It's been a busy few weeks for the ARC. The Blue Ridge Relay on September 8th & 9th was a year-long focus for the club and required quite a bit of energy. Many of us have been walking (hobbling) around in a fog since hitting the finish line. There are plans to roll out some cool features on the run with stats, photos, and a detailed recap.
The ARC just minutes after the finish of the 2017 relay
The BRR was a big success for the ARC men. We got the win over the tough and talented Charlotte Running Club with a 30+ minute course record. However, we were not the only members of the Collective in action over the 200+ mile relay. Four ARC women competed on the winning mixed-ultra team, Jus' Running Ultra Maggots. Kate Schwartz, Ginna Reid, Anne Wheatly, and Ashley Arnold joined forces with Joe Ainsworth and Kurt Wilson for a new division record.
The ultra crew after their victory
Post-relay recovery differs from person to person. Tight muscles, aching tendons, and nagging injuries often plague runners in the days and weeks that follow. However, some runners, like Wil Norris and Anne Wheatly, bounce back quickly. A week after his strong BRR performance (including a 58:30 up the 10.5 mile Grandfather Mountain leg), Wil doubled up with wins at a trail 5k on Saturday (Asheville, NC) and a half marathon on Sunday (Blacksburg, VA). For the half, he was joined by Phil Latter, who ran strong for 3rd place in his final Chicago Marathon tune-up. At Rock the Quarry, Anne's strength showed through as she snagged the win just a week after putting in 30+ miles at BRR. Impressive running!
The next team race for the Collective will be December's USATF Club Cross Country Championships. In the meantime, we will have racers lining up for 5ks, marathons, and trail races. Stay tuned!
Blue Ridge Relay - Grayson Highlands, VA to Asheville, NC
ARC - 1st in Open Division - 19:12:03 (CR)
Jus' Running Ultra Maggots - 1st in Mixed-Ultra - 23:42:56
Results
Rock the Quarry 5k - Asheville, NC
Wil Norris - 1st - 18:00
Anne Wheatly - 1st - 20:31.00
Results
Hokie Half - Blacksburg, VA
Wil Norris - 1st - 1:11:24
Phil Latter - 3rd - 1:14:37
Results
