August 2021 Monthly Running Challenge
Replies
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5 miles this morning. I wanted to do 6 but I didn't have time. *kitten* happens.
123/14510 -
We get those spiders here too, but I grew up simply knowing them as garden spiders in varieties with yellow or red spots. I've heard about orb weavers and always assumed they were different, but I guess not. Otherwise commonly identified by that silver colored head, occasional massive size, and that web pattern.
My wife ran inside in sheer terror last weekend after almost planting her face into a yellow one when trying to retrieve a fallen owl decoy on the other side of a wooden gate. It was her first encounter with one. After telling her how they are really harmless unless you make one bite you (still harmless then) she made me go see the monster. Easily the second largest one I've seen, as big in diameter as a tennis ball, so she was rightly spooked. I left it alone because, frankly, it was gloriously huge and beautiful, with so many easy to see details due to it's size (and I was not ordered to destroy it which would have been disgustingly messy).
The largest I've ever seen was a red one with a web in some growth at a farm. Stupid huge. I didn't actually measure either of them, perhaps that red one will always seem biggest as it was the first time I came up close with one that stupidly huge.
As a teenager I almost ran my hand straight into a largish yellow one while mowing a neighbors property, it's web was in the corner of a fenced in area that was overgrown. I ran home, it startled me that well! I wound up going back to catch the beast and take it to my biology teacher who let the class know it was a common garden spider. I don't recall him calling it an orb weaver then, but honestly I was convinced I had found some lost African banana spider since I had previously only seen red ones.7 -
rheddmobile wrote: »martaindale wrote: »Maybe I'm seeing a different spider. These are 2-3 inches.
That’s my favorite spider! That’s some kind of Argiope, colloquially known as “writing spiders” because of the zig zag stays at the center of their webs. We used to get them in the hayloft at the barn where I grew up, and the older kids would tell the younger ones that if the spider sees your teeth, it will write your name in its web and then you die! A great folk tale to scare little children into keeping their mouths shut. I vividly remember squeezing my lips together while passing their giant webs.
Folk tales aside, they won’t hurt you. They are barely venomous and so mild mannered that you can pick them up.
Feel free to pick them up. I'll watch from a socially appropriate distance.
The two I saw today are what we colloquially call wood spiders. Many have brownish bodies with lighter leg stripes; these tend to hang out in the middle of the orb. The other kind have beautifully colored bodies and use vegetation for concealment; we used to drop grasshoppers in their webs to see what color they were. Many had cream colored or chocolate brown bodies.
We also had the golden garden spiders.
I am not a fan of spiders.7 -
Glad things are feeling better @TheMrWobbly .
@Tramboman Hope the hip and hamstring quit grumbling soon. That's weird about the deer.
@Scott6255 Sounds like a tough run. Good job in getting in 12 miles under those conditions.
Nice run @polskagirl01 ! Uneventful is good!
@rheddmobile They are Argiope trifasciata. I did my senior Biology project on them in college. There aren't as many around here as there used to be. We always called them garden spiders, probably because that is where they were most often spotted.
