backyard beckons

Snow-capped Craggies above the Asheville reservoir.
Literally, our backyard.

five (& six)

2.12: 21 miles in 2:23 at Salem Lake in the rain.

2.13: 10 miles in 1:10 at the Piedmont Environmental Center.

2.14: 14 miles in 1:33 at Salem Lake; a nice sunny Valentines!

2.15: 4 miles (untimed) around UNCA with Lily after work.

2.16: off- (work)

2.17: off- (work)

2.18: off- (lazy)

2.19: off- (lazy)

2.20: 20 miles in 2:50 up Toll and Trestle to parkway in back; feeling fresh.

2.21: 20 miles total. 10 miles with Adam on the trails of Warren Wilson in 1:13. Later, 10 miles around UNCA in 1:15.

2.22: off- (work/taper)

2.23: 40 miles in 5:29 at Mount Mitchell Challenge. Reached summit in 3:20ish, ran conservative, finished strong. Enjoyed visiting with friends. Thanks to my folks for all their wonderful support!

2.24: 10 miles in 1:15 on the Warren Wilson trails with Uwharrie.

2.25: 11 miles in 1:18 from the house and around Lake Tomahawk.

Based on what happened about 10 weeks ago, I could've forecasted these fourteen days would be relatively mild with training. Call it a taper, call it cupid's arrow. Whatever it is, it's been wonderful. And just like back then, the rest has proven to be very beneficial.

Lily flew in to NC on the 13th. Between our reunion and a rare series of days at work, my running reluctantly joined Uwharrie in the back seat. When the time came to lace up the adizeroes (thank you Mr. Wolfe!) for the MMC fitness test, body, mind and spirit were all well-tuned.

I'm running like a hundred miler now, thankful to witness Creation in this blessed mortal vessel of mine. The equinox is approaching, the sun is higher, the days are getting longer. I have to admit it's getting better, a little better all the time.

((((these have been blessed days))))

seven

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.

river styx

eight

1.29: 20 miles in 3:22 on Kitsuma with Uwharrie: two out and back trips along the ridge, a hearty serving of hills and single-track on a relatively warm, humid day. I had hopes of 31 miles, but the body is definitely done for the afternoon.

1.30: 10 miles in 1:06 with St. Onge around the trails of UNCA in the evening after work. It’s great to stretch out and switch up to less-technical terrain. I’m feeling good and the body’s holding together on cruise control.

1.31: 15 miles total, 9 miles in 1:28 with Adam on the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly trails. This is a tough loop with a climb STRAIGHT up High Top, but the view back over Black Mountain across the Swannanoa valley is phenomenal. Later, I crank out some flat and fast miles around Lake Tomahawk: 5.5 in 34 minutes.

2.1: Rest day today. Thanks to mom for the delicious homemade birthday cake, yum!

2.2: 40 miles in 6:43 at the Uwharrie Mountain Run. I get the privilege to run for my dad who is dealing with a chronic ankle injury. The day starts out cold but warms dramatically. I reach the turn-around in 3:28 and return in a negative 3:15 split. Brian finishes his epic “cyclops” experience and we hit the road back to Black Mountain. Thanks to Sally and all the folks who put this one together!

2.3: 11 miles in 1:44 on the Kitsuma/old 70 loop. It’s a nice warm and sunny morning for a recovery run with Uwharrie. Unfortunately, my left achilles starts barking at me halfway through and I finish the loop with a slight grimace. Rest, ice and elevation are the orders for the day. Go Giants!

2.4: Wanted to log five nice and easy today, but nothing doing. The heel is still very sore, so I focus on core and upper body, stuff that's been neglected these past few days.