Tanawha Trail with Bonus Option!

(Clockwise from L) Caleb, Santiago, Sean, James, Mark, Tim, Jenny, Ashley

A few weeks back Mark at Big Foot Trail Runners put out an invite for a group run on my local long trail... the Tanawha Trail which skirts below Grandfather Mountain and parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

So, on Saturday morning a group of 8 runners collected in the random April frost. We were still shivering as the full moon descended and the welcomed orb or warmth arrived. With a smattering of beeps signifying modern runner's resumption of movement... we were off on an adventure!

Beacon Heights to Upper Boone Fork
We began at Beacon Heights still foggy and finding our rhythm on the extremely technical trail. The Tanawha here, is mainly comprised of large flat rocks and spindly roots and is very rugged. So, we plodded on and went with the flow of the trail knowing that we would have a minimum of 13.5 miles to cover from end to end. Plus, we had the option of ascending a short 5k one way add on to Calloway Peak atop Grandfather Mountain.

Resting in the woods on a chilly morning

Every couple of miles we would regroup at intersections or beautiful scenic vistas which allowed each of us to run at our own comfortable effort for the day while also getting to chat it up some while refueling and recharging.

A Perfect Spring Day
Once the sun had risen we were all very comfortable with the morning temperatures and quickly shedded layers down to short sleeves and bare hands. The early spring had the trail looking fresh with young grasses and a variety of the tiniest wildflowers lining the trail with splashes of purples, yellows and whites.

Gradually, the Tanawha opens up bit by bit and becomes more runnable. However, still fairly technical through about the halfway mark around Upper Boone Fork where we had stashed supplies. Here we had a choice to make. Either go on to the finish for the 13.5 mile option or... ascend Grandfather Mountain to Calloway Peak.

Originally, Mark and I had loosely committed to making the push to the views above. With such a crystal clear day to take in the scenery we had been making the case for others to join us. We had thought the whole run would take about 5 hours... that we'd be completed around 12 or 1pm at the latest. It was already getting to be about 11:30am... we still had 90 minutes to reach the end of the Tanawha Trail and the trip up to Calloway Peak would add 10k round trip and about 2 hours of moving time... we were looking at a very long day!

How Far Up?
This was the question of the group while we refueled and refilled our stomachs, bottles and bladders. According to the map, the trail is 3.0 miles up... so "Just a 5k" was my answer and became a rallying cry iin the vilification of The Sean over the next 90 minutes of ascent! This "5k concept" sounded reasonable to the group so everybody who had the time to spare for the day decided to strap on their big boy (and girl) pants and go for the summit! We had 6 in the group and we were all smiles... at least to each others faces!

From lower rock outcropping.

We began leap frogging with walkers as we rejoined at junctions and tended to feet and gear for the long haul. During this stretch we passed and were passed by the same couple about 6 six times... we thought it was funny... they thought it was annoying. Eventually we did get clear of them and saw them again on our way down.

Nuwati is comprised of big granite cut in steps, very loose large rocks, washed out rooted sections and a ton of rich, sticky mud. Once we reached the junction with Daniel Boone Scout Trail (halfway up) we were all feeling the day... and a few questions came my way regarding how far this "F$%#ing 5k is..." I think they were kidding...

Despite the fatigue of the moment I knew we'd all be pleased to have made the tough climb to the top together and soak in the adventure of the day and the endless views from atop Grandfather Mountain!

Showing our good side.

Another mile up the trail and we began our scrambling efforts across large boulders utilizing cracks in the mountain to ascend. There were a large volume of hikers on the trail and as we reached nearer Calloway Peak the trail was more and more congested. We did our best to be ambassadors for our runner brethren as we moved on by hikers on muddy, splashing trails.

Finally, we regrouped at the first of the ladders at the final pitch. This series of ladders and cables assist humans in safely making the ascent to the top of Watauga County at 5,964 feet. When it was all said and done that little 5k did have a 1,700 foot climb therein, however I stick to my guns... it was only a 5k!

Atop Calloway Peak things were crowded. We popped out of the thick evergreen lined trail to the small clearing up top to find a large group of hikers. They had come from Upper Boone Fork where we had resupplied.

