The 'Peoples Shut In Fun?? Run'

Well the day started waking up just after 5am and boy was it a nice chilly morning. We finally received our first overnight frost down in the valley and knew it was going to be quite a cold morning out. Nonetheless we headed out to beat the sun to the top of Pisgah in order to drop our cars for a run. We reached the top ready for this supposed 'fun' run that was going to take us over 18 miles and well over 5000' in elevation gain back to where we staged our car at the top of Mt Pisgah. We stood outside our car enjoying a very hot cup of coffee shivering intensely as the morning sun began to inch slowly over the mountains in the east. Was it going to be long and potentially painful, yes, but it was going to be gorgeous without a doubt.

We loaded in a couple of cars and headed back down the mountain to give up every foot of elevation would would re-earn on foot. As the layers of clothes were shed and we quickly started running to stay warm each stride brought us further from civilization and closer to the gorgeous expanse beyond. We shared this beautiful morning and run with Hayley and Damien Wells, Isaiah M and El Guapo (canine friend, maybe Kirra's new boyfriend), Brian Beduhn, and a great cameo by Mad A. who graced us with a very convenient shuttle. We slowly ascended the mountain traversing the Shut In Trail along the Mountains to Sea trail. With strategically placed aid we enjoyed some Gatorade and cookies along the way. 

A few hours later we stood in the parking lot in the shadow of the peak itself. Damien decided to rush to the top before the temptation of cupcakes and beer, which were standing by in the car, convinced him otherwise. I soon followed and moments later enjoyed a gorgeous view atop Mt Pisgah taking in the 360 views of the beautiful fall day. We grouped at the cars and finished the day reveling as we lay in the afternoon sun sharing cupcakes and few sips of very deserved and refreshing beer fending off the dogs which apparently were as hungry as we were. A big thank you to Hayley and Damien Wells who put this great run together, Adam for a friendly shuttle to the start and everyone else for the great company.

See you all on the next one. Until then...enjoy life and live in the sunshine.