimber.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc88-IPY3anMeU4VR4nEqD5zIEWV9OtkHYymEKZTa7qpIhQUcvEcqqOfxpDFFiAyD4naQEcpPBl6Com_E7FB2NQb-IHvKhRr9-1Z_U1U-QYlumy_x4sV_KKflF8Mx9KgwHijeuRnx3Cc/s1600/Buckle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc88-IPY3anMeU4VR4nEqD5zIEWV9OtkHYymEKZTa7qpIhQUcvEcqqOfxpDFFiAyD4naQEcpPBl6Com_E7FB2NQb-IHvKhRr9-1Z_U1U-QYlumy_x4sV_KKflF8Mx9KgwHijeuRnx3Cc/s640/Buckle.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhET_i-aQQkCGAPM69wyVTPEk5iOUpU0Okghx_dkWEzgHmQDj58N92HgkClCjMfsuwJs9tmKRSbCMUSKWv-toWWzO0teSwyMTqbPUT87ktIB3BJtkiymfW-RHE7hqTq3AZGzjwM-sYqR4/s1600/Food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhET_i-aQQkCGAPM69wyVTPEk5iOUpU0Okghx_dkWEzgHmQDj58N92HgkClCjMfsuwJs9tmKRSbCMUSKWv-toWWzO0teSwyMTqbPUT87ktIB3BJtkiymfW-RHE7hqTq3AZGzjwM-sYqR4/s640/Food.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVmhvv_qhK4vM7NIXn9ga2504vZZG2_CJWlLWC7AJ8eyNq12OnCMFXphvjEJv0pcTuYvPDRgCigjwtazrcrTGFzssSLTrPTgC1vzbMZdreMhVYjGbZk6QWXBS25jV4Zkjhbq9HAtTZbc/s1600/MegRyan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVmhvv_qhK4vM7NIXn9ga2504vZZG2_CJWlLWC7AJ8eyNq12OnCMFXphvjEJv0pcTuYvPDRgCigjwtazrcrTGFzssSLTrPTgC1vzbMZdreMhVYjGbZk6QWXBS25jV4Zkjhbq9HAtTZbc/s640/MegRyan.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Q4s7g20NaWSrKIhmuAXhjrMKQdbEn6PHyVUTLus8OoOGNsgAEabGJR7GcqZO5zz69-ji7hj5195GUcYTflbXWRJ0kUQI8QdXSO-lXli1JmgRNhjCf8TCyhprzDIUqdPlIbgCPHGrxo/s1600/Laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Q4s7g20NaWSrKIhmuAXhjrMKQdbEn6PHyVUTLus8OoOGNsgAEabGJR7GcqZO5zz69-ji7hj5195GUcYTflbXWRJ0kUQI8QdXSO-lXli1JmgRNhjCf8TCyhprzDIUqdPlIbgCPHGrxo/s640/Laura.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2crjc32k1sf6GQzQB_iX4AkP8nR0YmPV1H7M3rRW6zDGb7o1PUm_-30BbZpLzKFkE-jZckhQEGq1PE8n-PP8YkX6Xn5-_Ov3yYljbT6W_vOgRylcraGk3SPhkCCd7wPNxkA7pNgXc0Vc/s1600/Brett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2crjc32k1sf6GQzQB_iX4AkP8nR0YmPV1H7M3rRW6zDGb7o1PUm_-30BbZpLzKFkE-jZckhQEGq1PE8n-PP8YkX6Xn5-_Ov3yYljbT6W_vOgRylcraGk3SPhkCCd7wPNxkA7pNgXc0Vc/s640/Brett.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_pMYDsoWQXCTFIv_AdHA1dNXhUNN2uJbW53mItyAxXUJqM_cd_aTTHFMqf0ElC2Q1r2t4UBru5EAmqQETRaBm7cCIkZLQqslKMqaZe0Eyo6tSPXuSDhMJe5BFdrvQmSyn0Z2j5Q_rCE/s1600/EdJerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_pMYDsoWQXCTFIv_AdHA1dNXhUNN2uJbW53mItyAxXUJqM_cd_aTTHFMqf0ElC2Q1r2t4UBru5EAmqQETRaBm7cCIkZLQqslKMqaZe0Eyo6tSPXuSDhMJe5BFdrvQmSyn0Z2j5Q_rCE/s640/EdJerry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-60384205994669178062015-09-20T14:37:00.000-07:002016-09-21T11:48:22.081-07:00Barkley Fall Classic-Frozen Hell (Head) State Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhAdNTrU-I2rK_lJqEotAqAwuoh0Bd83D_DL-T8ouaa6K0i3EU03wRRjuGTzhlL6tyultIWleSSf6xD_l9wiZgOk1tU4R8e-l6os7dbU8L4jqedw6flA3UoD_fUG2mBRrbMBGezaukr8/s1600/Laz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhAdNTrU-I2rK_lJqEotAqAwuoh0Bd83D_DL-T8ouaa6K0i3EU03wRRjuGTzhlL6tyultIWleSSf6xD_l9wiZgOk1tU4R8e-l6os7dbU8L4jqedw6flA3UoD_fUG2mBRrbMBGezaukr8/s320/Laz.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dewayne Satterfield and Laz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6 am, a trumpet sounds. 1 hour till race start. Squat on the ground, jiggle my stomach and command those foul demon turds to come forth. Nothing. Ten hours earlier at the Windrock Offroad Vehicle Park we are surround by Tennessee's finest hillbilly's with 400 four-wheelers and other offroad vehicles. All night long four wheelers come cruising by the tents, one playing gangsta rap. Rob Youngren takes his pillow, wraps around his head securing it with a belt. Dewayne Satterfield ops to sleep outside on the ground for fear of him or Jeff Deaton accidentally ending up in the pole-hole position in Jeff's tent. I lay in the back of my jeep sleeping about as good as Kanye West at a skinhead slumber party.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Through the famous Frozen Head State Park gate we eventually enter the single track trail and begin to walk up the biggest climb I have ever seen. Switchbacks galore. One lady in front causing a train but its ok, we are hiking fine. We reach the top and begin a completely runnable descent, except our train conductor is not very confident going down. Twenty people follow her unable to pass. I get frustrated and holler out, "Lets go up front...This train needs to move." Two people pass, about a 10th to go till the bottom, we are able to pass.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In front of David Thurman and myself is a young couple running. I will leave out some details so you will not figure who he is. Up ahead everyone comes to a stand still trying to traverse a big downed tree. I veer right trying to find an alternate route but fail, and tell him and his girl to go ahead, that I thought I could find a better way. For this blog we will refer to him as "The Kid". After I tell them to go ahead The Kid says to me "Is this your first ultra?" It wasn't a question, It was a statement. David said, "I think that was sarcasm." I replied, "Well if its sarcasm then yeah I get it, I should have just stayed the path. If it is a question, then yes I have run a few."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me..."Is this your first ultra?" The Kid..."She and I have three buckles each under our belts." Me..."Wow, which ones?" He made some smart comment to which I replied, "Well I didn't know they gave out buckles at Tough Mudders." BOOM! I look at David and said, "Now that is Funny!" He said I did do the Tough Mudder championship, so if you want to talk about my obstacle racing. I asked again, which 100's did you run, just trying to have conversation. The Kid..."You didn't answer my question, Is this your first ultra?" Me..."Well no, I've ran, blah, blah blah,...and about to get my second buckle." He finally tells me what he's ran, and I feel like the conversation is cool at this point. A little while later on David and I start talking about David Riddle. So I ask The Kid, "Do you know David Riddle? He lives where you do." The Kid..."No, has he won anything?" Me..."Yeah, he sets course records everywhere he goes...(The Kid cuts me off) "Well has he one Western States?" Me..."Well he took..." (he cuts me off again.) "Has we won, blah blah blah..." Me..."No, but he..." The Kid..."Well then he hasn't won everything has he!?! Is he Rob Krar? I don't think so. So he hasn't won everything." I was speechless, didn't really know how to respond cause this guy wasn't being funny. I paused for a second fearing if I kept going we were going to end up in a fight...Me..."Well I guess you are right, he sucks." He replies with nothing. I turn and look at David and David just shakes his head. I'm getting madder and madder. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We push up more climbs and descents. We meet up with Roy Tamez, Malin Timbs, and a few more cool "Adult" runners. We laugh about how Roy's wife has the hots for me and about the time we were on the prison bus at the Thunder Rock training talking about who we would eat in a survival situation. Of course Roy looks Hawaiian, So I said I would eat him first cause he would taste like Hawaiian food. This chic speaks up and says, "Well I'm German." Stupid me says, "I love sausage." The group explodes into laughter. Made it worse by saying bratwurst. Malin speaks up ands says, "I'm Swedish." I thought it best to shut up right then!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Later on David and I meet up with this dude from England. He asks us, "Is an American mile the same as a British mile?" Me..."I think so. Do you guys do miles or Kilometer? English Dude..."Miles." Me..." Well is there 5280 feet in your mile?' English Dude..."I don't know. I don't know how many feet it is." Me..."........................" While this really did happen, this dude was cool and we ran with him for a while till he left us.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Past Aid Station 2 around Deja Vu eventually coming to Testicle Spectacle. We descend at about a 45 minute per mile pace. SER<i>IOUSLY!</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9bXvXXzX5R80Gz732dDm7CC0eSXh0lmGgOF8fg4_CO7MA06kilKLlMJI1DIW4U53NCWCqK74CkiYvpLs8XIzeuVRo0nZCgCu1AVyKTxaLuf7u1Zr-86erdItgOxaGdHBBuBPS8AP-pE/s1600/Jorgensen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9bXvXXzX5R80Gz732dDm7CC0eSXh0lmGgOF8fg4_CO7MA06kilKLlMJI1DIW4U53NCWCqK74CkiYvpLs8XIzeuVRo0nZCgCu1AVyKTxaLuf7u1Zr-86erdItgOxaGdHBBuBPS8AP-pE/s640/Jorgensen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David and I are in complete shock at what is ahead of us. Go down a homemade trail on a powerline cut full of briar's, turn around at some point and come back up the same. It was so steep that for much of it we would have to descend on our butts. We reach the turn around and the volunteers punching our bids state we are halfway. Halfway? One guys watch showed 18 miles, while anouthers show 20 just pass the turn around point. Either way, both add up to more than a 50K. The climb out was nothing like I had ever experienced. I would soon find out it would be the easier than what was coming. On the way up we hear a whistle blowing. I realized that wasn't a good thing. A runner had passed out on the climb. They found him taking a dirt nap for real! As he came to I heard him say, "I was having the best dream ever."</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf9cf6npiVrLuts2ujhRg8WiwAI_Q5fkyGqUlnCiFpx6dgXOZkYLNHn0NZRKWfg1owZpzpS1XaNvGwzUlw5t-xE05QvWw7bLx3NyUlHtS7GbmjY85U5Y9ApUATsFCEEtABU8O8iBey60/s1600/Jorgensen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf9cf6npiVrLuts2ujhRg8WiwAI_Q5fkyGqUlnCiFpx6dgXOZkYLNHn0NZRKWfg1owZpzpS1XaNvGwzUlw5t-xE05QvWw7bLx3NyUlHtS7GbmjY85U5Y9ApUATsFCEEtABU8O8iBey60/s400/Jorgensen2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We reach the top and immediately go down the other side of the powerline cut called something wil the word Meth in it. Another slow descent, direct sunlight, heat radiating, and a 6 foot black snake cuts in front of me. We find our way to the bottom treking toward the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. David and I are spent, dreaming about swimming and an Ice cold Coke. Out of water I begin to get worried. Finally we reach the prison and we see aid. I asked what were the chances of getting an Ice COLD COKE. The guy shook his head no. Another asked me what it would be worth to me. I replied, "I can squeel like a Pig." He opened up a cooler and there it was! I gave thanks to him and the Lord and David and I partook. Didn't even wipe off the top after he drank from it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCvKQb9b9lSn0oHtACWBevS9BoryA6RHVi1hzA7NxqUxcHV3QtC24wrL3NVOcBU4JzQtpQgeNoJRhh-TTc6FDr40cXmZ6oeQ_QT93ur2xURtxHXDT-FoLaVwXeuhD_hZGMprZSIslLsk/s1600/Jorgensen5-Prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCvKQb9b9lSn0oHtACWBevS9BoryA6RHVi1hzA7NxqUxcHV3QtC24wrL3NVOcBU4JzQtpQgeNoJRhh-TTc6FDr40cXmZ6oeQ_QT93ur2xURtxHXDT-FoLaVwXeuhD_hZGMprZSIslLsk/s320/Jorgensen5-Prison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yhvma7WIUmXKKnUGHW9sbJhvNHL83_vLg4YRKMqOgpKLX62PpKkaUwMyQR8RZUOJ5hGZj2qtirfZYsyCYo28dIQJkt5VBXFo767StkMFs1XE7NLzaDyuXy85xBH5JpAE9MCSi3t4iZ4/s1600/Jorgensen6-Cells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yhvma7WIUmXKKnUGHW9sbJhvNHL83_vLg4YRKMqOgpKLX62PpKkaUwMyQR8RZUOJ5hGZj2qtirfZYsyCYo28dIQJkt5VBXFo767StkMFs1XE7NLzaDyuXy85xBH5JpAE9MCSi3t4iZ4/s320/Jorgensen6-Cells.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Through the prison, into solitary confinement, no lights anywhere, to find a dude standing in the dark hole ready to punch my bib. This is where we discovered a real HELL in Tennessee. Rat Jaw. Not only Rat Jaw, but UBER RAT JAW. Supposedly this is a one mile up hill. Before coming I thought it would be no big deal. Dewayne and Rob laughed. As with Testicle Spectacle, much of the climbing you have to use both hands, grasping for briar's to help you get up. 1/4 mile in people are lining the trail taking a break. Dudes with their heads literally between there legs. Women cussing. Everyone looking for a trail and following whoever seems to know what they are doing. The blind leading the blind. The only thing we know to do is go up and stay in line with the cut. For around an hour to an hour and a half, you are looking directly into someones crack waiting for their brown eye to pop out and wink at you. Our combined body odors mixing in the stale air following us all the way up. IT NEVER ENDS! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VqeoEkxtO9ZNULO4gzP26hqQfLay53pHBsyAz_FdCUxGhzobyeISnoHoscn8C8dnc6V7-2N63b6hXS29zg3LViVQn9abhO9fdeghn49ddNZqPa2-TyAm2MdvAokBY8NDgZD0lZjLY34/s1600/Jorgensen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VqeoEkxtO9ZNULO4gzP26hqQfLay53pHBsyAz_FdCUxGhzobyeISnoHoscn8C8dnc6V7-2N63b6hXS29zg3LViVQn9abhO9fdeghn49ddNZqPa2-TyAm2MdvAokBY8NDgZD0lZjLY34/s400/Jorgensen3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Until you run this race, you cannot ever understand or appreciate what it takes to make it to the top. Finally we reach the Fire Tower, only to realize we must now climb it to get our bib punched. YOU ARE FREAKIN KIDDING ME! By this point I had already made up in my mind that at Laz's aid station I would drop and hit the road to the .7 mile finish termed the "Marathon" (which was more like 30 miles). I told the lady I wasn't gonna continue. I ate my rice cake PB&J. David Dye comes up and I tell him I am going to drop to the Marathon. He won't let me. Laz overhears and tells me no, that I have plenty of time. I almost start crying, because everyone is talking about how bad the 4 mile climb after the aid station is. David seriously put my pack on me, gets my headlamp and makes me go out for the 9 mile finish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chimney tops at the beginning of the race would be bad...but at 30 miles? Roy, Malin and I went back and forth on the climbs. Eventually, we begin to descend and I asked if we had reached the top. Nope, the real climb had not even began. When it did, I found myself for the first time in the race taking breaks. Head between my legs I pondered why I signed up for the Georgia Death Race, and figured I may back out of it. Finally making it to the top for a ridge run. Malin has gotten out of my sight, and I run the best I can, which was probably a 14 minute pace. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The drop finally begins and I reach my buddy Jeff Deaton's aid station. He tells me I have about 3.3 miles to go and it is all down hill. Something rose up in me. I took off and I ran faster than I have at any point in the race. I was running so fast that I caught and passed others people running. After the interaction with the Punk I had to goals. 1. To beat the sun. 2. To beat The Kid. I may have farted on Malin when I passed her. Passed the cool chic Gina, and several dudes. I catch my friend Dewayne Satterfield and I am in disbelief. When I get to him I ask if he is ok. He stated he had puked a few times, and even laid down for 45 minutes. I told him I was gonna run in and he yelled "No! I don't want you to run with me. You have a chance at beating 12 hours." I hated leaving him. But I ran. Back through Laz's aid station, Laz holds his hand out giving me a high five. I hit the road and give it everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Advice to future runners of this race</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Carry a bladder. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Fill up at EVERY AID STATION</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Keep moving forward, you will reach the top.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Throw away your skanky smelling shorts! Cause we will smell them all the way up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Don't lay in the grass at the end. I am eat up with chiggers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_znhIMP_bhlADqTUzw_wTTMVCtbkl6V2y40gv3-SwtAATNPkTcVltxNwlNj4aA4mmK8HLgJFl5eUcqVpG_n1i4lU8TRJrIIMSA5lPzCp2eJZ_AQToUefqORC5hZnPY4rVvf9bADfHls/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_znhIMP_bhlADqTUzw_wTTMVCtbkl6V2y40gv3-SwtAATNPkTcVltxNwlNj4aA4mmK8HLgJFl5eUcqVpG_n1i4lU8TRJrIIMSA5lPzCp2eJZ_AQToUefqORC5hZnPY4rVvf9bADfHls/s1600/Me.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KK0XNK6kEwaGOixKQpApxlW3KH7V92rnLbni0-gZ8fv3DaM4s5euCryCspn_20-33ssmu9cQhwcCDSOHhVhwVmjWRp6LRaVwocUKPa1VEbR8ytylc_h3sqk5YYTmU75e0MAkvv_u8TI/s1600/Jorgensen7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KK0XNK6kEwaGOixKQpApxlW3KH7V92rnLbni0-gZ8fv3DaM4s5euCryCspn_20-33ssmu9cQhwcCDSOHhVhwVmjWRp6LRaVwocUKPa1VEbR8ytylc_h3sqk5YYTmU75e0MAkvv_u8TI/s1600/Jorgensen7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCvKQb9b9lSn0oHtACWBevS9BoryA6RHVi1hzA7NxqUxcHV3QtC24wrL3NVOcBU4JzQtpQgeNoJRhh-TTc6FDr40cXmZ6oeQ_QT93ur2xURtxHXDT-FoLaVwXeuhD_hZGMprZSIslLsk/s1600/Jorgensen5-Prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCvKQb9b9lSn0oHtACWBevS9BoryA6RHVi1hzA7NxqUxcHV3QtC24wrL3NVOcBU4JzQtpQgeNoJRhh-TTc6FDr40cXmZ6oeQ_QT93ur2xURtxHXDT-FoLaVwXeuhD_hZGMprZSIslLsk/s640/Jorgensen5-Prison.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC1QOM8N6gcONqf8VloW_ltzMu_BagXHvGEtW1Y6PErger_4RMzUof0VT29WyiCbcsYcp9xKs621imBHteLjuR6-SqAVLibeuIZuNzSBBG1h-Oy8T3fGCuKKiv16RYjiSmiwTC8Uw7mg/s1600/Jorgensen8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC1QOM8N6gcONqf8VloW_ltzMu_BagXHvGEtW1Y6PErger_4RMzUof0VT29WyiCbcsYcp9xKs621imBHteLjuR6-SqAVLibeuIZuNzSBBG1h-Oy8T3fGCuKKiv16RYjiSmiwTC8Uw7mg/s640/Jorgensen8.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQAq5whzBB5OcZOaV-MnaHTpT_PjqGkChq12FZLtq7tQW-E9JLY83G7J9dMQQo_KqqTw6OZYsrmU-kLLBSneqv_jAMLUKbi7bbBkOazLz4otRGDidr6hDNYJPmCLScWSS8SLMAya82PE/s1600/Jorgensen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQAq5whzBB5OcZOaV-MnaHTpT_PjqGkChq12FZLtq7tQW-E9JLY83G7J9dMQQo_KqqTw6OZYsrmU-kLLBSneqv_jAMLUKbi7bbBkOazLz4otRGDidr6hDNYJPmCLScWSS8SLMAya82PE/s640/Jorgensen4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Will Jorgensen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-34527013095867088732015-07-26T14:31:00.002-07:002015-07-27T04:10:37.683-07:00Hotter N Hell-The Snake Eater and Sasquatch Poop<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeFd0AoyHGWtQKzLxKN3HCHhBhRX1Igw04md6Zr8w0W5L-Gp438UwlyxQ6lI624bTyL_GqGVluV9TENUl8jhgAFMW7yU00ZeeI289lOUOZPQUmYb5phVuHNnb_b9liCUA0UOLNCf7Sak/s1600/MeMeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeFd0AoyHGWtQKzLxKN3HCHhBhRX1Igw04md6Zr8w0W5L-Gp438UwlyxQ6lI624bTyL_GqGVluV9TENUl8jhgAFMW7yU00ZeeI289lOUOZPQUmYb5phVuHNnb_b9liCUA0UOLNCf7Sak/s400/MeMeg.jpg" width="225" /></a>When you are in the upper echelon of the lower half of the middle of the pack runners, it is easy to get cocky about your mad running skills. So signing up to the Hotter N Hell 18 Miler I knew it would be hot and I knew it would be a lot of climb, but it is still only 18 miles. I show up in my Rock/Creek Race Team Kit and I can see all the topless fast runners sizing me up. They see the outfit and automatically think I must be fast, only to realize I'm the mascot. So I play the part, make my boobs jiggle a little and stand like Nacho Libre so they can check out my quads and hammies. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David Tosch still hasn't gotten a hair cut and is about 2 inches and trip to Sally Beauty supply from looking like Caitlin Jenner's sister. All of a sudden people start running...evidently someone said go. Right out of the gate this "Ginger" starts talking and in the first 50 yards I know he's from Tuscon on a business trip to Biloxi, and drove there from 3:00 that morning, is not used to running in the humidity, ran a couple days in Biloxi to "acclimate", etc... I quickly accelerated and he wishes me luck. On into the trail I here someone talking behind me and it is Terry Tucson. He begins to tell the guys that he took a caffeine pill and apologizes for being a "chatterbox" but whenever he takes one he can't stop talking. He was right. I heard him talking for a few miles.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first 3 miles aren't that bad, then around 4-5 we start climbing. To this point it was hot and very humid. I ran most of the inclines and didn't push the flats while sucking down tailwind the whole time. On the ascent to the aid station, there was this dude and chic. We were going back and forth and left the aid station together. Leaving the aid station we start talking about food mistakes and I mention hot wings and how I have a blog called Hotwingrunner. Immediately he told me he reads my blogs and even has it set in his feed. Of course I was smiling...Didn't seem to impress the chic...I'm just assuming she didn't know English or something. I ask him his name and he says... "Greg....Greg Dill." So sometimes things pop in my mind and in a split second I must decide whether to speak or keep silent. Well I spoke. "So Dill huh? Kinda like Dillhole?" Pretty sure the hot chic who didn't know English laughed at that. Told him he was going in the race report. Shortly after that one of the runners Terry Tuscon was talking to caught me and asked me if I was ok...Guess I was breathing hard. He then asked me if I was the guy who wrote race reports...I hugged him. (Thanks Mr. Jemison)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jyXYcnuwhha-f3UZQQuTp1mZRsjfS4K5cDGhieM2PJ9ue8KrtTx9l-s6CInNByqQMDIocUZ4dIxT4KeyxzbEut1aN7lGH8Vew826Mak7m5qvbIEwAmmpayEE-mTXeaG8mD6DjtQESfg/s1600/11745566_10203793507752013_522528013171999998_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jyXYcnuwhha-f3UZQQuTp1mZRsjfS4K5cDGhieM2PJ9ue8KrtTx9l-s6CInNByqQMDIocUZ4dIxT4KeyxzbEut1aN7lGH8Vew826Mak7m5qvbIEwAmmpayEE-mTXeaG8mD6DjtQESfg/s320/11745566_10203793507752013_522528013171999998_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We descend towards Peavine Falls. It is pretty treacherous, therefore there is a rope to help people down. At the bottom, a quick hat dip and we start the suck climb. Its a steep climb with a short descent then another large steep climb to the top. It reminded me of why I only ran one loop last year then quit. However, I am in Pinhoti training and had to purge those thoughts. Up to the top with a long downhill section for approximately 2 miles back to the start/finish area. I feel pretty good, fill up with Tailwind and go back out for a second loop.