Atop Calloway Peak... Just a short 5k...

Our group of 6; hyper and fatigued, trail-bonded, euphoric, depleted and likely stinky trail runners were surely a spectacle. We were careful not to encroach though it is pretty tight up there, and we had been moving now for about 5 hours to reach this point so we wanted our share of beauty too!


Jenny kindly requested a photo after our rewarding journey to reach this point! I was so proud to be a part of this group having travelled rough terrain for the entire day! We take it for granted often, but this is a special thing we do!

"Get out of our way and snap our photo!" anonymous runner to hiker (jk).

View down to the lower rock outcropping

The Route Below Us is Behind Us & The Route Ahead Goes Below
From this elevation we could actually see the majority of our morning route from the start at Beacon Heights to the large outcropping and over to the Upper Boone Fork area. Looking down at the rock outcropping far, far, far below when we had our first "climb" of the day put a healthy dose of perspective upon our effort to reach this temporary resting place and also on our final push to where we stood having completed "a little 5k" during our long day.

This Way is Much Shorter...
Now, we had our chance to descend... 5k down down down... just watch your step! We took it easy and smooth in a group of 6 moving methodically across the water damaged trails of the Daniel Boone Scout Trail to eventually rejoin our beloved Tanawha Trail and our drop spot we had left from hours earlier. The hikers this time were less horrified by our fatigue and shared the joy we were experiencing on our downhill reward! "That looks like fun!" they genuinely commented as we whooped and hollered our excitement!

Price Park Picnic or Bust!
Personally, I was feeling fairly awful by now. I was getting hot and feeling a tad roasted in the sun. I took the chance at the Upper Boone Fork Creek to fill up and cool off in the cascades for a minute. From here we had about 6 miles to finish up and finally, the trail was opening up to smooth, rolling and mainly downhill single track. This end of the Tanawha is my favorite section of trail in WNC and so, despite my stiffness and fatigue after 6 1/2 hours out there, I was internally pleased to have a full bottle, good friends, a beautiful day and the willingness to take on this challenge at all!


As trail runners it is so easy to forget how fortunate we are to be healthy enough to believe in ourselves to such a level as to set out on these efforts we undertake. While we might joke about our sanity in this regard I believe this approach to challenging ourselves regularly and taking chances against our doubt is proof of positive well being.

Victory Lap!
Those last 6 miles were a cruise through spring time. We rolled downward on the whole, with a few mostly gentle climbs placed here and there in the landscape. We moved easily through large meadows and felt the spring breeze carry the freshness of the season over us. It is wonderful to savor the waning miles of a long trail day. When the final 30 minutes feels like a snap of the fingers compared to the 8 hours you have just lived to the fullest. The trail grounds down your anxieties and any worries are gone- it is just all good.

Upon reaching the terminus of the Tanawha Trail at the Price Picnic Park we emerged from the rhodo-tunnel into the meadow in a full sprint to the creek at the finish. Horrified, nearby picnickers shielded the eyes of their innocent young ones as these muddied, haggard and sunburned trail warriors emerged into the sunlight at full "speed" and "open" stride!

We bellowed and giggled and yelped our excitement for a day that will be long remembered. Finished, we slowly molted from our mud caked footwear to submerge our bodies and soak in the coolness of the frigid creek, again returning to the coolness of that distant morning.

Happy Running!

Two Big Climbs, One Big Run

With winter looming threatening ice and wind for the end of the holiday weekend I took advantage of a perfect autumn Saturday to double traverse Grandfather Mountain.

My training has been... spotty. When I get out the door I've felt surprisingly good, if a little tight (& heavy). But once a mile or so passes below me things have been fairly strong and smooth. As I continue training for Weymouth Woods 100k in January, I can't help but feel extremely under prepared for the task ahead. I go into this knowing that the task with be mental, that the fatigue will be a long term partner on that day.

Grandfather Mountain- Double Traverse
Having slept in Saturday I arrived at the trail head around 1:30pm with about 4 hours of visibility to work with and temps in the mid 50s at the base of the Profile Trail. Forecasts said a low of 43 that night so I figured up top at 5,946' elevation the weather would be pleasant enough. To be safe I still strapped on a light jacket, hat and gloves.

