The herd returns....

...We can barely get in and out of the van, muscles are screaming at us to stop moving...a decent meal hasn't been eaten in over thirty hours, the comfort of the cabin seems like a dream to us right now and toilet paper seems like gold to us. We started this journey in the dark, knowing what was ahead of us, finishing in the sun looking back at how far we had come. Our team shirts are on as we begin the last steps of this run. The students led us in the last mile as this was for them in hopes that they gain help with school if needed or enhanced our profession through research, however this run meant so much more. This group of people, some previous runners, some not having ever run over a few miles before, started over two months ago meeting early in the morning to train, not wanting to drag ourselves out of bed time and time again but we did. We have brought each other to this point and we can always share this experience, much different than the previous runs but just as amazing. I just want to thank each runner for what they dedicated themselves to and for each supporter who were there for us through it all. Another successful Mountain Jug Run...we will see you next year Blue Ridge Parkway as we yet again will leave just a trail of sweat over the mountains of western north carolina....traveling single file of course.....-Emily

Leg 35: 25 miles later...

My warm up was terrible, I was so tight and felt slow as hell.  Albeit, I managed to run 31:00 through the first 4 miles before I was joined by the rest of the group for the final mile.  During our trot onto campus all I could think about was how awesome it was going to be to actually lay down and get some real sleep.  At the finish there was chocolate milk for recovery and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  My past experiences with running and Krispy Kreme doughnuts prompted me to gag just upon the thought of it, but I choked one down anyway.

All in all I had a good time, considering I had no intention to participate in this event at the start of the training and waited until the last possible moment to fully commit to it.  Seriously, I waffled on this more than Brett Favre did on coming out of retirement.  Rightfully so, there's nothing that sounds fun about driving to Boone in the middle of the night only to turn around an hour later and run a 30 hour long distance relay on what would be at best considered broken sleep, without a partner to get me pumped up, to lean on during the pace killing climbs or to push me through fatigue. 

This experience has been one of the most unique things I have ever partaken in and has redefined what I thought my limitations were. 

At this time I personally would like to give a shout out to some very UN-official sponsors:

To everyone at Mitzel Inc. who supported me throughtout the training and helped make this possible
Asics Shoes
Nike Running
CW-X
Under Armour
Starter
The Total Pillow
Carolina West Sports Medicine
HealthWorks Rehab and Fitness, Morgantown WV
Sterling Tent and Awning
Cherokee High School
Grafton High School
The 'Pride of Attica' Marching Band
The Hamilton Tigercats
Quaker Oats
Powerade
Post Cereal
Huggies Baby Wipes
Angel Soft Toilet Paper
Great Value bottled water
Chiquita
Apple iPod and iTunes
Shure Noise-Limiting Ear Buds
Mars Candy Bars
Sports Health

-Mitzel Inc.

Leg 33: Nature is calling

Jay had told the girls that their last run was going to be really easy. Jay lied, plain and simple. Although the last 5 miles of the girls journey was mostly downhill or flat it seemed to them to be one of the most difficult. Maybe it was because they were running in a lot heavier traffic or maybe it was because they were all dying to go use a bathroom--a real one, with a toilet and running water. Whatever the case, the girls finished their last run and kept their times sub 50 minutes like they had originally planned. They are very proud of themselves and each other, for they could not have been as successful without one another.

Leg 32: Wind Tunnel

Jeremiah and Jay's fourth leg started at approximately 3 AM.  Leg four is traditionally known as the Buffalo Leg because after 15 miles of hilly Parkway terrain, miles 16-20 must be conquered on wobbly legs, supporting a tired frame that has subsided on snack foods and little sleep.  Leg four also occurs in the wee-hours of the morning of day two when everyone is beginning to get a little short on patience.  I have to admit, I was dreading this run because I knew it would be somewhat hilly and my body was feeling totally spent. 

The run started harmlessly enough with a steady downhill for the first mile.  Then came a steady climb for two miles.  These hills were not terrible by Blue Ridge Parkway standards but given the fact that we were running the dreaded leg four, they seemed worse than usual.  The hills gave way to flat lands and some rolling terrain that made the push toward home seem a little more bearable.  Then, suddenly, as we approached one of the many tunnels on the Parkway a huge gust a wind met us head-on.  Jay offered some comforting words that "once we enter the tunnel, the wind will stop".  Of course, once again, Jay should not be offering advice on these runs.  The runners entered the tunnel and were immediately stood-upright by what seemed to be a 30 mile per hour head-wind.  The tunnel was less than 200 meters in length, but it made an impression. 