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I start the second loop about a .25 mile in there is no one in front or back of me. I feel like I am going the wrong way even though there are flags. I round a corner and all of a sudden SNAKE! In trying to quickly ascertain what kind it is I see a tail, body, head, body, and tail...What the crap? It was a black snake trying to eat what I think was a cottonmouth. I could not believe what I was seeing. So I blessed the snakes food and took off. Well not really, just shuffled cause I was tired and extremely hot. All of the inclines I ran on the first loop, I was walking on the second. For a few miles I saw no one. Eventually, I see the topless white guy who I heard speaking spanish, wearing a Salomon hydration pack walking. I holler at him to go. He looks back and I say it again.."Go, start running!" So he did. Turns out this was his first race and longest run ever. I caught him and told him just to follow me and do what I do. We'll call him Johnny Mexico, since his name is Johnny and he grew up with missionaries in Mexico. Johnny runs when I run, walks when I walks, then he farts on me! Thats not how this is supposed to work. I'm the only one who does the farting! It's my thing! We make it to Peavine Falls where some kids were playing in it. I know they Pizzed all in it but I didn't care, I wanted to get wet. Told Johnny, it will pay off. Sure enough we began the tough climbs and it was steamy and hot. You know that feeling where you hope a rock falls on you and crushes your leg so that they have to send a helicopter out to get you. It was that kind of heat and climb. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Johnny and I make it to the top and we begin the descent. Coming towards the finish I see my bro Will Barnwell and he yells his pet name for me. This dude with a mullet pulled back in a pony-tail begins to catch us and Johnny says "Lets Go". Finished with an impressive kick at the end only to discover my overall time 4:yousuck12. It took me 4 hours and 12 minutes to run 18 miles! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I find out Brandon Mader won, and Megan didn't beat me!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did you think you could get through one of my reports without a poop story?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So after the race we truck it to Smith Lake in Cullman for a redneck family outing on pontoon boat equivalent of Clark Griswold's station wagon. We lowered some anchors and just sat out in the water enjoying the day. All of a sudden I look on the back about 50 feet away and this chic his hunched down with a float trying to cover herself as she is unleashed a pound of H$LL's furry. Her face is squinched so bad she looked Asian. I knew that look and I knew she was having contractions. All of a sudden she lowers her head on her hand and was in full delivery. She couldn't see me looking cause I had sunglasses on. She was hurting so bad I thought she had started crying. 10 minutes later (no exaggeration) she gets off the bank and back into the water. I knew I shouldn't have, but I looked at the spot she had just left. I am at least 50 feet away. I promise...I saw why she looked like she was in so much pain. It looked like Sasquatch evidence. Whats even funnier is I knew the chic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All jokes aside...I am so grateful to be able to do these races. I love the friends that I make and the challenges we endure together. Grateful to my God for His amazing creations. My wife had Pig-Tails yesterday that would rival Megan and Pig-Tail Penny's.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks for reading. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHykEQUZ9w_EHU9bzjXljc-je6bvjarLJ6OLthITv6lBCOl3kp3TEB55XBcOs-GseeiLcqWr1iFacEz_dYKfnDnkMl6kS6yapB2yC4eXoc8gugN2G_53YcjRoltVTWBtJZdlo3TSxh9T8/s1600/Rope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHykEQUZ9w_EHU9bzjXljc-je6bvjarLJ6OLthITv6lBCOl3kp3TEB55XBcOs-GseeiLcqWr1iFacEz_dYKfnDnkMl6kS6yapB2yC4eXoc8gugN2G_53YcjRoltVTWBtJZdlo3TSxh9T8/s1600/Rope.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-52613847517584642862015-06-22T13:40:00.000-07:002015-06-22T13:51:11.845-07:00Chattanooga Stage Races 2015: Beaver Tail and Tailwind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-LHpYl-M7Xi_AA4YDqHK8KMO0dU-7XK-EMNhkDIHXzIjD6iC5xvkERf031Vdr2L4wom6SXDUhsiBfcCpouRrfC7P7OsSm1IE1xf-DP0YCi8oGsK9uhz3brrI8Jo9etIMpgeVa_fkdYc/s1600/Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-LHpYl-M7Xi_AA4YDqHK8KMO0dU-7XK-EMNhkDIHXzIjD6iC5xvkERf031Vdr2L4wom6SXDUhsiBfcCpouRrfC7P7OsSm1IE1xf-DP0YCi8oGsK9uhz3brrI8Jo9etIMpgeVa_fkdYc/s320/Deck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trained for ~3 weeks averaging mid 30 mile weeks for this race. That's enough training right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
DAY 1: RACOON MOUNTAIN</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Woke up early hoping to pinch off some porpoise pellets, but only starred in envy as I watched everyone in the house enter and exit with that look of "Whew! That was a big one." I was jilted. Our worst fears for day one where realized as soon as Randy said go. Heat and 98% humidity produces a breathing rhythm that really sounds like something else is going on if you know what I mean. I won't say who, but Theresa gets tucked in behind me. I'm holding in all my farts cause the way she's breathing, if she inhales one, she would be getting a handicap tag.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUq9BljJx7bONQITpu2Hq1ZCV41mbGNckLngU-8r7_CeqUFw5PArmFnUXNDdr0eOIT6ivs7QGAAM39erstdYuwCvJNlXp-Irw9a2jhPtA8IGQvYT5-vvuLGRJKH_BVNe8KL2L0xqiz5k/s1600/Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUq9BljJx7bONQITpu2Hq1ZCV41mbGNckLngU-8r7_CeqUFw5PArmFnUXNDdr0eOIT6ivs7QGAAM39erstdYuwCvJNlXp-Irw9a2jhPtA8IGQvYT5-vvuLGRJKH_BVNe8KL2L0xqiz5k/s320/Day+2.jpg" width="240" /></a>The heat and humidity was unrelenting. It was so humid my coin-purse flattened out like a Beaver Tail, or a ping pong paddle. Luckily I had a cable tie with me. One rolling hill after another my pace begins to drop. Everyone is soaking wet. This one chic behind me tells another that her shorts are falling down and her crack was showing. Of course I had to make a couple of jokes. Within the last 3 miles we get a heavy cool rain, but it was too late. I crossed the finish line 22 minute over my previous years Day 1. So discouraged.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
DAY 2: LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Day 2 is always my favorite however, after Day 1's performance I had decided to run the first 5 miles and see if I want to drop the series or not. Miley Cyrus's mom was there and sang a medley Eminem and Taylor Swift songs. Randy said go and I quickly found myself being passed all around. To build up my self esteem I began to make fun of the bald, muscular, tatoo'd dude who was flexing his nips for all the ladies. I looked at the person next to me and said "if I had his shoe size I'd have a hotter wife." Just kiddin. I know my wife far exceeds the pedigree that I should be able to have.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcPsQcM-OSQ3amekstZsYPiAGo0Gkdgvv35FPNjujAvEFHhxbfbQqULkf9E14thyQZtYWvfm6_5dpLKvFpZAZMZqvZtioz_O4hRtAXB0pOFQyCEX1cvT8_1yHXgcob8ApoSMLO9G3LtY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.55.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcPsQcM-OSQ3amekstZsYPiAGo0Gkdgvv35FPNjujAvEFHhxbfbQqULkf9E14thyQZtYWvfm6_5dpLKvFpZAZMZqvZtioz_O4hRtAXB0pOFQyCEX1cvT8_1yHXgcob8ApoSMLO9G3LtY/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.55.07+PM.png" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Up the rope climb to the trail with the big flat rocks. Well that morning we had a huge rainstorm and the rocks where wet. I heard that shoe slipping sound and turned around to see a dude in the air. BAM! That dude was body slammed. I thought to myself, "that's what you get for wearing Salomon's in wet rocks." Feeling all smug and superior I take my next step and BAM! Same thing happened to me. Walk-run the slow climb on the ridge as every fancy pants in compression from head to toe passes me. I knew if I ran I would be doomed. I rounded the corner for the downhill...I prayed the day before "Lord you are going to have to help me these next two days!" As I started the downhill my race began. I was passing everyone who passed me in the climb and I was feeling great. Back through the start/finish area I was smiling.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Out on the lollipop stem powerhiking the climbs and hammering the downhills I proceeded. Big climb up the power line section to the aid station. As I leave the aid station I see this blonde, Curley headed chic checking me out. She was focused on my R/C race shirt and sweatband combo I could tell she was the kinda girl that likes dudes who wore that or prison jumpsuits with an Afro. Turns out it was fellow Rock/Ceeek Race Teamate member Natalie Sims (the wife of the original Upchucker). This is seriously one cool lady. The conversation really helped the time to pass as we made the loop.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBhM9wJWYfnap4UN7gp8ANp58_g5DFpemiH_qxabv0jx9iwiMJivrCReYdoXDcYnEfvk3v2z-nGFWX5iUZ7m0Wd9biKOtrI9yCmdacU_ruiO39QnQr5y7VxQhOewjbKW1sb249GpWqp0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.50.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBhM9wJWYfnap4UN7gp8ANp58_g5DFpemiH_qxabv0jx9iwiMJivrCReYdoXDcYnEfvk3v2z-nGFWX5iUZ7m0Wd9biKOtrI9yCmdacU_ruiO39QnQr5y7VxQhOewjbKW1sb249GpWqp0/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.50.44+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back to the river I set out for the last five miles. I knew that I was having a great day and it was confirmed when I crossed the finish line at 3:52...an 8 minute day 2 PR for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
DAY 3: SIGNAL MOUNTAIN</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8GHrnjQ1LS5549bH5dIV2a4ePWu8dyEMIFwCT0l9fbkfqKzGr5J9_v8RL18lzPUMZOAeXVAUbLa98agK_Bk3Jke20URYLUw1NFf8w1e7ZdkuSjD_4w2kxdpKo7ICo_ibPiT81rjCHIo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.54.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8GHrnjQ1LS5549bH5dIV2a4ePWu8dyEMIFwCT0l9fbkfqKzGr5J9_v8RL18lzPUMZOAeXVAUbLa98agK_Bk3Jke20URYLUw1NFf8w1e7ZdkuSjD_4w2kxdpKo7ICo_ibPiT81rjCHIo/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.54.31+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is the day I usually dread the most, however I was feeling pretty good. Unfortunately I had no clue how hot it would get. I start very conservative trying to follow the plan as the day before. Everything seemed to go well. After coming back up mushroom rock and turning into the bluff run I should have been running consistently however something wasn't right. 3 people tucked in behind me and walked when I walked, ran when I ran. I find that this tends to push me. Sucking out my last drop of Tailwind I longed for the aid station. In and out on my way to the dreaded 2.4 mile section to the big overlook aid station. It was too rough and I feared losing teeth to push too hard. I found myself walking. Not hurt or wanting to quit...just could not get the rhythm.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Up the wood steps to the overlook with an amazing crowd and aid station people awaiting. After some high fives and hugs I head out. Pass the nursing home I holler out to the residents on the front porch and almost have tears in my eyes. I honestly look forward to that part every year. So I mooned them and took off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkNi2BxfdpMsNovEeiC8-Wn8QvP3jp_TO_Ztfp_OggSrNxyQsghTxlOGssnlcv1WBriOJrFUpUp7drAEOOM0nrfrCfVCoWZX1cjZssw4WfrbMypLFyE2xUJschyubNbmfuFojoDoH1Y0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.56.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkNi2BxfdpMsNovEeiC8-Wn8QvP3jp_TO_Ztfp_OggSrNxyQsghTxlOGssnlcv1WBriOJrFUpUp7drAEOOM0nrfrCfVCoWZX1cjZssw4WfrbMypLFyE2xUJschyubNbmfuFojoDoH1Y0/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.56.00+PM.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gregg Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Down to the "Broken Arms" section I daydream about Fred Doss. I am still feeling ok and figure I will come in around 4 to 4:10 for the day. Through the winding still river I decide to go for a skinny dip as the ladies passing by cat called me. Back on the trail to the climb out to the last aid station. Kris asks me a question that I have never been asked before..."want me to put ice down your shorts?" Yes ma'am I would like that very much. Listen! Don't knock it till you try it. I have a new fetish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Approx 4 miles to the finish I'm still thinking I should finish around 4hrs. Out from the woods to the finish... 4:44. DEVASTATION! What happened? 41 minutes over last years time. Congrats to my bro WILL BARNWELL for the overall win, and for Sara Woerner for the female overall win.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So why do I do this? Because I can. Because of the friendships forged by poops, farts, falls, cussing, blood, crack shots, snot, and tears. Because Ryan and Jarret are hilarious on the mic. Because Summer is just there. Because Christian gives massages. Because you meet awesome people like, Anthony, Joshua, Corey, Daniel, Jenny, Chantelle, Nick, Jeff, and Theresa. Because Kris will put ice down your shorts. I do it for the friendships. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do me a favor. Go out and buy your pics from below. Gregg Gelmis takes amazing shots and I love seeing him out there. <a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/WRC/2015-Races/2015-Chattanooga-Mtns-Stage-Ra" target="_blank">WeRunChattanooga</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lastly, I love getting friend requests...If you enjoy my reports, send me a FB friend request.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you Rock/Creek for putting up with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you Janice and Alex for loving me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you Lord for saving me and not letting me die this weekend!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy9UMDARpZzciVJbdqm7a1vSLG7RpHGpZXxkl5oxAdfq7mvxU2jQwSmzGRc5RPkZsIWCKQ7aZ-9Qcj6fhSv6cPk08JEtLliL-rVt3-YgCaC6r85QL71uxJBm7Aa7rfKXhS0FZTDyLB0g/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy9UMDARpZzciVJbdqm7a1vSLG7RpHGpZXxkl5oxAdfq7mvxU2jQwSmzGRc5RPkZsIWCKQ7aZ-9Qcj6fhSv6cPk08JEtLliL-rVt3-YgCaC6r85QL71uxJBm7Aa7rfKXhS0FZTDyLB0g/s640/IMG_1912.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdagBOA0Um08kp2pEinT0ORT0Bm0ecRE-aG8tjZYgNjzTb-IYjyAH6N1PM8I11fK5ztey25rmMx-8OUTzenG9TYh7gfJn3XOBStuA3zcS-wnRoHRoBUgwUCE51YBeFn909b48_nuJ6004/s1600/IMG_1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdagBOA0Um08kp2pEinT0ORT0Bm0ecRE-aG8tjZYgNjzTb-IYjyAH6N1PM8I11fK5ztey25rmMx-8OUTzenG9TYh7gfJn3XOBStuA3zcS-wnRoHRoBUgwUCE51YBeFn909b48_nuJ6004/s640/IMG_1913.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroCusiHKJ5kqnrByyP_zK0EWmNTrpwuM_LDxikE-csBsmjsYwTZgV4nfHkYupzZmLG2zWmYcBZOH1AaO1nIGbdab6qgaFU7rRHAytLo43QAtdGbiYQ2s1piAw2ZA2Y38WE7Fq0dHtZmw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.55.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroCusiHKJ5kqnrByyP_zK0EWmNTrpwuM_LDxikE-csBsmjsYwTZgV4nfHkYupzZmLG2zWmYcBZOH1AaO1nIGbdab6qgaFU7rRHAytLo43QAtdGbiYQ2s1piAw2ZA2Y38WE7Fq0dHtZmw/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.55.29+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/WRC/2015-Races/2015-Chattanooga-Mtns-Stage-Ra/2015-Chatt-Mtns-Stage-3/i-Pwp97sz/0/L/2015%20Chatt%20Mtn%20Stage%203%20(50%20of%20941)-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/WRC/2015-Races/2015-Chattanooga-Mtns-Stage-Ra/2015-Chatt-Mtns-Stage-3/i-Pwp97sz/0/L/2015%20Chatt%20Mtn%20Stage%203%20(50%20of%20941)-L.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtWPYHPfcBHTs9FsQ6LDEB91YsRFjCjXN3gFVBchJRUAitUOCXDrd-SJZcXSrYr2qOpt3_fiKcuUMfcjtj0G3DBAwIz9DBba95XSei95hkTZrrThqrD0UTc04kRie7Q0J1Cxba24lM9Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.57.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtWPYHPfcBHTs9FsQ6LDEB91YsRFjCjXN3gFVBchJRUAitUOCXDrd-SJZcXSrYr2qOpt3_fiKcuUMfcjtj0G3DBAwIz9DBba95XSei95hkTZrrThqrD0UTc04kRie7Q0J1Cxba24lM9Q/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-21+at+8.57.41+PM.png" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-12199457893415347592015-01-25T13:55:00.001-08:002015-01-25T17:15:55.444-08:00Mountain Mist 50K 2015-Chicken Caught in the Barn Door<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRskFFFuDuGsE47IXkjwgo2mWgnHqePv3rLWX7Up3TWQESTbJZ7TRXozzZ2e0TLJArxif7sPEXpVYD_mC-HPRhCkuPHDFepTgtvr_f-HD_DEeBE2XmqV499ufwmqiv5Px_Txi8L9pWfZY/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRskFFFuDuGsE47IXkjwgo2mWgnHqePv3rLWX7Up3TWQESTbJZ7TRXozzZ2e0TLJArxif7sPEXpVYD_mC-HPRhCkuPHDFepTgtvr_f-HD_DEeBE2XmqV499ufwmqiv5Px_Txi8L9pWfZY/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Rachel Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You should be able to figure out how my Mountain Mist 50K race went by the look on my face above.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This will be short and only have one funny thing at the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The night before, I had Bill Warner, Yong Kim and Nathan Custer sleeping at my house. Yong wet the bed, discovered Nathan was a chic once, and Bill's new nipple piercings bleed on our guest sheets. I probably shouldn't have told you that, but they all live in TN.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We reach the mountain and it is covered in snow. James Falcon is going to pace me to a Mtn Mist PR of 5:40. James, Benj, Dave, Nathan, Darcy and myself set out together. Darcy is wearing these painted on shorts, and I promise...there was a group of men right "behind" her. Benj had on his Salomon junk revealers and they were saggin in the air biscuit release valve. I had on my RC shorty shorts and well Dave was wearing what the average Hobbit wears. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGHebCgonihIZtkSqvLBdmHnOrbtzf9DHyFxdA5_BwhF-rhWzy-KRXn8bpDA3iHxjSuJA_bLLBmhZqcDQCm1mu19BeDWmBvRksLKehKruTUf0PkU88ZmagumJ47vVAUCSLdhK9FwhRvw/s1600/MeJames.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGHebCgonihIZtkSqvLBdmHnOrbtzf9DHyFxdA5_BwhF-rhWzy-KRXn8bpDA3iHxjSuJA_bLLBmhZqcDQCm1mu19BeDWmBvRksLKehKruTUf0PkU88ZmagumJ47vVAUCSLdhK9FwhRvw/s1600/MeJames.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The course is muddy pretty much from the initial decent on. James keeps us on a 5:40 finish time pace. We reached Aid station 1 at 1:02, right on pace, and crush down Warpath. We expected Powerline to be like doo-doo mud, but it was more like diarhea, slick and brown, but very runnable. Up K2 we power hiked. Managed the rolling of Goat trail to Aid 2. In and out, on our way around Panther Knob. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since Lookout 50, my weekly mileage had been lacking. I figured, my athleticism and uncanny good looks should be enough to carry me through this race. I reach the Red Gate, mile 17 feeling good, and embark on the real start of the race (the last 14). By 17 Benj and Darcy had left us and Dave had dropped back. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We flew over the rocks of Toll Gate, and hammered the rolling rivers of High Trail. I knew that if I could hammer Bluff Line, I was in store for a great race. I get to Bluff Line and James and I blow through it. At the bottom I felt like I had exerted a little too much. Coming to Railroad Bed Aid station I was feeling tired but knew I had to press through the Orthodontist appointment maker called Railroad Bed. We left Nathan and Donnie Holmes in the dust and on to Alms House. Alms was fairly dry to my surprise so the flat rocks were not an issue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We get to Waterline, and I am grateful to have an excuse to walk. Up to this point I had been sucking down Skratch the whole way, along with my E-Gels. So fruity flavors were starting to get to me. Every year I cramp at the top of Waterline, so I was hoping the Skratch would make the difference. Waterline sucked! However, I never got a cramp. So the Skratch worked. We reached the Aid Station at Burrit and I could barely talk. Megan got me some water and all I could do was nod at James' wife. I wanted to puke SO BAD. James handed me a potato covered in salt. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We set out for Arrowhead, the trail I hate the most. A Rolling rocky suckfest from the pits of hell. My battery was dead. People began to pass me, 5,6, 10, I lost count. I was able to hop down the mudpits of Natural Well fairly good. We sat in the pool at the bottom which seemed to breathe some life into me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Through slush mile I am barely trucking. I am so sick of anything with sugar in it that I cannot drink out of my bottles. Every sip would make me gag and almost puke. James handed me his water and we began up Rest Shelter. I literally almost passed out several times. I would close my eyes and see my world spinning. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to lie down at Kathy's bench but James wouldn't let me. I wanted a boulder to fall on me so I could get a med-flight out. 2.5 miles to go and I wanted to quit. We reach the top and I down some water and crackers. WHOA! thats what I was missing. I needed real food in my body. We began a run walk routine. At points I was able to get a decent pace going. James was gracious enough to give me some walk breaks. Through the finish line...Better than last year, but not a PR. I was so disappointed. I had already planned on bailing out of Cheaha in February. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It seemed like all my friends had great races except for me. I was happy for them but I felt embarrassed by my performance. I soon took comfort in knowing Jerry Abbott sucked even worse. No offense Jerry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Congrats to Daniel Hamilton, Martin Schneekloth, Benj Lance, and Darcy Dubuc on their outstanding performance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now the funny part of the race: So I bought one of those cool towels that you can wrap around yourself and get naked an no one see your giblets. Pulled the shorts off, and didn't think I needed any underwear, and slipped on my pants. So the runway wasn't clear. I closed the barn door on the chicken head. I screamed while the doberman was latched onto the Boloney Pony. Carefully, pulled down the zipper revealing that I had not been visited by the spirit of Lorena Bobbit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you Lord for helping. Thank you Rock/Creek for letting me on your team. Thank you HTC for having great races. Thank you Janice for fixing my boo-boo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love you guys</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cary</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIij5oMhkBI45CrmbVlf_Go4xOKjwIMLYXakcOwjsb8K9YUcpGC_TUivpp9q9yB9fKW-EF8mnS9H-RFihYcIh92FSsCYUyo9NKIAzJpKdN9j9qWCSaq4V8n5EsD2Y1Bdeq419p6UJq7Xk/s1600/Finishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIij5oMhkBI45CrmbVlf_Go4xOKjwIMLYXakcOwjsb8K9YUcpGC_TUivpp9q9yB9fKW-EF8mnS9H-RFihYcIh92FSsCYUyo9NKIAzJpKdN9j9qWCSaq4V8n5EsD2Y1Bdeq419p6UJq7Xk/s1600/Finishes.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-2186849751414730922014-12-21T16:34:00.000-08:002014-12-21T16:45:20.409-08:00Lookout Mountain 50-You Gotta Pretty Mouth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ0H4MeZQHo6UOs8yv-GKspaUEWNAnQX3-E57RJVIHkJjAd-2zugdxawaYCYx-opowUBe5Z0YN_YpEyQQ-FMOQRiw0h9GeIC-zIQzR21ZymjGRF4cIgWAysS4E-Ow_Iz0Ruu2VLxFYBI/s1600/Awards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ0H4MeZQHo6UOs8yv-GKspaUEWNAnQX3-E57RJVIHkJjAd-2zugdxawaYCYx-opowUBe5Z0YN_YpEyQQ-FMOQRiw0h9GeIC-zIQzR21ZymjGRF4cIgWAysS4E-Ow_Iz0Ruu2VLxFYBI/s1600/Awards.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How to prepare for Lookout Mountain 50 miler: Cut down on weekly miles...Run a marathon at a 10:40 pace the weekend before...Have complete expectations that everything will go according to plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6 am, cold, volunteers checking people in, Missy answering stupid questions, tent-of heat, 1/4 mile line at the porto's, Randy holding his mic, Michael Scott man-hugging, Rick scared, Chia-Chi lost, Keith wondering what state he is in, getting stuck in the tent with a group from Nashvillians and that one chic asking me if I pooped yet...Having no clue who she was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The race starts with Chia-Chi, Rick, Jerry and myself about middle of the pack. Somehow the conversation gets on marriage and I state that if Janice every passes, i'm gonna get me a 20 year old. I look at the chic next to me and ask her how old she was...."I'm 41". A few minutes later she says..."but I could lie and say I'm 20...." SOOOOOOO glad Janice wasn't around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We drop to the single track which runs along the side of the cliff. Dude goes down and hits hard. For some reason I spoke the first thing that came to my mind, "Hey man did you pick your mangina back up?" Mistake #2...he was hurt. Had a hole in his face with blood coming out. A mile or so later I was too close to the edge of the cliff and the ground gave way and I fell off. Thank God there was a thatch of bramble, briars, and sticks that caught me and kept me from have Med-Flight come in. Rick and Jerry are grabbing for me as I feel myself about to fall through. Legs cut up, adrenaline pumping we continue on. I didn't talk about anyones mangina anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dropping down the mountain under the Incline Railway we eventually make it to Cravens house. Rick and I are climbing with a couple other guys and we come up on this Scrotum, I could tell by looking at him he was a Scrotum...and I addressed him as such. I turned to look at Rick's reaction and didn't think he was gonna back me up in the event of a fight. The funny thing is the guy was proud to be a Scrotum. Evidently there were other Scrotums on the course. How do I know? They had the same Scrotum shirt on....<u>S</u>outh <u>C</u>arolina <u>R</u>unners <u>O</u>f <u>T</u>rails and <u>U</u>ltra <u>M</u>arathon<u>s</u>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUpAsbV7JWHXvYwsA_8wcibpo0_K9A46cDoHeXPXUJ1wnPlAXHBOTq_ukwKZqiXm-F0ImhFW9ALnp6hl0RBwcqTqrRfJO5qMCFx4blBgmky9v1yJagCS56it7pb5VaBIq8A-EAMqiJ7s/s1600/Angry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUpAsbV7JWHXvYwsA_8wcibpo0_K9A46cDoHeXPXUJ1wnPlAXHBOTq_ukwKZqiXm-F0ImhFW9ALnp6hl0RBwcqTqrRfJO5qMCFx4blBgmky9v1yJagCS56it7pb5VaBIq8A-EAMqiJ7s/s1600/Angry.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So we catch that chic who was all over me in the beginning playing "Angry Turds" just off the trail. Why is it when you catch people pooing they feel the need to apologize? Oh yeah...and go behind a tree! Nobody needs to see your back to crack moss.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finish the climb and trot back to the start finish. I come through the arch and Randy calls my name over the microphone and pandemonium takes place. Men and women screaming, sports bra's flying, Asian's with camera's, Little people sprinting next to me...I felt like Nathan Holland. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Talking to my Huntsville peeps, Randy and Jobie...stretch a little and begin the back half (28 miles). </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was feeling pretty good, had to re-adjust my posture to manage the groin muscle pains. I found that if you lean forward a little, bend your knees slightly, the strain goes down. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I make it to the Lula Lake Aid station and was welcomed by Michael Scott hollering at me, Jarret Kinder winks at me, Ryan Meuleman's is drinking a Zima (do they still make those), Sam Hamm looks dazed and Missy E is stuffing me with Hammer Gels. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y_RngPgeQbx7f1qxc0p2TeWW-6s4FXLZUukXfAn7tEvIH8_LwUHhwQ34Vt92szacoavwZrAL6NoDDF20LnNt87KHDj9SPBj-mNTsNr0_deksMY9HQCclUnB0E3SEIPMHGBjrsyM0xo4/s1600/Strecthing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y_RngPgeQbx7f1qxc0p2TeWW-6s4FXLZUukXfAn7tEvIH8_LwUHhwQ34Vt92szacoavwZrAL6NoDDF20LnNt87KHDj9SPBj-mNTsNr0_deksMY9HQCclUnB0E3SEIPMHGBjrsyM0xo4/s1600/Strecthing2.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a>So I start stretching and something weird happens. Jarret and Sam are sitting next to each other watching me with my legs spread stretching. Jarret says, "you have a pretty mouth", and Sam starts making pig squealing noises. Can someone explain to me what was going on? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I begin the rope climb and after my stretching experience thought I should continue the trend and showed a little leg to the photographer at the top of the climb. No joke, I rolled my shorts up and he took about 20 pics. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB0zS4FuZ8lel3alwIbpOc_CiynxnpSzirhJgs0J0vIa6cipXrgEa_IdilBHTVb3JeL3K5CGn-FJFbPD3QbIOyE9V70lTjtTzYa62kKMeKYCdbfd05t-ySt7fTZJG-BDz42d-QD0np1g/s1600/Surprised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB0zS4FuZ8lel3alwIbpOc_CiynxnpSzirhJgs0J0vIa6cipXrgEa_IdilBHTVb3JeL3K5CGn-FJFbPD3QbIOyE9V70lTjtTzYa62kKMeKYCdbfd05t-ySt7fTZJG-BDz42d-QD0np1g/s1600/Surprised.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding out Hot Daniel was no longer Hot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While making the slow climb up the ridge I see Shaggy (aka, Nathan Holland) in first smoking the trails. I make it down the mtn to the tornado trails and eventually see and get hugs from Dewayne, Daniel, Yong, and David. I like to hug. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally make it to the 34/38 mile aid station. I really needed to see my wife. I was beginning to struggle. I knew the 4.5 mile loop coming would feel like a 10 mile loop. My wife nourished me with Ginger-ale and Skratch. Got a little tongue kiss and went by the pavilion where I saw this glorious cookie. I sat my butt down and cherished avery bite. I could tell Robin and others were saying something too me but all I could hear was my teeth grinding that baked cookie-o-joy. I love you Liz, whoever you are. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 4.5 mile looped sucked as bad as I remember. Back to the jeep, Janice stroked my chest hair while I drank a coke and had another cookie. Ok, time for a funny story. On the way down the road Jobie hollers at me asking if I remember that story about the guy pooping at a race... The guy is right in front of me. Here is what happened. This guys goes to a race...it's dark, and he decides to go poop in the woods. He rests between two trees and launches a hefty pile. Eventually the race starts and they hit the trail-head. People start jumping a swerving left and right. HE POOPED RIGHT ON THE TRAIL! Thats not the funniest part. It was a loop course!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back into the woods, through the tornado section, up the mountain and I begin the ridge descent. I do my best to open up and run as hard as possible to gain time. On the way down to the rope I hit a stump and within 45 seconds feel my index toe swelling. I make it back to the Lula Lake Aid station for more comedy. If you didn't have fun at that aid station then you suck. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was gauging my progress this year based on when I had to pull out my headlamp. I was shooting for a 10:30 to 10:45 finish. Calculating when I left mile 38, I figured I was on tap for a 10:47. I cross the foot bridge with daylight and begin the last ~6-7 miles to the finish. I am assuming I didn't have to pull out my lamp until about 30-45 minutes later than two years ago... I was thrilled thinking I was gonna PR big time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwSgxwt-bwsrKIk4mz0Qf_yd7CH5fpXskjiQx3n6oEyHLplClkQcOEme5q_WYIxWTJQ3dwkhOvuT0EyxQU2xKpzqhe0Gm2SxAXkBXBzwaUJg77VHdoGGLblX-ytVx7EnNjHL7A6-o9Dc/s1600/Chia-Chi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwSgxwt-bwsrKIk4mz0Qf_yd7CH5fpXskjiQx3n6oEyHLplClkQcOEme5q_WYIxWTJQ3dwkhOvuT0EyxQU2xKpzqhe0Gm2SxAXkBXBzwaUJg77VHdoGGLblX-ytVx7EnNjHL7A6-o9Dc/s1600/Chia-Chi.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chia-Chi and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turning on my headlamp, I realized that my depth perception was off. Afraid to run because it was getting hard to see the obstacles, and the darker it got, the worse it was. My run became nothing more than a Shar Hendrick Shuffle. I kept my head down and pushed forward the best I could, however, I knew I wasn't going very fast. I come through the finish line and look at the clock... 11:24. Only 5 minutes faster than two years ago. Sooooo disappointed. However, Monica Manning made me a cheeseburger and added extra love. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lesson learned...Never make fun of the way Brooke McClanahan looked after Pinhoti and expect to beat her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lesson 2 learned...It's awkward when you wife asks you to show Joo Kim (Yong's wife) a picture of Hot Daniel with his shirt off, and then tell Joo he is more buff now.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you don't run trails, here is why you should...You will meet the most amazing people and become a part of a club like no other. I am often a little depressed after a big race and the experiences shared. Right now I am in too much pain to be depressed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you Rock/Creek for allowing me the honor to be a part of your team. Thank you Randy and Kris for creating races that give me memories for a lifetime, not to mention the birthday gift. Lastly, if you aren't friends with Sid Hood, and Nathan Holland, you should be.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPbI1PuARmXoyUVwUw1zJ4KJNDkGvvjXRNviZHoAeyWmIzo0nwITId5wqmv5a_DCsc6681boUnDLemA0Tgi6yqxo-B8jQuwgGoqjRLxftC-xHO2e5BRM-gWC4f8gblXxYX2aG8ltzvvY/s1600/MeYongNathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPbI1PuARmXoyUVwUw1zJ4KJNDkGvvjXRNviZHoAeyWmIzo0nwITId5wqmv5a_DCsc6681boUnDLemA0Tgi6yqxo-B8jQuwgGoqjRLxftC-xHO2e5BRM-gWC4f8gblXxYX2aG8ltzvvY/s1600/MeYongNathan.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2zp0LeUypHtUT2aXk0uQihRigeIFiCo0OhgROHh_vjwZKOpUQ0UAUHy5vPpyVtfWdrS3NLfhYxA6xeABpnUnKAgXpsY5brsouTpH0yH-8nhYUXH9V06hYkLbT-MdncSjIia9-ZTV1Qc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2zp0LeUypHtUT2aXk0uQihRigeIFiCo0OhgROHh_vjwZKOpUQ0UAUHy5vPpyVtfWdrS3NLfhYxA6xeABpnUnKAgXpsY5brsouTpH0yH-8nhYUXH9V06hYkLbT-MdncSjIia9-ZTV1Qc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl_Z9gN4qvSFoWU0YTVQHH0AmHy2jvIRh0MEzqxg8Yu4oDrri8aF0uSd5FyTIMI2Ln9eNW9OXwcMve-iHNFJ0fwf5-Smt8mjyu8sCrVOrLHGBBX2soIPRm30eLXVmMG3_Qk_RtgoMepg/s1600/Long-KimFamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl_Z9gN4qvSFoWU0YTVQHH0AmHy2jvIRh0MEzqxg8Yu4oDrri8aF0uSd5FyTIMI2Ln9eNW9OXwcMve-iHNFJ0fwf5-Smt8mjyu8sCrVOrLHGBBX2soIPRm30eLXVmMG3_Qk_RtgoMepg/s1600/Long-KimFamily.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Long's and the Kim's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-9108507140013023192014-06-16T18:32:00.002-07:002014-08-19T04:45:03.503-07:00Chatt-Stage Races 2014- Brownie ScratchinDAY 1:<br />
<div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIb99Jpgqiv9Q7YdcV9kIv1Uk833xIDy9nAVjHr7wY0OEs8R6HhWwPrh9cqd3TEa0_E59zuzA7hnoznmbJKyLtQ3Hu3sHqRHFb0mmoGncMnpgzEjnSkLRhiiK_eoOehLWdf8ZR8VZP3I/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIb99Jpgqiv9Q7YdcV9kIv1Uk833xIDy9nAVjHr7wY0OEs8R6HhWwPrh9cqd3TEa0_E59zuzA7hnoznmbJKyLtQ3Hu3sHqRHFb0mmoGncMnpgzEjnSkLRhiiK_eoOehLWdf8ZR8VZP3I/s1600/Me.jpg" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">WeRunHuntsville</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzkEw6guWUGqhVMlCrrn-VltWz7WAo6U9RT1SBMfOlGEhLI-FKdHi7ce20Mr7PxRjq6MHBOPFdMnpQQAo3WevA26qkvIZxB3scqrWMr_FGl_-lKbCZPWfxVL0Q93RFJIgdrgFW1Iw3UI/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzkEw6guWUGqhVMlCrrn-VltWz7WAo6U9RT1SBMfOlGEhLI-FKdHi7ce20Mr7PxRjq6MHBOPFdMnpQQAo3WevA26qkvIZxB3scqrWMr_FGl_-lKbCZPWfxVL0Q93RFJIgdrgFW1Iw3UI/s1600/bear.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While Raccoon Mtn is a great place to run, it is the least favorite day of the 3-day stage race. This year for an even greater reason. Within the first 100' everyone is sloppy wet, so much so that people had air bubble trapped in the back of their shorts...even those chic's in the skin tight shorty shorts. The first few miles are uneventful except for the fact that everyone's breathing sounded like a dirty movie being heard on XM radio. It was equivalent to running at elevation without the bathing in a cesspool feel. I tried to run as steady as possible knowing that Day 2 and 3 would be the toughest. I was ok until....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well if you have ever read any of my race reports you know what happened around mile 7.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I peel off the trail and lay some twizzlers and lose 5 minutes of precious race time. I hit the trail and begin to press hard knowing I have a lot of time to make up on a shorter course. As we move further around the mountain some sections greet us with a light breeze, however, for the most part we were breathing water saturated oxygen. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The one thing I like about this course is knowing that my watch will show around 2 miles shorter than the advertised distance. Right at the end, before the paved road I see people walking (who obviously don't know the finish is around 1/4 mile. I pass 4 people and one of tri-short chics in a sports bra. Still I was 13 minutes over my previous years time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coolest part of the race was Randy Whorton racing me to the finish. Well this is the point where I would move on to day 2 and 3...I need to tell you about 3 people. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl4_gvpa9p_B2Qx3m3LaivxgmXf9zY7bo1Fw-c2UEKvEzwGgIImYLVMmM4vJI-QLyFOybWMrfiX5uJ4wZhnTe_RPF5JBnq5cymCDKbk6RFO5hl7grCdqpBf1PSebkGIv_lle3Wh7mZeU/s1600/Randy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl4_gvpa9p_B2Qx3m3LaivxgmXf9zY7bo1Fw-c2UEKvEzwGgIImYLVMmM4vJI-QLyFOybWMrfiX5uJ4wZhnTe_RPF5JBnq5cymCDKbk6RFO5hl7grCdqpBf1PSebkGIv_lle3Wh7mZeU/s1600/Randy.png" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Randy Whorton- <a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">WeRunHuntsville</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>-FANCY PANTS: </i>You ever seen "that guy" that comes to a race in a colorful tri outfit with a posse and does the Runner's World photo shoot stretches? Well you shoulda met fancy. Actually, he turned out to be pretty cool so i'm gonna go easy on him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>-BUTT-BRA DUDE:</i> Remember how I said everyone was soaking wet. This one dude's shorts were so wet and tight that his meat curtains looked like they were filled with jelly-fish in a sports butt-bra.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-<i>THE MOONER: </i>So I'm at the finish and there is this dude in something like jogging pants... You know how when you stick your hands down the back of your pants to scratch? Well he had both butt-cheeks showing. Then all of a sudden, two fingers on each hand breached the canyon walls and began to scratch his brownie dispenser. I PROMISE THIS HAPPENED! I only waited around long enough to see if he would sniff his fingers or not...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
DAY 2:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxFLNYZtz8gvBH1A5LngwXjRebWppyLgwrIHbyb-v_XnwEiE-pGQZ9BK6XFo4jFuFI-LYzX84D2YPpTux22gUsMSxJ5wvTXue_EMJuKd79icr1m0ktSZY4VRczie1g6yMb-5ggP4x0iQ/s1600/Janice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxFLNYZtz8gvBH1A5LngwXjRebWppyLgwrIHbyb-v_XnwEiE-pGQZ9BK6XFo4jFuFI-LYzX84D2YPpTux22gUsMSxJ5wvTXue_EMJuKd79icr1m0ktSZY4VRczie1g6yMb-5ggP4x0iQ/s1600/Janice.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janice and I</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After day 1 I almost decided to drop out of the race. My calf is still injured from Thunder Rock 100, my joints were aching and I just wanted to sleep. So glad I didn't. My plan was to just run easy to make it to day 3...However, that plan went out the window as soon as we heard "Go!" The goal at Lula Lake is to start quick enough to get to the single track and rope climb without being caught in the stanky train. I see Randy at the top of the rope climb and I yell..."Randy, I love you!", he replies..."In a physical way?", some guy down the path yells back..."This is Lookout Mtn, not Brokeback Mtn!" Priceless sir.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeQSywl3uPeStGFUKEMjKMjbdQR-G0ch2t9B40Szeth1t27r8pW6DdX0KjbwtpabrK4N_GC7HerWvys9SQF9KpLJYvFwEc-jkkdGvOBXrRi-kRDuXhzVUV01TPx4kmFSJAm6mXtLoc9g/s1600/Group.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeQSywl3uPeStGFUKEMjKMjbdQR-G0ch2t9B40Szeth1t27r8pW6DdX0KjbwtpabrK4N_GC7HerWvys9SQF9KpLJYvFwEc-jkkdGvOBXrRi-kRDuXhzVUV01TPx4kmFSJAm6mXtLoc9g/s1600/Group.png" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">WeRunHuntsville</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once on top of the ridge, Tony Scott and myself alternated walking and running the steady climb to conserve as much as possible. As soon as we turned to drop off we dropped the hammer and took advantaged of the controlled fall. All of a sudden I started feeling great and decided to go for it. Through the single track and back across the bridge to my adoring fans (the lil kid picking his nose and handing out cups) and across the road to lay a big kiss on Roy Tamez's hot wife! Pretty sure she slipped me the tongue. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg479h8rgxplcwUDBHHMioX2W1ATlGkC3bbgEuppCoJCJAk1uqhv6ATsDjuTw3kc4rNVV-JnWF6JKl6gPKqzN22ef9Go2AzUu7uEg1xoZlgfJceIyMqHxwCfcp1pr2GqFTStI2I_7ZhRUU/s1600/Daniel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg479h8rgxplcwUDBHHMioX2W1ATlGkC3bbgEuppCoJCJAk1uqhv6ATsDjuTw3kc4rNVV-JnWF6JKl6gPKqzN22ef9Go2AzUu7uEg1xoZlgfJceIyMqHxwCfcp1pr2GqFTStI2I_7ZhRUU/s1600/Daniel.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel Lucas- <a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">WeRunHuntsville</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The trails on this section are simply wonderful. Taking a E-Gel every 45 minutes I felt the energy and stayed steady, yet pushing on the down sections. I make the big climb to the 2nd aid station and Michael Scott yells at me and tells me that Christy Scott (not his wife) is just in front of me. He also stated that she said something to the effect that my vag was hurting and I needed to man up. Does that sound like Christy? Anyway, Fancy Pants catches me and I'm like "BULL CRAP" so I press even harder. I am passing dingleberry's left and right and make it to the lush single track and Fancy Pants passes me. I repay him by singing "Here's you're one chance Fancy don't let me down", made famous by Reba McEntire.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just before we come out of the woods and down to the start/finish area I clip my toe on a root and realize I jacked it up. Across the road and another smooch from Roy's wife, I see my Angel off to the side, I feel great, and I cross the bridge to complete the last 4 miles. 10 steps run, 10 steps walk up the big hill. To the top and a hard run down the mountain, through the finish line with a 6 minute PR from the previous year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok you ready for another Character?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-<i>THE HANDLER: </i>So we are standing at the start awaiting go, when I see one of the shirtless wonders in some Eric Charette style shorts fondling his acorn...I don't mean a lil scratch or a drive-by repositioning. I mean direct contact marble rolling for like 30 seconds. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