The Profile Trail is the most direct route to reach Calloway Peak. Starting along the gentle moss-covered rocks of the Watauga River the trail soon goes from easy 8 minute miles to challenging 12 minute miles (or slower) within 1/2 a mile. With numerous early water crossings on big flat boulders this early section allows the legs to settle into less technical rock hopping and the eyes get a chance to program the brain for the challenges to come.

Soon the grade becomes severe in sustained fashion, it is a mountain after all and I just continued my 4 hour pace for an over and back attempt on the mountain. My hope was to reach the Tanawha Trail near Boone Fork via Nuwati and then loop back on the Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Somewhere around 30 minutes I reached the Profile View, which was occupied (as was every other via this day... busy day up there) and so I just kept moving up up up! A few minutes later I reached the spring and took a short rest. As I refueled and down a few big gulps of fresh spring water I took in the peaceful silence in the fir trees.

The Trail Below Calloway Peak

Higher and steeper
The final push to the saddle atop the ridge is STEEP. Big step on rock jumbles on grades of 25% or more in places. I decided this was a great place to walk... or climb and even so I was feeling a burn in the quads and my heart rate was getting my attention... and still not a quarter of the way out... I was a little worried about that climb later in the day when I would be ascending the mountain for the second time on 2+ hours into the run. Anyhow, in a few minutes I reach the junction atop the ridge and made my left turn toward Calloway Peak.

More big steps, rocks and wash outs with enough roots to step and trip along while ducking under short fir trees reaching into the rugged path. Even hiking these trails can be technical but somehow, once you find the rhythm they can be run pretty efficiently about 95% of the trip! Along the way to Calloway I stopped in at the Watauga view and spotted where my house is way off in the distance. A cool perspective on the county from up there while the skies were crystal clear.

Midpoint Summit
A few minutes later I reached the pinnacle at Calloway Peak running from tight squeezes in the fir to the vista atop the peak. There sat about 20 hikers who were a bit surprised, startled to see the crazed faced trail runner. I gave a quick "howdy" and left them the peak hoping to get my alone time up there on the return... I figured I would need the rest later and that stopping here I might think better of the test ahead of me... so onward and downward I ran.

The feeling running off the top of a mountain is odd. 2,000' elevation loss ahead of me over the next 45-60 minutes was a nice thought from an immediate effort stance, but those quads were about to be tested with each precarious foot fall on the rooty, rocky, washed out trail! Last time I had run this descent I got an up-close and personal view of the root systems of trail side vegetation... with the 4 hour run in mind I took it in patiently checking my excitement to fly away not wanting to bleed all the way home. This worked out fine and soon I was at the loop junction for the Nuwati Trail.


Nuwati to Me
This is maybe the most technical portion of trail on Grandfather, while not the most strenuous... the amazing network of roots left by erosion make running very difficult under low hanging branches and some tight squeezes through big boulders. That said, it is runnable (even in the snow and ice) and I was making some decent (descent) time through this section while hydrating aggressively and chomping down my Gu Chomps.

There was a lot of traffic on this portion and one encounter sticks out. I came up two teen boys and their father. The second boy who was  maybe13 and straight from the Google convention warned me of the treacherous trail ahead of me while I passed by. As I approached his father who was nose deep in his iphone completely missing everything around him... the mountain, the weather... his sons I was forced to gently brush by him... I was left trying not to tempt the trail gnomes with judgement of the encounter. We are all visitors.

Nuwati trail I took a moment at a watering spot, a mossy sluice box, to fill my bottle, fill my belly and get ready for the next test... the beginning of the climb back to the top. 1:45 in and who knew how long to get back. I was feeling strong and fairly fresh but with the climbing ahead, over 2,000' worth and nearing 2 hours on my feet it could get pretty tough. Add to this, the sun moving toward the horizon and I knew I just had to keep moving patiently. Barring injury I should be able to get to the west side of the mountain with a good amount of daylight remaining... it was about 3:20pm... that's 2 hours of good daylight, and maybe 30 minutes of dwindling dusk.