The final mile was flat and rolling hills and made the run tolerable.  This run demonstrated the ultimate power of teamwork, with Jeremiah leading the way in miles 1-2 and Jay pulling the youngster through the final couple miles.  Our time for the run was 44:36 and we earned our antlers by conquering the dreaded leg number 4. 

~Jay~

Leg 30: We have earned our horns!

Heather and I finished our last leg of the run brining the team to the higest point on the parkway! We started in the dark and turned around half way through to see an amazing site as the sun just started to come up over the mountain. The views once again were undescribable! This journey has been just as great, challenging, and fulfilling as the last jug run! Again, hands down I had the best partner to get me through this! We offically have been given our horns by Ashley and are truely Buffalo! Just one more mile for the team run to bring us into campus! -Emily

Leg 29: Everything but "Average"

This was our last leg and we were ready for it to end.  We went into the run thinking it was going to be an "average" run (thanks jay).  All we can say was it WAS NOT AVERAGE.  We started down hill and I think we were both thinking that we got this and we were going to end with a bang.  Then I noticed we were coming to an incline. It kept going and going and going.  Killed us both but we got through it.  Another down hill and again we both thought we were in the homestretch.  Not so fast, the parway wanted us to make sure we never forget.  Another uphill which kept going and going and going.  Not the way we wanted to end but we finished.  On a personal note, I had a great time and will never forget this experience.  Want to thank all my team mates for all the support because I could have never done it without you.  WE ARE BUFFALO BABY!!!!!!!!

Leg 28: I Think Jay Hates Me

So... as I sit in the van, trying to get hyped for my fourth run in less than 24 hours, DL and Aaron are out running, Jay comments about the wind being incredibly strong. At one point Jay pulls the van in front of the runners to block the wind.  What a nice guy, teamwork in it's purest form.

During my run, I also encountered strong winds including one specific tunnel where the wind was howling so strong I could barely move.  And where was Jay and his van so I could get some relief from the onslaught? Nowhere in sight...JERK!  It's cool, I will keep that in mind for the next time he needs a favor.

All I could do was lean forward and go into 'Machine Mode' and try to take advantage of my lean, aero-dynamic frame. 

Scoreboard: Mitzel 1, Wind 0

One more to go.

-Mitzel, Inc.

Leg 26: Starry Night/ Legitimately Average

The girls' fourth run began somewhere around 3am. The moon was so bright that the headlamps they were wearing on their heads seemed obsolete. The view during this run was breathtaking. To the right, there was cliff face shooting up into the night sky and tow the left was cliff face diving down towards the town below. The girls were running on the only semi flat ground around. Water was running down the cliff face. All in all, the girls had a relaxing environment to run in. The terrain was hilly, but not terrible.

The girls saw a shooting start during this run, complete with a dust trail. It was absolutely beautiful shooting through the night sky.

Leg 23: Buffalo Partners

Heather and I had to do our uphill run for this leg, I was starting to lose my motivation but Heather came through and got me to the end of this run! Such a great partner and I'll miss her next year telling me that we were almost done when maybe we weren't :) We did see a little animal friend and were sketched out by some cars but our uphill battle through the tunnels came to a thankful end seeing the van! Just one more leg to get through! :) -Emily

Leg 22: Dang it Doug

This was on the other side of Asheville.  I dont think Jill or myself were feeling that hot.  I really didnt know what to expect.  I just know that I really didnt want to become bear meat.  So we put in our ipods and took off.  First part wasnt too bad crossed over I-40 and heading away from asheville.  Turned left and then it came....."the climb".  All I can say is that it kept going, and going, and going, and going, and going, and actually right now I am still climbing that mountain.  They just gave me a computer and had me blog while I was running.  Worst run EVER.  One more to go.  I could really go for a hot shower right now.

Leg 21: The divine light

I absolutely love running at night.  I didn't realize how much I missed it until now. 

As I warmed up for my third leg I felt really good.  I knew from the scouting report that this run was not going to include any treacherous climbs.  It's amazing how fast your legs can move when you aren't trying to run up a 7% grade!  I was so pumped, I felt so fast and strong. 

