StumpJump 50k

Yes, I did survive the StumpJump even if it has taken forever for me to post anything here. This was my second year doing the race and even though I felt pretty fit, my training leading up to this point was much different than the previous year, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Last year there was a whole crew of us running it, so weekends were full of long runs with lots of motivation. This year there was only a few of us and we were all distracted by our other sports.

Race morning was a good 10-15 degrees warmer than last year. It has been a hot year though, so I didn't expect this to make a big difference. There is much construction on top of Signal Mountain with two new schools being built, so the start of the race was a bit different than previous years. We started with a 2.5 mile loop over hilly (sort of deep) gravel trails. This really was not how I wanted to start as this is my least favorite part of the trail. And to have to do part of it twice before hitting the main singletrack - ick. I was happy to make the turn towards Mushroom Rock and get on with the rest of the race.

©Wilderness Adventure Photography
the descent to Suck Creek Road, around mile 6

It was great to see friends along the course.... Dan on the gravel loop, Sam & Leigh at Suck Creek, Lynn at Indian Rock House and Jeffrey & Tara at Haley Road. The volunteers everywhere were great, helping me with endurolytes and water refills. Especially great were those at Suck Creek Road, warning us of a yellow jacket nest just past the top of ladder. We were advised to veer right around the sign and bushwack a bit, skirting the danger area. I did just this and could see where others had gone. Unfortunately this led me directly to where the bees were! I yelped a bit and darted forward, somehow avoiding any stings. I was lucky! My friend Sergio, not so much - he estimated 22 stings. (And he still finished!)

©McKnight Photography
entering Indian Rock House, around mile 11

The Mullens Cove Loop went well. I ran it the previous weekend and it was nice to mentally have it under control. The low points were discovering my iPod battery was dead (why did I not check this?) and having Mr. Bad Attitude hanging out with me. I don't know who he was, but all he did was complain. I think that's why I passed him a few times when he was on the side of the trail after tripping & falling. Trail Karma. I was glad to finally drop him as it was starting to wear me down.

The last push, from Suck Creek Road back to Nolan Elementary (and the finish line!) is always interesting. I had already figured out I was about a half hour behind my goal time (oh well), so that aside, I just wanted to finish as strong as I could. I passed a lot of people and while I kept hoping I'd pass another girl, the ones ahead remained elusive. (same deal as last year!) The finish line was a welcome sight, with the clock reading 6:29.34 - a few minutes slower than last year. However, I was able to snag a top 10 finish - 9th in the womens open division, and 51 overall (out of 174 racers). That I am happy with!