Catching Up

This week got off to a strange start. Monday's run ended with what felt like a recurring injury in my left leg trying to rear it's ugly head. No worries though. I significantly cut back on the running miles and did quite a bit of hiking and riding the bike trainer instead.

Took advantage of the sun Thursday and made a great hike from Schoolhouse Gap to the Townsend Wye. This was my first time making the side trip to White Oak Sink.

                                                  White Oak Sink-GSMNP

Today is when the catching up happened. My bud Cody was in town and needed to get his long run in for the week. He's currently training for the Knoxville Marathon, which puts his long runs around 18 miles right now. Well, for better or worse I jumped on the opportunity to accompany Cody on such a long jaunt.

For our run we headed over to the Greenbrier section of the park, one of my favorite places for getting a long run in. The course for today was a simple out and back with the Emert's Cove/ Hwy 416 interstection forming one turnaround, and the Grapeyard Ridge Trail as the other. Two out and backs makes for 18 miles, exactly what we needed.

                                 Cody Zurhellen- Runner, AT thru-hiker, and beard enthusiast

For me, this was  my longest run of the year so far. For Cody, this was the longest run of his life. Gotta say the guy did real well. 18 miles in 2hr45min, makes for about a 9min/mile pace.

Greenbrier Road-GSMNP

Not only was today my longest run in a while, it was also one of the most enjoyable. There are few things that I find as therapeutic as a long run with a good friend. Plenty of time for quality conversation (as long as you're not running uphill).