In addition to a sweet-ass reflective vest, I was given a little light to wear on my head.  The way the light was angled it created this aura which encircled my head and reminded me of the light of divinity that you would see in pictures of Jesus or the Virgin Mary.

Despite my 'beasting' of this leg I noticed a considerable amount of soreness starting to creep in to my left hip and my arch nemesis, my right patellar tendon, also began giving me trouble. 

I should be icing but like many athletic trainers I don't tend to follow what I preach to athletes. 

Machines don't need to ice.

-Mitzel Inc.

Leg 20: Midnight Rider

Dr. Long and Freshman Aaron Marshall complete the Asheville Entrance leg of the Run for Research. Mostly a downhill run, consisting of some flat portions, and a final uphill with a special surprise. First miles, one through three consisted of a downhill trek with a slight concerning moment of fear, as small rodents and the like decided to make the path of Ashley and Aaron their stage. Throughout the run, the wonderful drivers of Asheville decided that it was their personal duty to increase the runners chances of night blindness by putting on their bright light's as they passed! Surely while the intentions of keeping everyone safe, by the drivers, is all well and good, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the runners eyes need to be gouged out by the brightness of the passing vehicles. Flat portions scattered the course for the runners during mile 4, and leading into the final stretch, until what began as a small bridge turned into the Golden Gate of Asheville, with an uphill climb, it gave the workout that both runners had been slightly dreading the entire trip, but this gave way to a steady flat area, where both runners were again met by a big happy family from the "Party Van!". Although, Finally, a gift from the running gods, PIZZA! Which apparently Buffalo go crazy for!

Go Buffalo!
-aaron

Leg 19: Which way is up?

Pitch. Black. Dark. Weather? Warmer than expected. Detour? Of course. It always happens to Kayla, Alessa, and Sarah. No Crazy Lady this time; their best guess was some crazy chain smoker.

It was so dark the girls couldn't see very far in front of them. Were they running uphill, downhill, or flat? Was there a bear or a mountain cat (catamount ;) ) slinking through the woods waiting to eat their faces off?

Sarah, their knight in shining armor (who was disguised as Super Woman), began to sing them all a beautiful song in an overly obnoxious voice. "TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR!"

"Sarah, seriously? You're killin' me," said Kayla, "We aren't going to get attacked by bears. And even if we do, you weigh like two pounds. Bears want to eat people who have meat on their bones."

"Yea," Alessa said, "And you only have to outrun the slowest person, and you run faster than both of us."

Soon, there was one mile to go. The girls were rounding a turn when they saw flashing lights. There was a fire on the parkway?!?!?!  Granted it was pretty small and was on the side of the road. It was probably caused by a chain smoker throwing a cigarette butt out the window. The girls had to jump back in the van and be transported half a mile down the road on the other side of the emergency vehicles where they finished their run.

Jess and Ruby, the girls who were following the vans, had driven into Asheville to pick up food to help raise the slowly decreasing morale. They were driving along the parkway when they saw the flashing lights. No one had called to tell them about the fire so they immediately thought it was one of the runners in trouble. Emotions jumped and blood drained but thankfully it was a false alarm. The girls have done a lot for the runners the past couple days and they are appreciated.


***Shout outs from the girls***
To all our Family: You are the best! Thanks for supporting us on this endeavor.  A special thanks to Sarah's dad for being our paparazzi. :)
To the Fanfare that BETTER be at the WCU stadium to welcome us back: We will never be happier to see you or the 'Whee.
To AT students: Thank you. You better be enjoying your sleep this weekend because we would do anything to have our own bed (instead of half of a van seat).
To all those who donated and supported this run: Thank you so much! None of this could happen without you!

To Kimberly Waddell (Kayla's roommate): Thank you for dealing with my very obnoxious alarm clock at 5:30 am. AND for hopefully having my weight in food prepared for me when I return. I LOVE YOU!

Boyfriends: (David Beckham ;), Ben and Chas)

Friends: (Liz Carter, Josie Wood, Anatasia Teel, Leslie Weiner, Liz Blackmon, Kelsey Allen, and anyone else we forgot. WE LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

To Laura Wright: I'm sure you can tell which blog is mine ;) You are one of the best professors ever!

Also, TO US: for being buffalo and keeping it under 9 minute miles. YOU KNOW!