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1 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - driveway laps, barely beat the heavy downpour
2 Aug - 3.30 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo run - 2 hours mowing the lawn
3 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Recovery Run on the driveway - Weed eat at mom's in the afternoon
4 Aug - 6.20 Run 1.0 Walk - Birthday run on the driveway - played singles tennis earlier
5 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Interval Run on the driveway
6 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk this evening - doubles tennis this morning
7 Aug - 10.0 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Run with Speed Play
8 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk to keep the streak going
9 Aug - 2.75 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo Run - driveway laps
10 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Recovery Run - driveway laps
11 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk between shopping and church
12 Aug - 2.25 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway Long Interval Run also played singles tennis this morning
13 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk after work
14 Aug - 5.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Cut my 10 mile run short so that I could trim mom's lawn
15 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Walk in the neighbor's field
16 Aug - 3.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo run doing driveway laps
17 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk after running errands all day
18 Aug - 3.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Foundation run - driveway laps
19 Aug - 3.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Interval Run on the local road
20 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway laps to keep streak going
21 Aug - 10.0 Run 1.0 Walk - Long run with fast finish (sort-of) out the local road
22 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk
23 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill - also played tennis and mowed
24 Aug - 3.25 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Tempo Run
25 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Walk - Singles tennis this morning
26 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Walk - Singles tennis this morning
27 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway laps
28 Aug - 8.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Long run plus trimmed mom's lawn
68.25/100 miles running 21.0/31 miles walking
Eight miserable miles today - well, miles 3 and 4 were ok-ish, so only 6 were miserable. It was hot and humid and my heart and mind weren't into it. My HR was higher than it has been lately - forgot to take my BP pill last night - the one I want to stop. Don't think that was the issues totally. I just haven't had enough sleep and didn't hydrate enough yesterday, so started out on the wrong side of the run.
Best part was that I used my hydration vest today and really like it, even though I need to clean it better because it still tastes a bit like plastic.
Found out that my Aunt, who has been having heart issues for a while, passed away this afternoon. So sad. It's mom's sister. Understandably, she is having a bit of a hard time with it - too many people we know/are related to have passed away this year.
BTW, when I was reading in my journal this week, I realized that it was a year ago that we lost @PastorVincent . I sure do miss him.11 -
quilteryoyo wrote: »1 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - driveway laps, barely beat the heavy downpour
2 Aug - 3.30 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo run - 2 hours mowing the lawn
3 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Recovery Run on the driveway - Weed eat at mom's in the afternoon
4 Aug - 6.20 Run 1.0 Walk - Birthday run on the driveway - played singles tennis earlier
5 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Interval Run on the driveway
6 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk this evening - doubles tennis this morning
7 Aug - 10.0 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Run with Speed Play
8 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk to keep the streak going
9 Aug - 2.75 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo Run - driveway laps
10 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Recovery Run - driveway laps
11 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk between shopping and church
12 Aug - 2.25 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway Long Interval Run also played singles tennis this morning
13 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk after work
14 Aug - 5.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Cut my 10 mile run short so that I could trim mom's lawn
15 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Walk in the neighbor's field
16 Aug - 3.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo run doing driveway laps
17 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk after running errands all day
18 Aug - 3.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Foundation run - driveway laps
19 Aug - 3.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Interval Run on the local road
20 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway laps to keep streak going
21 Aug - 10.0 Run 1.0 Walk - Long run with fast finish (sort-of) out the local road
22 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk
23 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill - also played tennis and mowed
24 Aug - 3.25 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Tempo Run
25 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Walk - Singles tennis this morning
26 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Walk - Singles tennis this morning
27 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway laps
28 Aug - 8.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Long run plus trimmed mom's lawn
68.25/100 miles running 21.0/31 miles walking
Eight miserable miles today - well, miles 3 and 4 were ok-ish, so only 6 were miserable. It was hot and humid and my heart and mind weren't into it. My HR was higher than it has been lately - forgot to take my BP pill last night - the one I want to stop. Don't think that was the issues totally. I just haven't had enough sleep and didn't hydrate enough yesterday, so started out on the wrong side of the run.
Best part was that I used my hydration vest today and really like it, even though I need to clean it better because it still tastes a bit like plastic.
Found out that my Aunt, who has been having heart issues for a while, passed away this afternoon. So sad. It's mom's sister. Understandably, she is having a bit of a hard time with it - too many people we know/are related to have passed away this year.
BTW, when I was reading in my journal this week, I realized that it was a year ago that we lost @PastorVincent . I sure do miss him.
Your mom sure has had a rough year, goodness. I’m sorry for your loss.2 -
martaindale wrote: »Maybe I'm seeing a different spider. These are 2-3 inches.