What Goes Down... Must Go Up!

Midpoint Low Point

Daniel Boone Scout trail is a winding switchback section which transitions away from the rhododendron up to the fir trees again. I bounced my way lightly upward and was reunited with many of the faces I had visited with on the way down.

Completing the loop and rejoining the Nuwati trail I was surprised how great I was feeling. From here I was only 20 minutes from rejoining Calloway Peak.

I noticed a thickness in the air and soon my head was in thick white fog permeating the trees. Passing an old plane wreck I moved onward knowing I was not meant for the one view at the top of the mountain today... rather the countless views along the way, impossible to measure in any single way but with a lingering feeling of experience it is something that stays with you.

Atop Calloway Peak for a second time I looked around at the drifting whiteness of the air. Visibility was about 50' and I had a big laugh that after 2:45 of moving to this point on the peak that I would see... clouds and few nearby trees!! Was the run any less rewarding?  

Atop Grandfather Mtn.

Nowhere to Go but Down
Beginning the final leg of the run I settled back into downhill movement, the rocks a bit wetter, though my Innov-8 Roclites gripped with easy and I ended up without even a slip on the way, just a couple of uphill stumbles (no official falls!). Reaching the spring again I stopped and took a few minutes to re-energize my legs for the runnable downhill to finish. With the technical stuff behind me I had 2+ miles of smooth downhill ahead!

Reaching the Profile View I stopped for a minute to take in the face of the mountain's namesake, this time with the trail to myself. Then, I bombed downward picking up speed, dipping into and cruising out of tight turns and splashing through ankle deep mud puddles, what a blast! I reached my car just before 5 o'clock with 3:15 on my feet and feeling like I would have liked another bit of running... but for now it was time to head home!

This run was a big confidence booster. Grandfather Mountain is an area I once considered not runner friendly, which may be true for a road racer... with the right approach this is a playground with big climbs, technical sections, downhill bombs and even a few sections of flat, open trail. I can't wait to get up there again and add on to the double traverse!

This type of running should serve me well come Weymouth Woods, though not sure how to prepare for 60 miles in a sandbox... suggestions?

Grandfather Mountain to Calloway Peak

What a run! I quickly settled into a comfortably-urgent effort as I made my way along the Tanawha Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway side of Grandfather mountain in the evening. My goal was to reach Calloway Peak and return to my car prior to the setting of the sun- with severe weather in the forecast every afternoon this week, it was my day to enjoy a beautiful, perfect trail running day. Warm, not hot, cool but not cold- a nice breeze, a few clouds... basically the best reason to stay fit, is to be able to go do this run on this day!

The Tanawha- Daniel Boone Scout Trail

Make the Mountain your Friend.   Inov-8 Roclite 295

The route is rooty and technical. But thanks to my cool shoes, the Roclite 295 from Inov-8 I was able to handle the moist trail, big rocks, downed logs and rhodo-roots with no worry of slipping .

I just had to keep focused on not catching a toe which could lead to a nasty spill. On the way up I had no issues and kept myself under control, searching out the next step, with efficient and explosive movements.

This trail is a puzzle- it requires a calm selection of steps and thinking ahead to best flow of the route. With the massive amount of water that inundate the trail during storms, the best course is changed constantly with water erosion.

You literally have to be on your toes- if you don't want to end up on your nose.

24hr. Technical Assistance

Get Out Your Climbing Legs
I reached the base of the climb to Grandfather. To this point the trail had been a gradual roller, with a slight net uphill. The Park Ranger was out so I was required to register for trail use- in case I was eaten by an escaped Mountain Lion they would know which car was mine. We had a good little chat and I was on my way up Grandfather toward Calloway Peak. Settling into the effort gear.

The mileage on Grandfather is marked every 1/2 mile... but I know that linear distance means nothing up here, your work is measured by elevation change, time and effort. It is difficult to quantify this bolus, but once digested after the run you have a good idea what you ran (linear equivalence) for the day.

The Sean on The Ladder

Morphing Ecology
It is striking how the environment changes in a matter of a few switchbacks up here. At one moment you are running in big hardwoods, then smaller conifers and ferns, then lush grasses and as you reach the top you have down trees from severe wind damage, huge boulders to course over and around.

