Smoky Mountain Relay

This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I read about this relay - the inaugural trail relay, modeled after Hood to Coast. 205 miles from Mills River to Bryson City. I wanted to do it, but there were hesitations. It was the weekend before my last final in nursing school (the following Monday). Friday was my last section test, and the race started 4 hours before the test even started.

I emailed the race director, and asked if this was even feasible. He immediately replied that of course it would work - I'd just have to be in the second van. Sounds good to me. Now to find a group that is in need of another relay member. This question I also sent to the race director. I had two choices: a more competitive group from the west coast (I believe) or a team from here in Asheville that's in it for the fun. Well... in it for the fun? Sounds like a plan.

I (easily) convinced my friend Alex to join the relay as well. He, being a veteran ultra runner, could have possibly run the entire thing himself, but happily agreed to join the team. We met twice as a group before the actual event. Right away, I knew I had made the correct team decision for me. This was an amazing group of local runners. They all were cheerful, happy and inspiring. I was excited about this adventure. After finishing my test Friday morning, I was still able to meet up with van 2 at their original meeting place before heading off to meet the runner of the 6th leg in Balsam Grove.

We got to the middle-of-nowhere post office (Balsam Grove) and waited for the arrival. During this time, it was discovered that I had about 5 miles less than one runner in the van. We decided to compromise and I'd do two of his miles in the middle of one of his longer runs. Perfect.

My first two miles (of Russ's leg) were fun. SMR Partial Leg It was basically all uphill on a windy country road. I usually run alone and having a van every so often along the way to offer me water and encouragement was a truly magical experience. It was unusual for me to have this group feeling, and I noticed it made me want to push harder, even knowing all the miles I had ahead of me that weekend.

We basically travelled with the runner, offering water and support for hours. It may sound monotonous, but it was amazing. I got to learn about the lives of these new people in my life. I got to watch people pushing themselves. I got to watch people having an absolute blast. I got to watch people being healthy, and doing what they love.

My first official leg was a beast for me. It was 3 miles with 957ft elevation gain, and 174ft loss. Ahhh, almost entirely uphill. I love hills - even when I hate them. I got to cross under the parkway, then the downhill started. The support was beautiful, the run was beautiful.  SMR Leg 10

The day continued on into the night. I believe we got to the hotel in Franklin at 11:30pm. We arose at 1am, ready to keep on moving. We followed one of our runners here while she did 3 straight legs (around 18 miles I believe) in the middle of the night. She wanted to be a part of the experience, but had family in town. (Ahh, for the love of the run.) We all appreciated her dedication... running in the middle of the night with all the wildlife opportunities was a bit nerve-wracking for me, at least.

My second official leg began at sunrise - 6:23am. It was the most magical run I have ever done in my life. It was 7.36 miles. The van had to go attempt to find phone service for our dedicated night runner, so she could get back home to her family. This left me in an opportune place to relax and love my place in the world. It started off foggy (with a short sprint r/t possible bear scare). I took my time. A few miles in, a short and very refreshing rain started. It revived me. It was literally one of the magical times when you actually see life for what it is. At the bottom of a road, I turned left and to my left, a giant mountain rose up, with a low-hanging cloud hovering just above the base. One of the most beautiful sights I have seen in my life... ever. I was tired when I got to the hand-off, but sad to see the end of that experience. SMR Leg 23

By this time, our team realized that we needed to double-up on legs to be able to finish in time (before nightfall, while food was still warm). Ahhh, real food. Something other than nuts, bananas and PB&J sounded incredible. Our van went ahead and started our third legs right away. Mine was a 6 mile country road run, flanked by farms (after the giant hill at the start). I took my time, relaxed and tried to use muscles other than my poor legs. I believe this leg is where my stomach muscles got their extreme soreness. My last leg passed by beautifully, with a surprise mile-less-than-expected finish. SMR Leg 31

Once the last runner was on the last leg, we waited at the finish line to run her in. When she arrived, we all cheered and celebrated together. I'm not sure now if I was more excited for the food that was going to be had, or the experience. We had a Native American dish served to us - I don't know the name, but it was fried bread topped with chili, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese, etc. It was so delicious. We also got some great brownies. The souvenirs we got to keep were a metal water bottle with SMR logo on it, a great technical tee and one of those wooden train whistles with "Smoky Mountain Relay" burnt into the side. What great items!!!

It was by far, the most amazing running experience to date. I made new friends I have continued to run with regularly. I got to experience kindness during times of heat, humidity, hunger and exhaustion. I know there are many more miles that can be run, and much tougher situations to encounter, but having a team that was as perfect as this one may never again be experienced. Well, hopefully annually :) I thank the universe for the wonderful experience.