Okay my OCD kicked in here - look at the state of that web! What kind of effort is that?? Where is the symmetry???5 -
Sorry to hear about your Aunt @quilteryoyo
Pastor Vincent keeps coming up as a suggested contact on Strava. I will never forget him but Strava should sort themselves out
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TheMrWobbly wrote: »Sorry to hear about your Aunt @quilteryoyo
Pastor Vincent keeps coming up as a suggested contact on Strava. I will never forget him but Strava should sort themselves out
I still get suggested to follow Dennis (keeprunningfatboy) who died three years ago. It’s honestly a little disturbing sometimes.
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Hahaha @TheMrWobbly ! I bet if you had been a spider, you would have been "Charlotte."
Thanks for the condolences.2 -
8-1 7k measy (between moderate and easy)
8-2 rest
8-3 7k measy
8-4 7k easy
8-5 rest
8-6 7k measy
8-7 7k moderate
8-8 7k measy
8-9 rest
8-10 4k easy
8-11 4k moderate
8-12 rest
8-13 6k measy
8-14 4k measy
8-15 7k easy
8-16 rest
8-17 4k easy
8-18 5k treadmill
8-19 rest
8-20 4k measy
8-21 4k moderate
8-22 4k easy
8-23 rest
8-24 4k measy
8-25 4k moderate
8-26 rest
8-27 7k measy
8-28 4k easy
8-29 4k easy
August Total: 111k
August Goal: 150k
Mostly sunny, low 70s F, and humid with no breeze - AGAIN!!!!! Left hip and hamstring were marginally better today.
Song in my head today was "Boogie Shoes." Problem was I don't remember any of the words except "my-my-my-my-my-my boogie shoes." Got kind of disturbing after 3k or so.
When you pop in here claiming your December 2021 mileage, what accomplishments will you have made?
PUT THE FUN BACK IN THE RUN!
Return to a good running weight of 175 lbs (second attempt)
2021 Races:
6/26 Direction Up 5k, Solon, OH 31:48 chip; 31:59 Garmin; 53d overall; 2d male 65 and over
7/17 Run of the Ox 5k, Mantua, OH 32:19 Garmin; 44th overall; 3d place male 60 and over
9/18 Hattie Larlham ThriveK, Aurora, OH9 -
rheddmobile wrote: »TheMrWobbly wrote: »Sorry to hear about your Aunt @quilteryoyo
Pastor Vincent keeps coming up as a suggested contact on Strava. I will never forget him but Strava should sort themselves out
I still get suggested to follow Dennis (keeprunningfatboy) who died three years ago. It’s honestly a little disturbing sometimes.
Me, too. There was some exercise for @MobyCarp that auto-posted after he was gone, too. Hopefully someone is getting use out of his watch and now has it linked to their own accounts. As for Strava, unless someone has the password and goes in and closes the account, it probably will stay up - and I can see why loved ones may not want to delete them (would be like throwing away someone's journal). Some sort of "Legacy Account" would be cool - not sending "you might know this person" reminders, but also not deleting their history. Probably not high on Strava's priority list though.
Ok, so then I had a thought - what if I just click "follow"? It will stop the notifications, and I'll be able to go "visit" their profiles later if I want (and for example, reflect on Pastor Vincent's 14 miles on a rest day which is just SO TYPICAL of him). So Dennis and PV are set to automatically accept requests; MobyCarp isn't (so I removed my request on his).8 -
Aug Total: 52/60 miles
8/4: 3 miles
8/7: 3.1 miles
8/8: 5.1 miles
8/11: 3.1 miles
8/12: 3.1 miles
8/14: 6.7 miles
8/17: 3.6 miles
8/18: 3.1 miles
8/21: 3 miles
8/24: 3 miles
8/26: 4 miles
8/27: 3.1 miles
8/29: 8.1 miles
Went out for the longest run I have ever done in the summer this morning. I got lucky with the weather. It was just a few degrees cooler and a little breeze to help make that 93% humidity feel less stifling.
