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King's Mountain Here We Come

3/12/2012

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Hello Adventure Geeks,

King's Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon is less than 40 days away! I'm pretty excited, and I hope you are too.

I ran an 18 miler on trails and some pavement this weekend. That's my longest yet. It went pretty smooth, but the terrain wasn't quite as challenging as Kings Mountain. All in all, I'm still nervous about my first marathon, but ready for the challenge.

Race sign-ups are on record pace, and there is still a small chance the event will sell out all 400 entries. If you're running and haven't signed up yet, just click here to register.

Use the comment box if you have any questions about the race, or if you just want to say "hi" so we know each other come race day.

Be well,

Jared
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Fly with the (frozen) Eagles Half-Marathon Race Report

2/17/2012

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I was awake before my alarm went off at 6:30 last Saturday morning.  I have had trouble sleeping the past couple nights in anticipation of my first road race in two years.  The thought of long, flat, open stretches of road are daunting in my mind.  For those unaware, I’m an avid trail runner.  I am at home covering technical single-track, climbing mountains and exploring new paths through the woods.  This skill-set will be less beneficial in the Fly with the Eagles Half-Marathon which begins in a few hours.

Much to my surprise as I look out my bedroom window, there was an inch or so of fresh snow and ice on the ground.  The forecast calls for 20 degrees with 20+ mph winds at the race start, resulting in a wind-chill of 7deg F!  Our winter has been rather mild here in south-central Illinois; that is up until the day before the race.  The gun is set to go off at 9am and I need to be ready to toe the line, I have to forget the snow and continue my race-day regiment.  After coffee, yogurt and granola I’m suiting up to make my way to the race.

Upon arriving at the race venue, I find runners sitting in their cars soaking up the heat as they pin on race numbers and make last minute decisions on attire.  The race directors have indoor/unheated warehouse space available, but I forgo this to warm-up with a jog to locate the start line. 

10 minutes to the start.  I remove my warm-ups and jacket, exposing myself to the energy sapping winds.  A short jog to the start and it’s time to get this show on the road.  There are a few runners with only shorts on; many making comments on their insanity as final race directions are shouted over the freezing crowd.

Bang!  We’re off.  The course began with a 1/8th mile of frozen dirt road, leading into the first paved section.  As the first mile marker passed, everyone had found their pace and was well on their way.  After 3-4 miles we hit gravel and were crossing a lake as those 20mph winds hit from the right.  Up to this point I was strong, maintaining my pace.  Once across the lake we ran a loop of gravel roads covered in snow, shaded from the sun and wind.  It has been hard to hydrate, as it is so cold.  Once past the half-way point, we were back into the wind.  This is where I began to feel my energy diminishing.  Needless to say the remainder of the race was difficult, but I pushed through the fatigue and stiffness to avoid the dreaded DNF.  Ultimately finishing with a 1:39.45, 10 minutes shy of my PR in the 2010 Clemson Easter Bunny Run.  I crossed the finish line stiff from the cold and dehydration.  My hands were numb, resulting in a major loss of dexterity; I couldn’t even remove my own race bib tab!

Needless to say this race was a learning experience for me.  Having never run in weather below 28 degrees, I was unprepared for that cold of weather and wind.  While I had all my skin covered (except my face), I should have worn more.  This would have helped make it easier to hydrate and maintain pace.  A simple bandana could have covered my face and warmed the air before entering my lungs.  A wind-breaking layer would have also been a huge help!  While I was plenty warm the first 1/3 of the race, the heat was eventually sapped out; remember to plan for the long run!

Not every race, or even training run, will necessarily go as planned.  While a poor performance may be difficult to deal with at times, remember it’s how we bounce back from those days that’s most important!  Personally, I’m back at home running my trails working towards longer and longer runs.  I’m looking forward to the King’s Mountain Marathon in April where all my hill training will be quite beneficial.  I hope to see you and many others at the start in a couple months!!

Keep setting those goals and pushing yourselves my fellow runners!

-Brandon

P.S. I’m coming for YOU, Jared.

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A Historic Challenge for 400 Brave Adventurers

1/8/2012

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Dear Fellow Adventure Geek,

I've never ran a marathon. And, to be honest, I'm a little nervous to try.

What I'm getting at is: You might beat me. And if you do, you'll make some money doing it!

We'll get to that. But this story properly begins further back than you'd ever guess...

"It was a little army and a little battle, but it was of mighty portent."

273 men died... and hundreds more were wounded on top of Kings Mountain on October 6, 1780.

