New Digs

View of Greenbrier Pinnacle from the backyard

Caitlin and I finally made the decision to stop renting and buy a place. We only moved about 2 miles down the road from where we were, but the new location makes the park way more accessible for us. Greenbrier is 1 mile by way of gravel road and the pinnacle is about 14 miles round-trip from the front door. I discovered how far it was to the pinnacle mostly on a whim. Leaving the house one morning I had planned on knocking out an easy 5 miles and calling it a day, but as I made my way into greenbrier I repeatedly found myself deciding to keep going a little further until eventually I was picking my way along the last few steep pitches of the cat stairs route. I made it home hungry and maybe a little dehydrated, but also really excited to know that reaching the pinnacle is literally a matter of walking out the front door.

Being so close to the park is nice for us, but I think the dog may like the place even more than we do. He's been chillin' in the living room bay window or playing soccer on the deck since we got here. The move has coincided with a job change and better weather too. Making for more time and motivation to get out and enjoy the neighborhood. I've been running more often in the last two weeks than I have in a long time. As prime hiking and running season approaches I will hope to make a little more progress on filling in the gaps on my map,and finishing out all the trails in the park.

Alum Cave Trail Repeats

The idea was that I would go until I was finished. No time or distance in mind, just a decision based on the how things were going and where they might go if I decided to repeat my ascent once more. This year's birthday sufferfest was strange, even stranger than they usually are. Instead of a point to point or some massive loop, the setting was alum cave trail, to be repeated until satisfied. I had no idea what the number might be, 2 laps...  100 laps? Didn't know and didn't really care either, but the answer turned out to be 5.

Start time was set at 4am. At the trailhead I was to meet two others who were willing to do a lap or two in the middle of the night for no reason. A long commute and blueberry muffins set my running partners back a little so I made the first ascent myself with not near enough moon to forego the headlamp.

 I met Brian and Will on my way down and was glad to have their company for the second lap of the mountain. Having two guys along to run 20 or so miles of a 50 mile day can be dangerous though, especially when they are training for the Leadville 100. Lap number 3 began with slight cramping of the quads and the realization I may have outpaced myself for laps 1 and 2. 

On my way down the mountain for the third time of the day, I briefly ran into my father-in-law and then met my Dad who had come out to make a trip up with me. My feet at this point were a wrinkled pruny mess due to previous nights showers which turned the upper mile of the trail into a creek bed. For lap four I attempted to put on fresh shoes and socks. I couldn't find a body position that allowed for the change of footwear without severe leg cramping but finally managed to make the swap anyhow. I caught up to Dad near the bluff and we hiked the remainder of ascent. Surprisingly my legs started to feel better on this trip, giving me some hope that I might have a few trips left in me still.

I made ascent five alone and with remaining hope that I may be able to do it once more. The trip down changed my mind, degenerating from a weak jog to hike to slow walk. I met Caitlin about a quarter mile from the trailhead. She was packed and ready to go for a trip up the mountain, but I told her I would only go up again if someone paid me a thousand dollars. She said she wasn't going to, and there was no one else around to ask so we slowly made our way back to the trailhead. Darkening skies and increasingly frequent thunder convincing me I made the right decision. I had a great time up until the last hour or so on the trail, then it just wasn't fun anymore. I had already spent an entire day hiking and running my favorite trail with some of my favorite people, there was no motivation to go back. After a few minutes of putting on dry clothes and re-hydrating, we packed it up and called it a day. After 50+ miles and over 15,000 feet of elevation gain the decision to head home was an easy one, I was just happy we didn't have to walk back.

The Dude Just Wants His Rug Back

Injuries and burnout, they happen to us all and they usually manage to happen simultaneously. They are the kryptonite to many a runners mojo. More than a few times in the last 9 months or so I've questioned the fundamental purpose of running, thinking that I may just turn my back and walk (not run) away. This turn of events may have started when I went to the gym with a buddy of mine last September. After making it through what was essentially the warm-up I was beat up and exhausted, I had to leave to go for a run just to keep my ego intact. Guess I wasn't that fit after all. Soon after that, running injury. After that, half-heartedly running some ultras. After that, more running injury. Finally in March I came to my senses and significantly cut down my miles, and I hit the gym, alot.