Reaching the Peak
As I reached the summit I was brought back to that desolate wind of mountain peaks where even on a calm day the bristles in the trees whistle the wind in a haunting fashion. This comforting entity of the mountain is a reminder that this is an organism in itself and only by running with it... can you hope for success.

Ambition and overreaching your ability to work with the terrain of the Mountain WILL be your downfall in this setting.

Atop Calloway Peak

After a couple ladder climbs and steep sections of crumbling trail I was soon in the tunnel of dwarf fir leading to Calloway Peak. Emerging onto the exposed mountain top I could see in all directions and allowed a few minutes to savor the journey, the moment and look forward to the cruise ahead of me on the return.

The wind cooled me and the view soothed me. I was in that calm state of mind you need to run a relaxed descent.   A clear mind = clear path.



Downhill Dividends
As I ran downhill I did so on auto pilot. A few times I found myself wandering and hearing a negative thought here or there... which usually preludes a toe catching a rock, stump or root.

Winner for Best Blood 

On one such case I was moving along pretty well (10k effort) when a trail-gnome grabbed me good. I went horizontal, suspended in air with the trail passing in slow motion beneath me. I knew this one was going to be a doozy and attempted to pull my knees to my chest in last ditch effort to save my skin, bones and blood with luck of a solid footfall...

But- this was not to be. My dreams were smashed into the Earth unceremoniously, pulverized. When I came to a skidding stop I was bent backwards, literally heels over head, up off the trail and face down in the bushes. There were some loud thuds and groaning sounds and I lay there and made sure nothing would fall off if I regained my vertical posture.

I was ok- a little shaken and the wind had left me for a moment. But just bruised, hematoma'd and bleeding. We have all been there. It keeps us alive!

Symbiotic Fatigue
I resumed my downhill pursuit, practicing choosing my line with darting steps on the switches and then opening up on the straights until I came to the bottom of the Mountain. Around this time I reach 1:40 in my run and began to feel the need for fuel... having brought nothing along I knew that I would just have to deal, and watch my step. With a mushy body coordination goes. I reminded myself constantly that being tired doesn't mean running tired. You can run strong- it is a style, in the face of anything.

I checked my form, backed off the effort and speed a tad and in no time was back at my car enjoying a     30-mile Milk Shake (for 19 miles of running... a smaller portion).

My favorite Old Tree 

Afterglow
As I sat in the parking lot, cleaning my bloody leg and scraped shoulder, bruised thigh I could feel nothing but pure elation in this setting. The general ache of a solid effort, of a great run, the calm of accomplishment soaked through me. A warm spring evening in a quiet place. The sky turning pale and my lips finding the relief of a cold amber ale.

Happy Running!

The First Snow of the Year!!!

Friday brought along the first significant winter weather of the 2010-11 season.  Being a Friday it meant finding a trail to run.  So, at about 6pm Friday night I reached the Tanawha Trail from Cold Prong along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I could see that Grandfather Mountain was covered in a cloud of snow and for this reason, I parked about 2 miles from its access point then headed straight for it.

The initial segment of trail was rolling and runnable though- very wet from the rain during the prior two days. Within 10 minutes the snow was coming down steadily and bridges were covered white and were slick. Upon reaching the first aggressive climbing at Boone Fork Trail, the ground was completely covered and the snow was coming down hard!!  Love it.  When reaching the Nuwati Trail junction I turned and headed up the side of Grandfather Mountain to get into the fun stuff.

The Nuwati Trail forms a loop with the Daniel Boone Scout Trail where you can either continue to the summit, or return to the Tanawha Trail.  This was my destiny for the day, but first, I needed to climb up the granite boulders (which were slick with snow, ice and cold, like a frosty mug) for about 10 minutes where normally the runner can take in the Wilson's Creek watershed toward Caldwell County.  This day all I could see was the snow in front of my face and a vague concept of the other side of the Boone Bowl.  Patiently, mostly, I worked my way up the blanket of white on this rooted and rocky trail, ducking under branches and bounding (mostly) up big log steps. 

