Mt. Mitchell Challenge

The Mt. Mitchell Challenge has been my winter motivation for the last 3 years. This race is at the end of February and goes up Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi. Given the mountain and the fact that the race is during the winter, its considered one of the hardest races in the east. The last 2 years I did the marathon which doesn't go all the way to the top of the mountain. That race starts in Black Mountain, NC and goes up 13 miles before turning around and heading back down. This year I did the full challenge, 40 miles, which goes all the way to the summit at 6600ft or something. You have to 'qualify' for this race and its still a lottery, luckily I won (lost?!?!) this year, so it was on. My training went great all winter so we went down to NC for the race. We rented a house like last year that is right near the town and the start and finish of the race.

Making our way to the start bright and early on race morning.

Camilo was more interested in the fire hydrant than the upcoming race.
And we're off. It was nice at the start, a bit cool, probably around freezing. At the summit it was around 0 and the wind was gusting to 50mph.... so a wind chill of -30 or something. It was brutal!
While I was running, the kids took Lisa to a coffee shop where the highlight was hot cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate chips!
Camilo found a cookie too.
Coming into the finish. Probably my best race ever. I felt great the whole way with no cramps or crashes. I did destroy a toe nail, but thats it.
Going through the finish.
Time to sit down...
Man down! and girl up!
Camilo was happy to relieve me of my water bottle. And Amalia wanted to chow me some toys she got.
I ended up 13th out of ~135 finishers and 200 starters. DONE!