the youngs & the restless

Once again, Adam has created a monster. Kitsuma/Youngs Ridge is a convenient trail run for many, right off the interstate. This rugged 10-mile out-and-back ridge boasts some beautiful and challenging single track between Ridgecrest and Old Fort Picnic Area. It is now an Adam Hill fitness test. He has the fastest known time of 1:18:06.

Lily, Uwharrie and I are running some errands in Black Mountain today. I decide to try and better my old PR of 1:38 on this trail. Uwharrie and I run up the switchbacks to the first summit of Kitsuma Peak from Ridgecrest at High Noon. I’m huffing and puffing on the climb, not feeling fully recovered from last weekend’s blowout. Within 10 minutes, sweat is streaming off my forehead. We skirt around a family hiking to an overlook.

I once knew this path, the twists, turns, climbs and descents, but memory has reset. On the roller coaster, I hit a better tempo, but know I need to conserve a little for the uphill return. The trail is a little wet and slippery from all the rain earlier this week. I think that we’ll be able to break 40 minutes on the out, which will bode well for a new PR. We begin the drop down into a hemlock cove at the turn-around above Swannanoa Creek. We’re there in 38 minutes. Uwharrie laps leisurely at some creek water, not fully aware of this foolish time trial.

We begin the return, steeply up the switchbacks, running all the way. Back on the ridge, I break down to a walk and drain my water on a near-impossible hill. There’s quite a bit of climbing on this route. I don’t remember the summits, but judging by time, I figure we have about 30 more minutes of strenuous effort before the finish. We duck out of the way of two mountain bikers. The drone of the interstate is far below. Now I can see the last summit. We’re flying down the switchbacks to the finish. Done. 1:23:50; I’m beginning to appreciate Adam’s recent feat. Try for yourself:

> 2:00 = leave the baby stroller at home.
1:50-2:00 = remember, this is a run!
1:40-1:50 = did you really need to take a nap mid-way?
1:30-1:40 = your shoes are untied.
1:20-1:30 = starting to feel like a workout?
1:10-1:20 = good run.
1:00-1:10 = sweetness!
< 1:00 = can I have your autograph?!?!?!?!