My deepest fear with this running reduction/gym increase was that I would become a slug, running paces that would have embarrassed me in the past. But it seems speed and endurance are easier to keep than they are to get in the first place. Maybe lifting had more benefit than I anticipated. Week to week I'm running about a third of what I have in past years, but I still feel fast. And nothing hurts. And its starting to be fun again. And that what it's all about.

Below are some of the highlights from the summer so far:

Sunrise at Mt. Cammerer 7/1/12

The Worth gang also toed the line at the Knoxville Fireball Classic, a 5k. For some reason since being owned in the gym last fall I've seen the merit in not just indulging in your strengths, but improving your weaknesses too. Short distance races are certainly my weakness. I can't pace myself, even when I think I'm pacing myself I take off like some joker just trying to get in the starting line photo . In the end, not a terrible race for me though. An 18:10, making for my second fastest 5k. Caitlin near PR'ed and my dad lopped about 9 seconds off his best time. Its pretty impressive to watch someone PR at 55. No other races on the schedule this summer, but I've got a birthday coming up so I may have to head out onto the trails to celebrate.

Lakeshore Trail Fun Run

Get up at 4AM. Leave wife, dog, and warm bed. Drive two hours through the mountains on a snowy, bitter cold February morning. Reaching my destination its too dark to see any faces. The first words I say to anyone all day... "I see a lot of spandex, I hope I'm in the right place." For better or worse, I was.
The objective for our motley crew of 8 was a run from the Fontana Hilton to the end of  Lakeshore drive via the Lakeshore Trail. An approximately 35mi (longer for some of us) route, with about six thousand feet of elevation gain, and trail that in places has faded back into the natural slope of the mountain. Throw in temperatures in the low twenties and steady snow throughout the day,  you have all the ingredients for a memorable experience.

Words that echoed through my head throughout the day, "The Lakeshore Trail is an amalgamation of old roads, trails, and man-ways... care must be taken to stay on the correct route." Hiking Trails of the Smokies

It took a few miles to get the layers and pacing right, but eventually we hit a pattern that would stick the rest of the day. About every 4 to 5 miles we halted progress long enough to check-in on everyone's welfare and then would resume whatever speed we had been travelling at prior. 

About eleven miles in, at campsite 86, we had a quick meeting which resulted in Will and I deciding we were too cold to stand around any longer and Michael and Dale deciding to head back to the Dam. Immediately leaving 86, Will and I accidentally lengthened our run by taking a spur trail to the lake. Whether real or imagined, the trail from 86 to 81 seemed especially relentless, as was the weather. Heavy snow, windy snow, and snow that sticks to your eyelashes were an unwelcome companion through this section.

From campsite 81 until the final few miles I felt strong running, but the cold was becoming an increasing drain mentally and physically. After every stop it took longer to warm up again, providing plenty of incentive to keep moving. The sun thankfully popped out for a few moments at campsite 73, allowing me to sit and actually enjoy myself a few moments before knocking out the final three miles. Typically, long runs like these end with at least some attempt to run and look energetic. Not this day, we were just happy to be finished.  Brian, Will, and I walked it in through the tunnel, where our sighs of relief echoed, providing a great finish to a great day.

A few of the other gents' that completed this run will likely have write-ups of their own, feel free to check them out here and here. Brian also has a good write-up about the run on his NEW blog.

...and 30

Regardless of icy trail and cold weather I had it in my mind that I was going to make my last trip of the year up Alum Cave a quick one. Within 50yds from the trailhead though I ran into a string of about 30 hikers making their way up the trail. Early on a December Monday morning you don't expect to see a group this size, so I asked the folks pulling up the rear if someone messed up and left the gate open. After chatting a minute I realized I'd met most of them before on past trips up and down LeConte. My initial disappointment at not being able to run the "easy" section of the trail was more than made up for with getting to cross paths with a bunch of local folks out enjoying the park.

View of Cliff Top from The Pulpit

The rest of the ascent was near perfect, with enough ice to make the upper sections extra challenging and some of the best visibility I've seen up top in quite some time.  I had arrived at the trailhead with thoughts about how fast I could hit the Lodge, but by the time I got there I didn't even bother to check my watch. There were numerous windless, sunny spots that I had to linger in first.

