Carole Smith and Pete Lynch will travel from California to Tennessee Sunday to participate in the Cades Cove Loop Lope and continue a 'kiss-aversary' tradition.
When Carole Smith and Paul Lynch finish the Cades Cove Loop Loper 10-Miler Sunday in Townsend, Tenn., they already know what they will do.
“We are hoping to get a kiss at the finish line together,” said Carole Smith. “Sadly for me this year Paul will be way ahead of me as I have a knee that needs replacement.”
The California couple are coming to the Smoky Mountains for their “kiss-aversery,” a tradition they started Nov. 11, 2017, at Clifton’s in Los Angeles.
“We are avid runners and have run the great Smoky Mountains half marathon and the 5k before,” Carole said. “We love the beauty and nature within and the kindness of the local community in Townsend.
“Paul and I are still working full time but getting closer to retirement. Running is one of our passions and hobbies.”
They live in South Bay, Calif., near Los Angeles but will be two of 750-plus runners/walkers participating at Cades Cove.
“This will be our first time running the Loop Lope, though we have of course enjoyed Cades Cove on prior trips. We planned last year to attend the Loop Lope this year and signed up on the day it opened,” she said.
“I love to run, as does Paul. Running in nature and all her glory is just the best. We’re so excited to be a part of the Cades Cove Loop Lope this year.”
The 10-mile course inside the national park is scenic, especially with the sun rising over the mountains as the run begins, but also hilly.
“My knee hurts all the time. It’ll hurt more after the run but will be worth it and if I have to go slow and even walk part so be it,” Carole said. “Maybe next time I do it I’ll have a new knee.
“In the meantime, the truth is I’d rather spend a day running in beauty and making it hurt more than sitting around somewhere. Besides, two Advil, two Tylenol, and two beers and I’m good.”
She likes “gorgeous runs” like the Big Sur international marathon and is eager to take part in Sunday’s event.
“What I think makes the Cades Cove Loop Lope unique is that we are traveling on our feet past historic cabins and areas on the route that early settlers first did,” she said.
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Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you would like more information about the organization or to make a donation, visit https://friendsofthesmokies.org/.
2 Responses
I’m so proud of my daughter and her husband. Despite her painful knee she carries on , determined to walk and run as bed as she can. With her supportive husband she forgeses ahead to experience the beauty and peace of nature. I’m one very proud mama!
you should be proud