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January 17, 2008
John Anderson Joins Rock/Creek Race Team
We'd like to welcome our latest Rock/Creek Race team member, John Anderson. John is an old friend of Rock/Creek and we're happy to have him on the team. Here's his bio:
Occupation: Medical Student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine
Why I run: I grew up tramping around the mountains of Tennessee, and the enthusiasm and direction finding skills of my running friends and brother resulted in some unintentional ultras.
"There is a root communication shared in miles spent in the woods and a seemingly paradoxical camaraderie among runners that comes from individual suffering and elation. I find ultraraces to be a family affair."
Conversations, jokes, and even silent support abound in every race I've run (although the jokes seem to get funnier around mile 70, which is good for me because the only people that seem to laugh at my jokes are ultrarunners and very small children). Even the periods of solitary miles allow time to connect with the inner being through the pain of the body. Essentially, running is simple, running is primal and running is fun.
Favorite Runs: Grand Lake Loop Rocky Mtn National Park--a 36ish mile loop up and over the Continental Divide, dropping into Grand Lake for a swim at halfway. Also, running in Prentice-Cooper in the fall.
Tips: Ultras are long. You will have a rough stretch, and your success is dependent on how you react because it will eventually pass. You have to train how you race--eat the same foods, run in the dark, run alone, run with a pacer, run through creeks, etc. Embrace the places where both your body and mind go because they truly are unique and indescribable.
Races/Accomplishments:
6th overall 2007 Wasatch Front 100 23:15
2nd overall 2007 Spring Desert Ultra 50 7:47
2nd overall 2007 Old Pueblo 50 7:29
4th overall 2007 Ashland Mountain Climb
Farthest Projectile Vomiting--2007 Hardrock 100
plus lots of other high finishes in the last three years in different races (Zane Grey, Leadville, StumpJump, etc.)
More about the Rock/Creek Race Team >
Sign up for the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race in March >
Read about our epic Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K race coming up in October >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:59 PM | TrackBack
Cathi Cannon Joins Rock/Creek Race Team
We'd like to welcome Cathi Cannon, a freelance Graphic Designer here in Chattanooga, TN, to the Rock/Creek Race Team. She's been a friend and training partner for a while now, and has raced several Rock/Creek races in the past. Here's her bio:
Favorite Run or Race: Cumberland Trail. With over 300 miles to explore, you can't get bored! Perhaps my favorite segment is along the North Chick segment, which we call the Blue Hole Run - approx 5 miles to a pristine swimming hole that is tucked away from all the day trippers. It is the perfect place to relax in the sun and swim with the fish.
What I like most about running:Being able to immerse myself in wilderness... even if it is just 15 minutes from downtown! The solitude and peacefulness wipes away any stress from the work week.
Tips for other runners: When new runners hear about my adventures, they think it is entirely out of reach. Hey - we all start somewhere! When I signed up for my first marathon, I could barely get through 4 miles. Sure it takes a lot of time to work up to 2-day races, but nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. Just understand that it takes time, commitment and patience to reach your goals. Believe in yourself and go for it!
Races/Significant Accomplishments:
Rock/Creek River Gorge Race
Stump Jump 50K Trail Run
Mtn. Mist 50K
Black Mountain Marathon
Shut-In Ridge Trail Run
Hogpen Hillclimb 17k
Overmountain Extreme Adventure Race (30hr)
Checkpoint Zero Adventure Race (30 hr)
Smoky Mountain Adventure Race (40hr)
North Georgia Adventure Race (30 hr)
+ countless shorter adv races, mtn & road bike races
Coming up in 2008:
Mt. Mitchell Challenge - 40 miler
River Gorge 10miler, Scenic City Marathon, StumpJump 50k
CPZ, OME, NGAR Adv Races
Ultra O-Gaine (a 12hr orienteering race)
* race reports, training stories, and pictures can be found on www.bebackonmonday.com
More about the Rock/Creek Race Team >
Sign up for the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race in March >
Read about our epic Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K race coming up in October >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:25 AM | TrackBack
January 11, 2008
Rock/Creek Builds Expanded Web Presence With Coptix
Chattanooga, TN- Rock/Creek has launched a redesigned e-commerce web site, developed by Chattanooga's leading integrated design company, Coptix, Inc. The company has also named Coptix as its Interactive Agency of Record.
As a retailer of outdoor equipment and apparel, Rock/Creek sees the internet as an opportunity for robust, effective sales. The company has a long history of participation in the active life of Chattanooga and the larger outdoor community. Rock/Creek organizes grassroots community improvements, educates customers on safety and how to get the most out of their backcountry experience, and promotes environmentally responsible recreation and stewardship of our environment.
"We're delighted to roll out this latest version of our website," said Rock/Creek Marketing Director Mark McKnight. "The new look and the functionality Coptix has developed builds on our 20-year brick and mortar heritage and responds to what we've learned from our online customers over the years."
Continue reading "Rock/Creek Builds Expanded Web Presence With Coptix"
Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:48 PM | TrackBack
January 8, 2008
Grand Canyon R2R2R - Rock/Creek Race Team Report
This past October, several Rock/Creek Race Team members, two friends, and myself all headed out to the Grand Canyon for a Rim to Rim to Rim (known as an R2R2R) adventure run. We started at about 3:30 a.m. from our cabin at the top of the canyon, and headed down the Bright Angel Trail, across the river, up the North Kaibab Trail, and back the same way. Some day I'd like to write a full account, but for the time being, Stephen Taylor set up a video on YouTube with some of the scenes from the first half of the trip:
Other race team members on the trip: Kris Whorton, Randy Whorton.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:41 PM | TrackBack
January 7, 2008
Winter Sale - One Day Left
There's only one day left to save at Rock/Creek's winter sale. The sale ends 1/8/08 at midnight, so stop by now. There's also a coupon on the sale page for 15% off anything you find that's not on sale. Didn't get exactly what you were looking for this holiday season? No worries, come and get it now and save some money while you're at it.
Shop for The North Face on Sale >
Shop for Patagonia on Sale >
Shop Marmot on Sale >
Shop Backpacks & Bags on Sale >
Shop Shirts on Sale >
Shop Long Underwear on Sale >
Shop Shoes on Sale >
Shop Sleeping Bags on Sale >
Shop Jackets on Sale >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:59 AM | TrackBack
