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View towards Black Mountain from Heartbreak Ridge

2.6: 13 miles total. I run from work, six easy miles in a warm drizzle around UNCA at lunch. In the evening, Adam and I venture out to the French Broad through the Biltmore estate. We’re able to cover most of the seven miles along a muddy double-track that parallels the river without a flashlight. Afterwards, we enjoy a nice nighttime soak in a swollen creek.

2.7: 20 miles in 3:33. Adam, Uwharrie and I begin this workout on a beautiful sunny afternoon up the North Boundary trail in Bent Creek. The dirt road climbs gradually and steadily towards Five Points. Continuing on, we enter a hellacious section of blow downs. Forward progress slows to a crawl for these middle miles. Eventually, we reach the Shut-In trail and follow it to the Trace Ridge trail. Matthew joins us for the last nine miles along Spencer Creek. This run is more gloom and doom than I was hoping for, but all’s well that ends well. Post run: Adam and I gorge at Papa’s and Beer, DELICIOUS.

Carl and Annie

2.8: 5.5 miles in 33 minutes. Another warm and sunny day today, perfect for stretching out the legs at Lake Tomahawk. All systems go for the weekend.

2.9: 30 miles in 5:03. A warm and sunny day for Adam’s second fun run of the year: the “Rattle my Heart” 50K. This challenging loop begins in Montreat and traverses the Rainbow trail over Rattlesnake Ridge, down Kitsuma, by Andrew’s Geyser, up Heartbreak Ridge and finally down Toll and Trestle back to Montreat. We estimate the route has approximately a mile of climbing. The day passes quickly for Uwharrie and me; we enjoy the company of Carl, Annie, Drew, Jon, Stu, Sarah and Chris. However, I spend most of the time by myself doing as Adam instructs, thinking fondly of my valentine.

Pinnacle and Heartbreak Ridge from the Toll

2.10: 31 miles in 5:24. Once is not enough. Uwharrie, Annie, Carl and I head out for a repeat of yesterday’s 50K loop, but run it in reverse. The “Heart my Rattle” run is held on a scary windy day here in the mountains. Leaves swirl around, branches break from trees. I can’t remember a windier day. The energy is contagious; the pack perseveres and safely finishes in a reasonable time. This has been good weekend of training, thanks to all the folks who made it possible... Props to Charlie Roberts for the excellent event photography.