(Photo by Transit - Near Calloway Peak, NC)

Now amidst the summer training pathos, the hot days make outings that were once like gliding seem heavy and bogged down in humidity, sapping us of energy.

...or maybe that's just me...

Still, do we ever question what we bring to a run when we begin it? Do we consider the impact the trail has on us, as we consider our footprint on it?

Tweak sent me a link to an audio chapter of Dean Ottati's book The Runner and the Path. I listened to it, liked what I heard and bought the book 5 minutes later.

I recommend it, highly...feel free to read more for a couple of reasons why....

Some of us will miss the usual Saturday outing here in Chapel Hill and Carrboro this week. Prior to the race at Little River, we'll put some work into trail maintenance, supervised by Triangle Off Roard Cyclists (TORC).

Let's all get out there. Here are details from SKWRYL:

Just a reminder (and clarification for some) that we're having a workday at Little River next weekend, December 16. Several of you have contacted me about working. Thanks! I'd really like to get as many people as possible out there. If you are planning to run the race this year but still want to volunteer, this could be your chance to pitch in.

We plan to have Open Eye Coffee there at 8:30, start working at 9:00, and end around noon. However, if we are in the middle of something, we may work longer than noon. If you can only come for a couple hours, that's fine, too. When we finish, I plan on running the 9 mile course, so, bring your shoes if you'd like to preview either the 5K or 9 miler.

We'll arrange for some carpooling from the Open Eye or you can meet us out there. You don't need to bring anything but workgloves.

We are going to be working on a couple sections of the trails. In particular, we're going to be doing some "rock armoring". Generally, this means fortifying sensitive parts of the trail with rock to help prevent erosion. They'll be lots of digging, scraping, hauling, and lifting...and some trail building machinery to operate (including one of the power wagons they bought with last year's proceeds!!)...something for everyone.

contact skwryl[at]mail.trailheads.org for more information.

This discussion page is open to all runners preparing for the Uwharrie Mountain Run.

Access the thread for the race you're running, below. You'll need to login or create an account.

PairOdocs demonstrates perfect endo technique on the trails of Little River.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQmzuMn94ew

Those of you who know me, understand that I have at least one split personality.

On the one hand, I like running trails without a ton of equipment and like to stay "off the clock" as much as possible.

But, on the other hand, you know I'm a nerdy gearhead who likes to keep up with the latest outdoor toys.

I recently received a very generous gift: a Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS + Heartrate training watch. Yes, it's packed with features...what I love about it is the maps it charts!

Those training for Jay and otherwise interested in a trip to the Blowing Rock, Julian Price Park area this weekend, read on for details related to a training run on the Tanawha Trail.

We had a nice turn out for Saturday's run.

Monica was cruising right along, but took a graceful dive as we were nearing the bridge crossing on Bolin Creek.

But as a true trail runner she kept moving and completed the hour long tempo run on some fairly technical single-track.

This week's Trail Love Award Recipient: Monica



The photo will be added to the Trail Head Trail Love Hall of Fame.

Well done!

Chuck Snyder's note from Bellingham set my mind in motion about winter trail running, in all conditions.



[Art Credit: The Winter Solstice by Sid Reger

I know some folks signing up for the Little River Trail Run might be feeling a bit hesitant, "depending on the weather." That's understandable, but, well, running through the woods in snow, rain, or sleet is really wonderful!

There are stories I could tell, but some of you may have your own notes to share. I will simply say that winter trail running can be very tranquil, even when running in a pack.

So don't hibernate! Celebrate! Enjoy winter running - Mother Nature will appreciate your footprints' faithful statement.



The Witchlands Trail in good ol' Chapel Hill after a winter's dusting.



The Trillium Trail on Brush Mountain, near Blacksburg, Virginia. (I heard an owl hooting during this run.)

Trailheads,

As you know I am currently on furlough from running by doctors orders...however that hasn't stopped me from my other extra-curricular activities like biking, swimming and BREWING.


[Gumbi's Brewery]

I've been pondering, what will a thirsty Thursday trailhead really drink?

I'm going to put this to the test on Thursday, October 20th at 6:30PM by helping you rehydrate, after all beer is at least 95% water.

I'll be featuring a few samples of my home brews (yes, they have been taste tested by Wort's refined palate). On the menu, we will have -

Stuttering Stout (my wife stuttered the first time she tried it)
Hefer in Heat (a heavy Hefeweizen brewed in the heat)
Brown Wort (brewed w/ Wort, hoppy after taste)
Bitter Babe (a gentle Bitter)

Drop me a line if you plan on running. I'll have the samples on ice...

Work willing, see you Thursday at 6:30PM. If work prevents me from showing up, I'll send a proxy (Wort) with the brews.

Cheers,

Gumbi