In a series of moments I reached the junction with the Daniel Boone Scout Trail.  To the right waited Calloway Peak... definitely NOT happening today and to the left was my route toward home.  This downhill ride is normally technical and slightly out of control... today it was downright sloppy and since I was no longer climbing and the snow was still pounding- I was getting a cold and was soaked through.  No problem, assuming I did not break my leg- I would be warm in about 40 minutes.

The sun was gone now and I was taking it smooth and easy on the slick rocks, back the way I came.  It is so quiet and still in the forest after a good snow.  I saw a few deer, one large doe and in a slight worry for what might eat such animals... I would give an occasional "hoot" as I moved from holler to holler on the dark trail. 

The final 10 minutes of the run were lit only by the snow on the ground, running by contrast of dark and light to pick up high spots for warning of a hazard.  Surprisingly I moved deftly and without incident while still carrying some speed through the woods. I do know this trail well- but still- blindness is blindness.  After 80 minutes of solitude I neared the trail head and spotted a headlamp coming toward me. I stopped and chatted with a couple on their way out to sleep in the storm... I hope this wasn't a first date.  I can just imagine what Lynnea would say if I suggested such an idea...

As promised I was soon enough warm and dry and back to the Element for some Friday night tunes.  On my way home I hit up Chik-Fil-A for a #3 glycogen replacement meal. Yummy!

Another Week Toward: Toeing That Hopkinton Line

This week was full of big pay-offs.  After spending about 10 hours reclaiming trail around the house, I was able to get out to enjoy the running along it!  Before that I set out to run come area trails.

Mid week I continued my hill training phase with an extended hill climb at marathon effort on the Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain.  This 30 minute climb took me up above Foscoe, NC and to the sky's ceiling that fall afternoon.  I was pretty winded by the time I reached the turn around point- which was the point.  Then, being careful on the slick rocks (in racing flats- all I had in my car...) I bounded, sped, turned, careened and floated downhill for the 3.5 miles over small creeks, passing large trees dipping into and out of ravines and around exposed vistas!!  Always a fun time at Grandfather!

The weekend brought a 90 minute long run to the schedule as I build back up slowly to the requisite long runs for Boston in April.  Saturday I stepped outside to the first hard frost of the year and clicked the watch to move about for 90 minutes at a casual long run pace.  Within 10 minutes the hat and gloves were off and the air while nippy- was perfect for running!  Warm sun spots and cool in the shade... Running The Dragon Trail I completed the first 6 mile loop in about 45 minutes, such symmetry for home based long runs complete with all sorts of hills.

I stopped in at the aid station (my house) for a quick Chomp and some water and back out onto the trail for a second and final loop.

Of course, as magically occurs- I was now less fresh and the onsetting fatigued proved to complicate things slightly.  Suddenly there were more roots, loose stones, and slick footing... and I was slipping and sliding about.  Figuring I was moving a little more quickly as well, being warmed now- I settled back down and patiently moved forward up and down, left and right through the woods along the Watauga River.  Upon reaching the river for the second time that morning I paused and listened to the fall of water as it met the large granite boulders it conspires with.  Then I turned and move away and uphill for a final ascent.

Imagining the hills of Newton I pressed a little harder and moved closer toward the edge of aerobic capacity.  On the steeper sections I was forced to gulp oxygen and forcefully expel carbon dioxide, rapidly exchanging currency to meet immediate demands.  The hill receded and I was into the final half mile of the day.  Without effort my breathing and heart rate returned to "normal" and I was playfully moving through the small meadow.

In the invisible distance critters moved through dried leaves and up trunks of skeleton trees.  Occasionally I'd come upon small herds of deer and 2-3 of them would bound away, up the steep hills typical of the area.  A quick blast of air from the nose and 4 bounds later the deer would be 30 feet uphill!  Impressive...

Boone Fork Trail- an autumnal experience

 Friday afternoon means one thing to the runner in me... driving to the Blue Ridge Parkway and stepping along some trails!  Most recently I headed out to the later afternoon trail run on the Boone Fork Trail from Julian Price Park along the BR Parkway.  This loop is marked at 4.9- but runs more like a 6.5 to 7 miler.  The technical aspects of the trail: roots, rocks (and occasionally a little rhythm) make this a perfect sit back and relax kind of run. 

