Hogpen Hill Climb - Run10 Mile

Hogpen Gap is a climb up Blood Mountain in Helen, Ga. The usual run is a very difficult 17k (10.4 mile) run to the top, and a car trip back down. This year, the road to the top was closed, so the course went half way up, then turned around and came back into town. Still, it was a pretty difficult run. Essentially 5.7 miles straight uphill, and 5.7 miles back down. Down was pretty hard on the legs. Last year I made the climb to the top in 1:36, so I was on pace to hit at or near that time. That's all I really wanted out of this run.

One of the best parts of this particular event was the snowfall. I have raced for a few years, in Michigan and Georgia, and have never raced in a snowfall.. also referred to in georgia as a snowstorm. OMG.. run for the hills.. oh wait, we're in the hills.. OMG, run to the south.

Hogpen Hillclimb is a great way to transition into a new year, and a great incentive to maintain fitness in a typical down time of year.

Nothing. I was pretty sick a week prior. That played a role, but there is nothing you can do about that stuff.

Went into Fest hall, Feasted on the standard free Chicken Noodle soup, tried to defrost, and watched the awards show.


Nothing. It was, as it was.


Highly recommended. Stay after, drink some beer, and party in Helen.