Cavedog Running

The crazy lengths I go to to get a race in. I found this race a couple weeks ago and thought it would be fun to run even though it is only a week before the marathon. The race is the first one they have done which benefits Full Spectrum Farm in Cullowhee, NC which is a facility that helps adults with autism. The race took place on the beautiful Western Carolina University campus. Before I get to the race, here is what it took to get to the starting line. Did I mention I won!! Anyway, we left home at 11 last night. After one stop for gas and another for bathroom, we arrived in Cullowhee at 8AM one hour before the race started. Talk about perfect planning!! This is the first race I have ever won and I finished with a time of 20:18 about a minute ahead of the next runner. They had a good turnout of between 200-300 people. This was a challenging course which is why my time was above 20 minutes. There were three pretty steep hills including a long one into the finish. Also knowing I couldn't waste myself, I coasted once I got the lead on the first hill during the first mile and got in a really good workout. It was awesome running on such a beautiful campus surrounded by mountains. After the race, we drove through Cashiers into Highlands so we could get our egg salad and french bread from the market. We are staying at the Pines campground just outside of Franklin which is really nice. Tomorrow, we plan to take the kids out to see the sights. Take by a few waterfalls and hike up Whiteside Mountain. Jenny is cooking some chili which I can't wait to get in my mouth and then off to bed. We are all pretty tired. I am working on a 36 hour day. Maybe that's the secret...Drive for nine hours, show up, and win a race!

[caption id="attachment_629" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="What a change, actually first behind the pacer."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_630" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Considering the hills, a pretty easy run and a happy finish!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_631" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Posing in front of the University clock tower with my winnings. I received a hand-ma$50 gift certificate for a running store in Asheville. At least the cert doesn't expire so I can use it next time."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_632" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Statue of the WCU Catamount in a bed of pretty tulips. They had tulips planted everywhere."][/caption]