Planning 2 run the whitestone 30k (18 mi)  http://www.ktc.org/RaceWhitestone.html  on Sunday.

Beautiful Bed & Breakfast: http://www.whitestoneinn.com/weddings.html

I anticipate a time of 3hr 20/30 min or so. Starts at 8:30 - suspect will be crossing the line about noon, just in time for the awesome brunch provided. everyone says it is delicious! I am excited about my husband, kids and mom being at the finish line to support me. I have a great family!

I am always amazed at how quickly time passes between my blogs. I always intend to be more frequent in my postings, but time just flies by. I ran the Calhoun's 10 miler in 1hr 44 min. After that was the Strawberry Plains half marathon. my time on that was a bit slower, but the course was tougher. I ran that in 3hrs 24 min at about 11min miles.

I have committed to preparing a little harder for this 18 miler. I ran a 17 miler on Saturday with the Knoxville Track club http://www.ktc.org/  starting at the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic out to Neyland Stadium. I am pictured here w/ my 2009 Covenant Health Marathon Teammate - Chevy just after the 8 mile turnaround point.  http://www.knoxvillemarathon.com/RaceInfo/MarathonMinute.cfm

I will run this week each day w/ an increasing distance Mon/4, tues/5, wed/6, thurs/5 then fri/4. Additionally, the elliptical each evening for no less than 4 miles. I will rest on Saturday and then hopefully be prepared for the 18miles on Sunday. I did pick a route w/ some hills on Monday and was able to continue running, so I am hoping to develop my strength on hills as Whitestone  is a challenging, hilly course as is the Knoxville marathon. see the course description & map: http://www.knoxvillemarathon.com/RaceInfo/Marathon.cfm

I do plan to reward my commitment this week w/ a night out for Mex food and Margaritas  at Pelanchos (our favorite) w/ my husband on friday night. Then maybe even out salsa dancing at Fairbanks where he and I met since I have all of Saturday to recoup.

Wednesday morning I am going hiking Cades Cove w/ Missy Kane and friends mall walking group: https://www.covenanthealth.com/coldfusionapplication/covhlthwhatsnew/Detail.cfm?Post_ID=17607 for a an 8 or so mile distance. It is supposed to be a beautiful day so I am excited about that as the last 3 wednesdays have been horrible storms.  More Later!!