I am trying new nutrition options on my long runs since the Bloks seemed to be upsetting my stomach last race season. I stopped by my local fleet feet and bought one or 2 of almost everything they carry so I can try out different brands, flavors, etc. Today was honey stinger gel in vanilla flavor. I timed it to take my gel at my water refill point, so I ate the gel and drank a few ounces of water before refilling and heading out. No stomach upset, the flavor was mild enough, and the consistency was fine. I didn’t feel the sugar hitting my system but rather just didn’t feel like I was fading and the last few miles felt similar in effort to the first few. Overall, a win for the honey stinger gel. With the Bloks, I could actually feel the sugar hitting my system but that came with feeling it leaving too. I would rather just feel steady.7 -
So a request for future posts... PLEASE PUT ALL SPIDERS BEHIND SPOILER ALERTS! (Not really yelling at y'all but it was a bit triggering for me) 🤣
So I went to do 10 miles today. I didn't have the energy to run. I am so tired and rundown. I tried to walk but after a bit I gave up. 2.75 miles done today. DH thinks it's allergies (which have been kicking my *kitten*) and I'm wondering if I need to eat more? Or maybe both are issues?
126/145 (well, now it looks like I won't make my second goal either. Oh well).
Did I miss the September thread or am I jumping the gun? August feels over already LOL10 -
7.7 mile run along sand dunes,average pace of 10:50 min per mile with 305 feet of elevation.
Got to do another run tomorrow to reach my mileage goal. I may do another long run, but will see how my legs feel in the morning.
August cumulative:
91.1/100 miles
7,741/10,000 feet of elevation8 -
Here's the September thread. 😁RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Did I miss the September thread or am I jumping the gun? August feels over already LOL
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10842357/september-2021-monthly-running-challenge/p15 -
August Goal: 75 Miles
8/1: 6.50 miles
8/3: 5.16 miles
8/4: 4.67 miles
8/5: 5.35 miles
8/7: 7.06 miles
8/10: 5.02 miles
8/11: 5.10 miles
8/12: 5.26 miles
8/15: 7.62 miles
8/17: 4..37 miles
8/18: 4.64 miles
8/19: 4.03 miles
8/22: 6.22 miles
8/24: 3.02 miles
8/29: 7.26 miles
81.27/75 miles completed for August
I ran 7 miles today. It was a really good run. I think the extra rest days helped. I still kind of took it easy. It was hot but didn't seem as bad as it has been lately. My hip felt pretty good. I did some yoga when I got home and iced it. So far so good. I usually take Monday as a rest day so I won't run tomorrow but I expect to get back to it on Tuesday. So I should have one more run for August. And today's run got me to my goal for August. Luckily for me it was a lower goal than usual. 😄
2021 Races:
4/24/21: Run For The Children 10K PR 55:46:28.
11/6/21: Run For 57th AHC Half Marathon
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WhatMeRunning wrote: »
Here's the September thread. 😁RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Did I miss the September thread or am I jumping the gun? August feels over already LOL
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10842357/september-2021-monthly-running-challenge/p1
THANKS! 😁👍🙌0 -
August 1 – 6.33
August 2 – 5.35
August 3 – 5.28
August 4 – 5.27
August 6 – 6.04
August 7/8 – 5.01
August 9 – 4.83
August 11 – 5.59
August 12 – 4.08
August 13 – 5.15
August 14 – 5.52
August 16 – 6.02
August 17 – 3.11
August 18 – 8.02
August 20 – 6.01
August 22 – 10.01
August 23 – 5.30
August 25 – 5.01
August 26 – 5.56
August 28 – 8.22
August 29 – 5.39
I went to my little local park this morning and ran the 1-mile loop five times.
Sorry for the loss of your aunt @quilteryoyo.
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WhatMeRunning wrote: »
Here's the September thread. 😁RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Did I miss the September thread or am I jumping the gun? August feels over already LOL
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10842357/september-2021-monthly-running-challenge/p1
Thank you!!!!1 -
Hahaha @Tramboman I remember "I wanna put on my my my my boogie shoes, and boogie with you." But that's the extent of my memory too. Glad your hip and hamstring were a little better.
