Iron Mountain 100

Damscus, VA
Iron Mountain 100 Sunday July 11, 2010
by: Steven Jones

What’s better than racing on the trails that you called home for 5 years? Beating your expected time by an hour! I went into the second annual Iron Mountain 100 k knowing that the knarly, East Coast, wilderness single track would beat me to death if I wasn’t careful. Luckily I was stronger that I thought and made up any time I lost on the descents on the long fire road climbs. My main goal for the race was to feel good the entire way through. Outside of a tough 6 mile section where I bonked, I felt like gold.

The best part of the race, however, wasn’t finishing in 6:02 at 24th overall and 20th in the men’s open category. It was hitting my favorite section of ridge top single track with 7 miles to go and getting that extra burst of energy and feeling like I was flying over everything.

I do have to mention my awesome support crew of Jess and Zack, who met me at every checkpoint to keep my fueled and motivated. Thank you guys for all of your time and effort.