January ramblings.....

January is in the books and despite a minor setback (old man back injuries suck) training is progressing well so far. I have gotten back to the pool full force and although I still only move slightly faster than pond water, my swim fitness is returning quickly. Hopefully, with some concentrated effort this year, I can progress from pond water speed to trickling water hose speed. I’m also hoping this year I can make it to one of Carole’s swim clinics in Atlanta and she can turn me into one of those speedy torpedoes in the water. I am still hesitant to throw down a split goal for Knoxville as it appears that although I have swam countless miles over the years, completed many 70.3’s and even a 140.6, I still find surviving a 400m open water swim a major accomplishment. Damn those sea monsters and large man eating fish.

This week I conducted an LT Field test to wire down my training zones. Over the course of that test I came to realize several things:
1. LT Tests suck.
2. Despite how much an LT Test sucks I’m not as out of shape as I thought.
3. The tri shorts I was wearing on the treadmill were so threadbare (apparently from swimming), that my…..er… man parts were visible …. (Luckily for me, and the rest of the world, it was early, and I was alone in the gym).
4. I need new shorts.

This Sunday is The Red Top Rumble 11.5 Trail Race, which is the first event of 2011 for me. This is a small trail race sponsored by the Georgia Ultra Running and Trail running Society (GUTS). This one is an Atlanta favorite and is limited to only 300 runners and usually sells out within 3 hours. Not an overly technical course however there is several sections with long steep leg blistering climbs and descents. Last year I finished in 1:36. Would like a 1:30 or better this year. I had hoped my new Avi-Stoltz would have arrived in the mail for the race, but alas, no……..

Things I am really excited about this year: 2011 Trakkers Team and sponsors! Especially Avi-stoltz shoes (Avia Shoes in general), Recovery Pump (I need this bad), and the Rev3 Half in Knoxville!

Finally, I’m still looking for a Trakkers Teamate for the Rev3 Adventure Race in April……..Male or Female……. Or both…… registration is free for us……………… any takers out there?.........Hello?

At the southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains lies one of the most spectacular parks in the southeast. I am fortunate enough to live only a few miles away from Amicalola Falls State Park, and can usually be found there on most Sunday mornings running one of several of my favorite running routes.
As a matter of fact, the nickname that many of my friends refer to me by, was given to me by one of the park rangers who worked there. One early Sunday morning, several years ago, a friend and I were at the visitors center signing in for a early morning morning trail run when the elderly lady working there as a volunteer asked me if I was that "Falls Runner" guy that the Ranger mentioned, who was always running up and down the stairs like a crazy man. We laughed and said I guess that would be me. The name kinda stuck.

The aptly named Amicalola Falls State Park , is home to a 729 ft cascading waterfall, the tallest east of the Mississippi River. Aptly named as Amicalola is Cherokee for tumbling water. The falls are always incredible but I think they are most beautiful in the winter as the falls can be seen for miles around. The park offers weekly wilderness activities and workshops, has a small visitor with store and small historical and wildlife exhibit, and can support anything from small picnics to corporate conventions. There also is a kick ass restaurant at the top of the falls with breathtaking year round views.

In the North Georgia, Brasstown, and the six fabled Gaps get the majority of the attention of the cycling community. Now I will agree that if you are planning only one trip to ride in North Ga then you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to mash up Brasstown and/or Hogpen. I will say however that although not near as long those, Neels, or Wolfpen Gaps, the climb up the Top of the Falls Road at Amicalola although just slightly over a mile long, gets my legs and lungs burning more than most of the longer famed North Georgia gaps.

Walking or running up the falls is a different type of pain. After a steep approach trail about 1/4 mile long leads to the what some consider the base, the falls are flanked by a staircase of 471 stairs that lead to the top. Running these stairs is another staple training session that I enjoy even though I usually draw strange stares (no pun intended) from others as I huff my way up and down them. These are usually best run early in the morning so crowds can be avoided.
Once at the top you have multiple options as the park has numerous loop trails of various difficulty. My favorite trail within the park is the Len Foote Hike Inn trail. This is a 5 mile trail that leads from the top of the falls to the famed Len Foote Hike Inn. Its a great running trail as it's not too rocky, and the climbs and descents are not steep nor as technical as the surrounding trails. The trail is also well marked and has mileage markers along the way for those without GPS watches. Runners or hikers that make the 5 mile one way trip have the option of continuing on the AT approach trail, or even stopping for a visit to the inn, or perhaps a side trip on one of the loop trails before beginning their return trip back to the falls.

