Training: I’ve primarily been doing CrossFit since May, and almost exclusively since September. Aside from the occasional sprint in a CrossFit workout, I think I’ve run 4 times since the Grand Canyon R2R2R (Trilogy 50k, 2 5ks, and part of Maryland Challenge). I am a little stronger than in the past and probably about as fast at shorter distances, but not really long distance trained these days. So, this was a bit of an experiment. I think CrossFit training for running works, especially if you still get in a long run, as I did for R2R2R. For this, I think I just coasted by on previous experience and training, plus this course favors strength with all that climbing. I do miss running, especially with my friends, but time constraints are keeping me from it, and I’ve found something to stay fit that I enjoy equally, though it’s different.
Weather: The forecast looked terrible. The course was reported to have mud at lower elevations and ice/snow up high. It had rained a ton overnight and a lot during the week. It was predicted to be 30s and rain but turned out to be 40s and rain to start, then close to 50 by the end with no rain. No sun, but it was perfect running weather, and we both overdressed.
History: This was my 6th Black Mountain Marathon! I’ve run this with Lorrin, Michelle, and/or Paul over the years. A lot of pure trail runners complain that there is too much pavement (probably 7 miles are not on trails) but that doesn’t bother me. I love this race and hope to keep coming back.
Course: As covered in previous reports, you run up a mountain (marathoners go only partway to the summit of Mount Mitchell; 40 Milers run to the summit) and then back down. It’s a pretty rocky course, and we did not expect it to be a mudfest since it seems it would drain well. It was a mudfest. Runnable but slick in spots and definitely slower than in the super-dry years of the past. No YakTraks needed, though there were about 2 miles of snow/slush/ice at the top.
Company: I have not run a race with Paul in a long time! It was really fun to run with him! We ran together for about 5 hours and didn’t get tired of each other, even though we spent 8 hours together in the car the day before. Most couples probably wouldn’t plan a marathon weekend if they had babysitting for 4 days but it seemed like a fun idea at the time.
Nutrition: Since last April, I’ve mostly cut out grains (except beer) and processed sugars from my diet. During the summer training, I noticed that unless it was really hot, I didn’t need as much fuel on long runs as in the past. And when I did take a gel, it provided a much more noticeable boost than it used to. For the 8 weeks leading up to this race, I was eating pretty clean- no grains, added sugars, dairy and even beer. Interestingly, I found I didn’t need much fuel—I took one gel, had a bit of trail mix, and a small cup of coke. I used to chow down at aid stations and at least half the time, my stomach would have issues in races. The nice thing about not eating much is that my stomach felt great all race and afterwards! And my energy level never faded.
Race: Paul and I stayed together til mile 17. He set us a nice uphill pace but let me know that he wasn’t having any fun after about mile 9. I was very happy to hit the singletrack on the way up and can honestly say I really enjoyed the trails and being back in the woods running. I went ahead on the way down as Paul’s knee issue cropped up, as expected, and he smartly opted to walk it in. I absolutely hate the last steep downhill but I clocked about 9 min miles for the last 5 (mostly pavement) and was pleased at how strong I felt. I finished in 6:13 and Paul in 7:15 and got the traditional fleece finisher awards. I was hoping for around 6 hrs but I’ll blame the course conditions.
Beer: This area has amazing local beers! We had some of Asheville Brewing Co.’s Ninja Porter waiting for us back at the cabin and thoughts of that kept us going at times! Over the course of the weekend, we hit up the Black Mountain Ale House and Pisgah Brewery and also drank beers from Asheville Brewing and Highland back at the cabin. Beer in the hot tub after a race really a great thing.
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