Today, after an invitation by the SNAKE, the Chattanoooga animals came to Rhea County to run the Piney River section of the Cumberland trail. A quick meeting in the strip mall in Spring City and a quick pit stop at the local convienience store, we were off to the trail head. It was a brisk 38 degrees at the start. It was close to 09:30 by the time we got into the woods. We had decided that, since everyone either had a race next weekend or hadn't done the distance (about 20 miles) that we would take it easy and enjoy the scenery along the way.
I had hoped that the Fall colors would be brighter, but had to settle for a middle of the road color display. The water flowing on Piney is not as spectacular as during wet season. Due to the current draught, the streams are a babble instead of a roar. Two weeks ago, it was a trickle, there is hope.
The group was impressed with the 100 ft suspension bridge and the deep water pools along this very wide "river". Most people would call it a creek but whatever rules apply to creek /river, this is called a river.Hydration was not a problem, everyone carried enough water except me. I got my water out of the stream, purified of course.
We made the halfway point with plenty of energy. These Chattanooga animals are well trained and smart when it comes to hydration/ nutrition. They have an advantage, to have a group who will run together, motivate and learn from each other. I wish I could train more with them. They have a Wednesday night and a Sunday run. They support each other and encourage everyone to develope to their potential.
We reached the top in about 2:19 with the old Garmin reading 8.3 miles. The maps say it's 10 miles. This section climbs 1000 ft but gradual. You hardly notice that you are climbing. I had stashed some power bars, Little Debbie Fig bars, Reeses PB cups and Coke. Most of these folks are very health conscience, but I think they were glad to see the Coke and candy. These people run Triathalons, and shorter races. They may not be accustomed to eating junk for fuel on longer runs. We took what we needed from the SNAKE's CARE package and headed back down the mountain. This should be quicker, since it is down the mountain. We cruised through the trails that was covered in freshly dropped leaves. As the Sun danced in and out through the leaves, it made it difficult to see the rocks and roots hidden. A toe catcher will put you on your face quicker than anything. At this point in a run, a trip can also put your legs into a cramp that will take a Physical Therapist a week to get you out of.
We passed a road where someone field dressed a deer (probably illegally) just as Dreama was eating a GU, yummy!! I have ran this section many times, but on this day I thought that it was uphill both ways. As we neared the end, the group separated slightly. The temperatures by this time was rising. I think everyone was ready to see the end of the trail. What was that in the distance? Noise from the highway, we were getting closer. Finally out of the woods. There my wife Judy was waiting with some of SNAKE's homemade barbecue.
Just my luck, 3 of the runners were vegetarians. I should have taken a poll before hand, I had some Soy burgers I could have cooked. None the less, they seemed to enjoy Judy's slaw on a hamburger bun. The meat eaters ate a couple of barbecue sandwiches. The Sun was shining and not a cloud in the sky, but after a long run and being sweat soaked, the wind was cool. I enjoyed hosting the run and hope the Chattanooga animals will come back.
A Large time was had by all!
I had hoped that the Fall colors would be brighter, but had to settle for a middle of the road color display. The water flowing on Piney is not as spectacular as during wet season. Due to the current draught, the streams are a babble instead of a roar. Two weeks ago, it was a trickle, there is hope.
The group was impressed with the 100 ft suspension bridge and the deep water pools along this very wide "river". Most people would call it a creek but whatever rules apply to creek /river, this is called a river.Hydration was not a problem, everyone carried enough water except me. I got my water out of the stream, purified of course.
We made the halfway point with plenty of energy. These Chattanooga animals are well trained and smart when it comes to hydration/ nutrition. They have an advantage, to have a group who will run together, motivate and learn from each other. I wish I could train more with them. They have a Wednesday night and a Sunday run. They support each other and encourage everyone to develope to their potential.
We reached the top in about 2:19 with the old Garmin reading 8.3 miles. The maps say it's 10 miles. This section climbs 1000 ft but gradual. You hardly notice that you are climbing. I had stashed some power bars, Little Debbie Fig bars, Reeses PB cups and Coke. Most of these folks are very health conscience, but I think they were glad to see the Coke and candy. These people run Triathalons, and shorter races. They may not be accustomed to eating junk for fuel on longer runs. We took what we needed from the SNAKE's CARE package and headed back down the mountain. This should be quicker, since it is down the mountain. We cruised through the trails that was covered in freshly dropped leaves. As the Sun danced in and out through the leaves, it made it difficult to see the rocks and roots hidden. A toe catcher will put you on your face quicker than anything. At this point in a run, a trip can also put your legs into a cramp that will take a Physical Therapist a week to get you out of.
We passed a road where someone field dressed a deer (probably illegally) just as Dreama was eating a GU, yummy!! I have ran this section many times, but on this day I thought that it was uphill both ways. As we neared the end, the group separated slightly. The temperatures by this time was rising. I think everyone was ready to see the end of the trail. What was that in the distance? Noise from the highway, we were getting closer. Finally out of the woods. There my wife Judy was waiting with some of SNAKE's homemade barbecue.
Just my luck, 3 of the runners were vegetarians. I should have taken a poll before hand, I had some Soy burgers I could have cooked. None the less, they seemed to enjoy Judy's slaw on a hamburger bun. The meat eaters ate a couple of barbecue sandwiches. The Sun was shining and not a cloud in the sky, but after a long run and being sweat soaked, the wind was cool. I enjoyed hosting the run and hope the Chattanooga animals will come back.
A Large time was had by all!
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