The Inn is a remote and beautifully rustic lodge 5 miles deep within the Chattahoochee National Forest. It's very unique as it allows one to take a hike deep into the Appalachian Mountains, which is the only way to get there, yet stay in a comfortable rustic lodge, complete with heated showers, hot meals, and comfortable warm beds. Its the perfect getaway for those wanting to experience the southern wilderness without actually roughing it. It’s also favorite starting point for AT through hikers making the annual March pilgrimage to Springer Mountain for the 2000 plus mile journey.
If you're like most athletes you spend your training sessions just like me, totally absorbed in the training paying no attention to anything else but your body and the plan. I have also learned that a diversion is healthy and keeps training interesting. My excursions to Amicalola Falls helps me through those long early morning base runs, and I actually embrace the remoteness and solitude of the mountains much more than beating the pavement alone . If you're ever in North Georgia you owe it to yourself to stop by.

Snow Day (s)

Back to work finally! Which for me isn't really that bad anytime of year. Despite the fact that I just basically love my job, I also have the most incredible view within footsteps of my office door (see pic on the left). A picture is worth a thousand words!

It does appear that we're finally thawing out down here in the south! For the last week we've been in the grip of the most severe winter storm in over ten years. Almost the entire northern half of the state has been trapped inside for several days waiting for the deep freeze to thaw. As much as 6" to 8" inches of snow fell in less than 10 hours, only to be topped with sleet and freezing rain. Here at home (in the North Georgia mountains) I measured 10 inches of snow on the top of my car. This is the most snow I have ever seen in Georgia! I realize our brothers from the north are laughing at us and they deal with this on a daily basis in the winter. But for a region that rarely sees 2 inches of snow all winter, Atlanta's 10:2,000,000 ratio of snow removal trucks to residents always seemed to do the job just fine. No so this year. It was however , and nice getting outside for a few runs in the snow. Reminded me of my days living in Alaska.....without the -50 degree temps of course! I also got back on the tri bike for the first time since B2B in November for a few quality trainer rides!

Today I officially registered for Rev 3 Knoxville and South Carolina. Trying to swing Rev 3 Cedar Point as well but not sure work is going to cooperate! Can't wait!!!!!!!

Training (and recovery from the holidays) is progressing nicely and I'm looking forward to the Red Top Rumble 11.5 mile trail race in early Feb. Hopefully the Avi-Stoltz will arrive as I am growing tired of my "Other Shoes"

Below are a couple of winter scenes from one of my runs. I love where I live!

Memberships

Memberships….Things I am a member of……..My dysfunctional but loving family of course, USAT Member 482432, BSA Troop 36 Scoutmaster, Fit2Tri Triathlon Club, the North Atlanta Multisport Club, USMRA (US Mountain Ranger Association), WAR (Worldwide Association of Rangers), 82nd Airborne Association, US NCO Museum Association, Trailblazers Adventure Racing Club member 2357, Team First Endurance, US Cycling association, once again Team Trakkers 2011 (09, 10) and now it appears this……………damn, I'm only a 50-54 age grouper...........hmmmmmm wonder if this means I no longer have to work?

Adventure Race?

