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Post by Judd on Nov 14, 2006 21:23:59 GMT -5
Anyone out there doing the mt mitchell challenge? Any experience anyone would like to share is appreciated.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2006 21:09:08 GMT -5
Ok guys, I know i am new. I did the stumpjump last year. Finished in 7.5 hrs, had some cramp issues. Can anyone compare the tracks for me? Not that I can't myself, looking at topos, but in terms of experiencing it. I am looking to finish at this point and maybe later get competitive. thanks, Judd
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mattk
Stunned Runner
Suck it up
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Post by mattk on Nov 19, 2006 6:27:51 GMT -5
Judd - never did Mt. Mitchell, but I did Pikes Peak marathon this year, first time, which I assume is similar in that its a big climb for the first half, and you spend some time at an altitude high enough that you may feel it. Check out the pikes peak thread in "Races" and you will see the tips I got from vets of that race. My 1.3 cents is: do a few (2 at least) long runs on steep trails, many choices on the AT. Tray mountain is good. Do a couple of solid 6-7 hour runs also. In the race, if finishing is the goal, dont get to frisky on the climb - walk the steeps, especially at altitude. Drink MUCH water the week before the race and during the race - it will keep the altitude at bay. If cramping is a problem, it may be you need to better manage electrolytes, so you can carry some SUCEED caps, and, if you did not have enough long runs in before, get those 6-7 hour runs in. Good luck - the challenge is full, but I got in the mt. mitchell marathon, so Ill see you on the hill. Stay strong brother! Matt.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2006 16:56:29 GMT -5
Well I got into the Challenge, along with at least one other GUTS member I know of. Sorry I don't have any info on it, was kind of hoping someone in GUTS could give a detailed description of the pain I signed up for. Just did the Masters 50K but didn't get much info from anyone up there either. ;D joker
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Post by Judd Mahan on Nov 22, 2006 19:10:37 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply Matt. I haven't ran Tray and may just do that. Joker, thats kind of where I was coming from...just what pain have I signed up for. Wondering about Yak trax too, whats anyones experience running in them? I have climbed plenty in crampons, but no running. Judd
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Post by slowjoe on Dec 27, 2006 15:25:36 GMT -5
I did Mt Mitchell a few years ago, and I'm doing it agin this year. the year I did it, there was a massive snow storm the day before the race. they had to re-route part of the course near the top b/c the snow was to deep. The part we ran on, the snow was mid-thigh. As I recall, the race starts off by runing through the campus of a small college. then it heads up a very rocky dirt road for about 11 miles. When we went up, it was covered in snow, so the footing was pretty good. oN the way back down, the snow had melted into slush, so it was basically a running stream of frozen muck with a very rocky bottom. the marathon runners turn around and run back down from the top of this road, while the challenge runners continue with a big loop up to the top, then return. Like I say, the top of the course was different the year I ran it. Pretty challenging course, but all down hill (mostly) from the turn around.
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Post by amstel on Dec 28, 2006 22:48:59 GMT -5
I'm in on this. I got a "bear bell" for x-mas. Do you think that will help???
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Post by dougc on Jan 14, 2007 21:53:29 GMT -5
did the challenge 2 years ago. trail is not too bad. it is uphill, but only the last mile seemed steep. the rest is a steady incline. much of trail is wide road bed with some rocks. although some of race is on highway, i would recommend the use of trail shoes due to the rocks. running tray would help prepare for the last mile or so at the top. weather plays the biggest roll at this race. it is often icy or lots of snow at top. i did not take yak trax, but wish i had. fell flat several times near summit.
dougc
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2007 14:43:21 GMT -5
I did a 6.5 hour training run this past weekend. Running in Dawson State Forest - Wildcat area. Anyone ran up there? Nice area and only about 35 minutes from where I live in Canton. Some good uphill, single track, as well as everything else. Learning to control my cramping with the salt tabs. Using 1 Hammer tab every 30 minutes. Still had some about 5 hrs in.
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Post by frnchgrl26 on Jan 23, 2007 17:09:42 GMT -5
I am interested in the Mt. mitchell challenge. Does anyone have the race details? Thanks.
Brigette
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Post by davidshabat on Jan 24, 2007 0:22:02 GMT -5
. . . Learning to control my cramping with the salt tabs. Using 1 Hammer tab every 30 minutes. Still had some about 5 hrs in. Wow, I thought cramping was part of the fun. I've got a few buddies from Toccoa running the Challenge - ask around for Clint, Scott, or Bill. Perhaps it'd just be easier if you shouted out "Currahee" and you'll quickly find out who's been training on that mountain. I'll be skiing this year, but I'll be on Mt. Mitchell next year.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2007 9:39:29 GMT -5
don't get me wrong. I consider cramping part of the fun as well. Its just that....I tend to scare other runners while I'm screaming and having fun. Brigette, the website is www.blackmountainmarathon.com. Judd
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