 Along the way, the trail passes through several types of landscapes offering a vast array of natural experiences.  Everything from streams to rivers, rapids to calms, climbs and tricky descents.  There are even some very runnable stretches- though short lived:)

As this loop can be run in either direction, the run this time made me think about how perspective plays such an important role in our day to day experience.  Depending on which direction we face a trail, it is a completely new world, although a GPS would tell us we were in the "same place" we know this is not actually the case.  A climb becomes a downhill, a tripping hazard is taken out of play as the terrain alters the foot placements and the sun shines on your face to warm you on a cool day; when in the summer, you had to jump in the creek to escape the heat! 

As this run wound down, the sun was getting low and the deer were out in the thicket.  I ran up on a doe who stood there startled, frozen.  The deep darkness of her eyes pierced mine and I the moment burned into me.  Just as I realized what was staring at me, she bounded away, disappearing but for the dry crunching of her light steps.  On I moved beyond the beaver dam and into the flat, grassy fields of the final half mile.  I trotted, slowly as I could to allow myself to be immersed in the scene.  The last rays of warmth of the day- leading to what is always a long winter season. 

We still have the autumn runs ahead of us- let's not rush through them. 

A thin line between darkness and warmth.

Grandfather Mountain- Profile Trail

Monday afternoon and I found myself motoring over the trail head to get in some climbing on the Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail. The route settles you in crossing over a stream and running along side the water for a half mile before beginning the assault on the mountain. On the way you are treated to several creek crossings before the climb gets a bit more aggressive on large granite steps which make up the trail.

After a few miles the trail reaches a natural spring before giving the legs one final test through the boulder field of a trail which leads ultimately to the ridge around 3.5 miles. To give you an idea of the grade, my half mile splits were larger than my daily mile splits. From trail head to ridge was about 45 minutes. I then turned right toward the Mile High Swinging Bridge, an icon of Grandfather Mountain... unfortunately.

After a half mile or so of nice alpine running on dark, muddy trails the trail emerges on the top of the ridge line, in the exposed air of the high country. Honestly I was feeling a tad vulnerable here after the cover the climb to that point. My year old road shoes hold little in the way of traction and as I bounded from boulder to boulder I could feel a bit of slip from time to time. As I peaked to my right I noticed nothing but air... this is a mountain after all and so my plan quickly changed from covering ground to staying on solid ground.

I ran when I could run but much of this section requires climbing, using anchored lines and ladders to traverse... not exactly running but beautiful, fun and the alpine air just smells so good. Now I was thinking time on the feet. This mile stretch of terrain took me a solid 25 minutes to cover. Soon I realized the swinging bridge was out of the cards for this night. I had promised to be home by 8pm and now was pushing to get back to the car by that time.

The return trip was much quicker as the technical sections were uphill and so a little easier to move with pace. (I prefer going up when climbing is concerned.) Channelling my inner Bear Grylls I soon reached the spring just below the ridge line and saw that I had 30 minutes to reach the car by 8pm. The trail was much more runner friendly within half a mile and soon I was zooming down the mountainside just letting the legs fly and swiftly hitting on my foot placements without really thinking.

Gliding and Smiling
This type of trail running is so enjoyable after putting in the work to gain all that elevation. Just a microcosm of running and training. You diligently acquire fitness day by day and then every so often you are able to flourish in an hour or two or pure runner expression. Back to the last flat section and the creek crossings as the water reminded me to slow down and go with the grade of the land. The best running comes when we work with the Earth, not trying to conquer it. This activity requires the successful to compromise with the land. We give over our ego and in return are provided with joy and bliss.

Return to the Long Run.

Saturday morning and I knew I had to get a long run in BUT, all I really wanted to do was sleep.

So, I slept a little later, but was out the door by about 10:30 a.m. Of course it was a little too late as the month now reads August and even in the mountains of western NC, the temperatures do rise up. I chose a route that recieves full sun exposure. My thinking here is that I am training for a run in the desert, so might as well get adjusted. I was off well, cruising just below the 7 min pace and feeling comfortable though I was glisteing in the sunshine.