"This is a place of inspiring memories. Here less than a thousand men, inspired by the urge of freedom, defeated a superior force entrenched in this strategic position."
-- President Herbert Hoover, October 7, 1930, atop Kings Mountain.

When the smoke cleared on the mountain's steep western ridge, the Patriot militia stood victorious. Meanwhile, the red coats had turned tail.

President Teddy Roosevelt once called this small but strategic victory the "turning point of the American Revolution."

And to this day, the battle's spirit lives on in the inhabitants of York County, South Carolina. Folks here carry a certain dignity because of their home's unique place in history. And why shouldn't they?

It's beautiful and rugged land they live on.

scenic views

Which is why it won't surprise you to hear that in 2010, exactly 230 years after the famous triumph, a small band of runners came directly to Kings Mountain for their own "battle."

A freak snowstorm in Myrtle Beach and a last-minute race cancellation there had left them with little choice.

You see, just like the Patriot militia, they had something to prove. And if they could just get a race organizer to meet a few simple demands, they were going to fight for it.

So they got in touch with Jefferson Nicholson, Co-Founder of Adventure Geek Productions, and inside an hour, the battle was on!

Only this time the enemy wasn't a red-coated army. It was the terrain itself. Specifically, 26.2 miles of it.

They called the challenge Kings Mountain Marathon.

Hello, I'm Jared Campbell. I've been a distance runner for 13 years, and I get really fired up about racing.

At the same time, I appreciate the profound joy that comes from just running and finishing a marathon.

But like I mentioned, I've yet to experience it.

running

Still, I have a notion the time, sweat, and (let's be honest) money that go into marathon running are well worth it from start line to finish. I bet you agree.

Particularly when the race volunteers, fans, and of course, your fellow finishers are special people... and the race course is unique and, well... picturesque.

I hope we can share that good feeling come Saturday, April 21, 2012. That's why I want to get you all the important details about the 3rd annual Kings Mountain Marathon in this message today while race entries are still available.

And let you in on a special challenge I'm personally issuing that puts cold hard cash on the line.

"A definite must-do..."
A definite must-do for anyone wanting to experience first-class planning and execution of a nice, small marathon.
-- Annette Wulffe from Illinois

"Runners first"
What a wonderful small marathon. Jefferson and Kristen knew everyone by name and they worked hard to make sure it was a good experience. I will gladly sign up for more of their races because they really know how to put the runners first.
-- John Snuggs from Richmond, VA

"This race director got it right!"
The course was extremely well marked. Course support was one of the better ones I've encountered as well as plentiful aid stations! Finisher crowns made especially for two runners who completed their 50 State quest at this event were bestowed upon them by a thoughtful race director. Nice mason jar mugs with the race name were presented to all finishers, and polo shirts were mailed to us after the race. Congratulations to Jefferson and Kristen for a fun-filled event where we all felt like family.
-- D.B. from Nashville, TN

"Beautiful countryside"
The course ran through beautiful countryside with fields, streams, woods, a few houses, and then through the National Battlefield. Very pretty and frequently changing scenery.
-- David Williams from Houston, TX

"Unique and challenging"
Hats off to Kristen & Jefferson for organizing a unique and challenging marathon and half marathon in my birth state of SC!! I really love the shirts, the award glasses, and the scenery ... nice to see blooms after a tough New England winter!!
-- J. G. from Newmarket, NH

"Will be highly remembered"
Such a great couple of race directors who just couldn't be more southern and sweet ... they gave us oodles of amenities we didn't expect much... There were good course markings and port-a-potties, and the fluid stations were stocked with bananas, oranges, trail bars, cookies and Gatorade, given by smiling, young and good-looking runners. At the end there were practically awards for everyone and a gift in lieu of a medal -- a mason jar with gold-painted kings and queens ...T-shirts came later and were worth waiting for, as they were customized and embroidered. Most unusual course and we all loved the farming country, lakes, and sights, and we had a delightful time that of all of my 60-plus marathons will be highly remembered.
-- D.B. from the Eastern seaboard

So let's not waste any time. Here are the pertinent details:

  • Date: Saturday, April 21, 2011
  • Location: Kings Mountain State Park, 1277 Park Rd. Blacksburg, SC 29702
  • Start Time: 8:00 AM
  • Aid Stations: Every 2 miles
  • Available Entries: 400
  • Post-Race: Refreshments and Awards Ceremony
  • Awards: Custom medals for all finishers... prizes to the top three male and female finishers... age group awards... and even a few specialty prizes (details just ahead!)

