Rope Mill Trail Run 4m

The forth and final race in the Mountain Goat Adventures trail race Series.  This race was at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock GA.  The park trails are well maintain by the city, county, and SORBA.  The short course was a 4mile course with a mix of single track, gravel, and concrete.

The race started out at the end of the concrete pathway heading back toward the parking area.  This was a fast flat run leading to the Avalanche Trail loop 1.  There is a gravel road that leads up to the single track.  Loop 1 is short however there is a second loop named loop2.  Loop 2 had a good decent before beginning the climb.  The trail had been modified due to rain.  Instead of running down to the river and scrambling over boulders we finished Loop 2 popping back out on the gravel road.  Heading back toward the packing lot we then took a hard left across the bridge running to the right going up river.  Mile two was complete just before we got to the river crossing.  The river was about knee deep.  This slowed down the time.  After crossing the river we took a hard left to scramble down the bank of the river before popping back onto the trail.  This short run dropped the runners off into a creak which we ran up. This section was clogged with people trying to get up the creek before finally leading to the last short section of the mountain bike trail.  Just as mile three was finished we came to a sharp drop in the trail.  The runner in front stopped.  Not a good thing.  Once down we were back to the flat concrete path for a fast sprint to the finish line.

This race marked the end of the trail race series.  Unfortunately the results were a bit delayed due to some runners being stung by hornets and a few yellow jacket stings that resulted in the EMT's being called for one case.  Everyone checked out fine.

There was a great turn out for the race.  Race results:  35:42 to place 9th overall and 5th in my age group.  A great finish to the series.  Thanks to the volunteers and Mountain Goat Adventures.  

The series points lined up to be a tie going into the fourth race.  I had the lead for 1/2 the race however the river crossing slowed me down resulting in getting passed.    Had a blast meeting and racing the series with Dale and Rob, both in my age group.  Great guys.

Great age group podium picture.

Sutallee Trace Trail Challenge 4.5m

The third race in the Mountain Goat Adventures trail race Series.  This race was at Boling Park in Canton GA.  This is a very nice park with easy access to trails, a crush N run mile track, and access to the Etowah river.



The race started out on the crush N run to give the trail racers a bit of space to spread out.  The first 3/4 of a mile was spent on easy flat surface before heading into the woods for some great single track racing.  A shout out to Troop 241 for some awesome trail and bridge building.  The 4.5 mile stayed on the front section of the trail.  The first mile was a gradual uphill before dropping down along the creek.  There was a bit of tricky footing leading on to the trail which led to a bit of an ankle roll that I will be feeling tomorrow.  First decent was about 400 ft decent.  What goes down must go back up. The next mile and half was a 600 ft ascent to the top.  This ascent was the most difficult as it would not stop.  The hill training earlier in the year payed off allowing me to motor up.  The last section of the trail race was a gradual downhill to the finish line.  Spent a lot of energy on the uphill leaving a slow pace to finish.

Crossed the line back on the crush n run to finish in 39:38.

There was a huge turn out today for the 4.5m and 10m race.    Great job volunteers and Mountain Goat Crew.  It had been awhile since I had been to Boling Park.  Had a great time.  Next up the season finale at Rope Mill.  Last race for all the points.

Second place in AG:

Mount Tabor 8M

Fifth race in a seven trail race series put on by Dirty Spokes.

The course is a 4 mile loop that is run twice to make up the 8 miles.  The first section of the course has several twists and turns that test ones feet to quickly change directions.  Water stop at mile 4.  The last mile in the 4 mile loop is through a scrub pine section on the top of a hill which gets a bit hot in the sun.
Also one note the run up the hill to complete mile 4 and to cross the finish line makes it a bit of a challenge to sprint.

Having lost 27 pounds, I was able to shave off 15 minutes from last year's time.  All and all a decent race.  I feel I went out a bit too fast however and struggled a bit on the second loop.  Also note no garmin.

As usual results are posted.

Thanks to the volunteers and the Dirty Spokes Crew.  Another great event.

Next up trail race 6.

Gainesville State College 5.3m

This is a Did Not Start due to other commitments.

The course is a pretty flat course and is a pleasure to run.
Maybe I will be back next year to run it.

