Training Log Archive: MJChilds

Hiked Camel's Hump (4,083') on Burrows Trail with 15# pack for training. Planning to do a 4-day hike of the Long Trail in late July. Going up was fine. Coming back down was difficult toward the end, even with a pole. Knees have gotten stiff and less agile. Pleasant at the top with good views. Temps in high 60s so nice enough. Black flies on the way down were horrible. Organic herbal bug dope did little to deter them. Next time, DEET. Trail very wet and muddy due to all the rain we've had this spring.
Wore my new Oboz hiking boots. Comfortable.

Catamount Series: Black Course on hilly side. Ran hard, struggled the whole time. Had to walk up the lower meadow to the top of the hill and again going up the hill in the middle meadow. At least I had enough for the ultra long uphill finish. Haven't had to walk during previous runs there this season. I must have been pushing myself.

Ended up with a very long warm-up. Ran the long way up to the finish, then had to run back to the car and return to the start. Probably added another mile.

Temps in 70s, breezy, not too humid. Beautiful day.

The usual w Carl. Very warm and very humid with very light rain which felt good. There was a good breeze so the rain dried quickly and kept me cooler. I hate hot and humid weather.

Joined Carl for Alar's UNO event at the Harris Center. Great terrain but very hot day. Being Father's day, I thought he should have company. Had planned to go just for the social benefits of riding with him and visiting with Lex and Eva. It was a win, win, win, win because I took my O gear and actually went out on the Tan course. Being very sore from my hike the day before, it seemed a good choice--it would be good training if I took it slow and practiced map reading. Good choice. Could hardly run at all--it was a challenge to even stay on the trails at the beginning. That area is so technical that it was all I could do to keep track of where I was. Still made mistakes inside the circle on #4 and #6, but was pretty sure that I was on an adjacent set of parallel features in each case. It took me nearly an hour, but that was just the right amount of time and energy I wanted to expend.

Got in a nice visit with Lex and Pete as well as Eva and Tiivo. Got to see Peter Goodwin, Ken Walker, and Nancy at the finish and saw JJ and Phil Bricker in the forest. Such an amazing place. Glad I went. Very tired afterward--could hardly keep my eyes open on the way home.