Nice running @martaindale . I'm working on fueling too. I've only tried a couple of things and I like the Honey Stinger chews.
@RunsOnEspresso There must be something about this week - several people I know, including me, either cut their runs short or felt like throwing in the towel. Weird. I hope you get over your allergies soon.
Nice going @sweetdaisy13 !
@kgirlhart Glad the extra rest day helped and congrats on meeting your monthly goal.
Thanks @Teresa502 . Nice run today.
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1 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - driveway laps, barely beat the heavy downpour
2 Aug - 3.30 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo run - 2 hours mowing the lawn
3 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Recovery Run on the driveway - Weed eat at mom's in the afternoon
4 Aug - 6.20 Run 1.0 Walk - Birthday run on the driveway - played singles tennis earlier
5 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Interval Run on the driveway
6 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk this evening - doubles tennis this morning
7 Aug - 10.0 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Run with Speed Play
8 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk to keep the streak going
9 Aug - 2.75 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo Run - driveway laps
10 Aug - 2.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Recovery Run - driveway laps
11 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk between shopping and church
12 Aug - 2.25 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway Long Interval Run also played singles tennis this morning
13 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk after work
14 Aug - 5.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Cut my 10 mile run short so that I could trim mom's lawn
15 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Walk in the neighbor's field
16 Aug - 3.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Tempo run doing driveway laps
17 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill walk after running errands all day
18 Aug - 3.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Foundation run - driveway laps
19 Aug - 3.50 Run 1.0 Walk - Long Interval Run on the local road
20 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway laps to keep streak going
21 Aug - 10.0 Run 1.0 Walk - Long run with fast finish (sort-of) out the local road
22 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway walk
23 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill - also played tennis and mowed
24 Aug - 3.25 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Tempo Run
25 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Walk - Singles tennis this morning
26 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Treadmill Walk - Singles tennis this morning
27 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway laps
28 Aug - 8.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Long run plus trimmed mom's lawn
29 Aug - 0.00 Run 1.0 Walk - Driveway laps
68.25/100 miles running 29.0/31 miles walking
Did my walk on the driveway today between church and traveling to a baby shower for my nephew's sister-in-law. Then we went to my nephew's to see him and some of the rest of the family that wasn't at the shower. So, had a very nice afternoon.
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I am way behind but I read through and liked and hugged. I hope everyone is doing well. A few runs cut short - no worries, a bad run now and then happens and those few "bad" miles still make you stronger.
@quilteryoyo I'm sorry for the loss of your aunt. Hugs to you and your mom.
Date :::: Miles :::: Cumulative
08/01/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 0.0
08/02/21 :::: 3.0 :::: 3.0
08/03/21 :::: 1.8 :::: 4.8
08/04/21 :::: 5.5 :::: 10.3
08/05/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 13.4
08/06/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 13.4
08/07/21 :::: 5.0 :::: 18.4
08/08/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 18.4
08/09/21 :::: 2.6 :::: 20.9
08/10/21 :::: 3.2 :::: 24.1
08/11/21 :::: 4.1 :::: 28.2
08/12/21 :::: 1.3 :::: 29.5
08/13/21 :::: 7.0 :::: 36.5
08/14/21 :::: 4.2 :::: 40.7
08/15/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 40.7
08/16/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 40.7
08/17/21 :::: 3.8 :::: 44.5
08/18/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 44.5
08/19/21 :::: 1.7 :::: 46.2
08/20/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 46.2
08/21/21 :::: 13.1 :::: 59.3
08/22/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 59.3
08/23/21 :::: 3.0 :::: 62.3
08/24/21 :::: 3.1 :::: 65.4
08/25/21 :::: 4.1 :::: 69.5
08/26/21 :::: 2.0 :::: 71.5
08/27/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 71.5
08/28/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 71.5
08/29/21 :::: 0.0 :::: 71.5
Look at that, no running going on here at all! Might end up being my lowest monthly total in a couple of years. It's okay, I made up for it with a lot of hiking miles. I will add a report in another post. Hopefully I will run the next two days to kick it up a little bit, but it is what it is.6 -
Hiking report: Haystack, Basin and Saddleback Mountains for Adirondack High Peaks #41, 42, and 43 of 46. This hike, affectionally known as HaBaSa, was TOUGH and technical. Very long at 15 hours and my Garmin + Strava (Garmin died 13 hours in) recorded 23 miles. This is not accurate, my Garmin is always a few miles ahead. Probably closer to 18-19 miles. Started at 5:20 am and ended about 8:30 pm, so about an hour of darkness on both ends. Clouds rolled in so we didn't have a view for 2 of the 3 peaks, but fortunately only a few sprinkles early on.