Battle of Allatoona Creek 5m

The second race in the Mountain Goat Trail race series.  The second race was on the Allatoona Creek Trails  This is one of the hidden gems in the Atlanta area.  This is a mountain bike trail in Acworth Ga.

The trails are maintained by Cobb County and Atlanta Area Sobra.  Nicely done.


The 5 mile race started around 8:30am in the morning.  The first quarter mile was a parade lap around the field before crossing Old Stilesboro Road to hop on some double track for another 1/4 mile.  The course was a nice 4.5 mile look in the woods.  Maintained an even pace through the course.  There were not too many uphills.  This was a very nice beginners trail racing course.  Several bridge crossings over the creek as well as ramps and dirt mounds for the mountain bikers.  The weather was great starting out in the mid 50s.  Got a bit warm at the finish.  While the GPS measures trail runs short this one was a bit short of 5m.

The last 1.5 miles I slowed down a bit.  I suspect that was a bit due to the fast pace around the parade field and the double track.  I would not have changed the starting pace if I had to do it over.

All and all a good race.  Started out fast and maintained 2nd place over all half way through the course when I was passed dropping back to 3rd place overall.  Nice fast trail run course.  It is very interesting to run at the front of the pack.  Mentally you really have to push yourself.  It was a nice change of mind set.


The finish top 3 overall were all in the same age group for the finish.

Thank you to the sponsors and volunteers for making the race happen.  Next up Sutalle Trace Trail Challenge.

3rd place overall/age group:

Olde Rope Mill Park 6.5m

The third race of the Dirty Spokes Trail Race Seriers was held at Olde Rope Mill Park in Woodstock GA.

This trail is maintained by Woodstock Sorba.  The trails are in pretty good condition.  I suspect it is pretty fun mountain biking.

The race started promptly at 8:30am on the nose.  There was a 5K also going on at the same time starting from a different spot which totaled 250 runners this morning.  The 6.5m was the same course as last year which helped a bit.  The race started on the pavement section for about 1/4 mile before turning onto a double track which was pretty muddy along with one creek crossing and over the bridge to lead into some good single track.  I had planned to use my virtual assistant on my garmin to pace however it slipped my mind until I reached mile 1.  Oh well.  The first two miles or so was a bit wet and required a bit of extra careful footing before the first major downhill.  The course was pretty rocky.  More so than I remembered.  I was part of a group of runners that were pacing around 8:40 or so.  I stayed focused on the trail and sear determination that none of the hills would get the best of me.  It became easier to use the hills as a passing opportunity after mile 3.  Miles 3, 4, and 5 were a bit of rolling hills.  During this section I tried to maintain an even pace.  At mile 5.5 the trail looped around need the entry way which was the marker that there was one mile to go.  From that point on I worked on negative splits with the last 1/4 mile being a sprint to the finish on the concrete walkway that we had started.  Crossed the line at 55:something.  The garmin shows it at 55:53 however I stopped it a bit after cross the line.

This was a good race.  Big Peach Running and Montrail Running Shoes sponsored the meal after the race however it was not Paleo friendly so instead stopped by the Burger Inn to get some eggs and bacon.

Great race, thank you Tim and volunteers for a wonderful time

Next up is the ever fast 4th race in the series, Gainesville State College 5.3m trail race.  With a few other things happening I may not make this race.  We will see.   Hate to miss this one.  It is a nice fast flat course.

Runnin the Rocks 10K

Second trail race of the Dirty Spokes Trail Race series was held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers Georgia.

As usual the race started promptly at 8:30am.  The weather was great.  The trail was a new layout which was awesome!  The course utilized the mountain bike trails.  We started in the Steeplechase area coming across the grass leading on to double track.  A little less than a mile in the open double track dumped us into the woods for some very nice single track trail.  I was afraid with the rain we had earlier in the week the trail would be very sloppy however that was the not the case.   The new layout had three major hills to be tackled.  The first coming at mile 1.  Made quick work of that one.  From there is was getting into a groove.  The second would come around the half way mark before the only water station on the course.   This is the one section that I speed hiked up however as soon as I crested the hill I was back at it right past the water station.  The course continued for another mile or so before the last major hill.  I was determined to push through it.  Once at the top I cruised through the rest of the single track.  The single track dumped out on the field giving the runners about a 1/2 mile sprint to the finish line.

