Sunday, December 6, 2009

2009 Hellgate: End of a Fun Run

Well, it's official. I'm not running the 2009 Hellgate 100k. My heart and mind were just not into it this year enough to get me there. I told Horton this past week that I was out. I think he knew it anyway. I'm a bit sad, but it's just a race, right?

I celebrated today with a great run on the trails of Mill Mountain. The 12 miles felt almost effortless as we made our way up, down, around, up, and down again. The beauty and spirit of the run today made me question my decision. Six Hellgates in a row. My streak has ended. It was a fun run.

Below is an image of today's 12 miler. Every bit of it, I believe, within the Roanoke City limits.



Good luck Hellgate runners. No full moon this year.

Run hard out there...

7 comments:

Sophie Speidel said...

Neal, Annette was going to try and crew/pace me in for a sub 15. She has to work out some kinks with her schedule to be there, but if it doesn't work out, I would be honored if you would consider meeting me at Bearwallow and running in with me.

Just a thought...I'll keep you posted.

SS

Neal Jamison said...

That's the best offer I've had all day. Wait... all year!

Anonymous said...

You will be missed Neal!!!! Hopefully we will see you next year.

Mike Day said...

Neal, what is the snow/ice/leaf situation up on the trails? Hope to see you Saturday.

Mike

Neal Jamison said...

Mike and others: the snow/leaf conditions will change in the next couple days. We got a bit of snow last weekend -- some of which is still visible in the mountains. Tonight our forecast is for 1-2 inches of RAIN, but it will be 35 degrees here in the Roanoke Valley. I suspect that means snow/ice for the mountains. But it is going to warm up tomorrow. Last week when I was up on the AT, the leaves were very dry and deep. Some heavy rain or snow will help that.

The forecast around here for Friday/Saturday is 20s at night, upper 30s in the day, and a 40% chance of snow/rain on Saturday.

Conditions look great for the 2009 Hellgate.

Rick Gray said...

Neal, We will miss you this year and we hope that you will be able to return next year. Hellgate is a special race and you are part of that. Take Sophie up on her offer/need. It would be great to see you. Rick

Neal Jamison said...

Turns out, I'm a bit under the weather, so I will not be there this year at all. See you in 2010, I think.