Smoky Mountain Half, Sept 20, 2014

This RR is to share my experience and some pictures. We took a trip to the Smoky Mountains, as a vacation, and our 31 year wedding anniversary, and I also did the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon, which is part of the Vacation Races series that do their races near a National Park. Most of the race series events are out west, Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, etc. The Smokies are one of our favorite places to visit. So much so, that we want to retire there. The race has two different challenges that must be completed within 72 hours of finishing the race, which apply a 20%, or 50% discount to next year’s race. One is called a Trifecta Challenge, which requires a trip to Laurel Falls(2.6 mile RT to a waterfall), Cades Cove(11 mile loop in the car), and Clingman’s Dome(1/2 mile hike up to observation tower, highest point in the Smokies). This is for the 20% discount and all are inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The other one is called the Chimney Tops Challenge. This is also inside the park, and earns you 50% off next year’s entry fee. It’s a 4.4 mile RT hike, pretty much straight up. You have to climb up these shear rocks for a pretty spectacular view.

My race training plan, was to run a sub 1:55, or secretly, a 1:50, but my training was derailed after just 2 weeks into the 10 week plan, with tendinitis in my shin, which I thought was a stress fracture. I only run 34 miles for the month of August, but had a strong base prior to this, and was barely back up near 30 mpw just prior to race day. I knew that both of my original goals were gone, so just wanted to enjoy the course, and have fun with the rest of our trip. I had built back up to a 10.5, and 9.8 mile LR, so knew I could make it. I started running with the 2:00 pacer, and faded around mile 4. At mile 8.5 to 11, there were several hills that I walked some of. I managed to run the last 2.5 miles pretty strong.

The course was a point to point, which was a first for me. We had about a 15 minute ride on a school bus to the drop off point. The course was mostly on a rural road, with lots of potholes, a bunch of camber in both directions, but followed a route along a mountain stream. This was beautiful and very peaceful. All of the course was in the shade except the last 1.5 miles. My finish time was 2:07:05. My splits were awful, and at 1:25:00 into the run, my Garmin DIED! It's a 205, 4 years old, and will only stay on for about 2 hours. Santa is already shopping, and have decide on the 310.

I run this race in memory of my friend, and tattoo artist, Mike. I had the pleasure of seeing his twin 9 YO girls while we visited. It is really sad that he left these little angels behind, but I know he will be watching over them.

Those of you on FB have seen the tons of pictures, but here are some for those who are not.

I met Jeff Galloway and got a pic before the race started.

Thanks for reading,

Mitch

Good stuff, Hog. Who cares about the splits. It looks and sounds like you and your better half had a good time. Garmin problems?! You must be kidding! I have never heard of such a thing (sarcasm dripping).  Did you see Galloway walking the course?

So it looks like you did both Chimney Tops and the Trifecta?  Sounds like a good time was had by all, even if you didn't go as fast as you'd hoped.  There's always next time. How did your tendonitis behave?

Congrats on adding another to your collection!  What a great place for a LR

What a beautiful race!  I'm jealous.  Sorry about your Garmin; as a data geek that would have driven me batty!!  So you'll be back next year right?

What beautiful beautiful pictures, Mitch! You are so lucky to be able to vacation there... Congratulations first to you and your wife on your 31st anniversary! That is a rare thing nowadays, something you must be proud of. And huge congrats as well on your race! It is a most respectable time considering the course and the difficult training weeks you had for it. You always look so healthy and happy in your pictures. You look great. 

P.S. So sorry about your friend. It's so sad that he left behind such young children... :-(

Nice RR and pics Mitch.  Again, Happy Anniversary to you and Connie.  Great pictures.  Sorry you missed your goal but great job regardless following the shin issues.

Hope you're ready to go real slow now

Sometimes races are all about laying it on the line and going for a PR.  Sometimes, they're about enjoying the day.