The Bear was one of the hardest races I have ever run.  It is a 5 mile run to the top of Grandfather Mountain.  The first 3 miles are only slightly painfull, with a 1-3% uphill grade.  The last 2 miles are where the misery truly begins.  You climb 1000 feet in the last couple miles and the grade reaches to 12%. 

 

I ran this race as part of my vacation at ZAP Fitness Running Camp.  I decided to not run full out and try to enjoy the experience.  I ran with my camera and took some decent pictures.  The run was still brutal.  It seemed that on some of the switchbacks you could walk faster than you could run.  Also, it was unseasonably warm and humid for the area. 

 

I may prefer to run a marathon, rather than run the last 2 miles of this race.  However, I will definitely be back next year and plan to run all out.