DAY 3:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I get to Signal Mtn fearing what is to come. The most rugged trails of the race. Unfortunately for me, people recognized me from the previous days...not for my blog or my good looks, rather, I was a little gassy and I had gotten to the point where I didn't care anymore. Man or Woman, Little people or Asian, I was letting them fly. I did apologize before each one though. I begin to descend Mushroom Rock, across the bridge and back up. Everyone seems tired, yet in a pretty good mood. I am feeling unusually good at this stage and just go with it. Down to Suck Creek and turn and head back up. I love this section because on the way down you see your fast friends and on the way up you see your friends you are spanking. After breaching Mushroom Rock we veer right along the ridge. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5s0Zt494AyyMWvgVMBXPSKuaM26PjJC4ls36HdR_W4dtC5Yk-b6SxpLknU9Lgsb_nWW1fmSMPjqLFzDFxyw6ho3N3Zqslmo42FFeNDrL4DHkDbatDvrd99fGeJUtZrj3J_LRmkDil_k/s1600/Sinith.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5s0Zt494AyyMWvgVMBXPSKuaM26PjJC4ls36HdR_W4dtC5Yk-b6SxpLknU9Lgsb_nWW1fmSMPjqLFzDFxyw6ho3N3Zqslmo42FFeNDrL4DHkDbatDvrd99fGeJUtZrj3J_LRmkDil_k/s1600/Sinith.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sinith Suong- <a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">WeRunHuntsville</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unlike the previous days I catch Christy early and we run together for a while. We hit the aid station at the lookout point and quickly head back out. This is the longest 2.4 miles in the history of 2.4 miles. Beautiful single, rocky, rhythm busting single track all the way to the stair case from HELL! While in this section Fred Doss and I make up a parody song called "Broken Arms" (Open Arms) We climb to the top and friggin awesome Sarah Woerner greets me. Christy and I fight over the orange popsicle and we head up the road. I steal some little girls lemonade and let her brother hose me off before I pass the nursing home to which I give a shout out to the residents. I think one of them shot me a bird...not real sure. Can they do that?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrl9BR93cbmh7OHp1rColFl4zeSpb6ly3vG0mOQFiBWzi4S28HLvb47Ua0YVP4VqoOrZ73EJuHOAWLEqiL7OkvYZ1o6EiGpSqq8Uq0EW5tl8WZV4mjg-tQpzmhF4Uw3VcPm_4fKsQjNA/s1600/Molly.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrl9BR93cbmh7OHp1rColFl4zeSpb6ly3vG0mOQFiBWzi4S28HLvb47Ua0YVP4VqoOrZ73EJuHOAWLEqiL7OkvYZ1o6EiGpSqq8Uq0EW5tl8WZV4mjg-tQpzmhF4Uw3VcPm_4fKsQjNA/s1600/Molly.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like the day before, I feel great at this point and begin to press hard on the trails. Then I hit my toe again and am pretty confident the toenail is somewhere in my sock. Yet I press on cause Fred is hot on my hairy-cakes. Through the stale river section I finally make it to the last aid station. 3 hours and 30 minutes have elapsed and I have 3.6 miles to the finish. I gave it everything I had to break 4 hrs. At one point on the down sloping sections my watch showed a 5:45 pace. I ran as hard as I could but came in at 4:03 which was still an 11 minute PR from the previous year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I posted on my Facebook that after events like this, I get a little sad when I reach home. I absolutely love the community and the new friends that I make.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So after some hand showers with the hose pipe, we head to Shuford's BBQ on Signal Mtn Road. Friggine great BBQ. These 3 people walk in and one of the guys looks at me and says..."I know you, are you Cary? You were the guy fartin all over the trails."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you Wild Trails and Rock/Creek for putting on amazing races and allowing me to be on your team.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0mxd427iGS1f6kukINOH1X6Oey9gB8q2vm8kY3hXdhcATTP5WH_AqA-XvlgSGMAYNJrlcJD9Ugcw8LgLG0Vv3keT-hRHJbRz3OzqocIEz_HeeXt1UGMwhZxGLCysVUEPq7OaCOkI8Dc/s1600/Eric.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0mxd427iGS1f6kukINOH1X6Oey9gB8q2vm8kY3hXdhcATTP5WH_AqA-XvlgSGMAYNJrlcJD9Ugcw8LgLG0Vv3keT-hRHJbRz3OzqocIEz_HeeXt1UGMwhZxGLCysVUEPq7OaCOkI8Dc/s1600/Eric.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Lofland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmmq0hQv3jW3c95wdMoIc2ug_4-irFMIXGl0FJBXXXgXMjtB67qW1mepaSrH1NkmwW95LhmVk2MIHnMOcnOdRgNcenGEnXb8iQugoJGt0PvswFJidOBAFhQGEJW11VP7qsJh0tBYiEEM/s1600/Joel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmmq0hQv3jW3c95wdMoIc2ug_4-irFMIXGl0FJBXXXgXMjtB67qW1mepaSrH1NkmwW95LhmVk2MIHnMOcnOdRgNcenGEnXb8iQugoJGt0PvswFJidOBAFhQGEJW11VP7qsJh0tBYiEEM/s1600/Joel.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel Meridith- <a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">WeRunHuntsville</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa0TMRCSqIQe7_CYbHJxM8_Wedvfk2CBE3Y7XrebCpAjet4J2rXIqNWt5Sne3bi6SQ9TKtjgLIWwIEEhFiiokDNe80Cwj6_DrsZEjOmpruaQ3KEvaJkMYviGB6fOrp_-Na36ubwtPQR0/s1600/Nathan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa0TMRCSqIQe7_CYbHJxM8_Wedvfk2CBE3Y7XrebCpAjet4J2rXIqNWt5Sne3bi6SQ9TKtjgLIWwIEEhFiiokDNe80Cwj6_DrsZEjOmpruaQ3KEvaJkMYviGB6fOrp_-Na36ubwtPQR0/s1600/Nathan.png" height="481" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan Holland- <a href="http://www.werunhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">WeRunHuntsville</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-B914zeFHbQs%2FU5-XTN8K2_I%2FAAAAAAAAA6Y%2FAG7rmh9VFaM%2Fs1600%2FDaniel.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg479h8rgxplcwUDBHHMioX2W1ATlGkC3bbgEuppCoJCJAk1uqhv6ATsDjuTw3kc4rNVV-JnWF6JKl6gPKqzN22ef9Go2AzUu7uEg1xoZlgfJceIyMqHxwCfcp1pr2GqFTStI2I_7ZhRUU/s1600/Daniel.png" -->HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-42789763909170259272014-05-19T18:43:00.003-07:002014-05-20T04:37:26.871-07:00Thunder Rock 100 Miler-Hail Yeah and the White Tail<div style="text-align: justify;">
PROLOGUE (Not really sure what that is)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYYLujSHdJsjfQNSuR9QxLFXMWhcQ4qlljQyHGoxRqsJ3L8mGRiWJnwM4THYFXuyczkLkHCF8sIBAuU_n3kjV17q7toC94CMpIaQlBl1yo7qAJZm0TdeEvgNXgSbZf06F7sVQKwbn7aA/s1600/thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYYLujSHdJsjfQNSuR9QxLFXMWhcQ4qlljQyHGoxRqsJ3L8mGRiWJnwM4THYFXuyczkLkHCF8sIBAuU_n3kjV17q7toC94CMpIaQlBl1yo7qAJZm0TdeEvgNXgSbZf06F7sVQKwbn7aA/s1600/thumb.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How come none of you hundred mile rednecks ever told me about the salty crack. You could have saved me some major anal irritation. And whats the deal with not being able to taste food the next day? Anyway, I started the trip off wrong by forgetting my toothbrush. See the results later.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
THE START</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The race begins at the Ocoee Whitewater Center directly on the foot bridge crossing the river. Immediately after crossing the bridge we begin ascending. Walking the inclines and gingerly running the flats and downhills. Within a couple of miles I cannot see Benj or Shar anymore and find myself running with a couple of guys I did not know. This dude talked more than Rebecca Reynolds and Suzanne Erickson. So I hear him say..."When this is over, I'm gonna take my wife to get her nails done, get some food, and find an Asian chic to rub my butt". Whats funny is we are Facebook friends now. I wonder if he has heard my Hong Kong Massage story?</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdWC83zhrSArWjudwZiwSZBbA_0azRclcLcHN81KkcuFRrB7xb2KQJkx-4eUY6DNIhFHZrJAeldzencMpeAJTcflmh-x5khGXlXl0_AlASRa4lDHeNtHp3r1s3Zt7hiF-9K-RwBHaMuc/s1600/start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdWC83zhrSArWjudwZiwSZBbA_0azRclcLcHN81KkcuFRrB7xb2KQJkx-4eUY6DNIhFHZrJAeldzencMpeAJTcflmh-x5khGXlXl0_AlASRa4lDHeNtHp3r1s3Zt7hiF-9K-RwBHaMuc/s1600/start.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benj Lance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
THUNDER ROCK</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We begin our descent to the Thunder Rock campground which crosses the Ocoee and the road taking you to the trail. As soon as I hit the pavement a huge hailstorm hits. It was Hailmuhgeddon. Crew and aid station people were running in all directions for cover. Randy just stood in the road, smiled and shook his head. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
TO THE CABIN</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After passing Thunder Rock we climb and enter a beautiful trail system, and are hit with yet another hail storm. As we reached the top there was so much hail that it looked liked snow on the ground. Finally the sun comes out, the plants are green and wet, and we are just relishing the day. The Rock Creek Sweetheart herself, Kimber Keplinger, caught me and we ran together for a couple of miles. Eventually Kimber sees a beaver and goes off trail to pet it. I press on and come up on a white tail deer.....oh no wait...I mean a white girl pulling her pants up. This gal was a cutie till she started talking. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zWmT9g8InS9mVp9Vi46wgCHV6OQWXelGpeZdvzH9_ZIIHpUv6mzd0sGzUgIq3kdFhCdeGDuuL_dKciXQC261zxhHQgH-nyBcNi_bwZbQiO0S25MPpNwuxean60-7LKdLOby2kfoM0D0/s1600/2014-05-17+09.20.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zWmT9g8InS9mVp9Vi46wgCHV6OQWXelGpeZdvzH9_ZIIHpUv6mzd0sGzUgIq3kdFhCdeGDuuL_dKciXQC261zxhHQgH-nyBcNi_bwZbQiO0S25MPpNwuxean60-7LKdLOby2kfoM0D0/s1600/2014-05-17+09.20.06.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimber Keplinger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I catch my bro the "White Wiper" (see Upchuck Race Report), Mr. Jeff Deaton, who ALWAYS BEATS ME. Believe it or not (really don't care if you do), but the course runs 50' in front of the cabin we had rented for the weekend. Awesome feeling knowing I had a place to poop in a judge free environment if needed to peel off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNPT5iVfWaoq6RJS0bu6cMtKfmqqrSsglmoxeC1WoNP5TOUUfocRTM9b9-LBUfCdw8kfTMuUrMb5SSnx3FAEK5fLmEntySxBd8WKQR8b114b7ykf-LGJJ3qkmSRzYhmcZMAqZYe-sW5o/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNPT5iVfWaoq6RJS0bu6cMtKfmqqrSsglmoxeC1WoNP5TOUUfocRTM9b9-LBUfCdw8kfTMuUrMb5SSnx3FAEK5fLmEntySxBd8WKQR8b114b7ykf-LGJJ3qkmSRzYhmcZMAqZYe-sW5o/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge to Cabin-Course on Right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
RELIANCE</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As Jeff and I round the Hiawassee Outfitters towards the Reliance aid station, it looked like we were entering a hippie camp. Yet, it was still a beautiful scene with the river on the right and occupy wall street people on the left. I was concerned about my friend Benj, and told his crew that no matter how far back he was to tell him that I was just ahead. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After crossing the bridge over the Hiawassee is when the trail running got hard. While it was amazing running next to the river, the trail was difficult with rhythm busting sections. I decide to lay in the river for a while to refresh my legs. As I began to run I was very refreshed. At one point before we reached the flat pavement section I was running the nice dirt track when something that looked like a black condom caught my eye. I looked a little too long and caught the only root on that section of trail. Face plant. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
COKER FALLS</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Darkness began to fall as I reached Coker Falls. I made it to the top where my crew was stationed. My crew was so amazing (Martin Schneekloth, Jerry Abbott, and Scott Bell). They quickly fed me, changed my socks and shoes, and Martin made me put on my arm sleeves. As I leave the darkness hits, and I am in my hoka's for the long road section. Normally I am really afraid of the dark, however, I was ok, even though I was in banjo country by myself with a salty butt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
MANNING CABIN</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I completely missed the turn to the Manning Cabin aid station. As I crested the hill I saw headlights and said told them they were off course....It was Blaine Beining, and the joke was on me. I was distraught and contemplated what I should do. To avoid a DQ I went back and made it to the aid station and all my anxiety went away when I saw Fred Doss and that cheese pizza.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SERVILLA</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally make it to mile 50 where my first safety runner, Jerry, joins me for 15 miles. I downed a Red Bull and cheese kaysudilla heading out for my last 50. Beautiful clear sky and bright moon. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
BULLET CREEK</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Somewhere after Bullet Creek I began to crash. My speech slowed and volume lowered. I began to have that tingly feeling. All of a sudden I heard what sounded like something stepping on a stick. Immediately, I began to think a bobcat was tracking me. I would turn around real quick to shine my light on him. After about 3 times I told Jerry to walk next to me cause I was afraid the bobcat was gonna get me. In reality, I was hoping the bobcat would choose him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A guy and a girl are closing in on us and eventually they catch us and I hear their voice say my name in a concerned tone. It was Benj and his safety runner Megan. They were shocked to see me in the state I was in. As a fellow runner, Benj knows me better than most runners. He knew I was not right. What he did next brings tears to my eyes even now. And if any of you say its gay I'll punch you in the throat. He said, "let's hold hands..." So I stuck my hand out. It was good cause there was someone else the bobcat could get.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
STAR MOUNTAIN</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXI3hNg2ahf_OTBu25vP8QkKhcBAWajXs8Be4eso0xL9_DqAJeIABWiJxvRVm0Dopwm0ftCMvYdH1v0XIiFh6j9k_tejT3vpq1nkVhpXFMJNuptv8YDhLqwdLkNpSfUrKXw4agPC897A/s1600/2014-05-17+05.07.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXI3hNg2ahf_OTBu25vP8QkKhcBAWajXs8Be4eso0xL9_DqAJeIABWiJxvRVm0Dopwm0ftCMvYdH1v0XIiFh6j9k_tejT3vpq1nkVhpXFMJNuptv8YDhLqwdLkNpSfUrKXw4agPC897A/s1600/2014-05-17+05.07.48.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Jeff Deaton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I barely make it to Star Mountain...It seemed like I was coming off anesthesia. Martin give me a caffeine pill and a Red Bull to wash it down. Well evidently I wasn't chewing like a German and he yells at me to start chewing. Scott Bell picks me up and we head out for the ridgeline. Within a few minutes I was a new person and began to run with purpose. We catch my friends James Suh and Jeff Deaton. Jeff's IT band flared up causing him to pull out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
IRON GAP</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My goal all along was to reach the second Iron Gap by sunrise. We made it there at 6:11 (eastern). Chewed another caffeine pill and headed for the Hiawassee 8.5 miles away. Earlier on around mile 25, the top of my calf where it goes in the knee pit was hurting pretty bad. By this point it hurt to walk, but was ok running. While running down to the Hiawasee all I could think about was getting in the water to refresh my legs. As we hit the boat ramp I got in the water thinking I was doing good. What I did was actually lock up my whole body. I felt like the wooden pinochio running to actual crossing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
QUINN SPRINGS</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally make it across the river in waist deep freezing water and begin to cross the road to the aid station. Scott tell me to watch out for the car. This car kept getting closer and all of a sudden the lady yells out my name. It was Randy and Kris Whorton. She sticks her had out the window and tells me to take a bite of her bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. I took a bite and she said I looked great, and then stated "We love you"....I broke me. Reached the stank potty to change and it took me about 15 minutes to change out of my wet clothes into something warm.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OSWALD DOME</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the midst of all the pain, Martin takes over as safety runner and force feeds me eggs, and potatoes. We climb fairly</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
well up the 2200' climb which began around mile 83. Reaching the top is the point where runners are able to make up so much time due to the long road downhills. Unfortunately, I could not. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
THE LAKE</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We reach the lake to be greeted by a Rabbit and Mouse...All I'm saying is if they would have jumped out at me in the dark....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HELL</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pouring, freezing rain. Then the nice friendly double track is diverted back to single track with climbing around every turn. Martin did his best to get me to run, however, my knee was hurting more than ever. It was so bad that I farted and Martin said that it dried his mouth out, and I didn't even laugh. All I could think about was getting to the finish and huggin my wife. If fact for about 30 miles I was singing Vince Gill's "I get weak in the knees". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
THE FINISH</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I crossed the line at 26:16. Hugged my wife and son. I hadn't brushed my teeth in 3 days and took a pic of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzGlcFvSiXhI_U-thvu4RxMgkJY1Ker7crjCGMw75MeHD1ru0QctofGSxLCDosP_jFZfkHp-0XofIoaOKuTrPVLXar4YOiXlJ_kv3CFXZslThePGpiWg4DkQSp6-mBVhYmt016gZEAtw/s1600/FinderScreenSnapz002.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzGlcFvSiXhI_U-thvu4RxMgkJY1Ker7crjCGMw75MeHD1ru0QctofGSxLCDosP_jFZfkHp-0XofIoaOKuTrPVLXar4YOiXlJ_kv3CFXZslThePGpiWg4DkQSp6-mBVhYmt016gZEAtw/s1600/FinderScreenSnapz002.png" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Janice shuttles me to Raft 1 where I am greeted by the most amazing people. I absolutely love trail runners. I am so grateful for Rock/Creek and Wild Trails for the kindness they show me and everyone else.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Congrats to all my friends who had an amazing day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Po_LsLtqJ9GPRQ_ArmopSJzz-oVQflYUpxdjzgAzqAUtsG5QCF9jYSgygwmnCOVtK77LXYdUr3bpPKlr-H4XuEIVNBHrZpN8ajtQ4VkFrgDayw_cU6qAhQyzt1026iWJ1qpqFi6g_og/s1600/2014-05-17+15.07.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Po_LsLtqJ9GPRQ_ArmopSJzz-oVQflYUpxdjzgAzqAUtsG5QCF9jYSgygwmnCOVtK77LXYdUr3bpPKlr-H4XuEIVNBHrZpN8ajtQ4VkFrgDayw_cU6qAhQyzt1026iWJ1qpqFi6g_og/s1600/2014-05-17+15.07.40.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you Kris for taking care of me the way you did. We love you guys!<br />
<br />
Finally to my crew. You made the difference. I owe you all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VR3tk5TqOIoQE1_vSEu0wBr3va-VKLYtKRPPP1VubyFtIupnEOseMulEqKBXb4eGf84GxOIsJ8OwGzB0ElGs-f2bTcO6aEikMNV_YFvd-pUNklVuGk5U9vtPijGtkLVty6iXmh4GQjs/s1600/Benj+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VR3tk5TqOIoQE1_vSEu0wBr3va-VKLYtKRPPP1VubyFtIupnEOseMulEqKBXb4eGf84GxOIsJ8OwGzB0ElGs-f2bTcO6aEikMNV_YFvd-pUNklVuGk5U9vtPijGtkLVty6iXmh4GQjs/s1600/Benj+finish.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_YxBz_JRa4J9xERKKXYPnjpVhLC4cV1oPkCFHMougwZW-QrOnYP8nP4edkwu-NJiJ5UQzp7BY8UhIzLcScfmtTfBQjWsbTvLPTM6Xc55HEKeFVyb9raSLLxJt5HEZZOfHdl4-SORG7s/s1600/dzniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_YxBz_JRa4J9xERKKXYPnjpVhLC4cV1oPkCFHMougwZW-QrOnYP8nP4edkwu-NJiJ5UQzp7BY8UhIzLcScfmtTfBQjWsbTvLPTM6Xc55HEKeFVyb9raSLLxJt5HEZZOfHdl4-SORG7s/s1600/dzniel.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel Lucas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-80984709439633480002014-05-05T17:16:00.003-07:002014-05-05T17:20:56.107-07:00McKay Hollow Madness 2014-Pain in my Butt<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WnhrFsX0ezi5LPf0qs-wsMyTCetEYx5qPMFh5PlixH_7L5m-VObN2xQ4ITLAv81810cDm82Z7WFhZVr4ZdbbQ7G5Q7abh8qlCEBZWv0OMZPOWRKVEw4RuouaFWOeYFQ4vifS_CzZ7b0/s1600/Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WnhrFsX0ezi5LPf0qs-wsMyTCetEYx5qPMFh5PlixH_7L5m-VObN2xQ4ITLAv81810cDm82Z7WFhZVr4ZdbbQ7G5Q7abh8qlCEBZWv0OMZPOWRKVEw4RuouaFWOeYFQ4vifS_CzZ7b0/s1600/Sam.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I am going to describe someone to you and I want you to tell me the first thing that comes to</div>
