2023-02-25 at 7:00am
26.22 miles (10:52/mile)
Montreat, North Carolina

Great race for anyone looking to increase their fitness while having a great time. Runners go 13.12 miles (plus or minus a half mile or more) up Black Mountain…at which point, presuming they are quick enough (the first 250), have the option of either immediately turning around for a marathon distance or continuing on for another seven miles up to Mount Mitchell before turning around, making the total forty miles.

The weather was supposed to be 41° through 54° with 60% chance of light rain. Thus, I wore shorts and a long-sleeve shirt. Actual conditions felt both colder and wetter. Started the race with Elissa Tubergen, who showed her running chops and left me behind in the first five miles. Never saw amy berkman during the race, except at she blew past me coming down the mountain…

Working steadily uphill for the first half, I was reminded by just how lucky we are to be able to participate in a sport that gets us outdoors and into beautiful areas. The day was perhaps not the best example of great weather, with light to heavy rain falling through much of the race. Nevertheless, great scenery and comradeship on the trail.

Upon arriving at the half marathon turnaround point, the temperature felt like it had dropped ten degrees. With no jacket or additional clothing at hand, I elected to turn back around. Others (Laura Maile, Martin Wileman, and Sam Guo) prepared better and blazed on ahead.

Heading downhill, as always for me, felt sublime. The joy of nearly effortless movement, combined with the thrill of having to make rapid decisions as to foot placement and stride length, was a pleasure. Took a rare opportunity to enjoy the trail, the weather (yes, really), and the people, as this was not a goal race.

The last three miles, run on relatively flat terrain and on road surface, felt a bit of a struggle after the downhill…but was welcome, as it signaled the race finale with a dash around the local Lake Tomahawk. With the cooler temperature, the finisher’s fleece jacket was much appreciated. Course markings were solid. The food and support at the end, excellent!

Congratulations to the many folks running with me in this race, especially David Montefiori, Lindsey Montefiori, E Fitness, Joshua Lowry, Steve Rothwell, Elissa Tubergen, Raheleh Ghasseminia, amy berkman, Sam Guo, Laura Maile, and Martin Wileman. Each of you completed the race in your individual manner, yet all came together to create a fantastic experience.