Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Epic Insanity - 24 Summits


It's set, Rob "Rattler" Hester and I will be running back to back 12 Summit runs on Tiger Mt. this coming weekend. "King" Arthur will be with us on the night run and Shawn Lawson will join us on the daytime run for the second out and back. Both Arthur and Shawn wanted to make the whole run with us but they have big races coming up soon and need to stick to their training plans. We may have one other runner who is a friend of Rob with us on the second 12 summits but they are not yet confirmed.

Rob called me tonight and left a really weird message on my answering machine. He was talking like he was giving me a secret password by saying "The rabbit is a go, the rabbit is live"! I returned his call and asked him what the hell he was talking about he replied that he may as well act crazy if he was going to start doing crazy things like 24 summits.
The run distance is 68 -70 miles depending on where we have to park with an elevation gain of 21,000 feet. Arthur will be of great value on the night run for navigation on the complex trails we need to follow. Shawn will also help with navigation but hopefully will provide some Shepard skills as well keeping us from wandering off course.
As usual this run would not be possible without some great running friends and a supportive running wife. Frankly running the 12 summits section alone at night is just too dangerous. One bad fall or wildlife encounter and the fun would end quickly. By wildlife I mean bear, cougar, or similar carnivores. I thought I'd qualify in case you were thinking parties, strip clubs, and fast cars.

I'm looking forward to this adventure. I'll let you know how it turns out!
I hope that all of you enjoy your upcoming weekend runs and races!

18 comments:

Backofpack said...

I really wish you hadn't put the part in about ...too dangerous...bad falls...wildlife...cougars...bears...

I sure hope I can sleep while you are out on your epic adventure!

Darrell said...

Why am I not surprised that you are attempting this and even less surprised that Rob is joining you? Have fun!

Thomas said...

Wait.

Not only are you running 70 miles outside a race, you also have to fight off bears and cougars while doing so?

Rob's entirely right, you guys have gone bonkers.

Thomas said...

Oh, and I forgot to add, you'll have great fun while doing so.

Wes said...

Yup. Bonkers. Watch out for those carnivores, and yes, I immediately thought about the kind in heels :-)

Olga said...

Gotta live to tell the story. Definitely a grandkids' material. Smile!

Unknown said...

The Rabbit better watch out for the "Rattler." He strikes when you least expect it.

Scott McMurtrey said...

bonkers is a good word.

Sarah said...

That sounds like one crazy run! Glad you'll have some support out there. Be safe and have fun!

King Arthur said...

Tick Tick Tick, I wish it was Friday night already.

wendy said...

Love the title, epic insanity. At least you have great company! And I'm assuming you've brought along company that runs slower than you for those pesky cougars? =)

So, what does one do after completing 24 summits???

Anonymous said...

As Rob says, "Running does not have to be fun" or sane? I think it's great training for CCC, more than 2/3rds the distance and similar climbing. And you are in good company with Arthur and Shawn. I'll be with you in spirit, while I'm cozily sleeping in bed and during my nice 50K peacefully gliding through the forest in Gig Harbor. Let's talk about plans for PCT tonight.

Anonymous said...

That's quite an adventure you're headed out on. A little scary thinking of wildlife at night, but I guess that's part of the deal, huh?

Can't wait to hear how it goes. Your wife is awesome to support the insanity. ;)

shawn said...

I don't know if you were making up voicemail message that Rob left you, but that was freaking funny ... I'm still laughing outloud :) Now just save up all that humor for the run!

Sarah Elaine said...

Thought I'd stop by and say hi.

Nice t-shirt, but I don't think it's the lack of a blue tooth that makes you crazy there, Mr. M. Maniac. :-)

Anonymous said...

Or then again, you could spend a sleepless night doing something tame and mellow...like waiting in line for the new Harry Potter book! Have fun and above all, be safe!
Linda

adam said...

Good luck and have fun. The gimp(me) is jealous!

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Good luck Eric! have fun and I can't wait to hear all about it when I get home!
Jenny