A long, wordy report is under spoiler below. Then some pics. A teaser is that this one involved some climbing of the notorious "Saddleback Cliffs", which were indeed "a bit scrambly" as a fellow hiker described (aka mildly terrifying but very cool).
Report:I have been anticipating this hike for a long time with a lot of excitement about the challenge of the much talked about Saddleback Cliffs, and some dread about what a long and tough hike it would be. I knew we wanted a dry day for climbing the cliffs and ideally a beautiful day to enjoy the views. I planned to go a few times this summer and plans changed because of the weather or other factors. So when it looked like this would be the weekend I could get it done, I was nervously checking the weather forecast which changed from sunny to rainy to back to sunny to cloudy over the course of the week. I had gambled and booked a room and the forecast was back to looking ok so we decided it was a go. I drove up Friday and got there early evening to the little inn I found (private room but shared bathroom, which worked out fine and was very cute and inexpensive), which thankfully also had a great restaurant so I could eat, get packed up for the hike, and go to bed early for our 5 am start time.
I met Courtney at the Roostercomb trailhead parking lot so we could take one car to the Garden trailhead lot, which notoriously fills up and then you are pretty screwed (options are to take a shuttle that only runs 7 to 7 or walk an extra 2+ miles each way). We got there at about 5:10 and were fortunate to snag the second or third to last space. So grateful for that given how long this hike was. The sun would not rise for almost an hour so we put on our headlamps and as we headed out at about 5:20 am.
The first few miles were gradual incline heading toward the junction of the long loop that we would take. We made pretty good time even in the dark, but it was a relief when daylight came. We went right at the junction to go first to Haystack, which is a very long 9 miles out to get to the summit. It was a nice trail, with some interesting huge boulders and rock formations, there was just a LOT of it. The last few miles the steepness kicked in and we were feeling the hard work, especially Courtney who had hike Allen Mt. for 11 hours the day before. There were a few sprinkles along the way but nothing terrible -but it was making me worry a bit. Finally we came to a junction to head off the loop to Little Haystack and the actual Haystack. We could seem them looming as big rocky domes – very different looking from most other peaks. They looked far and very steep but as typically happens you get there more quickly than you think. It was very rocky with a few scrambles but nothing like we’d face later in the day. From Little Haystack we got our first great views of all the surrounding mountains and then we had to go down and back up for Haystack for the real views – and what turned out to be the only views of the day.
As we were climbing up Haystack, we actually ran into two of my friends from my running groups. I knew they were out there hiking two of the same peaks that day and I thought if I ran into them, it would be at this point where the out and back gave a couple of chances. It was fun to see them as we have talked a lot about our mutual but separate experiences working on the 46 peaks. We took some pics and then kept moving as the wind was really picking up and chilly just standing around. We summitted Haystack just under 6 hours into the hike. Which I’m pretty sure is the longest hike to get to the first summit that I’ve done. The 360 views were amazing but clouds were building. Looking over to Marcy, the highest peak, was completely socked in at the summit. We felt sorry for those climbing over there today – ha, we jinxed ourselves. We stayed a little while to have a snack and regroup, but it was windy and chilly so we didn’t want to hang out too long. Plus, those clouds rolling in.