This run made thirty trips up the mountain in 2011. A few folks have asked me why 30. No, its not a record for ascents in a year, not even close. 30 trips up the mountain isn't even a big hiking month for someone like Ed Wright. And yeah, there are hundreds of other miles of trails and peaks. Many of which I've yet to do. 

When I decided to hit the summit of LeConte thirty times this year the number seemed to be the right balance between over-saturation and under-appreciation of the mountain. Making 30 my goal number has certainly caused me to see more of my favorite place in the Smokies, but it's never felt like a burden. Throughout the course of the year I've had ample time to explore other sections of the park, various races, and other locales. The trips have varied from hikes with first-timers, friends and family, park visitors from across the country, and solo runs just to see how fast I could go. The trails leading up the mountain have been a source of both pride and humility, always managing to leave me closer to the center than when I began a particular day on the trail. My true goal for chasing 30 summits of LeConte this year was not to thump my chest and prove how many times I could run or hike the mountain, but to provide a focal point for my experiences in the park. 

The Old Settlers Trail Traverse

There's something really inviting about the Old Settlers Trail when you look at the map of the Smokies. The trail is all relatively low elevation and doesn't cross any major mountains, leading you to believe that the trail will be smooth singletrack with minimal elevation gain. The OST traverse is also about 16 miles, a good distance for a long trail run or ambitious day hike.

The OST is no place to get lulled into complacency though, it'll lay the smack down whenever it gets a chance. This past weekend I managed to complete the traverse relatively unscathed, but in the past I've had my share of bee stings, false summits, and have seen friends get some pretty severe exhaustion and hypothermia while attempting to complete the traverse.

Bee Sting to the eyelid---- OST, September 2008

Most often I've done this traverse alone, as finding other folks who run for hours for fun is kind of difficult, but for this go around I had some good company in four other local runners who also happen to be training for the Lookout Mountain 50 Miler.

In this Photo:
Brian Williams, William Brown, Derrick Bowerman, and Paul Gossett

Going point to point on the Old Settlers Trail took us almost to the minute my forecast-ed "about three hours." If you were quick, fast, and in a hurry you could probably lop a fair amount of time from that, but there is a lot to see on this trail that you might miss otherwise. Its best to take the time to stop and look around.

Get While the Gettin's Good (or even when its not)

I've been trying to keep my commuting costs to a minimum, but Caitlin was making her famous enchiladas Saturday. This obviously warrants an emergency trip back to Gatlinburg. For Sunday I had day-dreamed all week about tackling some epic mexican food fueled run through the mountains. Unfortunately when the time came, I was like a fridge full of nothing but condiments. No substance. I began running up the Greenbrier Road at what can only be described as an ambitious shuffle. Five minutes later I'm walking and muttering a variety of four letter words under my breath.

I used the view of the Pinnacle as an excuse to stop and play with my camera a bit, hoping that the pause would turn the day in my favor. Barely. A few more times I debated with myself if my ego can handle such a blow as canning the day and heading for the house. Finally, I begin to settle into the groove and time starts to fly by.

Great Blue Lobelia

Up to Porters Creek trailhead, around the Injun Creek Loop a time or two and and out and back through Emerts Cove. A good mix of singletrack and gravel road that any runner is lucky to have in their own backyard. Not to mention an exciting encounter with a bear, which after my hysteric screaming and flailing display is probably still running even now. 

Downy Lobelia

New York Ironweed

About three and a half hours later I made it back to the car with a smile on my face, feeling like gold-plated awesomeness. Long-distance running is a funny thing sometimes... long runs make you energized, slow runs make you fast. Maybe one of these weekends I'll feel like really putting in some big boy miles, but for now I'll take what I can get.

A Day Full of Ups and Downs: A Speed Attempt of All Trails to Mt. LeConte

Every year as a gift to myself, I decide to take on something incredibly long, grueling and exhausting. This affliction began at an early age, I can still distinctly remember the 23 mile sufferfest of a hike I took for my 19th birthday and the absolute ruination of my feet that followed. For better or worse, I've since moved on  to the hard stuff. 


