Roaring Gap 25K - Roaring Gap, North Carolina

Elevation Gain: 3600' ....... Elevation Range: 1510'-2296'

February 17, 2024 - Chilly day in the Carolina hills with winds gusting to 20 mph, at times feeling like 16 degrees. Starting the race, I thought I might be overdressed. The forecast was for windy cold, but in the first hour on the run up and over Stone Mountain the sun was shining and there was negligible wind... so I got sweaty underneath right away. After climbing out of bed at 0200 and the nearly four-hour drive to get to the race venue, it took me awhile to get my motor smooth. Legs were dead and I couldn't get enough air early on. Been there before and it ain't fun starting a race that way. So the first five miles or so were a bit labored until I "warmed up" to racing.

It was an otherwise perfect day for a race in the mountains. This course is very appealing with mixed climbs and descents from slabby domes, following a pretty stream down low, and climbing past a gorgeous waterfall near the end of the eight-mile loop. Running here two years previously, I vowed to return with a camera. The RD Richard puts on a great show for a small event. It is the kind of event that is just fun to do and invites you to return.

I came with the intent of not being too serious about racing and time. I have several nagging injuries that still deserve some nursing, so I used that as my excuse to back off a bit and run with control and complete deliberation, especially on the descents. There are 385 wooden steps up and down per round - I didn't count them, despite the temptation, but learned this from the RD afterwards - ... so one is forced to slow for the steps anyway, so running fast during much of the race is not an option. There are some nice downhill and level stretches where I opened up just to test leg speed and agility. They felt good. And there are some nice extended climbs where one can challenge their strength and stamina. They also felt good. Overall, the exercise for the day demonstrated that my speed, strength, and stamina have improved over the winter. If I can overcome these minor injuries I should have a good racing season ahead.

Running the 25k event involved two loops of 8 miles. The first one I did in 1H 48M, the same time that it took me here two years ago. I approached the event as a nice workout, so was satisfied with a better than 15-minute-per-mile average tempo. I stopped for some gels and to collect my GoPro camera from the car before heading back out on lap two. The last lap was at 2H and 5M. Fatigue had something to do with it, but I did slow at places just to get a better photographic perspective, and then had to sit down mid-way to change out the battery in my GoPro, but overall, I was satisifed with the effort on loop two. I was able to exercise speed and power when I wanted to, but it remained "play" throughout with little regard for time or place. I enjoyed the day, but was tired from my early rising and long drive... so after stripping out of my wet clothes, I motored the four hours back home to savor thoughts of a good day on the trails.