skulls gap run with the iron mtn trail runners/ CTR 10k is in 2 weeks!!

these are the only pictures I took yesterday!:o( both are from the straight branch parking lot near the creeper and AT before I met up with the rest of the group to go run yesterday morning.

Yesterday's run was different than my past experiences but I felt very necessary in my education in trail running.

The reason I didn't take any pictures while i was running, wasn't because I didn't have my camera with me, I did carry it the WHOLE way. but I was kinda busy the entire time, well, running!:o)

I ran yesterday with beth, rick and tammy gray, and then a group of very nice people from boone: eva, martha, doug, and dennis. This was a collective of people who were very intelligent and FUN, but really got down to business! So the intensity was a little different from trail runs I had done the past couple of weeks. However, I really feel this was needed for me, to challenge me and make me stronger. I think it was a good preparation for the 16 mile trail race I am going to run on sept 5th. While the vibe was WAY more laid back than a race and I know racing is FAR more intense, I think running with a larger group really gets you moving forward. :o) at a much faster pace. It was still a fun run, but a faster one:o)

We did a 6 mile out and back( for 12) from FS90 to rt 600 on the iron mtn trail @ skulls gap, then once we got back to the cars at FS90, we refueled ( I took 2 motrin) and then we ran a 6 mile loop of some back trails that were SOOO pretty. I was very tired by that point, but happy I pressed on to run the loop! I ended up eating one pack of honey stingers, one pack of gu chomps-- a handheld of accelerade, a handheld of water. My hydration pack leaked BADLY all over me, and it looked like I peed my shorts:oP While I drank some from it, I have no idea how much.. I never re-filled it because my shorts were drying and I didn't want to get drenched again!

One thing I love about running with Beth, Rick and Tammy grey is 1. they are SO upbeat and positive. Running with them is a joy. 2. They ALWAYS point out different trails and where they lead to, so that I can get my bearings and figure out where I am. 3. They are very open in sharing all their knowledge about running and trail running and how they do things. I feel I gleaned so much information from them yesterday about trails, their medical kits. Rick was also kind enough to give me some pointers on running downhill and uphill. I am very appreciative to them for being so inclusive and making me feel SO welcome at their runs!!

on a different note, I have to divert my attention to my race that is coming up!! In 2 weeks!! I am very excited! Everything is coming together very nicely! my awards will be finished and at the cave house this week for me to pick up, and the shirts are being printed on august 9th. The week of the race is going to be CRAZY. I have so many things to do!! I have to get the equipment from state of franklin track club, and the fruit, bagels, bottled water for the finish from food city and kroger the day before the race. ( not to mention put together all the race bags for the pre-registered runners) I am just so happy I have a great group of volunteers for race day!! I have 21 so far!! I am convinced that having a competent group of volunteers is essential for a race to be well- organized and successful. I divide all the volunteers into groups and give each group specific jobs so that everything gets accomplished!:o)

Very excited about this year's race!!:o) Alot of work goes into putting on a race ( more than I ever imagined) but the benefits are well worth it!! I enjoy the sense of accomplishment, and the fact the race is in memory of my brother Todd, that fact alone makes me want to have the BEST race EVER. All proceeds from the entry fees goes towards Todd's memorial scholarship fund. Every year a new scholarship is awarded to a southwest va senior majoring in geology, geography, or environmental science.