your mind. Imagine an attractive young lady, $110 street shoes, $80 running pants, $65 base-layer, $65 running jacket, iPhone and key fob while running a grueling trail race....You got it! Street Runner with no clue what she is about to experience. Benj, Erin and I start the race and we are a little concerned cause Dink Taylor is about 20' in front of us. We look to our left and the young lady described above is "texting" while running and then drops her key fob. I look at Benj and say, "4hrs"!<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MlYODHkxrUH86NOBhNNTqwAh3jym9qtKk537dWBHG9rWoRhvNpE9HzsAoQwKSLJUEjw37aBCLHla8bj_yG_4wtCQFe7AY7BjALNn4LuMwZSCUeKxP9wzXe0bWlO3n6lYBDlFEkEigPQ/s1600/Jay+Crosby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MlYODHkxrUH86NOBhNNTqwAh3jym9qtKk537dWBHG9rWoRhvNpE9HzsAoQwKSLJUEjw37aBCLHla8bj_yG_4wtCQFe7AY7BjALNn4LuMwZSCUeKxP9wzXe0bWlO3n6lYBDlFEkEigPQ/s1600/Jay+Crosby.jpg" height="320" title="Albino Polynesian (Jay Crosby)" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albino Polynesian Chic (Jay Crosby)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the first time in 4yrs McKay Hollow Madness was relatively dry. Temperature was just about right and Ia am seeded 6th? I thought it was a joke, however I found out that out of the returning runners, I was actually the 6th fastest on record from last year. I know what you are thinking and you can kiss my butt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So after running a 50 miler and a marathon, my plan was to treat this as a training run, however, that did not happen. When Blake said "Go", and I had a successful healthy poo, the racer kicked in. The race begins on the road to thin out the pack and shortly enters the single track before the descent. Down Sinks, then quickly up to Panther Knob. Often times newbies make the mistake of running the Panther Knob and Sinks climb only to suck the rest of the way. Climbing around Stone Cuts is always a highlight in this race however, I am always petrified of seeing a rattlesnake or a naked homeless guy in there. Around mile 5 we caught the skinny white guy wearing Jorts (bluejean shorts), who has the body of a 13 year old albino Polynesian girl. Thats what you get for calling out the HotWingRunner! We speed hike Warpath, fill my hat with water and push to the McKay Hollow descent.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuBn7AduH8CRA8EG6Us1norwxu7Lj38_HrjT9_7BM0xt67pr1HQSrjgyJ52_kuoCTkGTGECtwkYgHqchVPqGCjZ-zsctjcCa0o26pxlfkj5kd84L_bR789-6iqOH9fqK92NgaAzBTRKs/s1600/erin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuBn7AduH8CRA8EG6Us1norwxu7Lj38_HrjT9_7BM0xt67pr1HQSrjgyJ52_kuoCTkGTGECtwkYgHqchVPqGCjZ-zsctjcCa0o26pxlfkj5kd84L_bR789-6iqOH9fqK92NgaAzBTRKs/s1600/erin.jpg" height="320" title="Erin Looney" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin Looney<br />
Photo by Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are two ways to run down McKay hollow...fast or slow. If you run fast you better have a good dental plan. We are balls to the wall all the way down. We finally reach the Natural Well climb and continue the power walk on the climbs. Now at this point Erin is the lead Chic...we look down and here comes #2 pressing hard. She passes and Erin resists pushing her off the waterfall. Benj and I know Erin's potential and we urged her to push but she didn't. Once we crested the Natural Well (192' sinkhole) I told Erin to at least catch her and let her push the pace. So she left us. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UEB178eZFCnSJcIwNefUYZ4YKc-y1AmHArGzNPhYjLB7LjFvPANeN5KV-uN3dSY_FxE14Bw5wEEVrA48RH5eieW8LPjKfnzHYK9RqFEcXk7Pp66YWZUKMUjnWc41aNgsxvd0NyCoVTY/s1600/Me-Benj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UEB178eZFCnSJcIwNefUYZ4YKc-y1AmHArGzNPhYjLB7LjFvPANeN5KV-uN3dSY_FxE14Bw5wEEVrA48RH5eieW8LPjKfnzHYK9RqFEcXk7Pp66YWZUKMUjnWc41aNgsxvd0NyCoVTY/s1600/Me-Benj.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Benj</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As Benj and I weave around Arrowhead to the aid station and back to the trail leading to the well we see in the distance that Erin had overtaken the lady and was gaining a sizable lead. We take Arrowhead #2 and run as hard as we can to ensure that no one would catch us all the while pontificating about Thunder Rock 100. Benj eventually leaves me on the rugged and rooty lower Natural Well descent. So as in many races I find myself all alone and wondering who I would eat if left in a survival situation. Would a Hispanic guy taste like Mexican? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally reach the famous Death Trail for a 1/2 mile climb to the finish. Just before the sharp cutback where you see the waterfall I see the #2 female. It's obvious she doesn't know the course and doesn't realize the finish is around 1/4 of a mile, so I surge. Just as soon as I passed her it happened! I popped a hemorrhoid out my brown eye. Wanna see the pic?</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBoFVPQ62FNjmMucDf0G7ua8zRvpIDESyzsFFJj6hWmi8AMliRE3gAdNnyCx2V6Ih5TNGUc1e40I0HTsgXxsagOt5upuqpRxhCB4A9G4PuvohN6KYbwABymjECTopxmViuZOuHIs-bQE/s1600/shiavone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBoFVPQ62FNjmMucDf0G7ua8zRvpIDESyzsFFJj6hWmi8AMliRE3gAdNnyCx2V6Ih5TNGUc1e40I0HTsgXxsagOt5upuqpRxhCB4A9G4PuvohN6KYbwABymjECTopxmViuZOuHIs-bQE/s1600/shiavone.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and Chelsea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6EaEffAMcpbmhHMnH-XG4DhIDK15OORqa6w37PK3LixMnG4UgFqKYaXWWF9LK5CBdRqasPtYR7UzEjco9jld9CLSLAE-gF_tYYXztworiQUvpCx0RUZ9G96sxrwNsdYFiadoo3drmC8/s1600/james.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6EaEffAMcpbmhHMnH-XG4DhIDK15OORqa6w37PK3LixMnG4UgFqKYaXWWF9LK5CBdRqasPtYR7UzEjco9jld9CLSLAE-gF_tYYXztworiQUvpCx0RUZ9G96sxrwNsdYFiadoo3drmC8/s1600/james.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Pocahontas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TLQiytb9XtQx-J5OEHyqYgrW4-1o-Q-5xdiGEViSQJxLpNaReG_wcKZGoFs0I-YxRXTTpRtIhMh0uC7krSfSGEJHnx-3TVo6RcbhJrnVL_7vTF79gnHylFxBorpUoH0Hi3UTlEvbcss/s1600/Angie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TLQiytb9XtQx-J5OEHyqYgrW4-1o-Q-5xdiGEViSQJxLpNaReG_wcKZGoFs0I-YxRXTTpRtIhMh0uC7krSfSGEJHnx-3TVo6RcbhJrnVL_7vTF79gnHylFxBorpUoH0Hi3UTlEvbcss/s1600/Angie.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-6297104776246520832014-04-06T16:05:00.001-07:002014-04-06T16:18:58.243-07:00Oak Barrel 2014- Rachel and Misty<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lm4OUUyxmjiRYdxzNhpXgIaV3GG_G0x279_bJ9bSgcVD46LbzCSMIS8XQdci2yGUfZI_vWzMJTsKq28-Yj7xfX9RwEsBG_eFqEXbbcUKgFc1cQ0lphdEekQ28OsYgAT2kmMBwA4aQs8/s1600/Bros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lm4OUUyxmjiRYdxzNhpXgIaV3GG_G0x279_bJ9bSgcVD46LbzCSMIS8XQdci2yGUfZI_vWzMJTsKq28-Yj7xfX9RwEsBG_eFqEXbbcUKgFc1cQ0lphdEekQ28OsYgAT2kmMBwA4aQs8/s1600/Bros.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oak Barrel 2014 played out much different than 2013. Last year, everyone knows I had to use my <br />
McKay Hollow shirt to clean brownie puddin off my bum. In case you were wondering, I went back after this years race to see if I could find the shirt....no luck. The goal for this year was that I had no goal. I wanted to do good, however, in prepping for the 100 miler, it was not important to crush this race.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided to start between a 7:45 and 8:00 minute pace to the hill and just hope for the best going up. On our way to Whiskey Hill our nostrils are treated with the refreshing scent of fresh poo from a family of inbred cows. I reach Whiskey Hill, which according to my Suunto Ambiet (the best GPS watch on the market) is around 2 miles long. As usual I mouthed off to a couple people trying to provoke them to race me up. One chic tried but I put the smack down on her. Actually I was chasing Rachel Eidson. For the first time ever I ran the entire hill. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxcGzs_maC2-VRfvds-06fERDGIPQCBm9JY4yOTe15fXDKDlAFlK-nKaLzOAXpvj3wY5Q-CwDIyHUgVL7kCuX4LNJ9MmqBFoH0dIPpnuZ7flSQ6TjdreuVsu_3CcCReoy4gnkLYemFoM/s1600/Elevation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxcGzs_maC2-VRfvds-06fERDGIPQCBm9JY4yOTe15fXDKDlAFlK-nKaLzOAXpvj3wY5Q-CwDIyHUgVL7kCuX4LNJ9MmqBFoH0dIPpnuZ7flSQ6TjdreuVsu_3CcCReoy4gnkLYemFoM/s1600/Elevation.png" height="132" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2BNbiugJ2GRcneN9wRrCptKtHgA2yVA77PcpUXbX1Kfuj2L_K8yCkDScQ0c1Rf5hRTHtkCXf3eHpufZKKdgdGhBmLhn7H7wIEUqKGUywkyGnQE04RN-39z7m4xkXdHYL6ffn54sUz6I/s1600/1-8mile.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2BNbiugJ2GRcneN9wRrCptKtHgA2yVA77PcpUXbX1Kfuj2L_K8yCkDScQ0c1Rf5hRTHtkCXf3eHpufZKKdgdGhBmLhn7H7wIEUqKGUywkyGnQE04RN-39z7m4xkXdHYL6ffn54sUz6I/s1600/1-8mile.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I peak the top around mile 5 and understand that for the next 3.4 miles I will be on rolling hills. I despise rolling hills. Not only rolling hill, the wind was very strong. In the distance I could see Rachel and a lady that looked like Christy. I knew it wasn't Christy cause this lady was tone, tan and fast. So I used them as bait to just push the downhill sections and try to maintain on the uphill. So up until this point my mile splits were as seen on the chart. I slowly began to gain ground on Rachel and Misty (the girl that looked like Christy). Around mile 8.4 the long down hill begins. So I lean forward staying perpendicular to the ground and begin to push. The distance between Rachel and Misty began to shorten. I was so determined, however, worried because I knew what happened at mile 11 last year. I was having a great race and was praying that my stomach would hold out. All of a sudden around mile 9 things began to change. I was gaining on Rachel and Misty and had been passing all the people who started out way to fast, just they way I had done so many times before. Around mile 10 I was shocked. Misty was Christy. Listen, unlike times past, I am not bragging here. You see Christy had been sick all week and she was running strong. If she had been healthy I never would have caught her, however, she was not the target...It was that Pure Barr Speedster Rachel who smoked me last year. I could feel the adrenaline pumping and I calculated that I could PR even while on this course. I finally catch Rachel and we run together just as two years ago. We come to mile 11 and reminisce while I point to the location I pulled off last year to change my oil. We start reeling people in as our pace quickens. Around the corner we are on the main road to the finish. I honestly have never felt so amazing at the end of a half marathon as I did that day. So I went all out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2J4G1_XNyMmow26VqwTygDp-rZq-OtJOSnSW5iNVNJOnBz81IihWvqWrMygZdOrTL0qpMVyy9Pe8aAoxHGzp1tCaFAxAdmfzAudgx4N_x19P6FaDAnYJ1zptuxIgC1bIPTuXJOtV424/s1600/9-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2J4G1_XNyMmow26VqwTygDp-rZq-OtJOSnSW5iNVNJOnBz81IihWvqWrMygZdOrTL0qpMVyy9Pe8aAoxHGzp1tCaFAxAdmfzAudgx4N_x19P6FaDAnYJ1zptuxIgC1bIPTuXJOtV424/s1600/9-14.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
When I got home I was shocked at what I saw for miles 9-13.1. I had dropped the last full mile to a 6:36. I crossed the finish line and heard the announcer say..."This is Cary Long from Huntsville. He wants to change his name to Who Farted". WHAT THE CRAP? Who told him to say that? I know during registration you can tell them something about yourself, however, I don't remember putting anything.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, Rachel came in a couple of seconds after me and Christy was a few more after that. If you don't have anyone to challenge you...find someone. You win some and you lose some, however, iron sharpens iron. My friends are iron! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyu_PcCOaQhZCMICTYE77MNdlKhyphenhypheniLQ_J_QO7AFAx4kZoCXKo56o0BxJUiCSBSDvVwH0urPXk_q1Gz-Ud2PFJdy1Et5N0WkpmOIQy0qagCZRTXd6wAla5itPxA7LERWo5c8hkTg69uRQ/s1600/2014+Oak+Barrel++(1362+of+1417)-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyu_PcCOaQhZCMICTYE77MNdlKhyphenhypheniLQ_J_QO7AFAx4kZoCXKo56o0BxJUiCSBSDvVwH0urPXk_q1Gz-Ud2PFJdy1Et5N0WkpmOIQy0qagCZRTXd6wAla5itPxA7LERWo5c8hkTg69uRQ/s1600/2014+Oak+Barrel++(1362+of+1417)-XL.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had another surprise as we went to look at the results posted. I had placed first in my age group out of 87 runners. Not only that, I was 37th out of 1177 finishers. To date, that is my highest finish of the ratio of place to runners. Very happy day. Our Huntsville community celebrated many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes resulting in a whole bunch of wood. Rachel finished 1st in her age group and Christy finished 3rd in the old ladies group (masters), which was weird they did that cause she would have been 1st in her age group. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The picnic was awesome. I love our running community. Was so glad my wife and son came out. Lastly, I got to meet the White Whipers wife, Mrs, Christy Deaton.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sLEMtqRd3kVkVihOx7cRdyD-phVGdskp-BAk3RXrGBgd-6OU7necVeulH-jj6ShtTVilfvjeLBFc44c54pES1WpSCocycRB7OIm4xfBoEU2jBo_rLyAnrwAk_-qdS5SBMjlhbaTq42A/s1600/Females-place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sLEMtqRd3kVkVihOx7cRdyD-phVGdskp-BAk3RXrGBgd-6OU7necVeulH-jj6ShtTVilfvjeLBFc44c54pES1WpSCocycRB7OIm4xfBoEU2jBo_rLyAnrwAk_-qdS5SBMjlhbaTq42A/s1600/Females-place.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLpfFfs9a3IlSISIb3L6F1igcGlxiYOeyh7htHEdAvp_WRl6SowvwRf38vMXQxQ1PICJDDX-eOLVgqgptSDki6EwEpL-Evf3sVeCyXybuCaH_vh77dAG-B9qqeTAYsISdZiLqS4ZoCy0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLpfFfs9a3IlSISIb3L6F1igcGlxiYOeyh7htHEdAvp_WRl6SowvwRf38vMXQxQ1PICJDDX-eOLVgqgptSDki6EwEpL-Evf3sVeCyXybuCaH_vh77dAG-B9qqeTAYsISdZiLqS4ZoCy0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhpQ94P4O5_iyZ-uCFRAoRqmYKBN60CVxpSNC4MUxJOhuvZKVQtrv4705Ynf3CTGw8fY9h9gUKz6JPKjWRfBbDUdPqSNIf1Ayad6tNtRI_d2vhy7keL4humJUn744n8EJxdcIl2T-txU/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhpQ94P4O5_iyZ-uCFRAoRqmYKBN60CVxpSNC4MUxJOhuvZKVQtrv4705Ynf3CTGw8fY9h9gUKz6JPKjWRfBbDUdPqSNIf1Ayad6tNtRI_d2vhy7keL4humJUn744n8EJxdcIl2T-txU/s1600/Slide2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVTzxBKfiLqTlRhX9c-MvET7_nhDwztKnr_nVaKPwALI6BpDrcoL5Gl83nSBn9J6VEbFPpzWx89NWIhp5LJFSkeiebV0P_NSteWzM08hoSQmMRz88FGDXIOz2jFHxHZvZockxo4X-ruk/s1600/WillLaura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVTzxBKfiLqTlRhX9c-MvET7_nhDwztKnr_nVaKPwALI6BpDrcoL5Gl83nSBn9J6VEbFPpzWx89NWIhp5LJFSkeiebV0P_NSteWzM08hoSQmMRz88FGDXIOz2jFHxHZvZockxo4X-ruk/s1600/WillLaura.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gelmis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-72699703151007489852014-03-18T18:58:00.001-07:002014-03-18T19:03:57.206-07:00Savage Gulf 2014-Running with Rick<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zFD-PuWCCm-liT16llWVW-qrzLncrcacSN3sTPlHVBO_Jmpcjw86JVtDf6gQTrR8BWQ4T3ebHr-YIuVu7Bp3Ha75sNKc4eph30QVx3BsXLtvwH0hQuM8Xtm1ASqeRtkDXTqeQBvdyN0/s1600/DaveyCrocket-Nathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zFD-PuWCCm-liT16llWVW-qrzLncrcacSN3sTPlHVBO_Jmpcjw86JVtDf6gQTrR8BWQ4T3ebHr-YIuVu7Bp3Ha75sNKc4eph30QVx3BsXLtvwH0hQuM8Xtm1ASqeRtkDXTqeQBvdyN0/s1600/DaveyCrocket-Nathan.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Knapp-Photo by Holland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Savage Gulf 2014 proved to continue to be the hardest trail marathon that I have ever ran or heard of...at least in the southeast. A large group of Chattahooligans, Nashsuckians and Huntshonkers gathered together the night before for a campout and campfire feast consisting of salmon, bacon wrapped deer nuts, hamburgers, pasta salad, California rolls, avocado's, hummus, corn, veggies and dutch oven cobbler. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the first time in ultrarunning history, two authentic Germans showed up. I introduced Martin Schneekloth to Olaf Talksthesmack (Wasternack), they immediately greeted each other in their native language consisting of a lot of spitting and angry faces. I think they were complementing each others European man-bags or something. Anyway, a wonderful meal followed by a full night of rest to which I equate my sleep as that of a baby coming down the birth canal. First of all Martin was freakin out afraid I was gonna fart in our tent. So I held it all night long just for him. First thing that morning, he rips one. I then commenced the "Shock and Awe" campaign. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFArx-Mg120jp180WYyBSOJHVsznklS69yewYG7oKe6Hy5OAH6Mz7dY6VV3IEdh18QsmqW1xPDKgUcnzgTtIbVslUsrS66LPI1GvUH6w0B14Rk8ZlpL2S_R5ypBh_O04FByXds0QpAsdw/s1600/waterfall-David.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFArx-Mg120jp180WYyBSOJHVsznklS69yewYG7oKe6Hy5OAH6Mz7dY6VV3IEdh18QsmqW1xPDKgUcnzgTtIbVslUsrS66LPI1GvUH6w0B14Rk8ZlpL2S_R5ypBh_O04FByXds0QpAsdw/s1600/waterfall-David.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Waterfall Section-Photo by David Holliday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpiGz4lI5jwTaCquFeyUIewDyQOopawbXJ1zDhvYGZOLBFa-Ku9JrcyKCFowvFanthoSnJe4e01y06CjrXH4HBQadKtR1jSF7Xc06rPq89u-jzwu8yLAIRDdTAEGdLseY6Idwm6hM7aI/s1600/Trey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpiGz4lI5jwTaCquFeyUIewDyQOopawbXJ1zDhvYGZOLBFa-Ku9JrcyKCFowvFanthoSnJe4e01y06CjrXH4HBQadKtR1jSF7Xc06rPq89u-jzwu8yLAIRDdTAEGdLseY6Idwm6hM7aI/s1600/Trey.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Trey Campbell-Photo by Dreama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We hit the starting line where Yogi Bear (coolest park ranger ever) gives us the rules in the manner of a Prison warden telling us what to expect during a brown eye cavity search for shanks. Davy Crocket fires the gun and we are off. The goal was to control my running and treat this nothing more than a training run for Thunder Rock. After a few miles we descend down Stone Door on a rock garden trek to the bottom of the gulf. Across some swinging bridges, dry river beds and single track we set out to prove our toughness. I'm running with the White Whiper (Jeff Deaton), Rick Callaway, Tony Scott, David Holliday and Melinda Honkus until the waterfall. This section of the course is in my opinion what makes this race. You come around a corner and it's like you are in a tropical environment, with a nice waterfall that then takes you under a huge rock shelf.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUegvjPfl327BVb8a7nJ4zyxkbMs4IlOvUVghwgT9xX1OUu1x5hrKWDKxyBewKtHdBgnHuoZH-QnMjGunv8Euvu85NYb5Uc3wBuPKbYC7mO8u6kJ8T9-ZRhI-UQ_JS5zUabqVe2Wrm_Aw/s1600/RockShelf-David.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUegvjPfl327BVb8a7nJ4zyxkbMs4IlOvUVghwgT9xX1OUu1x5hrKWDKxyBewKtHdBgnHuoZH-QnMjGunv8Euvu85NYb5Uc3wBuPKbYC7mO8u6kJ8T9-ZRhI-UQ_JS5zUabqVe2Wrm_Aw/s1600/RockShelf-David.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rock Shelf-Photo by David Holliday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shortly after I find its just Rick Callaway and myself at the second aid station on the opposite ridge trek. This trek reminds me of the ridge running at Stump Jump. Being more runnable allows for more casual conversations. This is the point where this race report changes directions, hence the title, "Running with Rick". Running with Rick was not what I expected it to be. A wide range of subjects ensued, however, there was one that stuck with me the most. I'm not sure if he realized it or not, but I got the impression he could see through my "crap", all the way to the kid who lives in an adult body who fears rejection and needs affirmation. Some things during that run he said to me that have echoed in my heart and mind ever since. Again, I'm not sure he even realizes it. I do know that running with Rick has changed my perception of myself. Ultrarunning brings out the sensitive side of me.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwySW8j0cPvWe8Yl9D-A9DURMpDe7fFMGuVTXSR7ohfAcGCUAaHousbCeDRlhG6HP1l7CX2Ay-YP7sIHmqAUpMdYRowr8g_vH1U8ogEvsYvU80K7Eu3dZa46NiHHN8gWUonMNYrm_FtII/s1600/Rick-Sarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwySW8j0cPvWe8Yl9D-A9DURMpDe7fFMGuVTXSR7ohfAcGCUAaHousbCeDRlhG6HP1l7CX2Ay-YP7sIHmqAUpMdYRowr8g_vH1U8ogEvsYvU80K7Eu3dZa46NiHHN8gWUonMNYrm_FtII/s1600/Rick-Sarah.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick-Photo by Sarah Coleman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Upon leaving the ridge there is a long rocky descent back to the bottom of the gulf. The beauty of this section can only be appreciated first hand. Back across more swinging bridges, we make it to the mile 20 water stop for a last refill before the huge climb. Imagine a single track, rolling, boulder section for 3 miles with a rhoid popping climb at the end. Because I had conserved early I has able to tackle this section like never before. As I left the water station I saw Rick turn back for more water, and he never caught back up with me. I decided to do my best to catch Jeff and Martin. During the big climb I caught Dave Thurman and I could see the life suck out of him and transfer into me as I passed him. I like you Dave, but thats what you did to me at Mountain Mist. The last 3 miles are pretty much flat. However, what seems like am 8 minute pace was actually around a 10:40. Nevertheless I PR'd around 10 minutes and felt great at the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As with every race I gained some new FB friends. I got a friend request from the 1st place overall male and the 3rd place female along with the Vietnamese Queen with a Polish last name. (Who I wrote about in the Yeti Snakebite report). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm glad Olaf didn't break the 4 hour barrier this year. We had a bet that if he did, I would shave my nipples. He even brought a razor.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNotrsQr6UFaI3XsaOkZX2VY45xZDx4pv_8xrkQUDyy-RNpLqGRq3d1hnv6CbYILmNQHwKlhPZHbj7_kX5URjNNwz3wpfTmFmSrEfWmjCDYMKs8zLLhRzCkZQl8DoVQR-XARGTqo8_fKE/s1600/me-James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNotrsQr6UFaI3XsaOkZX2VY45xZDx4pv_8xrkQUDyy-RNpLqGRq3d1hnv6CbYILmNQHwKlhPZHbj7_kX5URjNNwz3wpfTmFmSrEfWmjCDYMKs8zLLhRzCkZQl8DoVQR-XARGTqo8_fKE/s1600/me-James.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by James Suh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgHqGS7mDtU9EbQ3KgXOsv0Fdpeo3kTx5JciaM5oyw0MX6lPr_6Ne9QA1Sn7L-AgrXn9cJ-UFfUcLh4dE7JgRLjd7gxBkFHafwipLLIB4kxb6afwEyZ9r7pjljkqjkeIkdzZ3s5QWqIo/s1600/Overlook-Sarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgHqGS7mDtU9EbQ3KgXOsv0Fdpeo3kTx5JciaM5oyw0MX6lPr_6Ne9QA1Sn7L-AgrXn9cJ-UFfUcLh4dE7JgRLjd7gxBkFHafwipLLIB4kxb6afwEyZ9r7pjljkqjkeIkdzZ3s5QWqIo/s1600/Overlook-Sarah.