Back on the Lone Oak Trail

Back on the Lone Oak Trail

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” -Mary Davis

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:

Exhausted, I lay back on the picnic table and take this photo
The beautiful view from the top
Cairns made by another hiker
Time to head back down!

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

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