Leg 18: Down Hill Delight

 Jay and Jeremiah's first night run appeared to be a nice relaxing run through the black abyss. As we made the way down the mountain we were making great time and we crossed the finish of our run with a sub 7 min mile time of 33:59. Not sure what the next leg of the run holds for the young gun and the old man....
Jeremiah & Jay

Leg 16: This is not what I remembered!!

Well, Heather and I actually are running the same legs that we did last year and we sort of discussed this run as we remember being not so bad! We saw our friend the bear last year in this leg and it seemed pretty flat and easy last year...Not so much this year! What started out as rolling hills quickly turned into going up the mountain all up! However, we were distracted for a bit with a beautiful sunset! It's hard to feel much of anything when we have the views that we have! We are gearing up for one of our harder runs next!
-Emily

Leg 15: Earning my Stripes

Jill and I got really lucky on our last leg with nothing but downhill.  I was kinda feeling like I hadn't gotten the blue ride parkway experience.  That quickly changed.  It was getting dark but the weather wasnt too bad.  We tagged with Mitzel Inc. and we were off.  Good little warm up then came the hills.  Took the first one in stride and had a nice little down hill.  Hit the second hill got a little slower but ran the whole way up and rewarded with a downhill.  Hit the third hill and took everything that we had to get up.  After this run I can truely say that I am part of the club.  I feel like I finally earned my stripes.

Doug

Leg 14: Such Great Heights

You would think that we live in the mountains or something...  how lame.  I was able to record splits of 6:20, and 5:53 in the first 2 miles.  The last 3 went 10:43, 11:10, 11:10... which sucked something awful.  This leg was the middle of 3 that made the climb up to Mt. Mitchell.  Yeah, Mt Mitchell the highest peak on the east coast. 

Tired but can't sleep have to drive and blog and eat and drive and blog and get ready to run again.

-Mitzel Inc.

Leg 13: Total Joint Replacement

Dr. Long and Freshman Aaron Marshall dreaded the run they were about to attempt what they believed was the hardest leg of the Run for Research, as they neared their run, both were quite anxious. Due to road conditions, both runners decided to run single file during the entirety of the run. The road conditions were interesting, consisting of winding hills and steep roads, the elevation changed of around 1300 feet in about 5 miles. A tunnel named "rough ridge", which of course just had to be both rough, and on a ridge (How Original!), was the culmination of the winding portion of the run, basically the first 4 miles of the run. After the tunnel, were two slowly rising straight portions of road. This was by far the hardest part of the run. But after a little joking banter between the two runners, in reference to jokes of:

Oxygen: $500.00
Knee Replacement $25,000.00
Running with your Professor on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Priceless.

"We thought the view was breathtaking, but i didn't know i would need oxygen afterwards"

"Would've never thought my Athletic Training Instructor and i would both be getting total knee replacements at the same time"

Dl: Hey Aaron
Am: Yeah, Dl.
Dl: were still going uphill
Am: Yeah, Dl, weve been doing that for 4.9 miles.
Dl: just wanted to let ya know.

Then afterwards, just to taunt both the runners, a 150 yard downhill run was the final part of the leg.
This Completed the second leg for both the runners. Slightly Delirious. But all together fine.

Go Buffalo!
-aaron

Leg 12: Average is Relative.

The girls began their second run going uphill for about two miles. The hills were pretty gradual and they weren't too terrible though. At the crest of the hill, the girls went back downhill and continued that way or flat for the next two miles. We had a little problem witht the paparazzi, but he seemed to be pretty awesome so we just let him take pictures of our intense running faces.

At mile marker number 4, the girls came to a cute little bridge and enjoyed the surrounding leaves as they ran along. The bridge was curved and made out of stone. When the girls rounded the curved and "Hello, Hellacious Hill."

The girls ran like buffalo up the hill and got to run through the twin tunnels. They really enjoyed the breeze and lower temperatures the tunnels offered compared to the warm weather outside them.

The girls' second run was rather uneventful, but they are one step closer to finishing!

