Only 5 days remaining in the school year. My summer break is going to be so lit!

Summer sixteen is going to fly by, so I needed to get a jump start as the school year comes to an end.  First on my travel list was a trip to spend time with my 91 year old Grandma in Madison, WV.

She knows I love to run, and I knew she wouldn’t mind if I dipped off to a race.  I found the Poca River Run 15K and the Smart 5.29K Run going on the same day.  My post marathon runs have been less than 5 miles, and I was not willing to jump to 9 miles so soon.  Plus, the Smart 5.29K Run was for a good cause.  All the proceeds go towards children who transition from foster care and need funds for college.

In Kentucky, children who are in foster care for any amount of time automatically receive four free years of college as long as they attend a school in the Commonwealth.  According to the State Treasurer, John Perdue, only 2% of WV foster kids make it to college.

The race was held at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, WV.

The down and back course went through the small warehouse district, up a small incline on Morris Street, and ran parallel to I-64 East.  We passed the University of Charleston and had a perfect view of the gold dome on top of the tallest building in the state which is the WV State Capitol.

The overall female winner just completed the Boston Marathon.  The overall male winner was #1 in the State for the 1500m.

I was looking forward to the downhill action on Morris Street and making the final turn for the finish line. Off to the left, I saw my Uncle Doug watching and I ran over to give him a high five right before I crossed the finish line.

Uncle Doug is known for making the best ribs in the Smoot Family.

I ran the 3.29 miles in just under 24:00 at a 7:10 pace. I earned 1^st in my age division of 30-39, 2^nd overall Woman and 5^th place overall.

WV State Treasurer John Perdue

That afternoon, I spent time talking and laughing with my Grandma. I took her to Southridge which is basically a mega strip mall on both sides of Corridor G, pronounced “Quarter G” if you are from that area.

Sunday morning was church service that was more like a mini family reunion. Most people know my name, or simply refer to me as “Phil’s daughter.”  After church I had to say my goodbyes to my Grandma and Uncle Rodney. Goodbyes are always the worst part.  I assured her I would be back again during the summer.

Grandma Lucy Smoot after church.

One day I was watching the Food Network and saw a segment on Hillbilly Hot Dogs. I told myself that the next time I was in WV I would detour to this hot dog stand.  It was easy to access off 64 and Exit 18 around Huntington.  About 6 miles down the road sat this place I saw on T.V.

I ordered the West Virginia Dog.  Putting cole slaw on a hot dog was not new to me because that’s how my Grandma served them when we were kids.  Of course I had to get a side of chili cheese fries.  I signed “Smoot” on an empty spot on the wall and sat at the front of the bus to get my grub on.

The only time where writing on bus seats is permissible.

one of two buses to eat inside.

deck built above bus for outdoor seating.

delicious!

Boy oh Boy. This food was slammin’!  Customer service was excellent and I loved the atmosphere.

Entrance

Restroom Stalls

I’m glad I was able to branch out from the typical “going to Grandma’s house” type of visit.  I learn something new every time I spend time with my Grandma.  She says I am a blessing to her, but I think the exact opposite!

Kelsie Lou