After all the whirlwind of my road trip and then another trip to Gatlinberg/Pigeon Forge, I have a lot of catching up to do! My whole training schedule for the upcoming half marathon was pretty much blown to shit and I really don’t know if I’m ready or not.

Anyway, I was very happy to come back home and run/hike my favorite trail at Lone Oak. I didn’t let myself get out of it too easy. This is a very difficult hike as far as hills go and I decided to use this trail for my hill work. While I was definitely in pain, I was so happy at the same time. I know every rock and tree on this trail and hiking it always makes me feel at home.

My focus is now on my upcoming race and I really can’t wait. At the same time, I’m terrified. This is not due to the fact that it’s called the “Haunted Half”. I’m just so scared that I won’t be able to finish it within the 3 hour limit. I mean, I did do a 13.5 mile run about a week ago and even though I walked for an entire 1.5 miles, I still made it within 3 hours. The problem is you never know how you’re going to feel on race day.

Another reason I’m nervous is that my training schedule calls for a very easy week before the race. It’s only Monday and I still feel like I’m going out of my mind. My muscles are starting to atrophy! How am I going to run 13.1 miles on Saturday if the longest run I do this week is 4 miles? I am very skeptical of this training method. We’ll see how it goes.

So, now to share more of my hike on Lone Oak Trail:

And thus, one more memorable day in the Smoky Mountains.