Leg 11: Buzzard's Roost

Jeremiah and Jay's second run started off with two miles of nice rolling hills.  However, knowing that the leg had been previously rated as Brutal made us less than optimistic about what lay ahead.  No sooner did Jay utter the words "If we continue to have equal amounts of uphill and downhill, I am fine with that" then the run took a nasty turn for the worse.  The rolling hills gave way to a seemingly endless, winding mountain of a hill that made the hill to Cullowhee International Airport (on Old Savannah Road) seem like child's play.  Two miles and approximately fifty turns later, we crested the mountain to our delight and the amusement of sightseers taking pictures from the scenic overlook.  They stopped their picture taking long enough to snap some shots of the crazy guys running up the god forsaken mountain for some unknown reason.  Look for these snapshots to show up on a Flickr page coming to a computer near you soon.  As we crested the mountain, I was struck by competing images of Jeremiah slowly pulling away from me and three buzzards circling overhead, having clearly identified that the old guy was struggling to keep up.  The final mile was a total tease.  Featuring a glorious 7/10 of a mile downhill run, followed by a short but incredibly miserable 3/10 of a mile uphill to the finish.  Jeremiah beasted the run in a time of 39:55 (sub-8 minute pace!!!), making Jay's respectable time of 41:10 look like he was participating in the Dunder Mifflin Fun Run for a Cure for Rabies.  Our third run promises to be significantly easier than this one, we would be hard pressed to find a hillier leg than this one (or so we thought...see the blog for DL and Aaron's Leg #13). 

~Jay & Jeremiah~

Leg 10: Dangerous Incline

  Our second leg of the trip got the best of us.  We started out slow and steady hoping to conquer the steep incline we know is ahead of us.  The first 2 miles were tough and we were able to maintain our jog for the most part.  As the road became curvier our run became more dangerous.  There were many blind curves where cars appeared to be heading straight for us.  Often times we had to jump to our left to avoid the head on collision.  On a separate occasion as we were jogging through a tunnel a truck was heading directly for us and we had nowhere to go, luckily he adjusted and corrected approximately 30 yards from us.  We were unable to keep our pace up the incline and had to break down and walk.  We are still out here battling the elements and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  At this time the aches and pains of this project are starting to knock on the door.  We will see if we can answer the bell for our third leg.  We all would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Garbarino for donating to our cause.

Tiz

Leg 9: So...Where is the parkway?!

Yup, had a guy stop us and ask us that! Anyways, run #2 for us was pretty good, rolling hills and amazing views! Everyone still going strong....Heather is making alot of friends with the Willie Worms...no bears yet like last year....oh my! :) Time to get some food and some nap time! Thanks for all the support!!!
-Emily & Heather

We may not have seen any bears yet, but, lots of deer! - according to Jay, those are bear!

Jill

Leg 8: Love me some down-hills!

Wow!  Doesn’t even come close to describing that amazing run.  Absolutely blue sky, perfect temperature, amazing views AND 3.5 miles of downhill!  Nothing really eventful on this run, but, I just can’t even begin to describe the views.  Although we are definitely past peak color here, you still see miles of yellow, orange, red and green.     I think Doug and I set some records for our pace, but, it felt amazing!  Let's see how we feel on our later runs!

OK, so, at about 9:30 this morning we pulled off at a rest stop.  As you probably already read from Sarah’s post, we were stopped by a woman who worked in the visitors center.  I do have to say, she was not very nice.  Our van was officially “detained” until she spoke to the park rangers.  Evidently you are supposed to have a permit to do any activities on the parkway.  Now, for those of you who know me, understand that at this point I was not a very happy person.  Especially since she couldn’t tell me where this was posted or answer my questions.  Actually, she was quite rude.  Well, I really must have officially lived in the south too long…..students, I didn’t go “New York”.  You would have been highly impressed.  Well, all said and done, evidently we WERE allowed to run on the parkway and all of a sudden she became very nice to me.  Wow……challenges never cease.

By the way, thanks Baldwin, the cookies are AMAZING!

Jill

Leg 7: Only Words

So it began this morning when we left Sylva @ midnight.  I think I closed my eyes for about 20 minutes all the way to Boone.  When we arrive @ our accomidations its about 3:30 and all I wanted to do was crash for like an hour.  I could not get comfortable at all and within 20 minutes I can her people upstairs stirring and then someone began using a hairdryer... really?  A hairdryer?  Before we are about to run 175 miles? 

My first leg wouldn't start until about 10:30.  Needless to say I was pretty pumped about it.  I want to run fast, I want to challenge myself and I don't want to let the other 14 runners in our group down.

I completed my 5miles in 40:56.  Time to replenish and restore.

-Mitzel Inc.  

Leg 6: Candy Mountain, Charlie?