I was pleased with my time until I realized I just missed 3rd place in my AG by 12 seconds.  I got out sprinted to the finish.

Thank you to all the volunteers, course designers, and Dirty Spokes.  Love the new course for sure.

Next stop race 3 at Olde Rope Mill Park.

See ya on the trails!

Assault on Pine Mountain 5K trail race

Second race of the year however this was the first race of the Mountain Goat Adventure Trail race series.  There are four in total.  The race was out of Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area which is below the Allatoona dam on the Etowah river.

You could not have asked for better weather for the 5K trail run.  The race started  at 8:36 am after the 9 mile races had started.

The first 3/4 of a mile was on the road which after a hair pin turn we hopped on some single track winding out way back towards the landmark furnace.   From the furnace it was up the forest service road back on to the trail starting the 500 feet of climb we would do for the day.  Aid station was at the 1.5 mile mark about 1/4 the way up the climb.  Continue to climb making the way through the narrow single track, boulders, and stairs.  At mile 2.5 we began the decent with the trail popping out on the forest service road.  All down hill from there until we cross the finish line beside the furnace.

Finished 2nd in my age group.  Most of the participants were there to do the 9 mile race however there was still some good competition in the 5K.  The only confusing part which has never happened before but the garmin time was longer than the timing chip by 1:09.  I expect the distance to be off since the trails twist and turn however not the time.  I will go with the race time however I do not think I was that fast on the trail.

Thanks to the volunteers and Mountain Goat Adventures.  Looking forward to race #2 in the MGA Trail Race Series.

Heritage Park 8m Trail Run

First race of the 2012 Dirty Spokes Trail Running series started with a nice February day in Oconee County Georgia. The weather stayed clear for the race.

The race had its typical 8:30 start for the 8 mile run. At the start the runners ran the crush n run around the park before heading off into the woods for some nice single track racing. The course was well marked with two creek crossing. The first creek was down a bit so no water in the shoes. The second creek crossing was a breeze since there was no water in the creak.

The course was mostly downhill for the couple of miles and then was up and down until the finish uphill to the line. The first half of the race was fast and good. Could still feel the uphills. Going to need to improve on the uphill running in order to improve in the series.

The positive is that I did manage to cross the line a minute faster this year.

Thank you to the volunteers and Dirty Spokes for a great race and a great start to the series.

Next up Race 2....

Lake Zwerner 5K Trail Run

Nice cool windy October day for a trail run around Lake Zwerner in Dahlonega Georgia to raise money for No One alone. The course was a trail run with the first part being on Highway 60.
The day turned out to be a nice day despite the wind.

First off, I under estimated the number of hills in the course.

Started off the race on the road from the park heading across the bridge over the lake before we ducked into the woods and the nice double track trail. The first mile clocked in at 8:28 minutes which was going to be a good pace. I was exited until 2.25 when the first major hill hit. From that point on I realized the course was not flat nor would I be keeping the 8:30 pace. There were two major hills that I had to speed hike up. The rest of the way was a good pace run around the winding trails.

The last quarter mile you popped out of the woods and started to make your way to the foot bridge over the damn to cross the finish line. Finished with a solid 30 minute run around the lake to capture a 3rd place in my age group.

Lesson for this race was never under estimate the course.

This event also had a kayak race as well. That was a lot of fun to watch. Maybe next year I will enter the run & paddle.

Run the Farm for FOCUS 5k

Run the Farm for FOCUS 5k in Newnan, GA in support of FOCUS had an excellent turn out to raise money for FOCUS.

The three events were sponsored by work. The other two events were a 10k trail run and a 1m family walk.

The 5K course was fast and flat for the first 1.5 miles. The trail ran along the banks of a creek which made it a pleasure to run and kept the trail cool. The conditions were a little wet from the rain however the course was in good condition. The middle mile had a few hills that were tackled however slowed the pace down. The trail finished with a short section of running on crush and run gravel to cross the finish line.

I was pleased with the results. 27:03 for a 5K trail race with netted an 8:43 average pace which resulted in a first place in age group and 8th place overall in the 5K.