I reached Bethal Baptist and turned left onto Mountain Dale Road and decided that today would be a loop run. As is normally the case my runs begin with a vague idea and then I adjust that idea into a concrete plan with each step. A "Turn here, okay that'll be fine" kind of an approach. So, off on down Mountain Dale I ran. The pace was a cruise effort and I was creeping a little closer to 6:30 per mile now. Enjoying the scenery with Christmas Tree farms surrounding me and cows chewing on grass. Passing beyond the occasional farmstead and refurbished silo.

I eventually came upon Stone Mountain Road and turned left again, hit the 'split' button and began the ascent of 800 plus feet over the next mile and 3/4.

The first mile was on the aggressive edge of gradual and this went by in about 7 minutes, the heart rate climbing gently . Climbing a few switchbacks I entered the domain of cow fields and then looping left around a hairpin turn; Grandfather Mountain came into view off in the distance with a dusting of white clouds on its southern edge.

I was so thankful to be out there and feeling good, able to wave hello to folks in their Saturday morning yards, enjoying the beauty in their own way. The hill gave way momentarily and even descended. This is a sure warning for any runner, the best is yet to come.

For the first 1/4 mile I was regaining all of the elevation lost during this rest period. Up and up I plodded feeling that this hill was much more serious than its previous kin. Soon, I reached the cover of the forest and then the climb turned left and even more aggressively upward. I was now making my way up a grade in the middle teens. The birds were filling my ears with song and my heart and lungs were doing what they could to supply the muscles with what they needed. Body and mind working together to lift the body literally and the soul otherwise.

Another quarter mile up and 3-4 switchbacks I could see the beacon at the crest of the hill. A few inches at a time, patience... patience, stay aerobic and use your strength. Let this grade slip beneath and just feel the movement. Never run in a hurry (especially at 20+% incline).

Whoosh...

...that emmense relief that awaits your arrival at the more gentle edges of a tense climbing effort. About 15 minutes was all it had taken, but those seconds become precious as the goals comes into view.

Can we keep that perspective which allows us to see the movement as the goal, the lifestyle itself being the essence? It'd be ideal, but really what we, as runners, are looking for is to conquer challenges. I had one more in front of me for the day, to simply enjoy the 5+ mile cruise back to the house.


All the elevation gained would now be given back to me over the next 40 minutes or so. I popped a gel as the watch hit 60 minutes, settled into a comfortable stride, quick and light but not zealous. I glided downward through the miles absorbing the rush of air over my ears, my eyes, my skin being cooled gently on a sunny August morning. On my way to eventually complete household chores that loomed ahead. But for these moments, on a morning in my life, I took the time to live the the way I choose. To experience happiness in a personal and complete way.

I return to the long run because this is where the magical things will come.

Lazy Daze

What a visit! My lil bro and his fam just left this morning. Late nights, lazy days, lots of laughs, a ball game, time on the river, catching my first fish... Great Times!

Today, I will run. It's been since Saturday when my longish reminder was interrupted by vicious T-storms. They snuck up on me over Grandfather Mountain. One second steady rain, the next I was surrounded by black clouds, lightning and sheets of heavy rain and blistering winds.

At that point I made the decision to cut my run from 16 miles to get back to the car as soon as possible and live to run another day. After a squatting stint in some low land ravine waiting for the worst to pass I continued on... making it safely to the Honda. This was the second most severe weather I have been caught in on a run... no hail at least.

Upon arriving home I was greeted with carnage in the forest about 200 feet from the back porch. There was a large swath of Poplar destroyed from sudden high winds that came and went in a flash. Our cousin was apparently in the immediate area and his faith must've been tested in that moment. The word 'tornado' was mentioned... none of us are meteorologists so... who knows, but he was there for the destruction first hand. Since this is the same system that I encountered later in the day... I was VERY happy to have made the decision to cut the run short. Now it has been 3 days since I have run so it is high time to get out there on a trail for a long hour in Wilson's Creek!!