Adventure Race in December? Sure why not. I have no physical punishment, or mental anguish scheduled for the Holiday Season……
This week I was offered the opportunity to compete in the Midnight Rush Adventure Race on 11 December 2010. My team mates and I will be representing (not only Trakkers for me) the Army’s 5th Ranger Training Battalion. We’ll be fielding two teams, a two-man (my team), and a three-man male team. The race is a 14 hour sprint race conducted in my backyard, the Chattahoochee National Forest. Even though we are all intimately familiar with the area the race is being conducted, I’m not sure how much of an advantage this will provide as some of the other team members have not ridden a mountain bike since elementary school, and the closest they have come to a canoe is watching the big waterfall scene in the movie Last of the Mohicans…. That alone should be a hoot. Obviously winning is not the motivation for competing…… What is motivating however is the race supports what I feel is one of the most worthy organizations out there. The Lead the Way fund!
Lead the Way Fund, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization established to raise money in support of disabled U.S. Army Rangers and families of Rangers who have died, have been injured or are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. The Lead the Way Fund, Inc. provides assistance for health and wellness programs as well as other services vital to the families of deceased, disabled or active duty Rangers. The assistance offered by Lead the Way is inspired by the courage and character of Sgt. James J. Regan who was killed in Iraq while serving with honor with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Read about James and the LTW fund @ http://www.leadthewayfund.org/sgt-james-j-regan/
Of course I’ll be sure to take excellent notes and make a full race report upon completion as I am sure it will most definitely be an adventure….. Hmmmmmm….now what shoes should I wear

SOB 2011

Watch out Race World. I came up with a brilliant idea on the way to Wilmington, NC for the B2B Half.
For those of you not familiar with I-95, just inside the northern South Carolina border lies a little gem of a place known as South of the Border. It's been referred to as many things over the years by travelers, and vacationers. America's Highway Oasis, The Acapulco of the East, South Carolina's Shithole...wait, forget the last one. Anyway....It's been there since 1949, and in my travels up and down I-95 over the years, I've watched this little place grow over the years from a trendy little truck stop to a full blown family vacation destination, kind of like Vegas but without nice casinos, hot dancers, Wayne Newton, or Lion Tamers. I am sure there are probably been a real life episodes of the Hangover made there weekly. Where else on earth can you take an elevator up 200’ inside the world’s largest sombrero, ride a roller coaster, spend the day in the Silver Slipper Arcade, buy rubber dog poop, and view a life size replica of the world’s largest Great White Shark, all in the same day. ….and I was only approached by one person pandering for money….this isn’t your run of the mill truck stop….oh no! So this is when I came up with my idea. Why not hold a triathlon here! It’s perfect! I know there is already a Rev 3 SC but this is kind of like being in Mexico….or its own little country……
Rev3 South of the Border......nah.... Maybe the Rev3 SOB? Perfect.... I'm a genius.... So here is my plan for Rev 3 SOB 2011.
Ok here’s what I was thinking.... Swim location would have to be the Reptile lagoon... although it would have to be pool lap swim who cares.... the alligators and snakes would be a great twist, plus the Giardiasis risk would make you swim even faster.

Transition area is already marked and only a short run from the swim exit. Very little broken glass and I didn’t see one syringe!

The SOB bike course is awesome. I -95 baby, Straight, scenic, lightning fast and already marked nearly every few miles. See?

And naturally the SOB run course would be through the streets and road around SOB and finish between the Rev3 SOB mascots legs! Pedro! The SOB SOB himself! No need to even bring the blow up arch.
After the race spectators would wander for hours around SOB shopping for fireworks and real Mexico souvenirs. New shipments from Taiwan arrive weekly so the shelves are always stocked. Whoopie cushions, boobie mugs, pet rocks, cheesie t-shirts, unlimited NASCAR products….and of course SOB is only a short distance away from Redneck Mecca, Darlington. Knoxville Rev3 has the Sunsphere Tower…. Rev3 SOB has the Sombrero, and Dog Dirt……

Would be an awesome race venue, right?….. Yeah maybe not………..whatever… well if you need gas or rubber dog poop, SOB is the place! Gotta love America!

Get on the Truck

I’ve spent a fair portion of my adult life in charge of people. Groups of people. These groups of people have ranged in sizes from LGOPs (little groups of paratroopers), to a 200 man plus company. Inside of these groups, there were always people who possessed a variety of skills and talents. Some of these talents have ranged from challenged at best, to abilities that far exceeded my own. Despite these abilities of the people in these groups, the success of these groups more often than not hinged on keeping them focused on the mission at hand, and sometimes just getting them there. And despite their skill level, training, experience, talent, performance, good or bad, a substantial portion of my job was saving them from themselves. One of the old sayings most soldiers have heard one time or another is, ” If you’re going, shut the f@(* up, and get on the truck”. Today I was told the get on the truck. Thanks!
13 Days to B2B 2010.