Heading down we had to go back over Little Haystack and back to the junction. More than half done with distance for the hike but the major challenges were still ahead. Basin was the next summit but first we went down, down, down to an increasingly alarming degree. And then of course we had to reclimb about 1000+ feet of that elevation pretty quickly. We ran into my friends again along the way and hike together chatting for a while. When we hit some tougher rock scrambles that required some climbing, we said goodbye again and Courtney and I went ahead as they were slower and more nervous about these sections. Some of these were indeed pretty tricky. We finally got to the summit of Basin about 8 hours in. And now the clouds had completely come in and there was no view at all, which was really disappointing because all three of these peaks have great 360 views on a clearer day. We saw gray clouds. It was very windy and chilly, but we sat down and ate again because we still had the hardest part of the hike left and the long hike out. I changed my socks which had gotten a little wet from stepping in mud bogs. That was a big help, but I wished I could also change to dry, warm clothes. Crazy that it’s been so hot lately and here we were putting jackets on. We saw my friends one more time as they made it up to the summit. We took a pic together with the “view” in the background and then said our farewells as they were heading back a different route.
The last peak of the day was Saddleback. The direction we were taking of the loop meant we climbed up the notorious Saddleback Cliffs, which was the reason my friends were not going that way. We met several people coming the other way and asked them how the cliffs were coming down. One woman looked pretty traumatized as she told us it was very “technical” and asked for assurance that the route down Haystack and out was not that bad. Another guy (who had incidentally the most amazing and bluest eyes) told us it was “a bit scrambly” in some European accent I couldn’t place. We were already going down some pretty tough rock scrambles on the way down Basin. This was a steep descent, and one place had a long ladder. We kept waiting for the part where we went up again and this section seemed to take forever. Finally we hit the ascent and then cliffs themselves. They were indeed no joke. There were yellow lines painted on the rock showing the route and we just looked at them on the seemingly sheer rock face and thought they were kidding. Thankfully the sprinkles we had earlier in the day hadn’t been enough to make the rocks wet because it was nerve-wracking enough on dry rock. Courtney went first and she is quite a bit shorter but a lot younger than me so seemed to get up fairly easily. She took her time and debated some steps and holds, and I watched from behind ready to give her a hand if needed on each section. Then I followed, really wishing someone was behind me as well. I love rock climbing but this was a lot more real with some major consequences for a fall. A few times I felt stuck, like I couldn’t move any of my hands or feet without falling but I took some breaths and searched out handholds and footholds with Courtney helping talk me through. It was exciting but I will admit to some mild terror. I for sure did not look down and I’m not normally afraid of heights. For all that, it’s a relative short section and a huge relief and accomplishment to finish. We caught our breath for a minute as we looked down at what we’d just done. We kept going to get to the actual summit, which turns out we passed and had to backtrack so we could say we were at the actual summit. We had hoped for some clearing of the clouds, but no luck. No view, and cold and windy once again. We didn’t stay long because of that and because we still had a long hike out, and we were already 9.5 hours in.
As we descended the other side of Saddleback, we were still processing the climb we had just done and were grateful not to be going down that same way. I can’t even imagine how one gets down that way and I understood the traumatized woman we saw earlier (but not the blue-eyed “a bit scrambly” guy). It was steep enough this way! Very tough descent with lots of rock slabs that felt like you were going to slip and slide all the way down the mountain. It made for a slow descent, especially as we were very fatigued at this point. We came around a turn in one place and saw this massive smooth rock face that looked like we were headed for on the trail. I was so happy to turn the corner and find a set of stairs waiting for us. They were steep and long stairs, several sets of them, but I was so grateful they were there.