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Sarah Coleman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKourlhgV_U2BIs29RUYsmeCz3DNy8JhRx4R_u-_XNyprqW6VlqEj6RKqpYFGpMpDlr5IBiO-7CynUGKC7rN2I8m5rQZF_GtTFjF9UyMRfauGojgehgPDtGxWe5Sr4uN8TTJUpCFwBvb4/s1600/StoneDoor-Sarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKourlhgV_U2BIs29RUYsmeCz3DNy8JhRx4R_u-_XNyprqW6VlqEj6RKqpYFGpMpDlr5IBiO-7CynUGKC7rN2I8m5rQZF_GtTFjF9UyMRfauGojgehgPDtGxWe5Sr4uN8TTJUpCFwBvb4/s1600/StoneDoor-Sarah.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Sarah Coleman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-20917610472395424552014-02-23T17:51:00.000-08:002014-02-24T04:48:39.381-08:002014 Mt Cheaha- Crossfit Cletus and the Best 50K Experience Ever<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qq6wwnsEKNS7OBsSdDBy8s3iZqNsEeGP_JAT43_7w2HfY4Jj_itv8l8Sn-WjqiXQkU0IC_rD4sA3p5TfcYtqzaSWTBnT3md1HdC0MAgiyBpIUFq2xTLlNlOVwm7951-VYGppOjYdg5I/s1600/Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qq6wwnsEKNS7OBsSdDBy8s3iZqNsEeGP_JAT43_7w2HfY4Jj_itv8l8Sn-WjqiXQkU0IC_rD4sA3p5TfcYtqzaSWTBnT3md1HdC0MAgiyBpIUFq2xTLlNlOVwm7951-VYGppOjYdg5I/s1600/Start.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a>Ever wondered what it would be like to finish a 50k feeling great? Before this race I have completed 18 50k's not to mention marathons, stage races, 35 miler and 50 miler. All 18 ended the same way. Me sucking that last 6-10 miles. Why? Several reasons. I go out too strong the first 15; My nutrition during the race sux; My hydration sux; or I had Mexican the night before. Not "a" Mexican, but you know their deeeelishush food. The plan was to treat Cheaha as a training run for Thunder Rock 100 miler. Yeah easier said than done. Have you ever toe'd the starting line and not felt like racing? This race was different. I had to determine whether starting conservatively actually made a difference, or is 31 miles the same no matter what.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So a few of us are sitting in Tony's bus warming up before the start. All of a sudden this dude in front of us pulls out a kettle bell and begins <i>Crossfittin</i> right there. It's like he did the whole "Workout on Da Wall (WOD)" or whatever it stands for, right there in front of us. Is this dude seriously crossfittin right here before a 50k? Yep! His lady pulled out a 24" ipad and filmed him as he played with his bell. Well, we will get back to Crossfit Cletus later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8sKtTMG2w5tYoyoSNWYBu1rQFHwCVl4FaVVHh1vjqe9jA0FLsUDCNj1lD-WJVIRba9TlZ1TPBqst1IdCcFXDBcPmYNyTprhsZS_0pR2OHxq3sYqiZIn_DgD4mWLKKUuqXX1yzBamICA/s1600/Nipples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8sKtTMG2w5tYoyoSNWYBu1rQFHwCVl4FaVVHh1vjqe9jA0FLsUDCNj1lD-WJVIRba9TlZ1TPBqst1IdCcFXDBcPmYNyTprhsZS_0pR2OHxq3sYqiZIn_DgD4mWLKKUuqXX1yzBamICA/s1600/Nipples.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sweet Home Alabama</i> signals the race start and immediately we hit the trail head. Within 100 feet we are walking. Benj reminds me that this is just a training run. There were what seemed to be a couple of first time 50k'ers causing a train on the single track. My heart rate was down and breathing good. Fortunately this year there was no fog and you could actually see the wonderful views that I had heard about. The plan from Hot Daniel was for me to take a gel every 35 minutes. I stuck to that as best as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So Benj and I are cruising nicely when we come up on this chic who when I talk, she thinks I'm talking to her...She was you know one of those easy on the eyes chic; long dark hair and a tan that would make an Indian jealous, not the Native kind you know the Subway owning kind...And whats the friggin deal with them only giving you one napkin with your footlong meatball? We begin a wonderful fast down hill and Pochahotchic is hammering down. We got to the bottom and she's grabbing her tights, then begins to tell us how they were falling down. A funny "quarter in a coin-slot" joke came to mind, but I thought it best to be quiet for once.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We come to a dirt road and there is the Crossfitin truck and a tire on the ground. I was gonna throw my E-Gel wrapper in the tire when I saw the sledge hammer next to it. Evidently, Crossifit Cletus was doing the Work Out on Da Wall (WOD) at various points. What? So we leave Pochahotchic and stay steady. Around mile 14 my knees began to hurt. By the time I made it to the 18 mile aid station I was able to get some Ibuprofen. Although beautiful, much of the first 18 miles is on single-track that is on a slant. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqH2V6CWVhbtm_HOUliaA-uD7xyBM6-fREM_4n2ZfZ3SDY0PrpmsmVYxGynFXF5LYsLhodJZtNWSzpyPSzTIgSVNNhSRnFgrvHleJykRMaA4_eHzy3tMIyDNUyQ3KhmvjvYtm5853iPs/s1600/MeBenjWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqH2V6CWVhbtm_HOUliaA-uD7xyBM6-fREM_4n2ZfZ3SDY0PrpmsmVYxGynFXF5LYsLhodJZtNWSzpyPSzTIgSVNNhSRnFgrvHleJykRMaA4_eHzy3tMIyDNUyQ3KhmvjvYtm5853iPs/s1600/MeBenjWater.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a>18 miles and I was truly treating this as a training run. No pressure, not worrying about the time...Just enjoying being in the woods with a great friend. We ate together, we drank together, heck we even pee'd together. We finally make it to the water crossings...WHOOOOOOHOOOO! The temperature had risen and we needed to cool off. Normally I would never just take a break and sit in water like this. However, there was no pressure today. The water was freezing cold. In fact I sat in it so long my butt-crack went numb. I seriously could not feel it. As we leave Tony and Gregg at the water I realize just how much that cold water did for me. I felt invigorated, refreshed and numb in my wipe alley. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3oifYEjVU0GncO0Kiyq7V7M-vN6aMHA4jnpH5Ts7OotqUBVjFRcUr_M2PYVwOT4mYwtWKw6p3GojNa_Bw-VqOBpvzJWmo9hBv2eHs1_TIq6gz8_pyc4fqe7ULj1KleZQSYvyHUSiiqs/s1600/Pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3oifYEjVU0GncO0Kiyq7V7M-vN6aMHA4jnpH5Ts7OotqUBVjFRcUr_M2PYVwOT4mYwtWKw6p3GojNa_Bw-VqOBpvzJWmo9hBv2eHs1_TIq6gz8_pyc4fqe7ULj1KleZQSYvyHUSiiqs/s1600/Pose.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I knew when we got to the gravel road that our finish was close. This time last year I was suffering and walking. Not today, we were smiling, running and passing a bunch of people. Ok, you know that feeling when people start passing you in the last six miles? Dink Taylor said that when that happens, energy transfers from you to them....It is true. Well today Benj and I were being SLAMMED with transfers. It felt great. We reach Blue Hell and start the suckfest....You know what? It went by quickly. What made last year so bad was that even when you reached the top of Blue Hell, you still weren't through climbing. Not today! The game plan worked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Benj would not let me tell him the time during the race. All he let me tell him was that we would make our 7 hr goal. We hit the road up top and I told him where we were time wise. We were gonna blow out our goal. We crossed the finish line around 6:34. I had beaten my previous years races by 20 minutes. How is that possible? I wasn't racing and PR'd. I guess there is something to staying conservative.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwThUnjthDU8XMY_boXM2s2PLGrDNcm01SYK6173WqcMtiX5LSGkPSPadJBZQtxo1B6nX0ujG7dzxIslk5ojsnQU95hw3nm2BXWv7EXo6kkoBKqUMciogYxai3O8QLWHWI3yGZofaGAu0/s1600/Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwThUnjthDU8XMY_boXM2s2PLGrDNcm01SYK6173WqcMtiX5LSGkPSPadJBZQtxo1B6nX0ujG7dzxIslk5ojsnQU95hw3nm2BXWv7EXo6kkoBKqUMciogYxai3O8QLWHWI3yGZofaGAu0/s1600/Finish.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the first time in my 50k career I came across the finish line jumping in the air. I felt great. Even better was sharing the experience with such a great guy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As we are leaving Martin is trying to get my attention...I look over and Cletus Crossfit is lifting 985lbs on a barbell while Jill and the 24" iPad records him. So, the point was? Maybe my Crossfit friends can help me understand what this guy was doing. I hope he doesn't read this. Pretty sure he could kick my butt, or stick that kettle bell up my brown eye.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was great seeing my Huntsville, Birmingham, Georgia and Chattanooga friends. There is nothing like getting to know all these freaks who do this crazy stuff. My name is Cary Long...and I am an UltraRunner.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsHtVW0ctaONqAj78YqPW_EBaZTVQ7NR7pOw_AuesQ3WwK1Mb3VKAan6NezkQZSrv977mchaTutUbF-MJoF0kq24JB0ECKAhtjrYbf8jCw6JNbi14N-AJPowdtrs2hSaEZ4C5wjEl9gU/s1600/MeBenjKatie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsHtVW0ctaONqAj78YqPW_EBaZTVQ7NR7pOw_AuesQ3WwK1Mb3VKAan6NezkQZSrv977mchaTutUbF-MJoF0kq24JB0ECKAhtjrYbf8jCw6JNbi14N-AJPowdtrs2hSaEZ4C5wjEl9gU/s1600/MeBenjKatie.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8NAJsfHTiebUJjsFMbOd2mQyz_jun_PV-bZYEiIUSY5kLIheu1K6DDqMphpBdCHJQ5yHJi8MgMHbZZftNx2o7uTc7Ac7OnulQrr00xkYaJxwh5JyO9CHVnsHJnWKobCxm8vW_DKDts8/s1600/Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8NAJsfHTiebUJjsFMbOd2mQyz_jun_PV-bZYEiIUSY5kLIheu1K6DDqMphpBdCHJQ5yHJi8MgMHbZZftNx2o7uTc7Ac7OnulQrr00xkYaJxwh5JyO9CHVnsHJnWKobCxm8vW_DKDts8/s1600/Martin.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YkKuEzIKVxGjRYVxuTYEAxjaSBx9eOOW8239XiZXceChe6AUm_jeNDhgVz1o4vJRsRGr_5tWdpJBxOqQg9vv3aU5QzlHMMcsrknWb-iy_vBiTIulqYhmSNSng-UeKIbpRLZEOfjqkwE/s1600/MePossertGirlfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YkKuEzIKVxGjRYVxuTYEAxjaSBx9eOOW8239XiZXceChe6AUm_jeNDhgVz1o4vJRsRGr_5tWdpJBxOqQg9vv3aU5QzlHMMcsrknWb-iy_vBiTIulqYhmSNSng-UeKIbpRLZEOfjqkwE/s1600/MePossertGirlfriend.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Nm0quCTHxeA646b4i0gQP581U33dFZl_LEL-aBEf5ZYnO5CcPc6XzdYcMkPDb_M3hEdlz5NNBGcE9DZlJHGFtyEHldSpzXmZjrUEo-7h2nepIHnJxF8yetF1zI_bePn-rK4m9-dhwE4/s1600/MeEric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Nm0quCTHxeA646b4i0gQP581U33dFZl_LEL-aBEf5ZYnO5CcPc6XzdYcMkPDb_M3hEdlz5NNBGcE9DZlJHGFtyEHldSpzXmZjrUEo-7h2nepIHnJxF8yetF1zI_bePn-rK4m9-dhwE4/s1600/MeEric.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FXzVXAGivTvt5gIbcSX6nMyIOMx1QOSohZ-WGf9htCq-k3Hi7I7LzKb-iXnZa9s5vBuYqw1i5-778HIP_aIdtMSCmSzQCO6rqY_h5kQ9UmElXi2xmmmlpxFUL107NR-0ykc2F94N3a4/s1600/MeJanice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FXzVXAGivTvt5gIbcSX6nMyIOMx1QOSohZ-WGf9htCq-k3Hi7I7LzKb-iXnZa9s5vBuYqw1i5-778HIP_aIdtMSCmSzQCO6rqY_h5kQ9UmElXi2xmmmlpxFUL107NR-0ykc2F94N3a4/s1600/MeJanice.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTkBfJvw3CQ3As6l1V2fRm2MXZsSazCPal0rDvyvyX-2pIkyMqPEi3K3giGKeEuxfLB6fVeK6vMngKPP_Jwt3G8Sme2s0mufs9pYoeMUa1nOT4Sor5GZcYhqaqTdD65zOitYMnLZMk6Q/s1600/Drew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTkBfJvw3CQ3As6l1V2fRm2MXZsSazCPal0rDvyvyX-2pIkyMqPEi3K3giGKeEuxfLB6fVeK6vMngKPP_Jwt3G8Sme2s0mufs9pYoeMUa1nOT4Sor5GZcYhqaqTdD65zOitYMnLZMk6Q/s1600/Drew.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ0TVXtTrN_qn68qtolMO5vOcp7GAHzWkIqMTXekIOADO8zA9BQ7EQAq58H5nBB9O7uQrUzGZVk4M0tfJNTjnw-BjokX6ahluJ_Ey-IPnDWYbuh4Nq5_Ou6rOJKdCmkqDwMd98dsxxJo/s1600/ErinTony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ0TVXtTrN_qn68qtolMO5vOcp7GAHzWkIqMTXekIOADO8zA9BQ7EQAq58H5nBB9O7uQrUzGZVk4M0tfJNTjnw-BjokX6ahluJ_Ey-IPnDWYbuh4Nq5_Ou6rOJKdCmkqDwMd98dsxxJo/s1600/ErinTony.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXt3nbkR__spYmpLhm53y0kayg9oafV3_VVfly8U9OFf2XmBT4n63WDZSYd_ActQXpEKO_m6QmUmzI6WjWPmQ-TsEZsH5euH_da-Z_BqKQs3NRzggypaWjhPvTzceye15VL8UPtIUVkw/s1600/ChristyWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXt3nbkR__spYmpLhm53y0kayg9oafV3_VVfly8U9OFf2XmBT4n63WDZSYd_ActQXpEKO_m6QmUmzI6WjWPmQ-TsEZsH5euH_da-Z_BqKQs3NRzggypaWjhPvTzceye15VL8UPtIUVkw/s1600/ChristyWater.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hfNzhoLTxZoApvH6otXjRN-ODkQPy8VALPb1d4QtBfsPf0zIfq5vyTgfpdrgk7kZbRbvElkqeZZSy0iCfOjU9Bjh1fwS205NL32FKSRaEujxO6_HSjN_SUVUTL9Oc37xC3UJHjdHis4/s1600/DreamaHubby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hfNzhoLTxZoApvH6otXjRN-ODkQPy8VALPb1d4QtBfsPf0zIfq5vyTgfpdrgk7kZbRbvElkqeZZSy0iCfOjU9Bjh1fwS205NL32FKSRaEujxO6_HSjN_SUVUTL9Oc37xC3UJHjdHis4/s1600/DreamaHubby.jpg" /></a></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-3634358149807803342014-01-26T18:33:00.000-08:002014-01-27T10:58:53.457-08:00Mountain Mist 2014- The Amish Superwoman<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZh53swCYq4c5qu4SVgOmvQ3WKiirEvmHljMgf_CEG3hutYXPIwA1DYxx4xZdPmXSKf51wLnZhIwXuMmN5aaV9VIdmAphMRcSZHeEZdRU7k6qAqAwKu2OHlE6sk2ROnEa3R5zgqKSy60/s1600/mtn+mist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZh53swCYq4c5qu4SVgOmvQ3WKiirEvmHljMgf_CEG3hutYXPIwA1DYxx4xZdPmXSKf51wLnZhIwXuMmN5aaV9VIdmAphMRcSZHeEZdRU7k6qAqAwKu2OHlE6sk2ROnEa3R5zgqKSy60/s1600/mtn+mist.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a>Mtn Mist 2014 was my year. I made radical improvements in my diet over the past 4 weeks; lost 5 lbs; good weekly miles; didn't eat hot-wings the night before. My goal was 5:30. And why not? I ran Dizzy Fifties in 5:22 and the previous year my times were only 10 minutes apart.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, lets get something straight right of the bat. Some of ya'll think I pick on Christy and call her out a lot. Well......yeah it's true. But let me explain why. Christy is the baseline to which I strive for, except without having boobs. So yeah, my goal is to beat her (non-domestically) every race I can. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The race starts and it's Dana, Christy and myself on the opening drive. The trails are frozen so what was once mud grooves was now ankle snappers. I'm sporting runderwear, pro-combat compression shorts and run shorts with a panty-liner. Mr. Poppers went numb once so I wasn't taking any chances.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdQFcPUEZ10F58QoLf3hAtDr8Cvw9JRGC8kilDTdD2c0kS_rUyJLHakSBdGx848KhuURPjGteBGsmzHzWSdiuI9uZlppYsWl57qVMK-K0SEXBPIelpVbz7mrT5fvqLD6dnF50PPqTUqI/s1600/Me2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdQFcPUEZ10F58QoLf3hAtDr8Cvw9JRGC8kilDTdD2c0kS_rUyJLHakSBdGx848KhuURPjGteBGsmzHzWSdiuI9uZlppYsWl57qVMK-K0SEXBPIelpVbz7mrT5fvqLD6dnF50PPqTUqI/s1600/Me2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Going down Mtn Mist I feel giddy and decide to push it and leave the lovely ladies. I finally catch Rick Maehlmann's balmy white legs and try to stay with him as long a possible. I felt so good that I was running the inclines, in essence just going for it. Down Warpath, through power-line and quick stepping/hiking K2. Goat trail was no problem. On the inclines I bent my legs a little and kept running. Coming to 3 benches I see Keith and Chia Chi who holler and cheer so loud for me that it was almost embarrassing. I mean they were screaming and Keith was rubbing his mipples...I just ignored them and kept pressing on. While thinking about their excessive display of love toward me I catch a toe and BOOOM! Knee on the rocks, water bottle top flew off and all my water on the ground. That fall had an impact on me. I knew with it being in the 20's I would be ok without water until mile 17.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpCJtMacXJOUu-gMVoAXaEEWuIXcXUQvTYJVyUbifKte9nGOwu3QDPaQGiVZeB3xPyhvtbo7bTl2hqCV4Sa_azC-hqvtpent3qdIzaaBHAtwhL57ueJVk_VRQ1Kct2zBdosW7FBktis0/s1600/pittsoverton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpCJtMacXJOUu-gMVoAXaEEWuIXcXUQvTYJVyUbifKte9nGOwu3QDPaQGiVZeB3xPyhvtbo7bTl2hqCV4Sa_azC-hqvtpent3qdIzaaBHAtwhL57ueJVk_VRQ1Kct2zBdosW7FBktis0/s1600/pittsoverton.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Around to Logan and through stone cuts where Gregg and Karen were tongue kissing and taking pictures of it. I asked if I could join (what happens in the stone cuts, stays in the stone cuts). Coming down Sinks there is this lady from Pennsylvania running with me. She didn't look like she was from Pennsylvania, cause she didn't have the beard and bowl cut. Guess she's a contemporary. Anyway, while running I can hear her coming around to pass me when all of a sudden I heard that sound....you know that sound, that sound that makes demon's tremble...thats right, the sound of a toe catching a root. BOOOOM! I look back and her whole body was extended sliding like superwoman. She hit so hard her mammry's poked out her back. I did what any man would do...asked her if she was alright while I kept running.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Made it to 17 fine wondering if I had enough in me for the back 14. I hit High Trail and find Jason Shattuck, to which I am being very quite until I can pass his big-lipped redneck butt. All of a sudden I smell something and hear this manly voice saying, "You better get outta my way!" I look back and its friggin Christy. Believe it our not, I was happy. I knew I was slowing down, and I new she was gonna PR. She left me and Jason like it was nothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5Kylqd1ufH557jdHcqhIJfL6NGT26tHwMKNMT1zlxb8MXD2MhcwQaILPxwUUTd6Q5KxTua5qf2VjUv-iIsUcc3xcLszdbK9OxDlRaGH9wNn20rD0NXvm5YjTDqkLkvNv9SX87RCuRcY/s1600/COL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5Kylqd1ufH557jdHcqhIJfL6NGT26tHwMKNMT1zlxb8MXD2MhcwQaILPxwUUTd6Q5KxTua5qf2VjUv-iIsUcc3xcLszdbK9OxDlRaGH9wNn20rD0NXvm5YjTDqkLkvNv9SX87RCuRcY/s1600/COL4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bluffline and Railroad bed are the parts I normally fly on. Not today, my gas was running out (not that gas even though I did crop dust some people). I made it to Railroad bed and was greeted by the Collin's, and the Giles'. I was breaking, and then I found out that Robyn had bought me a Mtn Dew and had it waiting like she did last year. WOW! I love those Yankees. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While at the Railroad Bed aid station this dude in a German accent (not Martin), yelled at one of the ladies to open his candy bar faster. I think he was joking but I bough got pissed off. This dude was wearing moulott's or his grandmas stretched out panty hose. As we started running he stumped his toe and hollered some obscenities. To be honest...I laughed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I make it to Waterline and have not looked at the time once. I do my best to run as much of Waterline as possible. The ice waterfall was gorgeous, and the climb past it sucked. I get to the mile 24 aid station and am greeted by my buddy Megan who gets me the Coke that super-awesome Anna Edmiston got for me. This is where it happened. Daniel Carter asks me if I still plan to do 5:30, to which I reply yes. Now remember, I had no clue the time. He said, "well you have 50 minutes to get there".....EMOTIONAL CRASH! I knew that I could not do the 6 miles and two climbs in 50 minutes. Could I have made 5:49 like I did last year? Probably, however I was so focused on the 5:30 that I pretty much gave up. The last 6 miles was devastating. People were passing me over and over. I was "that guy" that has to step aside and let the little old grannies in ATS's pass by (all-terrain-scooters).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGhmrRiCq9lszcXIKz9F_ztJ7f8_wD2Oxt62I2aKir72ScIA_GSkgg9TOxpbmMlDnkZ0vt-KbyyETNRrwlFdb27XC_0fJiFXQ1QhmD3rp442mOGRaW5gPLs_VMeQDksQFcJJ3qQqYqKg/s1600/COL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGhmrRiCq9lszcXIKz9F_ztJ7f8_wD2Oxt62I2aKir72ScIA_GSkgg9TOxpbmMlDnkZ0vt-KbyyETNRrwlFdb27XC_0fJiFXQ1QhmD3rp442mOGRaW5gPLs_VMeQDksQFcJJ3qQqYqKg/s1600/COL3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I looked at Death Trail thought about the option to quit there. How sick is that? Within 3 miles of the finish and have a thought to bail out. I pressed on as smiling people like Kris Strope, Dave, and Kyle pass me. I make it to the top of rest shelter and am greeted by a great group of folk like Drew Williams and Josh Kennedy...except I was a whiny buttwipe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With a mile to go I hear coming from behind saying..."Oh, this is gonna hurt." It was Jason Shattuck as he passed me. Made it to the finish with a good time, however, I felt defeated and disappointed. I didn't even make my time from 2 yrs ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People have said repeatedly, "Well you finished...at least you didn't give up..." Truth is, I did give up. I gave up 6 miles earlier.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't ever give up. I learned some valuable 100 miler lessons that day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8S3_v-2jmVo1qejFQZKqluGqyZhq5QUF_rx2k3nhaLIHcK5ljEpmhLG9tPkef1tDjY-fF3u6CYESvlohyphenhyphenrEaItZ8Zwc9BrA7VXc2gBKScGRO_OfiyAMsOcZkB0wZMO1qSWx1SYuVPaQ/s1600/Socrates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8S3_v-2jmVo1qejFQZKqluGqyZhq5QUF_rx2k3nhaLIHcK5ljEpmhLG9tPkef1tDjY-fF3u6CYESvlohyphenhyphenrEaItZ8Zwc9BrA7VXc2gBKScGRO_OfiyAMsOcZkB0wZMO1qSWx1SYuVPaQ/s1600/Socrates.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This race report is dedicated to the Giles family. While working the aid station and serving me Mtn Dew, their beloved dog Socrates passed from a bout with Cancer. I truly appreciate all they do in the running community.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love my running community!<br />
<br />