Over the past two years I've made over 50 trips up Mt. LeConte and spent over 100 nights on its summit. One would think that I would've had my fill of this place by now, not quite. For this years birthday sufferfest I decided to run (where possible) all the trails to LeConte. A feat that equates to 44 or so miles of incredibly steep, rocky and rooty trails. This route is nearly identical in length and elevation gain to running the Grand Canyon rim to rim and then back again.

Up Rainbow, Down Trillium, Up Bullhead, Down Alum

Up Boulevard, Down Trillium/Brushy Mtn

When I mentioned my decision to my wife Caitlin the night before, her response was nothing more than an un-surprised "ok, cool." Initially, I thought I would park at Cherokee Orchard and later in the day either hitch a ride or run up to Newfound Gap. Lucky for me though, Caitlin was not only willing to help me shuttle a car to the Alum Cave parking lot the night before, but even willing to drop me off at the trailhead the morning of.

Ready to hit the trail

Not an unreasonable hour to begin a run

The alarm was set for 5AM, I woke up at 4AM wide eyed and a grin on my face. I snuck out of bed with hopes of not waking Caitlin, no chance. Within minutes she's up too, and soon enough we are making the drive to the trailhead.

My first ascent of LeConte would be by way of Rainbow Falls Trail. The pre-dawn hiking was exciting, with my imagination turning every  stump into a bear and every root into rattlesnake. The NOAA man said there would be a dry air mass in the area this day, he lied. Within half an hour my shirt and shorts are soaked with sweat. After 45 minutes or so I was able to put the headlamp away and begin making better time up the trail. In what seemed no time at all I was re-filling my camelbak in front of the lodge office and began descending the Trillium Gap trail back to Cherokee Orchard.

Despite being downhill, Trillium Gap trail was slow going due to the rocks and roots. Falling forward is supposedly good running form, well the falling part is really easy on the upper section of this trail. I eventually stumble my way to Grotto Falls and am able to enjoy a few moments of solitude.

No crowds yet

Soon after leaving the falls I cross paths with the Llama wrangler, the man in charge of bring supplies up to LeConte Lodge. After hearing my plans, he suggests I not beat him back up to the Lodge. Sorry man.

Eggs, Cheese, and Sheets

The Roaring Fork/Cherokee Orchard section of this endeavor was by far the most runnable, but perhaps the most hazardous as well. Near the Baskins Creek Trailhead I passed an unaware mamma bear and three cubs. Not a few miles later I was jumped by an ornery gang of yellow jackets. A hundred yard sprint and a few choice statements about their relationship with their mother was enough to get me past the bees with only a sting on the back and armpit.

Up, Up and Up the Bullhead Trail. Little to no running was accomplished on this trail until I reached the (relatively) flat last mile of the the trail before it joins with the Rainbow Falls Trail. The slowness provided ample time to pick a few blueberries and enjoy the Yellow Fringed Orchids along the trail. Time passed quickly and again I was standing in front of the Lodge office filling my Camelbak. I made a pit stop into the dining hall to chat with Chris and Allyson and then began the fast and fun descent of Alum Cave trail. The trail was dry and not overcrowded, allowing me to make good time back to the car.

I lost track of time a little trying to re-stock my pack. I should have pre-packed a second running pack, but in my haste only managed to toss a few granola bars and bananas in the car before dropping it off the night before. For some reason packing a bag can be as mind-boggling as theoretical chemistry after several hours of running. Eventually, I made the drive to Newfound Gap and began heading North on the AT with a full pack and fresh socks.

The truth about the Boulevard trail is that it's not easy. In fact, its quite hard which ever direction you decide to travel it. About halfway to Lodge I was struggling with this fact, my right calf cramping and my quads feeling like they'd been beaten with a sledgehammer. Daydreaming about salty foods and soup, I knew my bodies electrolytes were probably depleted.

After an agonizingly slow ascent of the last mile of the Boulevard,  I hugged the stack of rocks and began cruising towards the lodge. 

