Sunday, October 3, 2010

Stump Jump 50K and 11 Mile Trail Run

Stump Jump 50K and 11 Miler
Sponsored by Rock/Creek Outfitters
Signal Mountain
Chattanooga, TN
Oct 2, 2010

11 Mile
Frank Fay
Amy Koopman

50K
Coach Stephen
Hara Hackett
Becky Sharpe
Kevin Clouise
David Bishop


This is Amy Koopman, an excellent musician and runner.  She was training for her first ultra (the 50K here) but wisely shifted to the 11 mile option when she learned she is expecting. Congrats Amy!!!

Amy had on some interesting footwear. I'm glad she didn't race in these, although plenty of other people were.   
Why people want to race in aqua socks, vibrams, barefoot is beyond me, so those people get the official "What the...?")  Barefoot running discussion here. 
Back to my athletes who were now starting to finish (wearing shoes,) Hara Hackett came flying by:



She loves it when I post these post race pictures although I was nice with this one, not like at Land Between the Lakes

I waited around for a while, listened to some live bluegrass, and soon enough the rest of the STtrainer crew came in for the finish.  Roger, Beckey, and Kevin (from left) used some awesome teamwork to get through the 50K.

According to Kevin, "That was harder than an Ironman." 

Becky kept spirits high out on the trail, and even bargained with David to get him to finish.  This was a great challenge for these guys, and good prep for the Grand Canyon trip we are taking in November together.

The happy STtrainer 50K family. 
Just as I was leaving I spotted the namesake of the Stump Jump.  This is the plaque that records names of past winners.
I am honored to have made it on to this list of great runners.  I didn't quite live up to the 1st place caliber with my run on this day, but it was good to be back out competiting on the trails.  This course is special and the Stump Jump is a special race. 

Rebecca Collins at Augusta Ironman 70.3

Rebecca trained all summer for this goal....


Rebecca showing off her sleek aero position.

One of the things I really enjoyed about coaching Rebecca this summer is that she always had fun, and always kept a smile handy.

Showing some intense concentration during the run.

Rebecca had an enthusiastic cheering section with her father and husband during the race. They cheered her on at multiple points, and at the end....
they ran beside me playing Eye of the Tiger and blowing that air horn- HILLARIOUS time and much needed after 70.3 miles- I FINISHED!




Rebecca writes:
no clue what time it was and didn't care- very thankful that I finished... not last... and not hurt! God is Good!
Thanks to all for your well wishes, prayers, etc..... I really did appreciate them ALL!!!!


now on to my next goal- what will it be?
PS her time was 6:38 which is not bad for a first half iron, rainy conditions, etc.  You did a good job RC!