Gateway to the Smokies (WW # 41)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}  We are thrilled at the success of the Weekly Wrap.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with new linkers.   It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  

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M  - 5 Progressive Miles (10:36 / 9:57 / 9:31 / 9:24 / 8:46)
T   - Strength Training
W - 4 Miles Easy (Average 9:39)
T  - Light Strength Training
F  - Rest
S  - 13 (Half Marathon)
S  - Rest (Yard Work)

Total - 22 Miles

PoPo had a last minute opportunity to play in a golf tournament in Knoxville, TN on Saturday and he wanted me to go with him.  So, I immediately went into Find A Race overdrive.  Although I would have to drive 85 miles on race morning I couldn't pass up the Gateway To The Smokies half marathon. 

I knew it would be hilly, but you know how I love a scenic race!  It would also add a state I didn't have: NC and would be half marathon #42.  I decided to throw this idea out to a fellow blogger buddy and she wonderfully decided to run too!  Eek!  Yes, I was finally going to get to meet my dear friend and staunch supporter -- the inspirational and motivational  Karen from Running Over the Hill.

Thankfully, the drive over on race morning was quick and easy -- all interstate.  I got to watch the sun rise and cast a beautiful pink glow over the Smoky Mountains.  It was stunning.  When I arrived in Waynesville, NC it was a clear and cool 43 degrees.  {I love you Mother Nature!}  After a little texting, Karen and I decided to meet inside the courthouse where they allowed us to use the restrooms.  {Let the yacking commence!}  She thoughtfully picked up my packet the evening before.  One very useful item in our packet was a big box of Epsom Salts.  How nice!

I had no plan other than try to properly manage (i.e. don't suck on) the ups and make up time on the downs.   This would be my 4th half marathon in 42 days.  Not my best streak...but still.  I didn't have hopes for setting any kind of record.  Finishing would be nice, though.  Karen and I decided to start together and just see how it went.  It was nice to chat for the first couple of miles.  Although, I'm afraid she probably needed an interpreter for my slow southern drawl.

I ran decent during the first half, even with the crazy hills.  I won't bore you with the splits. You can imagine with this elevation chart, they were all over the place.  I was a little surprised by the route itself.  It wound around the shady, quaint town and neighborhoods for most of the race.  There were a few rural miles, but not many.   It was very scenic, just not what I expected. You could see the Smokies in the distance and I could hear the babbling brook that was rushing through town.  That's one of my favorite memories.

In the latter half, it got tough!  The hills seemed much steeper.  It had also warmed considerably and it wasn't as shady in the rural miles.  (When I returned to my car it was 73 degrees!)  We did an out and back lollipop.  On the loop, there was a dog pacing each group around the loop.  He'd finish with one and start with another when he returned to the start of the loop.  He was so cute and loving every minute of it!  That's another favorite memory.

Sadly, I developed calf and foot cramps.  I'm not sure why I'm being plagued more often with these.  I thought I had the problem resolved by taking SaltStick capsules.  Toward the end, it seemed every time I'd get a good pace going on the downhill, I'd get a cramp and have to walk a bit.  Ah, well.  You never know what you'll get on race day, as I always say.   You do your best with what you're given.

I finished with a hard fought 2:14:04 (unofficial -- hope it's 2:13:59 #petty).  [Update: It was 2:13:59 -- Yes!]  Garmin gave me credit for climbing 839 feet.  Fitbit gave me credit for climbing 108 floors.  I admit at first I was disappointed with my performance.  After realizing how tough this course really was, I've cut myself a little slack.  It helped to be awarded with a second place age group finish. [Update: I placed third.  The red ribbon confused me and we couldn't hear the announcer.]  Congratulations to Karen who placed in her AG too, but I'll let her tell you about that!

I can't say enough about the friendly race volunteers and race direction.  There were very few spectators because all the people in the town were manning the countless turns and intersections!  We hung out at the finish a little while.  They served fruit, bagels with cream cheese, cookies, etc.  There was a very kind older lady giving massages and she sweetly spent a good bit of time trying to work the knots out of my calves and feet.  Sadly there just wasn't enough time to spend with Karen as her hotel checkout was looming.   She is a refreshing, perky delight.  And, that's my most favorite memory!  I can't wait to see her again later this year when we'll have more time to spend.

Are leg and foot cramps a problem for anyone else?

Tell me about your week!

And that's a wrap!

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