I'm retired from racing. Really.

AM 9 ez around home before heading to the mtns.

PM- Interesting run.  Staying for 2 days at Camp Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp, which happens to sit right next to Shining Rock Wilderness.  The famous Art Loeb trail finishes in camp.  I decided to save it for tomorrow so ran what I expected to be a more tame creek trail that appeared to be similar to Jardine Juniper, 2000 ft climb and 10 miles RT.  You would think after 3 years in the South I would stop underestimating the technicality of these trails, but you'd be wrong.

The trail started with a very steady climb for 3 miles along Little East Fork river.  The trail was all runnable but definately much rocker than expected.  Then it crossed the river and started a climb up to Art Loeb.  The trail was still a runnable grade, but much of it was very, very overgrown with plants from shin to above head height.  For much of it, I just ducked my head, put my arms over my face, and pushed through.  My shins got absolutely shredded, bloody and raw.  Not fun at all- I really don't recommend the upper part of this trail at all.  Finally reached a junction, but they don't mark trails in the Wilderness area.  Wanted to do a loop with Art Loeb rather than descend the overgrown trail so spent a while trying to figure out which trail was correct.  After many dead ends in 8 foot high raspberry bushes, I finally turned around to retrace my steps.  It was miserable till the river crossing.  Then, what seemed very rocky on the way up was actually quite nice on the way down and my tired legs carried me over the technical terrain with ease.  Finished with 12 miles and 2600 ft climbing in 2:43 (yes, 13+ min miles).  Very tired and thirsty, as my one bottle was inadequate for a 3 hr summer run.  It was a sign for things to come tomorrow.