And yes, this course satisfies the Marathon Maniacs 50 states challenge, and come race day, it should be a USATF certified course.

Now let's get back to something I promised to discuss with you...

Can you beat me?

If so, you have a chance to run for FREE and earn a little bit of pocket cash, too.

Now to be fair, while I've never ran a marathon, I'm no hack. Just a year ago, I finished a flat, 21-mile run in 2 hours and 18 minutes. That's my record long run to date.

Of course, I've also done a handful of half-marathons and countless 5ks and 10ks with a little success. Still, I think many runners stand a good chance to drop the hammer on me and lighten my pockets.

Perhaps the better question is: Can you finish in the top 20?

Here's the deal: Every racer who beats me, up to 20th place, gets a full refund on their entry fee. That's courtesy of Race Directors Jefferson and Kristen, founders of Adventure Geek Productions.

In addition to a full refund, I'm going to personally hand $100 cash to the first racer to beat me... $50 to the second-place finisher... and $26 to any other top-20 finisher who places ahead of me.

Keep this in mind: Last year's 20th place finisher -- Travis Wright from Rock Hill, South Carolina -- ran 4:37. And the winner was Mike Craig of Shelby, South Carolina, with a record time of 3:36!

So now that you have all the information, I hope you'll be among those to answer my challenge.

But no matter where you end up in the results, you'll want to be part of this unusually fun race, which also includes:

  • A one-of-a-kind race T-shirt and more surprise gear to match
  • A hillacious course featuring an 18-mile multi-surface loop (crushed gravel and pavement)
  • A very special "Geezer Jock" award for the race's oldest finisher
  • New prize for the "best theme-dressed" participant (open to interpretation...)
  • And of course, locally prepared post-race comfort food and refreshments

Now let's talk about the cost to run this marathon. Honestly, I was a little astonished when I heard it. Most marathons run north of $100. Jefferson and Kristen, the "Adventure Geeks" I've mentioned, are only asking $80 for a day of scenic running and spirited fun.

And remember, if you beat me to a top-20 spot, the cost for you is nada. You'll get a full refund (and more!) with my compliments!

To claim one of the available entries, simply click here to go to the Adventure Geek website and register today:

Click here to register!

I can't wait to meet you at the start line for our friendly, "high-stakes" competition on Saturday, April 21, 2012!

Until then, best wishes and happy training,

Jared Campbell

P.S. Jefferson and Kristen, the original "Adventure Geeks," also put together a great $40 deal to run the Kings Mountain Half Marathon, scheduled to start alongside the full marathon on Saturday, April 21. Click here to register!

P.P.S. Co-Race Director and Adventure Geek Co-Founder Kristen Thomas is happy to answer any specific questions you have about Kings Mountain Marathon. And she can send you a fact sheet with answers to common questions like, "What hotels are offering special race discounts?" Simply contact Kristen here.

P.P.P.S. Get this: Jefferson just reminded me he has guaranteed a 50% refund for any cancellations up to March 21. As you know, that's about the most generous policy around. Now, I don't know how fast the race entries will go, but if you're like me, you like to book a race early so you can commit to the necessary training. Don't wait -- register for the Kings Mountain Marathon today!

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Nothing Could Be Finer Than Running Hills in South Carolina - KM follow up message

4/11/2011

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By southern standards we had perfect weather for the event (low of 62.f and a high of 84.f) but our participants from the north were pestering the Park Rangers as to why someone didn’t adjust the thermostat. Pleasantly surprised by the 7 fold increase, we had 107 pre-registered participants, 8 race-day registration, 103 finishers and ONLY 1 DNF; meaning 11 runners double checked the elevation charts and decided this probably wasn’t the best course to hammer out a week before Boston.

Though human resources were stretched a little thin due to a group of volunteers bailing on us last minute, we were still able to make sure our aid stations were kept fully stocked and have 2-3 follow up vehicles on the course make sure everyone was fueled up, on course, and safe. Changes and improvements from last year include but are not limited to: long sleeve tech shirts (race gift), custom finisher medals, custom pint glasses for overall and age group awards, crowns for overall awards, and a finish chute with music for the finishers and the few but proud spectators. Some things we are aiming to add to the event next year to improve the overall experience will be but not limited to: USATF Sanctioning/Certification, more aid stations, more porta-potties and follow up vehicles. Bigger and better awards will come as the event grows and hopefully we’ll be adding a sponsor or two to next year’s event so we can actually have a packet at packet pickup.

Hope to see y’all next year!

The Adventure Geeks,
Kristen & Jefferson
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