Leg 6, a relatively easy run for Dr. Long, and Freshman Aaron Marshall. Beginning with a short series of downhills, with sharp turns, for the first two miles or so. This was followed by relatively simple running, consisting of flat ground and even turns, for it being the infamous Blue Ridge Parkway. Within this stretch, most of the parkway was lined with beautiful pine trees, and the road was covered with recently turned leaved that left both runners with spectacular views to reminisce about during the final jaunt. Mile four came soon, and with that was the realization by both of the runners, that soon they would be finished, and a mild euphoria engulfed both of them. Within the last quarter mile, the spectacular views of tree lined byways opened into a beautiful pasture tucked away within a soft rolling valley. At this time, both runners instantaneously viewed a group of wild soft white horses, resembling that of two Unicorns. Both Dr. Long, and Aaron looked at each other, and immediately shouted "Candy Mountain, Charlie", in reference to a video shown at the Haunted Moore Hall Event, by one Jonathan Scifers. These laughs gave both runners that final boost, to complete their first five mile run before their goal.

this is a link to the "inspirational" video. Candy Mountain Charlie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPONTneuaF4

Go Buffalo!
-aaron

Leg 5: Deadly Detour

While standing along the parkway, Kayla, Sarah, and Alessa were waiting for Jay and Jeremiah to finish their leg. This old lady, seemingly sweet at first, stopped her car and asked, “Are you girls okay?”

Sarah smiled her cute little smile and replied, “Yes, we’re just running.”

“On purpose’” Kayla replied.

Suddenly the sweet lady’s face turned smug. “You do know you aren’t supposed to run along the viaduct, right?” she said with her nose in the air.

“We know. We aren’t running along the viaduct,” said Sarah. The lady hereafter referred to as “Crazy Lady,” rolled her window back up and drove on to the visitor center.

Jay and Jeremiah reached the interchange point, and the girls started their run.  No more than two minutes later, then van was driving up beside the girls. Crazy Lady had called the park rangers and people were being a little touchy about them running along the parkway. The girls had to get back into the van and were driven off the parkway and onto HWY 221 for finish their first leg. There were some small hills at the beginning, up to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain and then there was a twist of fate: Downhill. The sun was shining down on the girls as a choir of angels sang. The girls were pumped and let gravity do its job.

 The next few miles were downhill. While running with superhuman speed, several cars drove by the girls. Most were courteous and moved over away from the girls.  One particular line of cars was coming up the hill towards the girls; all of them moved over except the last one.  This lovely, HUGE van, instead of moving away from the girls decided to drive on the white line of the road and came within a foot of hitting Sarah who was leading the single file line. The girls panicked and said a few choice words to the van, except Alessa of course, who said “oh my goodness.” After recovering from having mini heart attacks, the girls finished the run and were buffalo.

Leg 4: Viaduct Views

Jeremiah and Jay started leg four with a steady two mile uphill that was a little rough (given that we had just stepped out of the van about 60 seconds before our run started).  The first two miles dragged and were a little discouraging considering that we thought we had covered a much longer distance as we crested the last portion of the never-ending climb.  The sun was just coming over the mountains as we completed the first ascent toward the famous Blue Ridge Parkway Viaduct.  Mile three was uneventful and fairly flat.  Then another long climb from mile three to four before entering the Viaduct.  The views were incredible with the fall colors exploding in the distant valley to our left and the bald rock face blocking the sunrise to our right.  We dashed past the "Pedestrians are NOT Permitted on the Viaduct" sign and picked up the pace across the last flat mile of our run.  Our pace was good (given the challenging climbs) and we completed the run in 40:36.  This was probably the prettiest of all of my legs of the three R4R.  Jeremiah did a nice job so far drawing the fourth position in the relay.  However, Leg 11 promises to be challenging with many steep climbs as we tackle Mt. Mitchell.  I may not think his draw of the fourth position was so great in a few hours.

~Jay~

Leg 3: Tequila Sunrise - Hold the Tequila

 Our run begins with a temperature in the low 30’s, minimal wind and the sun just starting to lighten up the sky to the east. When we look to the west it is still pitch dark.  Our first 5 mile run starts with a very friendly 8/10th of a mile down hill and finishes with a 4.2 mile steady uphill climb.  The last 1-2/10^th of our climb was a punishing incline that started the groups trek up Grandfather Mountain.  Grandfather Mountain is nice to look at but I will never recommend running up that mountain to anybody.  The scenery is beautiful and we hear a lot of interesting noises coming from woods.  Brandi, Brittany and I were able to handle the first leg of this adventure; we will see what the second leg has in store.

