Wed with the Fishes: Rock Creek Stage Race Part 1

Rock Creek is a store similar to REI that puts on races in the Chattanooga area to benefit Wild Trails, an organization that supports and protects the trails in the area. This was a 3 day stage race taking place on June 17-19 on Raccoon Mountain, Signal Mountain, and Lookout Mountain. Troy had originally found this race and mentioned he "might" be "thinking" about it. Well, having had such an awesome time at TransRockies last August, I'm hooked on stage races and at $90 for all three days combined, signed up immediately. Between me pumping this up and the awesome video they have on the race website, next thing I knew there were 12 of us going.

The backyard of the house we rented in Soddy-Daisy, just north of Chattanooga.

It was awesome to have so many friends at this 3 day race. We over-analyzed each day's elevation and terrain and aid stations and anything we could possibly think of. Seeing each other on the trail and seeing Fiona at the aid stations made it so special. We'd hang out drinking beer and eating pasta and cookies for hours by our cars after running. The wonderful race directors learned our names and on the second day even went and bought more beer!! (I cannot express enough how great of an event this is because of the race directors and volunteers!)

There were raffles everyday and a bunch of us walked away with prizes valued at greater than our race fee. I won a pair of shoes (very appropriate since I forgot mine on day 2.) Troy won over $300 in gear between raffles and Master's prizes. It's truly a great event.

A few general observations from the weekend:

1. When they say "flat...for Eastern Tennessee" what they actually mean is rolling hills and no flat parts.

2. When they say "technical terrain" they mean rocks. Rocks and rocks and rocks and more rocks and then more rocks. Miles of un-runnable terrain because of huge, giant, slippery rocks.

3. If the directions say "Turn Left," you will be presented with 7 different intersections, none of which is the one you need.

4. If the directions say "continue on" they mean turn left.

5. If you forget your shoes the world's greatest race volunteer will lend you hers.

6. If you decide to have a BBQ at the house you rented it will hail.

7. If you have been subjected to 24 Styx's songs in a row, you are with Kevin Wessels and Rick Sanford. Jump out of the car, it only gets worse....YES will be next.

8. If you fall 3 miles from the end and get a charlie horse in your calf, Michelle Liles will tilt her head back, cackle, and yell, "Now's my chance!!!" You're then on your own.

9. If you wake up at 5:00 a.m. and the humidity is already 91% you should start taking salt tablets immediately.

10. New trails plus great friends plus a well organized event equals a kick ass weekend of running!!!

More detail on each day soon!