XC Camp in Gatlinburg

Run, Bruisers, Run was the theme of last week for me. I am officially in love with my team this year--they are thoughtful, fun, talented girls who seem pumped up for a good season. Here are some highlights of the week:
Cades Cove is a gorgeous 11-mile loop. The four girls, Coach G, and I ran it in just over 90 minutes. Needless to say, I was tired but also psyched that my body didn't seem to resist too much. I am planning on running the Chickamauga Half-Marathon in November and then hopefully the Nashville full again in April, so I need to get my body in training shape. This was a good first step! Oh, and we saw two black bears along the way. We literally had to stop so one could cross the road--crazy!

The 2009 XC Team

Our "decades" night. The girls went to Hard Rock Cafe. Coach G and I hung out on the side of the road waiting for a locksmith to help us fix our broken bus. Good thing I had the Pilot! All 12 girls fit in the back of it! Our "rainbow" run

Cooling off in the creek after our second tough Elkmont run.

Our first race is in a week. I am cautiously optimistic.