Tiz

Leg 2: The Buffalo are on the Parkway!!

Starting at 6:17 a m in the town of Boone.  We lead the buffalos onto the parkway at mile 2 and hit a 2mile steady incline.  We went from seeing the clear sky with stars to seeing the sunrise and finishing in light! 1 down and 4 to go!!  -Heather Have to give a huge shout out to the late van, (Tiz, Mitzel, Brandi, Heather and Alyessa) didn't get to the cabin until 3:20 in the morning, wake-up was a 4 am, TRUE BUFFALO! just waiting for our next run! :) -Emily

Leg 1: The buffalo are loose: Let the stampede begin

Hello!  I am Jill Manners, the director of the ATEP.  Doug Branch (Clin Ed Coord) and I had the first run.  Before the run, we took our traditional group picture with Josef on ASU's campus.  Hopefully someone will post it in the near future.  At least this year it wasn't snowing!  We left from the Appalachian State University football stadium at 5:31 am in Boone, NC.  A little later than we wanted but, what do you expect!  For those of you questioning all of our references to buffalo (No - WCU's mascot is the Catamounts) This goes back to my days in Salisbury.  Pat, that is dedicated to you! 

We had a great dinner at Joe's Italian Restaurant last night.  Great food!  Emiy Mikeal ('07) met us at dinner.  Ashley hit the jackpot again with our accomodations for the night.  She reserved a cabin in the mountains outside of Boone.  Only about 10 - 15 minutes from the stadium.  The house was great.  Don't think they anticipated all 15 of us there....  The second van didn't arrive to Boone until 3:30 this am.  The life of an ATC (and student).  Friday night football! 

It was pitch black this morning and I had to ask again, why did we decide to do this?  The run was decent, until, we hit....."the damn hill".  Where did that come from?  Somehow, I forgot about it....oh well, we beasted it!  One down.....4 to go!

Let's go Catamounts!  Be buffalo!

Jill

Photos

 Front Row (left to right): Aleesa Lennon, Sarah McNamara, Heather Brown

Second Row: Aaron Marshall, Jeremiah Nichols, Brandi Anders, Kayla Jones, Brittany Rodden
Back Row: Jay Scifers, Jill Manners, Tom Tisdale, Emily Martin, Ashley Long, Doug Branch

Not pictured: Jon Mitzel



R4R Map

2010 R4R Preview

After ten weeks of training in which runners covered more than a combined 3,000 miles, the 2010 Mountain Jug Run for Research (R4R) is set to begin on Saturday morning, October 30 in Boone, NC at the stadium of Appalachian State University.  The 175 mile run will conclude on the morning of Sunday, October 31 in Cullowhee, NC on the campus of Western Carolina University.  Along the way, seven groups (2 or 3 runners per group) will complete 25 miles (divided into five 5-mile legs) each of the journey. 

The R4R is designed to raise funds for the NATA-REF in order to promote research and scholarships in the field of athletic training.  Donations to the REF are welcome and can be sent to the attention of any of the faculty from the WCU ATEP.  So far, the R4R has raised nearly $2500 to support the REF. 

This year's group of runners, numbering 15, is the largest and most diverse in the event's history.  Runners are made up of ATEP faculty (4), clinical instructors (3) and students (8).  Some are first time participants, while others are completing their third R4R.  Below are the names of this year's participants. 

Faculty:  Doug Branch, Ashley Long (2nd R4R), Jill Manners (3rd R4R) & Jay Scifers (3rd R4R)

Clinical Instructors:  Emily Martin (2nd R4R), Jon Mitzel & Tom Tisdale

Senior:  Jeremiah Nichols (3rd R4R)

Juniors:  Brandi Anders, Heather Brown (2nd R4R) & Kayla Jones

Sophomores:  Aleesa Lennon (2nd R4R) & Brittany Rodden

Freshmen:  Aaron Marshall & Sarah McNamara

Throughout the R4R, participants will name each of the legs and blog about their runs here.

Each run promises to be challenging, fun and adventurous. 

You can follow all the action here at the Mountain Jug Run 2010 blog. 

Please support our efforts by making a donation and by becoming a follower of the 2010 R4R!

Thanks...

~Jay~