The rest of the event was spent socializing with the FOCUS folks and cheering on the participants from work that were running in the 10K or doing the 1 mile walk.

In the end a nice corporate event and great time with friends from work.

Dawson Dash 5K

Dawson Dash 5k at Rock Creek Park in Dawsonville GA to support Young Life Dawson County was a nice change of pace from the trail. The course itself was pretty flat.

I used this as an opportunity to see how fast the legs could go and shoot for a 5K PR.

The course itself was pretty much three laps around the asphalt trail. There were several participates from work as well that made the event enjoyable. The race was short and sweet.

Crossed the line with a new 5K pr of 25:27 which scored me a 4th in age group and 38th overall. Good finish for the first time back on the road in a long time.

Sawnee Mountain 3.5m Trail Run

The final race of the season for the Dirty Spokes Trail Racing Series is located at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. The course is a 3.5m trail run starting on the Spot road entrance, running up the right side of Laurel Ridge trail with a transition to Indian Seats trail back to Laurel Ridge to finish at the Sport road park entrance.

The course is a tough 3.5 miles with the first 2.5 miles gradually making your way to the top of the mountain to then spend the next mile running downhill.

It was a bit of a cloudy/misty day which kept the July race cool.

As usual the start was 8:30. Battling the uphill and navigating the downhill I was determined not to take a spill as I did the year before. 35 minutes later crossed the finish line to finish the race and the series. It was a good race and a good series.

The last race of the series is also when the series awards are given out. Due to missing a race and not placing well in the new age group, I did not expect to place this year. To much of my surprise persistence pays off attending 6 of 7 races I had enough points to squeeze out a 3rd place in my age group overall.

So ended the series with a nice reminder why I do what I do. Hopefully I will do better and compete better in 2012. Until we meet again, see you on the trail.

Central Park 5m Trail Run

The sixth race of the Dirty Spokes Trail racing series falls under the category of a D.N.S. (Did not start.)

The course is not to far from the house however due to other family events I was not able to make this race. The course I have run before is a 2.5 mile course. The first 1 to 1.5 is a nice single track through the woods. The last mile or so is in open fields. This makes for a tough finish in June.

Hope all went well and I am sure the Dirty Spokes Crew put on an excellent event.

Ready for the Series finale at Sawnee Mountain Preserve.

Mt. Tabor 8m Trail Run

Fifth race in a seven race Dirty Spokes Trail Race Series.

The course is a 4 mile loop which is run twice to get you to the 8 mile mark. The first two miles or so is the best part of the trail. The last two twist and turn through some open grass/weed areas. For some reason this trail race is the least favorite. The last two miles is exposed to the elements so on a warm day it can get a bit hot.

This race was not my best by far, nor was I that prepared for it either. The time showed as I crossed the line several minutes slower than last year.

The DirtySpokes Crew does put on an excellent event though. The kids race was fun to watch. Thanks to the volunteers and DirtySpokes.

On to the next race...

Gainesville St. College 5.3m Trail Run

Fourth race of a seven race series Dirty Spokes Trail Race Series took place at Gainesville State College trail system in Oakwood GA.

This was a second new venue for the year. The course was a fairly flat fast 5.3 mile. The first 2 miles was shared with the 2.5 mile run. The weather was nice for April. A bit of a rain during the week has left the area a bit muddy which added to the fun. The wood bridge crossings were wet which would be a bit of a challenge for several of the racers.

I was glad to finish the 5.3m with a good time but most off all was able to see the awards ceremony for the 2.5 mile run which both boys participated.

This event was very special in that both of my boys ran the 2.5 mile race. Each of the placed in there age groups which was awesome.

Dirty Spokes had laid out easter eggs around the area for competitors to find to redeem for prizes. Scored another beer glass while the kiddos scored a shirt and a water bottle.

Another awesome venue. Thank you Dirty Spokes and volunteers for a great race.

Olde Rope Mill Park 6.5m Trail Run

Third race of a seven race series Dirty Spokes Trail Race Series took place on the mountain bike trails at the Olde Rope Mill Park, Woodstock, GA.

I was not sure I was going to make this race. The night before the water heater decided it did want to hold water so it was a long night cleaning up water in the basement.

