Saturday, November 13th was the 2nd running of the Kentucky Arches Run in Natural Bridges State Park.

 

As a surprise for Cara's upcoming birthday I managed to keep a secret--a cabin just minutes from the start of the race.

 

 

It seems that each ultra I run becomes more challenging than the last.  This past weekend was no exception.  The weather was as perfect as the course was difficult. 

 

Minutes before the 7 AM start.  Chilly, but not cold.

 

 

Race director Herb Hedgecock said people "loved" the uphill at the beginning of last year's course so much that he left it for this year's runners.  Thanks, Herb...

 

Uphill, nonstop for 15 minutes.  Sweat pouring and heart pounding within 2 minutes.

 

Nearing the top of the first climb, some take a moment to capture the beauty.

 

Almost there...

 

A few more steps.

 

 

A quick squeeze through "Fat Man's Misery"...

 

 

And we're finally at the top!

 

 

 

Watch out for the edge, it's a LONG way down!

 

 

Next obstacle: Super-tight switchback over wet rocks.  Runners 15 feet below.  Don't step off the edge and hold on to that handrail or the day is over!

 

 

Down, down, down...

 

 

Looking back up.  So steep some opted to come down butt-first!

 

 

What goes down must go back up...

 

 

...and up

 

 

Finally, a bit of flat running!

 

 

Back through the arch again.

 

 

Old rock.

 

 

Headed back toward start/finish to begin second loop of course.

 

 

Beginning of second loop.  A few running steps on this suspension bridge and one is forced to walk due to the bouncing!

 

 

Looking back.

 

 

Looking across the lake to the lodge where delicious pre-race buffet was served the night before.

 

 

After a short bit of road-running it was back to the trails.

 

 

Alley-oop!

 

 

Fellow runners taking a moment to look up.

 

 

Multi-colored, moss-covered rocks.

 

 

Vertical rock walls ahead!

 

 

Where's the trail?!  One of MANY muddy and wet stream crossings.  Trail shoes a must!

 

 

Watch your footing!

 

 

Another beautiful stream crossing.  Look closely--can you see the runners up top?

 

 

The steep switch-backs never end.  See those runners up top?

 

 

Up-n-up!  Didn't run with this woman too long.  Nike Air Pegasus road shoes spelled her doom as she rolled and popped her ankle shortly after I shot this one. 

 

 

The "Kodak moments" were perpetual.

 

 

Taking a moment to rest near the top.  Those dark holes to the right are old caves.

 

 

Moments before the deafening "pop" of the ankle.

 

 

More beautiful shots...

 

 

Another arch.

 

 

Typical trail.

 

 

Cruising streamside...

 

 

No other way across but straight through!

 

 

Yours truly shin-deep in icy water!

 

 

Another suspension bridge.  8-mile loop just on the other side of the bridge.

 

 

Is this the right way?  Is this even a trail??!!  Yes, it is.

 

 

Another arch.

 

 

Keep close to that wall, or else!

 

 

 

Bison near the end of the 8-mile loop.

 

 

Looking down: 10 inches of clean, clear and cold water!  At least it washed the mud off!

 

 

Looking back.

 

 

Another crossing.

 

 

Leaving the last aid station and feeling great!

 

 

A bit of gravel road before more trail.  Nearing the end.

 

 

Back to the trail.

 

 

Mud + slippery moss-covered rocks + foliage + fallen timbers + unsure footing = old river bed.  Oh, this was the trail too.

 

 

More...

 

 

...of the same.

 

 

Sun-soaked waterfall just feet off the trail.

 

 

FINISHED!  Herb Hedgecock and Wes at the finish!  Time to change and eat!

 

 

 

Between taking pictures and getting lost three times I probably blew an hour.  But who cares!  The dollar to mile ratio improved with each extra step!

 

What a great run!  Herb made it clear that this was not a race, but a fun run.  To emphasize this no one was issued numbers, but you did have to check-in at each aid station.  This was by far the most technical trail running I had ever done.  Total elevation change for the course was mind-boggling.  It took me 4 hours just to get to mile 13!  Surprisingly I only had a bit of calf and knee pain when finished.  Other than that, my legs felt great the whole way!  Thank goodness I had the foresight to do weekly hill repeats!

 

Perfect course, perfect weather, perfect day!  But it wasn't over!

 

Cara and I went to a local pizza joint called Miguel's for dinner.  It was absolutely packed with rock climbers!  The food was great!  It was so good in fact that we went back the next day and had pizza for breakfast!

 

 

Mmmmmmmmm.........

 

 

Miguel's had a scrapbook where you could graffiti if so inclined.

 

 

Miguel's.

 

 

After breakfast we went back and hiked to the top of the first climb.

 

 

Think I'll do this one again!!!

 

Wes