The journey from Asheville to Nashville was a hard one for little Benny. First, he pooped (in his litter box) as we were pulling out of our street. I thought this was great because we weren’t on the highway so I could easily pull over and remove it so it didn’t stink up the car. The gas station I pulled into was also playing Rocket Man by Elton John through the speakers which made me smile because my mom is a huge Elton fan and it felt like a little hello from the universe.
We got back on the road (not the highway yet) and I noticed that Benny peed on one of the pet pads on the backseat- which he has never done. We pull over, again, and replace the pads and finally get on the highway. Highway 40 West winds through the beautiful Smoky Mountains; there was water running down rocks and “Appalachian Trail Crossing” signs. The road was so winding that I had a feeling Benny might struggle- I honestly think most passengers would. He predictably started drooling and then got sick. Off the road again to clean up the latest mess (number 3, if you’re counting). As we pulled back onto the highway the speed limit increased from 40 to 70 which I interpreted (and was correct) as straighter roads ahead.
Once in Nashville, I was able to spend time with two highschool friends. I was able to catch up with my friend Kyla twice. Kyla and I went to school in neighboring towns in Massachusetts and both ended up at the same pitching/catching softball camp back in middle school. We grabbed dinner two nights in a row and the second night also made our own candles in the Gulch. Kyla’s colleague from Sacramento also came the second night and now we are all planning to meet back up when I am in California later this year as Kyla travels there frequently for work.
I also got to spend time with my friend Shana who was one of the first friends I met when I moved to a new high school in North Myrtle Beach, SC my junior year of high school. We were in chorus and drama together holding down the harmonies in the alto section which Shana taught me how to do. It was wild to remember back to all that we went through back then. We were in this amazing group of fellow musical theatre nerds led by our drama teacher; we spent our days dancing and singing, eating our lunch in the drama room, and performing in shows. For so many of us it felt like a place we finally fit in; we felt like we were changing the world. Then in 2003 it all came crashing down as we learned that our drama teacher, who we all basically worshipped, was accused of being a pedophile and not only was he abusing our friend and peer but he had left all of his previous teaching jobs for similar accusations and was even married to someone he met while she was his student. It was devastating. We then found out he fled the country and then in my first year of college while walking across campus I was served by the state of South Carolina as a witness in his trial. Thankfully he pled guilty and I didn’t end up testifying. Needless to say this had a major impact on so many of us, Shana and I included, and unfortunately it now cannot be separated when we sit down to catch up about the shared passion that started our friendship.
It felt important to include this part of my story because of how impactful it was then. To this day I have attended many leadership trainings where there is frequently a prompt to think of a teacher or coach who had a significant impact on you as a young person and I always think of what this teacher took from me, what he took from my peers and from our friend.
Shana and I had coffee and breakfast at a local shop called Frothy Monkey which was recommended by a friend of mine and which I quickly became obsessed with (as was the rest of Nashville which was evidenced by their insane lines of customers). We wandered around the 12 South area after eating. We were able to meet up again on my last night at a bar with a super cool vibe, Inglewood Lounge- tons of plants and couches and a massive disco ball. I also got to meet Shana’s boyfriend. It was a wonderful way to close out my trip.
I revisited the Frothy Monkey many days to get a Hummingbird latte which was espresso, steamed milk, house-made pecan syrup, a hint of banana, topped with cinnamon and dried pineapple garnish- sooooo good.. On one of those days while waiting in the parking lot for my order a woman pulled up beside me to ask about my car as she had been considering buying one for her daughter. While answering questions I told her about my current trip. She was amazed and supportive and gave me some wonderful Nashville recommendations. She’s also a runner and included some running route recs, too. We totally hit it off and I was reminded of how fun it is to meet strangers on this trip.
Tennessee has some amazing hiking and waterfalls and I made sure to spend one weekend exploring. I went to Burgess Falls which is an easy trail passing several large waterfalls that you can see from designated lookout spots. I then went to explore Cummings Falls which was a more strenuous hike as you hike down the canyon then traverse back and forth through knee deep semi-rapids to the base of the waterfall. This particular waterfall is usually packed in the summer and people swim over to it, climb up it, and sunbathe. It was pretty cold, although a few brave souls jumped in and swam over to the falls. I ran into several great girls and we all helped each other get pictures near the falls; one of the girls was amazing at hyping up and encouraging the person she was taking a picture of which made it extra fun. Due to all the rain Tennessee had experienced the week before my visit the waterfalls were raging.
I continued my running program in Nashville and definitely enjoyed less hills compared to my Asheville runs. I had a lot of anxiety about running while in Nashville; I had a lot of hot runs and a lot of self judgement around taking my camelbak to have water while on my longer runs that in my head weren’t long enough to justify taking it along. My coach helped me reframe some of this self judgement “you’ll be more hydrated and that’s always great” “you can pick whatever route you will enjoy even if it’s a loop to stay closer to home- that’s what runners do with injuries so why not anxiety.” A huge accomplishment for me was running 6 miles which was the longest run I’ve been on in close to 5 years.
I also found it challenging to find restaurants with things I can eat. I have a couple food allergies and on both my trips to Nashville I’ve struggled to find things. I also had trouble finding the motivation to truly explore- I felt a bit burnt out as I headed into AirBnB number 6 and month number 4. My AirBnB also ended up having cockroaches which was stressful and gross. Benny, on the other hand, absolutely loved chasing and catching them… blech!.
I had several moments in Nashville of realizing privileges I’ve taken for granted throughout my life. The first occurred when I went on a search for a laundromat to wash Bennys bedding. I figured with it being Easter Sunday the laundromats would be empty and I could get in and out. I was very wrong. I drove to 2 laundromats where people were overflowing into the parking lots awaiting machines on dirty cracked linoleum. I’ve never had to pay to do my laundry on a holiday which was almost embarrassingly eye opening; I didn’t even know to be thankful for this. I was also feeling some burnout around never knowing where my next home will be, if I’ll have an address, and the repetitive searching for new AirBnBs. I’ve never had to doubt where I’d be staying the next month and I’ve never not had an address- I found myself grateful for this opportunity to recognize another worry I’ve never had to consider. I always know I will find a place and even that is stressful- I cannot imagine homelessness and housing insecurity.
I did get a chance to check out the famous Hattie B’s Fried Chicken and ended up stocking up on my way out town so I could enjoy it again as an easy on the road meal.
As I headed out of town towards the Midwest I was listening to Brené Brown’s podcast with Brandi Carlisle as the guest. She happens to be a huge Elton John fan so after the podcast ended I had to listen to the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album which I grew up listening to on vinyl. About halfway through the album I realized Elton randomly book ended my trip to Nashville which seems only fitting when traveling through Music City.
An ode to my main man, Benny:
Where My Feet Are 