Elev. 6,593ft

Not too far from the lodge I once more crossed paths with the Llama wrangler, received some encouraging words and kept working my way down the trail. Roots and rocks that appeared to be only two or three inches high kept slapping my toes. Not until I reached the final miles of Brushy Mountain Trail could I really call my forward progress running. The gate across Porters Creek trail  never seemed to materialize. I ran and ran, expecting some lift from the excitement of being nearly finished with this epic day, but never seemed to get beyond a state of low-grade delirium and exhaustion. Finally, I  reached the gate and promptly laid down in the trail.

10hrs later...

While waiting for my Dad to pick me up, I was able to unwind and spend a few minutes reflecting on the day. I enjoy these sort of challenges because at the end of the day there are no cheering crowds and no finishers medals, you are alone with the trail and the truth of the situation. Quiet moments on the trail and an honest sense of fatigue are reward enough. There are purists who argue against these speed hikes and runs, viewing them as nothing more than a continuation of our hurry-up culture. For me, a day of trail-running is more than a simple race against time. It's how I've come to appreciate the trail the most. Thoughts of grocery lists, school work and everything else yet to be done take a back seat. I'm able to experience the trail directly, without mental chatter. 

I hear the scatter of gravel and see my ride approaching the trailhead. My dad and I slap a few high fives and in a few minutes I'm back at the house. Fatigue sets in quick and as I ascend the stairs to the house, I'm very glad I only have one birthday per year.

Heat, Humidity and Hallucinations

My favorite runs are big loops with little driving to get to the trailhead, or better yet, big loops where I can just run out my front door. I also prefer runs that don't fall on days with a heat index of over 100. But hey, it's July, what are you going to do?

I give you exhibit A.

25.4 miles, 8,000ft elevation change, and about 1/2 on single track trail

Drenched with sweat and in danger of being carried away by horseflies within the first few miles, my mind began to play tricks on me too.

For a moment, I thought someone left giant slices of watermelon for me

Baskins Creek Falls

At the falls, I heavily considered taking the bushwhack trail back into Gatlinburg and cutting a few miles of my run. After dunking my head in the creek a few times, (and seeing how overgrown the trail was), I decided against it. 

The section of the run through Gatlinburg was a unique kind of torture. Everyone I passed had a Coke, Smoothie, or Ice Cream. On any other day I would've indulged and perhaps given in to temptation, but despite being hungry and dehydrated I knew my stomach would violently reject anything as delicious and calorie dense as what the tourists were enjoying. I kept moving forward, watching clouds of mashed potatoes float by. Everything I looked at somehow turning into food. 

Not being one to easily learn lessons. Two days later I found my self biking in this same mind warping and oppressive heat.

The elder Worth sticking to my rear wheel

100 miles

Gatlinburg, Dandridge, Cosby and back to Gatlinburg. Dad jumped in for the middle 40, setting a personal best for the distance at 3hr20min (3hr10min if you don't count the time he spent sitting in a gas station eating snack crackers). 

Stay Cool

Short Runs, Long Rides

With only some reluctance, I'm finding myself lacing up the shoes and heading out on a few runs again. Tuesday I was at Newfound Gap to do some filming on the AT with Walt from the Great Smoky Mountains Association. Walt is putting together a quick video about running the AT through the park and you can check out some of his work here.

Since I was already in the neighborhood, I thought I might make quick a trip over to the Jumpoff. Well, I made the trip out there, but it wasn't quick.

I wish I could say my legs are light and springy after my little running hiatus, but this is simply not true. My strides felt slow and uncertain, even the most brief inclines providing a flush of lactic acid into my quads. Where I did see improvement was in my mind set. My time on the trail wasn't about chasing numbers and piling up miles, it was just fun. Exactly what running along a high lonesome ridgeline should be.

The runs are coming along slowly, but the rides are as good as ever. Wednesday I pieced together a really fun 100k ride out to the Cosby/English Mtn area and back. My Dad even tagged along for the middle 50k.

Crossing the Big Pigeon at mile 25

"You wouldn't mind if I sat down a minute would ya?"

As per usual, I didn't take enough food. Luckily I found a someone willing to sell me a few peaches. After some negotiations, I paid a dollar and a half for six slightly bruised peaches. It's a buyers market right now...

The discount fireworks were tempting, but I opted for peaches instead