This was a new venue for the series. There were two sections of the course which felt like a figure eight. The first half of the 6.5 mile course was a fairly easy run. I decided after the last race I would go out a little slower. After the first three miles I was wondering if I should have done that. The decision proved to be a wise one as the second half of the course was more difficult with several rolling hills to deal with along with a good stretch of fresh cut trail. I felt good through most of the race until the very last mile. I had not been training beyond 4 to 5 miles so I could feel the hills and new trails taking a toll. The last half mile I was running with Danielle as we approach the finish line we both made a mad sprint for the finish. I thank her for the extra encouragement to push me over the finish line.

As usual the Dirty Spokes crew have posted the results. Awesome venue. Thank you Dirty Spokes and volunteers for a great race.

Next up... 5.5 in Oakwood GA. Can't wait.

Running The Rocks 10K Trail Run

Second race of a seven race series Dirty Spokes Trail Race Series took place on the mountain bike trail at the Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, GA. This same weekend there was also a mountain bike 12hr/6hr race that started after the trail race.

The location was the same as last years Runnin the Rocks however the course was changed a bit to keep it interesting. The weather could not have been better with a cool 56 degree start without a cloud in the sky. The race as usual started promptly at 8:30. The 10K races headed in one direction while the 5K races headed the opposite direction. The first mile of the race was on crush-n-run. I was feeling really good the first 1.5 miles despite spending very little time training. The first mile split same in under 8:15. The pace slowed down as I came up on the single track however was still feeling good. By mile 3 the reduced amount of training had caught up with me and my pace was way off. I switched from an all run to a fast hike up the hills with a run on the flats and down. This worked well to finish the course. The course was in great shape with great views of the creeks and the foliage showing the first signs of spring.

I was not too happy with the 1:04 finish however what can you expect when you do little training. Looking to build on the first couple mile splits as well as the sprint to the finish.

Once again thank you to the volunteers and the Dirty Spokes crew for putting on a great race!

Next up Olde Rope Mill for race 3 on April 2nd.

Heritage Park 8m Trail Run

First race of the 2011 Dirty Spokes Trail Running series started on a cold wet February day in Oconee County Georgia. There were 176 racers this weekend. Very good turn out despite the cold and rain.

The drizzle cleared before the 8:30 start of the 8 mile run. At the start the runners ran the crush n run around the park before heading off into the woods for some nice single track racing. The course was well marked with two creek crossing. Both crossing managed to soak at least one foot if not both of most runners. The course was was very scenic. The rain during the week and weekend had left the course very muddy.

The course had many challenges between the hills and rocks, muddy conditions, and the 8 miles. There was also on and off drizzle during the race which collected on the glasses which slowed navigating the single track trails.

Despite the slow down in training over the winter I had a very good time. It was nice to get back out on the trails.

Thank you to the volunteers and Dirty Spokes for a great race and an exciting new location.

Next up Race 2....

Dirty Spokes 2010 Trail Running Series

This was the inaugural running of the Dirty Spokes Trail Running Series. This was a six race series that took the competitor to various location across the northern arc of Atlanta. While putting on trail races is not anything new to the Dirty Spokes Team, this series was well done. For those looking to enter trail running with the short distances or just looking to have fun in the woods the series was not a let down.

The races ranged from 5k to 8 miles with all sorts of surprises from the wall in Canton, many a water crossing, and capping it off with 2 mile up hill followed by a 1 mile down hill.

It took a few races to get use to things since this was my first venture into trail running. After figuring out a few things including changing my training habits and going out to have a good time, the series really became very enjoyable. When you talk to other runners you get all sorts of advice. Some of it you do not get until you really figure it out for yourself. Once you figure out what works for you and what you want to accomplish the rest starts to fall in place.

With the close of the series it was a nice reward to have completed all 6 runs and also place second in my age division in points. I will say that I just racked up enough points by going to all of the events.

I am thankful to the Dirty Spokes Team for putting the series together. I do know I am looking for to participating in additional trail runs in the future. For now I am looking to recover a couple of sore points, get back to hiking and backpacking, get into a bit of mountain biking, and keeping an eye out for any trail runs that pop up around the area. As the adventures come my way I will log each of them.

See you on a trail......