UPDATE: I love Keith and Chia Chi...I'm honored they even remember my name.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTw9IkOVct-DIn6Uc_3ZryXWVd-rolvCZT3CSQb9t5a05VBzae-TbvyI8h2WT1DB7ZzbZcT3P55ejQR1EEFekQM4IN3pYyQfyvtBFYYsagvzqjDKU10Q2KULfp4fpWEQhHCyX66I2qTs/s1600/COL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTw9IkOVct-DIn6Uc_3ZryXWVd-rolvCZT3CSQb9t5a05VBzae-TbvyI8h2WT1DB7ZzbZcT3P55ejQR1EEFekQM4IN3pYyQfyvtBFYYsagvzqjDKU10Q2KULfp4fpWEQhHCyX66I2qTs/s1600/COL1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj934KKX9G8B-0CupydrMGMwFB17F-QOrJ1SUwur5KD5lwzvbc4dONQuESwdx50GOpdj2PhT9V7tyXHRNWlcwBDxyQnWJn6csgPDt_sUg3fkDemWw_0uoGeuYUrKoFtwSieEsNfZsjrA8Y/s1600/COL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj934KKX9G8B-0CupydrMGMwFB17F-QOrJ1SUwur5KD5lwzvbc4dONQuESwdx50GOpdj2PhT9V7tyXHRNWlcwBDxyQnWJn6csgPDt_sUg3fkDemWw_0uoGeuYUrKoFtwSieEsNfZsjrA8Y/s1600/COL2.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8jx8O6DpdAYPQyZSiuKjqMyXgtk-sMorVFipimVVNMLf0xKQOgmtbcXctrrQ-rHgqwlLmGM3ekWoHnB7FVnCsov-8x34V0otmmLDyUX0TapcN0F99rwQtSZoAdMPGrRfizlkhkn83U8/s1600/COL5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8jx8O6DpdAYPQyZSiuKjqMyXgtk-sMorVFipimVVNMLf0xKQOgmtbcXctrrQ-rHgqwlLmGM3ekWoHnB7FVnCsov-8x34V0otmmLDyUX0TapcN0F99rwQtSZoAdMPGrRfizlkhkn83U8/s1600/COL5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-89210529514663132422013-11-13T16:12:00.000-08:002013-11-13T19:07:48.101-08:00Upchuck 2013-Immodium and the White Wiper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3uyWuRGySSC_ms1yx2fGZNrPn6y5fWXbEcjBLSYUfGkTD3VPYdFUzEg4-qh2aE_qYxVtSP_uCH5Yn9Ty5j0c3TyD1hTQMfquBVfvLMKCJoCQej8L0myuVvbJFswf7NyqTthwYcB3hBo/s1600/Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3uyWuRGySSC_ms1yx2fGZNrPn6y5fWXbEcjBLSYUfGkTD3VPYdFUzEg4-qh2aE_qYxVtSP_uCH5Yn9Ty5j0c3TyD1hTQMfquBVfvLMKCJoCQej8L0myuVvbJFswf7NyqTthwYcB3hBo/s400/Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you see the map to the left? It does ZERO justice to what we actually went through on Saturday, November 9, 2013. I had feared signing up for the Upchuck 50K for three years. This year I felt I had the training and preparation to attempt this race. On the Rock Creek website it explicitly states that this SHOULD NOT be your first 50K attempt, and that it will probably be your slowest 50K. Well what the freak do they know. I am from Alabama. I once took 1st in my age group at a Turkey Day race with at least 3 in my age group. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY1vV76ErrmDVdHST_d15mGj6mYpFQdSUkmwlhQ7R3QEFGOmqh0cpPI-r37TOzGMs8gUo4IS13m4veO5xLNe2TcCGqRpLAU3fho1_IHTlsQM-DU0m55r6qyipo79QM8hmLplO4nzWgZM/s1600/Bus+ReubenWatkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY1vV76ErrmDVdHST_d15mGj6mYpFQdSUkmwlhQ7R3QEFGOmqh0cpPI-r37TOzGMs8gUo4IS13m4veO5xLNe2TcCGqRpLAU3fho1_IHTlsQM-DU0m55r6qyipo79QM8hmLplO4nzWgZM/s320/Bus+ReubenWatkins.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Reuben Watkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Myself and four of my hairy brothers (Rob Youngren, Benj Lance, Jeff Deaton, and James Suh) commuted to Hixson, TN and speculated what the race would be like over Lupi's Pizza. We get to the finish line awaiting the ride to the start. It was so cold my nipples started to crystalize. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk3IO7Q9qywRC6n5jEQtiqYbqNmihXKNoUyFetyzGY1JZsz_nu0s6KMi8G8F9z9Y6Hb4e-tguKbu7wS7jyzX8Qpoes0RG7l3b3NNTwNd1zN2bnU-DPWhhxwIwTOPZ8Pa1uN5M0rQ8n6Q/s1600/Prison+ReubenWatkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk3IO7Q9qywRC6n5jEQtiqYbqNmihXKNoUyFetyzGY1JZsz_nu0s6KMi8G8F9z9Y6Hb4e-tguKbu7wS7jyzX8Qpoes0RG7l3b3NNTwNd1zN2bnU-DPWhhxwIwTOPZ8Pa1uN5M0rQ8n6Q/s320/Prison+ReubenWatkins.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Reuben Watkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We finally boarded the prison bus and was greeted by the OU's (Original Upchucker's), which one was sporting a prison jumpsuit, afro and bubba teeth. By the look of the jumpsuit sucking in his crack, makes you wonder if he dropped the soap one to many times before breaking out. Anyway, I was getting real nervous because I had no brownie bites going down the dookie-chute. So some dude gave me what I can only hope was an Imodium. He said I was taking half a dose and should be able to resume normal squat posturing the next day. Well, you should never listen to the medical advice of an ultra-runner you don't know...just saying. I didn't poop for three days, and when I did...WHOA, I literally mangled the industrial toilet at work, and there was someone waiting to go in when I left. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So we get the the starting area and I am greeted by my bro Hot Daniel, (aka Daniel Lucas) and he had a friend standing with him who we will call Hot Kat. So we all line up for a group picture before the start.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb-kzYkgxl2pq2He3IU1NxijRfqBvzfthCIiCRdAeFCzsBPvleJqtedHBhDX5Ht_Bo5E_NCbEEPV_9RU8oQXKzHcYD5e_YbRizM8pMzoUmU67Mh5drYB3voMBDnTjaf8mm6y5Y5r1db0/s1600/1451313_595913507112635_1222576325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb-kzYkgxl2pq2He3IU1NxijRfqBvzfthCIiCRdAeFCzsBPvleJqtedHBhDX5Ht_Bo5E_NCbEEPV_9RU8oQXKzHcYD5e_YbRizM8pMzoUmU67Mh5drYB3voMBDnTjaf8mm6y5Y5r1db0/s400/1451313_595913507112635_1222576325_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On your mark, get set, GO! We are off. Within the first 100 feet the lead runners were off course, and were coming back as we approached. The views were amazing, well, what you could actually see, because you feared for your teeth if you dared to look away. I am feeling great and have settled into a great rhythm. Pretty much the first 6 miles are uphill. However, it does not seem that hard. At some point, (I don't remember where) the trail becomes this beautiful pine straw laden Heaven.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Around mile 7 we hit the first aid station and I drink a little coke and continue pursuing the win.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shortly after leaving the aid station something off to the side of the woods catches my eye. It's the White Wiper and he was assuming the airline crash position. Come to find out this covert crapper was Mr. Jeff Deaton himself (sorry to call you out like this dude...). We begin the remaining journey together. Beautiful trails, bridges and gorges. Jeff remembered that around mile 13 there was a climb on the chart akin to a space needle. We hiked steadfastly feeling great. Eventually, we come to the mile 18 aid station and are greeted by the Tennessee Sasquatch himself, Mr. Michael Scott. I cannot say enough great things about this guy. He laughs at me when I cry and gives great gifts. I love you man! I choke down some amazing choco-chip pumpkin squares, while the entire aid-station ladies incessantly flirted with me. Me, Jeff, and some blonde short-haired chic leave the aid station and run the interstate before entering a trail that runs along the road. This is where things started going downhill for me. I was feeling great until then. In fact, I was a little cocky thinking how well I was doing. Eventually the run to the gorge and back up to the top started again. The hills were like a cold sore on a hooker, they just kept coming back. We bottom out to a gorge where there is a "Future" bridge and another that looked like Atz Lee from "Alaska the Last Frontier" built with his "not as pretty as Eiven's wife" wife, which consisted of a couple of trees spanning the divide held together with some rubber bands. When you cross to the other side, trying to find the trail is like a fat man trying to find that one TP square that broke off in his crack...you gotta get your hands dirty climbing around. Finally found the trail. Jeff and the blonde chick left me at the road earlier and I was by myself for 99% of the remaining time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The hills were not the issue for me. It seemed like the last 8 or so miles consisted of a single track covered in leaves. Well that doesn't sound too bad right? Add in a continuous rock garden with shifting flat rocks. Then add in the type of trail that you cannot get any rhythm on. Meaning you run 2 steps, walk up and repeat over and over. There were so many leaves that often times I would slip and barely catch myself. At one point I slipped and landed on the side of my face. I was happy to lay there for a moment and wonder "why do I do this?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAuGDqsKfTbMBpzOv1CGCpNQ4qWig7tXfXcPYzHC6_Qjfza6lQ9WBpfT-1gZdRoymbJN5L-TMegtHfLJtWMkYylz_speeh1aIiyCbjAjXrrah0JxiSV7zRdSODc58zzDF6yvJL1XaE1E/s1600/Cary+Finish+ReubenWatkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAuGDqsKfTbMBpzOv1CGCpNQ4qWig7tXfXcPYzHC6_Qjfza6lQ9WBpfT-1gZdRoymbJN5L-TMegtHfLJtWMkYylz_speeh1aIiyCbjAjXrrah0JxiSV7zRdSODc58zzDF6yvJL1XaE1E/s640/Cary+Finish+ReubenWatkins.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Reuben Watkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually Dreamy Dreama catches me and gives me the good news that we have one more climb and that I could look off to the right and see the lake where we would end up. Dreama, I freakin did not want to see that stupid lake. Why? Because, the trail taking us there was going in the opposite direction. I was done! Jeff, was ahead of me, I had fallen, my feet were killing me...then there was the road...I ran around an 8:30 pace downhill, and that was as fast as I could go.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Touched the garbage can and I was done. This was the cool part, my bro Daniel and Joe St. Lawrence hung around long enough to see me come through to the finish. Michael Scott seemed to be enjoying the pain I was in. I was told to write my name and time down by myself. How cruel is that? I sat there for a second and tried to remember how to spell my name.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My impression of Upchuck. EPIC! Every 50ker should do this race. I equate much of the trail system to what I experienced at Savage Gulf.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
BTW! Anyone reading this remember the Great "Shoe Debate of 2013" post?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FTgapNAwO2qiESVhDaQ39EvjimcMWQSGhZ_Kl3YITEfbGc0Owajx-rXQLqkg0pHjWkOmqTyZ565-qH-tgJrhbJG0IwWTLfQ0MMWeeGnCF4cruAE0LfVpOAH-2rBfFFIo6dbsj0NUmY0/s1600/Benj+Finish+ReubenWatkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FTgapNAwO2qiESVhDaQ39EvjimcMWQSGhZ_Kl3YITEfbGc0Owajx-rXQLqkg0pHjWkOmqTyZ565-qH-tgJrhbJG0IwWTLfQ0MMWeeGnCF4cruAE0LfVpOAH-2rBfFFIo6dbsj0NUmY0/s640/Benj+Finish+ReubenWatkins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Reuben Watkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6iUutnqlxnTi4X-QxWG-_Kkcx0MR0yUMv-ddizn5vWL5l4vQbYKfMfFTcWxmR7a7NPsO9JblUfUGGu45zCTNvXsAAAIz5kWu0tqKJ-lq1-8B9VYtrD1rdSBhLVB1moeKGHpeWXWtzD0/s1600/Jeff+finish+ReubenWatkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6iUutnqlxnTi4X-QxWG-_Kkcx0MR0yUMv-ddizn5vWL5l4vQbYKfMfFTcWxmR7a7NPsO9JblUfUGGu45zCTNvXsAAAIz5kWu0tqKJ-lq1-8B9VYtrD1rdSBhLVB1moeKGHpeWXWtzD0/s640/Jeff+finish+ReubenWatkins.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Reuben Watkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eScLFBkNm8Q2kBTpBNzgpIoaxi_WaymweMvdXzaVTQvC7SLOC5PFlQ8G5r5Jfytlc7uFfH_AF8FOseI9klCzkD1DSJyn1iq2c-xX5Qoqyu-cfnibFMMLPBAnlekOMUosbg4RunvKGJw/s1600/602130_595913823779270_1167269501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eScLFBkNm8Q2kBTpBNzgpIoaxi_WaymweMvdXzaVTQvC7SLOC5PFlQ8G5r5Jfytlc7uFfH_AF8FOseI9klCzkD1DSJyn1iq2c-xX5Qoqyu-cfnibFMMLPBAnlekOMUosbg4RunvKGJw/s640/602130_595913823779270_1167269501_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by I think Michael Scott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-76768988078303204882013-09-02T13:50:00.002-07:002013-09-06T07:09:43.272-07:002013 Yeti Snakebite 50/50-Raw Meat Curtains<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtxWxajsm_EI6O3t_5qvqZ0OZEcYziwNzv4i9Kux5c6JvwFgORjk5J8IcyjWSZo9BRRZbwh5wFBT1mtkrItCcdhcWjJw0bisJGQf_Bixbo-BMsdZJSNBrmHoZO4wfTnqa4Sj2eEXlclE/s1600/yeti-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtxWxajsm_EI6O3t_5qvqZ0OZEcYziwNzv4i9Kux5c6JvwFgORjk5J8IcyjWSZo9BRRZbwh5wFBT1mtkrItCcdhcWjJw0bisJGQf_Bixbo-BMsdZJSNBrmHoZO4wfTnqa4Sj2eEXlclE/s320/yeti-art.jpg" width="320" /></a>Imagine this....you pull into Sweetwater Creek State Park in the dark. People scurrying around with headlamps and others standing inside their car door with the interior light reflecting off their bodies when all of a sudden.....THERE IS A TOPLESS CHIC WITH THE INTERIOR LIGHT REFLECTING OFF HER BODY! I did a double take then realized it was just a dude with abnormally full and perky fun bags. We get to the pavilion and I go straight to the bathroom in hopes of feeding the white throne. I was partially successful. Chit chat with Pete and his hot wife Lisa, Benj, Jerry,Jeff, Shar, David, James, a couple of Asian ladies, some old guy and then Michael Scott. Day is breaking as we line up to start the race. 70 degrees at 7 am. We're off. We begin a 3.77 mile loop around the park and back to the start area. Next, what I thought was actually 2 different bridge crossings was one bridge and a big loop back to it, followed by trek through and out of the park alongside Sweetwater Creek. Of course somewhere in the first 7 miles the coffee I decided to drink earlier that morning decided to work causing me to pull off trail and pray no vipers were in the area of my squatfest. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO_OXr5gDTyslTusRSDb-ugkUyCLDmdXzFIm-uQqbDuJd4aiNA-ZcFvoTV__FkskiWrF0ATFsXll1MG01_gdAwoh6buuDQ_RO_jLDk22Ox3FeUDOKPXTkDfAACccXLVNzXpcDeoaqkWA/s1600/map.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO_OXr5gDTyslTusRSDb-ugkUyCLDmdXzFIm-uQqbDuJd4aiNA-ZcFvoTV__FkskiWrF0ATFsXll1MG01_gdAwoh6buuDQ_RO_jLDk22Ox3FeUDOKPXTkDfAACccXLVNzXpcDeoaqkWA/s400/map.png" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my Suunto Ambiet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The trek alongside Sweetwater creek was a beautiful single track trail with amazing scenery all around. I could tell the heat was rising, however the trees provided a welcomed covering. I was feeling great. I kept my pace under control. So there was this Vietnamese chic that I met at the Music City Ultra. This lady is tough! She beat me there and we ended up running together for a period of time at Snakebite. We chewed the cud about this and that then she said..."You remind me of my brother and look just like him." To which I replied, "Your brothers white?"...."no, just same face." I was feeling great, especially when I caught my friend Jeff Deaton before the 1st neighborhood entry. When running in a lot of canopy cover you expect your GPS watch to be short. So we are in the neighborhood thinking that the turnaround had to be close. Nope. By this time the heat was sucking the life out of us not to mention being out in the open. Around mile 16 we enter the woods again confused as to why we had not reached the turnaround point. 2 miles later we come out of the woods into the open for a 1/4 slugfest to the turnaround point. I felt like what I let around mile 7. Up to this point I had avoided any solid food only relying on gels for easy calories. At the aid station I at a couple of orange slices, potato and downed some coke. WOOOHOOOO! I began to feel much better. At the turnaround point my watch recorded 91 degrees. It looked like the walking dead of people coming to the aid station. Now for the 15 mile suckfest back to the finish...Yep, 18 miles out and 15 miles back adds up to 31 in Mississippi, but in Alabama its 33. I was ok though. Whats 2 more miles right? Entering the woods be head back on the homemade trail with 6 inch high spikes where the DR Trimmer didn't get close enough to the ground. The cutout is about a foot wide, grass is 5' high, and you are meeting oncoming runners. You can see the dismay in each face as they realize they are way past where they thought the turnaround was. Each person that past I told them they were almost there. I find the coke begins to wear off pretty quick. I make it back to the neighborhood and am resolve to a walk. At this point it is 93 degrees and I am out in the open. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEm6cVaeOqw1bdcC3Jtl3wTM6_Zw-TBC9oi_cA7W9WnkJUuk8guCsdc5ZVShKmWtTS0ncaCsrZgM7B2ovYlTYjwQxZR3hmTodxtnWmNwZ-DIiVYsPftuHjDL8kA761_uerNfeGmxqUfo/s1600/temp+and+climb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEm6cVaeOqw1bdcC3Jtl3wTM6_Zw-TBC9oi_cA7W9WnkJUuk8guCsdc5ZVShKmWtTS0ncaCsrZgM7B2ovYlTYjwQxZR3hmTodxtnWmNwZ-DIiVYsPftuHjDL8kA761_uerNfeGmxqUfo/s640/temp+and+climb.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Altitude and Temperature from my Suunto Ambiet </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I get deep into the woods and every creek I am sitting in and pouring water on my head. I continue to see runners who haven't made it to the 1st neighborhood section and don't have the heart to tell them how far away they are. At one of the unmanned aid stations 2 ladies asked me how much farther to the turnaround. At this point I was 10 miles ahead of them and just knew that in the heat there was no way they would be able to finish the race. If your walking at mile 12 and I'm at mile 23 suffering??? Usually at this point in every race I am questioning why I do this and thinking that there is no way I can do Thunder Rock 100 miler. I finally make it to the last full aid station to cheers and cowbells...such a beautiful sound. I ask them how much farther...and she says the worst thing she could say to me..."6 more miles." I was floored! I drank 2 popsicles, violated some coke and took off. Made it to the bridge and saw a girl running the other way and heard them say "...about a mile or so to the finish"....WOOOOOHOOOOOO! Then they told me to turn on the bridge. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_y6mGdPAmxjdBL3qj5nbON7oE5EUUwnKyVM19Z93Y_VJbWp5ZRNwgeQe0iY9c1ohUlYuYwafnM-F_z8qDFvT29GpTOsvOFJ4R0p6Ab-Det-6DpfIVSLCOeoFDehG948Ph4lYY8XR0eCI/s1600/Sweetwater-Conteches.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_y6mGdPAmxjdBL3qj5nbON7oE5EUUwnKyVM19Z93Y_VJbWp5ZRNwgeQe0iY9c1ohUlYuYwafnM-F_z8qDFvT29GpTOsvOFJ4R0p6Ab-Det-6DpfIVSLCOeoFDehG948Ph4lYY8XR0eCI/s400/Sweetwater-Conteches.com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Conteches.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was confused. I still had a 3 mile loop before my 1.5 mile to the finish. Initially we ran this section the opposite way. Now we had the steep climb in front of us. A big storm rolls in with thunder and lightning all round. I get a little scared and pray that all the runners, crew, and volunteers are kept safe. The climb sucked so bad. My quads and calves both started cramping. Each time I raised my leg they would try and put me to the ground. There was rain all around but I couldn't feel it because of the canopy. I reach the top of the loop and my run on the downhill dirt road is diminished to a literal Sasquatch Trot. Then it happened. Mr. Jeff Frigging Deaton comes frolicking by. I wanted to push him down so bad. I cross the bridge for the final 1.5 mile to the finish. I pushed every flat section and just prayed that the cramps would go away, and they did. Out of the woods and up a street climb to hear a lady heckling me on a megaphone, "...hurry up, I don't wanna be out here all day!", so I mooned her and kept running...She told me, to take the steps and I'm just a few second to the finish. Up the steps, there was the finish about a 100 feet away. Nobody behind me...I walked in to cheers and hot old ladies. I finished. I am a 5:49 Mtn Mist finisher...a 6:42 Stump Jump finisher. Both have more climb and are much more technical. I had been running 50 miles a week for a few weeks and entered this race thinking I was gonna pull a 5:30 or better. Nope, 6:54. All said, I finished around 15th overall which I was happy about. This course was GREAT! The aid stations were GREAT! The cheers, service, all of it. The heat can change everything. Ok...before this race I body-glided JimTom, wipe-ally, and my thigh twins. The only thing I didn't glide was the meat-curtains (butt cheeks). Everything! I mean EVERTHING was raw and inflamed. Every movement down there became painful. I popped two more Aleve praying for quick absorption. Tired and whipped, Jeff Deaton, Shar Hendrick and myself set out for home telling our war stories for the day. Wow, what a day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ-_ekufiMwmLOL35AARK_yRA5tVcZUBfjR870O3D8v8YLsqriUhY9GsC5K7vfqPzw41qL9XqRF3uDji75d4fPb5C9X9GfOku3v9r5eiy1_Du6AtIZXBIEeY9ThRob-4is91-i-fZU_E/s1600/Lisa-Gelinas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ-_ekufiMwmLOL35AARK_yRA5tVcZUBfjR870O3D8v8YLsqriUhY9GsC5K7vfqPzw41qL9XqRF3uDji75d4fPb5C9X9GfOku3v9r5eiy1_Du6AtIZXBIEeY9ThRob-4is91-i-fZU_E/s320/Lisa-Gelinas.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa Martin-Photo by Gelinas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatwqf3lVvFn9XUNDe4IJvRPV_B5dFVS_njtFBrqQqLQ2wRz4nluU6NkYd3f1R2Zw3lWEci34khDhSe3lP3SDEHqGT6o2VXxy-61rkAAEvMaEoVm507pIUj9hcyOhMoKYmi_53GRpVBOY/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatwqf3lVvFn9XUNDe4IJvRPV_B5dFVS_njtFBrqQqLQ2wRz4nluU6NkYd3f1R2Zw3lWEci34khDhSe3lP3SDEHqGT6o2VXxy-61rkAAEvMaEoVm507pIUj9hcyOhMoKYmi_53GRpVBOY/s400/Me.jpg" width="300" /></a>HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-19058221915217905572013-06-17T19:11:00.001-07:002016-10-09T14:11:25.565-07:00Chattanooga Stage Races-Pool Balls and Bratwurst<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disclaimer: I will make reference to some things in this report they could very well be deemed inappropriate to bratwurst and pool balls. Also, if you don't like poo poo references then stop reading now.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here we are, 2013 Chattanooga Mtn Stage Races. Hands down my favorite race. Christy Scott, Kathy Youngren and myself drove to Lookout Mtn GA on thursday evening and enjoyed 5 star dining from Rafael's Italian restaurant. I enjoyed a healthy portion of pepperoni pizza, cheese sticks, french fries, and queso dip with chips. Believe it or not I was real good on the way up. I did not soil Christy's new suburban once. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe_TqOfLSpPM5DvSk4tY0c_khpo-LZJe8MWXM3ULlgJ_sZOeWRzcTAdQzL8FilOsRb0RohlGfR2BXuJRXz2NWd1yU5YNiQajtwVCIjjSOFEXFGaphnVMUxjPXMJuI2tw5IVPZykprPm4/s1600/chicken-truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe_TqOfLSpPM5DvSk4tY0c_khpo-LZJe8MWXM3ULlgJ_sZOeWRzcTAdQzL8FilOsRb0RohlGfR2BXuJRXz2NWd1yU5YNiQajtwVCIjjSOFEXFGaphnVMUxjPXMJuI2tw5IVPZykprPm4/s320/chicken-truck.jpg" width="320" /></a>Lets quickly talk about Kathy. Kathy is a vegetarian and has such a huge heart for animals. On the previous day we talked about chicken trucks and how bad of a life those chickens have. I thought, "Man, I haven't seen a chicken truck in a long time. Well, on the way to Day 1 which is Raccoon Mtn, I see Kathy turn her head as in to avoid looking at something. I looked up and it was one of those chicken concentration camps on wheels. I hollered out, "Oh NO! One of their heads is caught in the cage!" Kathy was not happy with me.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR5GRObX_U_vI3JSvvvMVXtn1kVEPtuQ60Bpik7_DVwX9y04NrhwPsKiqhFmqXjvib-UUnnarUSxPwMgG57Ck10PlHgwLL7j_vkiJYTfwqHgNrEjMUUFynfUSHqyUj9hdpdKi80R2FJg/s1600/Day1before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR5GRObX_U_vI3JSvvvMVXtn1kVEPtuQ60Bpik7_DVwX9y04NrhwPsKiqhFmqXjvib-UUnnarUSxPwMgG57Ck10PlHgwLL7j_vkiJYTfwqHgNrEjMUUFynfUSHqyUj9hdpdKi80R2FJg/s320/Day1before.jpg" title="Day 1- Raccoon Mtn" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1-Raccoon Mtn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now to lay out a couple of characters. To protect me from a savage beating, I will not disclose the true identity of one of them. First we have Becky Boobie Bottles. So Becky borrows a running vest that has two bottles that sit on front of the chest. Now for the average flat male this would not cause a spectacle or excessive mammry movement. Unfortunately for Becky Boobie Bottles, they sit right on the end of the Thompson Twins. Needless to say, Becky had a following that day. The other character is Bumble Bee. I am not disclosing anything about her identity for fear of internal bleeding.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilYySBU3UNze6AuZaNzNE8mY6_kR_Hy_pUDIQjlXpkQBMVNeZA4Fk0JKjBP3vgz2DAWCHGf84r1YXCZ7oJ69Ybd9dnRgUhCNq3kvhWG_GCxEJn1sBkgAz_A5xdGyqlKhqhC49YTszrzM/s1600/BeckyBB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilYySBU3UNze6AuZaNzNE8mY6_kR_Hy_pUDIQjlXpkQBMVNeZA4Fk0JKjBP3vgz2DAWCHGf84r1YXCZ7oJ69Ybd9dnRgUhCNq3kvhWG_GCxEJn1sBkgAz_A5xdGyqlKhqhC49YTszrzM/s320/BeckyBB.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky Boobie Bottles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The race begins...I am in a group with Kris Worton, Kathy and Christy. Kathy leaves us and eventually it's just me a Christy. For some reason this course did not seem as bad this year. We were running very consistent and what I considered somewhat fast. However, I was feeling good. Shortly after the 2nd aid station Christy begins to back off so I push on. At this point Bumble Bee and myself are switching positions. She takes me on the climbs and I pass her on the downhills. All of a sudden Rafael's began to cause a gastric disturbance within my loins. So I get maybe 20-30 feet in front of Bumble Bee and crop dust a little. Man what a relief. We pass the last aid station and I press as hard as I can. In the last 2-3 miles I began to pass many people who had passed me earlier. We enter the road to the finish and I gun it, through the finish line....2:47, 13 minutes faster than the previous year. I quickly migrate to the ice bath and my buddy David Riddle (who broke the course record) comes by to chat. As David leaves Bumble Bee comes up to me and says, "Did ya'll smell that out there? It smelled like somebody was farting on the trails"....I about lost it. I proudly confessed that it was me. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjespqIwie0T2GMFYUoZ_WHluGe9QEWmOFzNm1alRX1zbUNQOasgkDT8iWzySv4NEAQhmRHfyZ-ND4LNwBpNpvtZCNXS1c1-Vej8t-gaGgQS_nhXP5bga6AYz_WEmHGuoJiNMlW8iXYc0w/s1600/running-from-fart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjespqIwie0T2GMFYUoZ_WHluGe9QEWmOFzNm1alRX1zbUNQOasgkDT8iWzySv4NEAQhmRHfyZ-ND4LNwBpNpvtZCNXS1c1-Vej8t-gaGgQS_nhXP5bga6AYz_WEmHGuoJiNMlW8iXYc0w/s320/running-from-fart.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Day 2...The previous night I had 2 veggie burgers, and oreo double stuff cookies. On the way to Lookout I begin to have severe stomach pains...so bad that I fear a breaching of the cheeks. We get to Lula Lake and the porta-pottie line is long. I scurry to the nearest bush and as my booty breaches the air I gave natural birth to a healthy Pygmie.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The race starts...I run faster than the previous year in order to get the the rope climb so as not to be standing around at the bottleneck. Up to the summit with amazing views. As we descend the Mtn we cross the river back to the start around 4.5 miles, and traverse towards Covenant College. I actually had forgotten how beautiful this section is. There are some wonderful single track with a lot of greenery along little streams. I make it to the powerline section for the loop which takes us to backtrack to Lula lake. The previous year I completed day 2 in 3:36. I figured I would finish this day around 3:25. 3:20 rolls around and there is no sign of dropping back down to Lula Lake. I begin to worry because I knew I was running strong. I finally reach the start finish area to take the bridge and backtrack the initial 4.5 miles. I began to be discouraged because I fully expected to PR day 2. Down the rope, divert to the single track and to the finish....3:38... 2 minutes over. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqlhB1SbWC8YaxHkscq3ciaxZccW4Akf7q7OXIOacTZHpBVI8RxEPbDo4gpPeuuLrFes-wybGBp7uwRg0OU_Nrl6ZZ3dZR9Zzv7iEwy14w67vlvG0GTWlrNnpAjxQxxOQsTJNxqLWrag/s1600/Day2after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqlhB1SbWC8YaxHkscq3ciaxZccW4Akf7q7OXIOacTZHpBVI8RxEPbDo4gpPeuuLrFes-wybGBp7uwRg0OU_Nrl6ZZ3dZR9Zzv7iEwy14w67vlvG0GTWlrNnpAjxQxxOQsTJNxqLWrag/s320/Day2after.jpg" title="Day 2- Lookout Mtn" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2-Lookout Mtn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Day 3 begins on Signal Mtn. Still discouraged from the previous day, and knowing the hard course ahead, I figure I will just get through it. However, once they said go, I quickly had a change of heart. I wanted to crush day 3 like I did day 1. You know that sound? That sound when a runner's toe catches a root? about a mile or two in I hear it and turn around to see a dude face plant and should roll. Mushroom rock, down to Suck Creek and back we push. After some ridge running we drop down to the technical trails. These trails are extremely rhythm busting...in essence run a few steps, climb a few step, etc...However, I am feeling great. I finally make it to the dreaded steps from "Helens House" to the overlook. I am completely gassed out as I walk up the paved road to the old folks home where I holler, "Can I get a whoop-whoop". A few of them gave me a holla, I think one cheesed himself and the other mooned me. I was delirious...that may or may not have actually happened. Down the chirt path to what I called the stale area. There is this winding trail that follows a slow stream and just layers on top of itself. I was relegated to walking much of this until a group of 3 guys caught me. As the passed I was determined to stay with them. We make the climb out to the final aid station, to which we are told that the finish is 3.6 miles away. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc1tqXnmKuz30GJk3sa82DM-ZuGHAoR_BZ5i01p4Ix7wPmvPiZBdMlq0KIQOy78Y3KiMfq8kpwH95oH1QN0q97paZGfKJLe6m0U23qZ72XfYUeKcsBgeXgWFWXKzwdsx2Wh-aD1n9TiU/s1600/Day3after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc1tqXnmKuz30GJk3sa82DM-ZuGHAoR_BZ5i01p4Ix7wPmvPiZBdMlq0KIQOy78Y3KiMfq8kpwH95oH1QN0q97paZGfKJLe6m0U23qZ72XfYUeKcsBgeXgWFWXKzwdsx2Wh-aD1n9TiU/s320/Day3after.jpg" width="320" /></a>As I turn, I see Kris come up to the station all smiling and happy. So I ran harder that I did on any part of the course. I ran at least a 7:15 pace on the jeep roads until the climbs. I began to pass the group that I was with. A couple of miles out I see Becky Boobie Bottles husband...he turns to pace me in. I drop the hammer. All of a sudden with about a mile to go a freaking snake runs right at me. I climb the air ladder as it goes right under my feet. I continue pushing and see a guy in the distance...As I get close he hears me and just turns to the side and lets me pass. I knew I was going to crush my time. I break out of the woods through the finish and turn around to see 4:14...1 minute slower than the previous year. WHAT THE CRAP! I can only imagine I pushed too hard on day 1.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christy beat me bad on day 3, David sets the course record each day and Kathy takes 3rd overall female, while I whine and Becky pukes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I'm walking to the car when I see Bumble Bee and her husband. She has a towel wrapped around her waist while she is changing shorts. Her husband is on the back of the SUV or truck with one of those towels that have velcro and wrap around your waist. I actually thought it was a kilt at first. So we are talking and all of a sudden I saw his bratwurst and hairy new potatoes peeking at me under his towel kilt. I tried not to act like I saw anything. So Barney bratwurst comes out a couple more times for air when I say goodbye and walk away. For some reason I turn back wondering if I was having a heat stroke and just imagined that... As I turned BB's husband lifted his left leg and it looked like a red pool ball fell out. Believe it or not, the night before, David Riddle told me a story about running back in Huntsville and a man came running toward him with his mountain oyster hanging out the panty liner. I know David's not gonna believe this....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gotta give a shout out to Michael Scott and Daniel Lucas. These Tennessee guys befriended an average ultra-runner and make him feel like a superstar. I wanted a Salomon Hydration waist belt and Michael delivered. To Rob Youngren and David Riddle...there is nothing like seeing you guys at the finish line asking me if I need anything. To Christy, Kathy and Rebecca...I cannot tell you how much fun I had with you guys. Thank you Stephen and Tony for slapping me on the butt. Luke and Brandi...can I borrow 20 bucks?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lastly, too my wife and son....Your letter was the best Father's Day present ever! Thank you Jesus for amazing family and friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf56YfvliNq8NGy6dhZPds0OYmgD08wMHhHSXWpTAEYDQLzU_VcmU-tOvP6T7HTW3VZQWAAK0zIrNWcqIdw3ey3xG-Np2kCxwF4lQso5zqlU8Fl0fZi6t4BllN_B1OsoIIwSFz9Nf__XA/s1600/mekathy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf56YfvliNq8NGy6dhZPds0OYmgD08wMHhHSXWpTAEYDQLzU_VcmU-tOvP6T7HTW3VZQWAAK0zIrNWcqIdw3ey3xG-Np2kCxwF4lQso5zqlU8Fl0fZi6t4BllN_B1OsoIIwSFz9Nf__XA/s400/mekathy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoumit77ktTLgLevRCazAsOgy_PJUJiI_20QPRLihBoXUu489jATKDQLaeMN5jtWybBL7ZTqq36mw2OuW_35fowhyphenhyphenBmFGwx5Ox0s0LfL-aAKzdzwG_Ssp7_gjNlGPe1Tr6hI_9DI_ePw/s1600/davidwinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoumit77ktTLgLevRCazAsOgy_PJUJiI_20QPRLihBoXUu489jATKDQLaeMN5jtWybBL7ZTqq36mw2OuW_35fowhyphenhyphenBmFGwx5Ox0s0LfL-aAKzdzwG_Ssp7_gjNlGPe1Tr6hI_9DI_ePw/s640/davidwinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Riddle-1st Overall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635791545464510736.post-76151806345775711792013-06-04T18:50:00.004-07:002013-06-04T19:01:28.749-07:00Music City Ultramarathon-Suck Flies, Suck Ivey, Suck Ticks, and Suck Snakes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let me get straight to the point....Music City Ultramarathon was a huge brutal suckfest from start to finish. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean that it was a bad race. I mean IT HURT! Ok, before I get too far lets start from the beginning. When I got up I made a decision that I regretted tremendously. I got out of the shower, took 2 Aleve and began to Body Glide my JimTom, the Thigh twins and my wipe alley all the way up. I thought, this will be good enough, no need to put on my spandex shorts. Rob, Chris and myself get to the race start. Rob decides to go run some of the course to check it out. What hillbilly runs miles to warm up on a 50k? Meanwhile we meet up with our other Huntsville friends and meet some new ones (Richard Thrice and James Duncan). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo9gjhge_NK07x4SQ4FHrxJmF2PdzAapJabe-XoCYutw3TL6QHYG9K0Ib4Fp7pLJg5bgQSeL6MwDScJdX_jkhorrsXAJfpZAfyxtVubIzk0UJwXrwgKrqZWpxaLqhBCC0TcVH8kOTJzY/s1600/Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo9gjhge_NK07x4SQ4FHrxJmF2PdzAapJabe-XoCYutw3TL6QHYG9K0Ib4Fp7pLJg5bgQSeL6MwDScJdX_jkhorrsXAJfpZAfyxtVubIzk0UJwXrwgKrqZWpxaLqhBCC0TcVH8kOTJzY/s1600/Group.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Ryan, Doug, Beth, and Chris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm looking for Joe St. Lawrence ...Rob comes running by and goes to his car. I go over and he is pulling ticks off his legs. I believe he said he counted 30+. He tells me about the 1st mile and a half...We are in trouble. We line up for the race start and some dude comes out on a horse with his face painted blue. He begins to re-enact a scene from a Mel Gibson movie. It seems the horse got tired of his bad acting and decided to take off running which made the horse riders eyes go wide open. He finally gets the horse back around and finishes the skit...I thought it was a cool thing to do. The race starts, and we hold back hoping the runners up front would get most of the ticks. Through a pasture into the woods for our first climb. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4QhN8kLlbmwLkhZaAKC2u0ojp6rUftqRRcER659EO3fQtVc6uUEEO5IjUVP94NH3QGxp1Z4z0Veox5xF7FkRNbXXyFoj05NvKOJxW_4zpNDSqULVHGuGM84HKREmwv2IoCBvt0tutiU/s1600/Climb-Robin+Robbins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4QhN8kLlbmwLkhZaAKC2u0ojp6rUftqRRcER659EO3fQtVc6uUEEO5IjUVP94NH3QGxp1Z4z0Veox5xF7FkRNbXXyFoj05NvKOJxW_4zpNDSqULVHGuGM84HKREmwv2IoCBvt0tutiU/s1600/Climb-Robin+Robbins.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Robbie Robbins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually we come out of the woods to what looks like a grassy powerline section with out the power lines. Ok, look at the pic above. Look at the top of the far side. That is where we came out of the woods at. My first thought was, "BULL CRAP!" It was too steep to run down. People busted butt on the first descent. Now, lets take a look at the course profile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWuhfMxZk10I0EaxTCXIIz8855ArY8GQQT6Z2sCvaimDs4_PZIrR22MJxgCKg8tkGJ_gInami05nLL6eGf3MkUQuqZV41oge9K_qel7Rlg5I1rpkzbnfcZPQPdcO9jaZamNhpU2I7qlY/s1600/course+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWuhfMxZk10I0EaxTCXIIz8855ArY8GQQT6Z2sCvaimDs4_PZIrR22MJxgCKg8tkGJ_gInami05nLL6eGf3MkUQuqZV41oge9K_qel7Rlg5I1rpkzbnfcZPQPdcO9jaZamNhpU2I7qlY/s1600/course+profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This was not your typical Trail Ultramarathon. The course consisted of Jeep trails, dirt roads, weed eater trails, streams and fire breaks. Not only that, everywhere you looked there was poison ivy. The climbs were too steep to run and the descents were to steep to run. Its one of those races that your putting the brakes on the whole time running down the hills and your toes are crushing against the end of your shoes. Shortly after leaving the big fire break we enter more Jeep trails. We were told in the beginning that the 10k'ers follow yellow, 25 blue and 50 black. A group of us get to an open field and see 10k'ers run across our path. The trail goes right, left and straight ahead. We look around wondering what to do. The sign on the right trail says "straight ahead", in blue. We decide to follow it. Eventually we come to another sign with a blue arrow saying straight ahead. To the right was red flags. We stopped again wondering what to do. I stated that someone is going to get lost there. Not far after that I find myself alone for the bulk of the race. It started getting hot, and muggy. Every stream crossing I would scoop water in my hat let it pour down my milky white supple body. It felt so good. The only issue is that you cross a stream about 20 times, which feels great, but your shoes stay wet and your shorts too. At the time I did not realize this would be a problem. All of a sudden the biting flies begin to attack. They fly around your head and ears and then them demons land and bite. They weren't to bad early in the race, oh but later. I make it to the 11 mile aid station and they tell me the next section is a 5 mile loop. I think, ehh...5 miles, I'll be back in about an hour. I begin the section and hit a nice dirt road and across the road is a 14' Black Mamba...or maybe a 5' Black Racer...not sure exactly. I am getting tired and feel myself slowing. All of a sudden the biting flies start back. They keep buzzing my ears and hitting me in the head. I start swinging my hat to no avail and all of a sudden I lost it! I uttered words no man could pronounce or understand. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxGSHAqiQAjL7Gb1Xddjohkl76rzE-RR1a1GWvr-kIWHueW2sT9RkD7Bj0daI8k5CkVWWh2oyayyIai3-jOASvLeiQU5aG-N4hQKrC6r7ePmx1ZbGaaEXydwRTMPB1nezZx2WELIkEIQ/s1600/fly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxGSHAqiQAjL7Gb1Xddjohkl76rzE-RR1a1GWvr-kIWHueW2sT9RkD7Bj0daI8k5CkVWWh2oyayyIai3-jOASvLeiQU5aG-N4hQKrC6r7ePmx1ZbGaaEXydwRTMPB1nezZx2WELIkEIQ/s400/fly.jpg" width="400" /></a>Well this 5 mile loop never ends. Later on we find out it was more like a 7-8 mile loop. I get back to the aid station at the end of the loop and they tell me that I rounded out the top 10. ME! In the top 10 at a 50k ultrafrigginmarathon! I leave out the aid station with some giddy-up in my step. I begin the climb up a jeep trail and hear someone behind me singing, "Carry on my Wayward Son". I think about how Rob and DeWayne Satterfield sing that song except they changed the words to "Cary Long my wayward son..." Great! A few minutes later the runner behind catches me. IT WAS FREAKIN ROB YOUNGREN! You know how some people have that one eye that looks straight ahead and the other kinda goes to the side. My eyes did that when I saw him. I could not believe it. Well remember that blue arrow sign I told you about earlier. Rob went left instead of straight. He had gone 3 miles out of the way. Later I find out that many people took that route and some made it all the way back to the finish line early. We talk for a while and I thank him for taking away my dreams of 10th overall. He eventually leaves me and I find myself alone again, except for coming up on another snake. Up jeep roads and around a corner I see a grouping of flags on the right and a single flag on the left. As I passed i thought that maybe I should check the trail to the left....nah. Half a mile later I see four guys running towards me. Two of the guys was James Suh and Rob. They stated how they went about 1.5 miles and did not see any flags. We back tracked and found that the trail turned off at the flags. Rob began to express his displeasure with going off course again. I learned some colorful words from him that I could use if the biting flies come back. He and James leave me. By this point the heat has reached the level of total suckfest. More hills, flies, poison ivy and ticks. A lady and a couple of guys catch me and we talk about how we all got lost. They leave me and I get to the sign that says 5 miles left. I think..."yeah right." This is the point in every race where I question "Why?" Why do I do this. I just wanted this race to be over with. I could not take another hill. I round the corner and guess what? Another friggin hill. I walk much of the last 5 feeling like a fat necked, honky, feeling sorry for myself butt gasket. Finally I reach a flat section realizing I was close to truly dropping off the mountain. A guy comes running towards me and all cheerfully says, "Your almost there." I asked him how far. He replied 3/4's of a mile. I yelled "What? 3/4's of a mile?" </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd9HQKpEM1gEIMuup1GAz-9SzKCl8QOFcsFX0N6CieBsMqqr1Kvmk8FZMJCmWjMCd8W82aOs2j4Ck8V1MDxnV8k-vfd2Hn2CeClmSKVd2scHOgm_IfZaL5k6Cf398bftKhsv73E3xvZ4/s1600/Toe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd9HQKpEM1gEIMuup1GAz-9SzKCl8QOFcsFX0N6CieBsMqqr1Kvmk8FZMJCmWjMCd8W82aOs2j4Ck8V1MDxnV8k-vfd2Hn2CeClmSKVd2scHOgm_IfZaL5k6Cf398bftKhsv73E3xvZ4/s320/Toe.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;">For some reason this seemed like 10 miles to me. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">With a half a mile to go I feel a monster blister pop on my big toe. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I finally begin to drop off the mountain...exit the woods to the pasture. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">As I reach the finish the race director asks me how it was. All I could say was "Brutal". Rob, and Chris was at the line to greet me. Chris got lost and finished with around 26 miles. I saw 2 snakes, pulled of 6 ticks and got poison ivy on my legs. I was pretty bummed about my race and stated that I would never run this race again. I said that about Stump Jump and ran it the next year. I thought I meant it about this race but after a day or two I got my mind back. You see, we didn't trail race...we had an adventure. They should change the name to "Music City Adventure Race"</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately the poison ivy and ticks were not the worst of my problems. On the way home as the Aleve started wearing off I began to feel my thighs. They were on fire. I called my wife and said that I'm gonna take a shower and she's gonna check out every square inch of my body for ticks. When I reached home I could barely walk. I got in the shower and WHOA! My thigh twins looked like they were polished with a belt sander and my JimTom looked like it was in a motorcycle wreck. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Lessons learned: Wear spandex</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Songs that played in my head: "Beat this Summer" by Brad Paisley, "Rend" by Eddie James, and "YMCA" by the Village People.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As always, I thank Jesus for getting me through it and my wife for puttin up with me.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wxPwzrtpJnE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
HotWingRunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15894451074784659134noreply@blogger.com1