We got to 12 hours into the hike and started to realize that it was still going to be 2-3 hours to hike out. Meaning it was going to get dark. This was the first time this year for starting and ending in the dark, making me glad I hadn’t waited longer in the year to get this done with the days getting shorter. It seemed to take forever to get to the junction where we had to turn off to go to the parking area, and I knew that it was still about 3 miles from the junction to our car. The trail was flattening out thankfully and we were both trying to push the pace despite our exhaustion and tired feet so we wouldn’t be out there in the dark any longer than we had to. A very mentally tough last couple of hours. We broke out the headlamps finally and just powered through the last hour. We finally saw some lights of the parking lot about 8:30 pm My watch had died at about 13 hours in, but I recorded the rest using Strava on my phone and it was 15 hours and 8 minutes total. Not my very longest hike, but just 30 minutes shorter and only one of three that clocked in at 15 hours+. The relief we felt at being done was incredible. I thankfully had another night booked at my inn. Everything hurt as I drove back there (grateful for the short 20-minute drive not 4 hour drive) and showered and got ready for bed as quickly as my sore body allowed. I slept like a rock and didn’t hear a thing from any of my neighbors in the hallway. 43 peaks done! 3 to go. Amazing.
Pictures:The good views on Haystack:
The rest of the views:
Climbing the cliffs
Long, steep descent with the aid of some stairs in one section
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Supposedly a long run today but we got a little bit Ida’d at the halfway point so we called it a day. What’s left of Ida isn’t supposed to get here until late Monday but we are already getting crazy gusting winds and specks of thunderstorm. Started out super hot and humid as usual, blinding sunlight, (I think husband said heat index was 108) and did 5k running, started our walk break - we do about a mile walking to cool down, then back to the car to refill water and then another 5k running - and suddenly the sun disappeared and the temperature dropped twenty degrees. Could hear thunder in the distance and the wind wasn’t so much high as just crazy, it was full of sand and grit. I put my sunglasses on despite it being dark because I was getting grit in my face, and we passed another runner who was running with his hands over his face before giving up and putting his buff up and sunglasses down. My husband got hit in the arm by a small flying rock, and when I took my sunglasses off back at the car it looked like I had a face full of kitty litter, just little specks of black gravel all over. Since the wind wasn’t that high at ground level, my guess is that it was fast enough to carry stuff long distances, high in the air, then slowed down and dropped it over us.
With all the ozone in the air and the cooler temperature it actually felt great, and we were raring to get back out there and run some more, but then we checked the weather radar and it was just a tiny little area of storm, but lightning all over, so we decided to go ahead home. Which turned out to be probably good since just then the heavens opened up with rain.
And then in less than five minutes it was over, clouds went away and the sun came out.
Strava did a weird thing and hung on our first mile which ended up being twice as long as it was supposed to be, so I’m not really sure how long we ran. About five miles total, according to my husband’s watch.9 -
@katharmonic great hike, sounds challenging but you did it!0
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Wow @katharmonic that was a very long hike! But sounds fun! Great pictures!0
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Thanks @katharmonic . You amaze me with all of those tough long hikes! I thought it was very nice or you to carpool to the parking lot so as not to take up two precious spots. I wonder how many other people do the same. You're pictures are great. Can't imagine scrambling up that cliff.
@rheddmobile Nice running, but that grit sounds awful. Glad you got in the car before the heavens opened up.1 -
@katharmonic That hike sounds intense. Too bad about the views, but at least you got some for one peak. That one section does indeed look a little scrambly!
@rheddmobile While I definitely don’t love actually being in the path of a hurricane, I do love the weather that comes from being along the edges or right before it hits. I love storms. The energy in the air and all the lightning is my favorite. I remember taking a walk right before Ike hit Houston just to be outside in the prestorm energy. Of course, the storm then hit and it sucked. But that prestorm feeling was amazing.4 -
Thanks for setting us up for September @WhatMeRunning!
Not sure how/where the temp/humidity/wind numbers are recorded in Garmin, but they certainly don't match the feeling around my neighborhood. It felt so hot and sticky this morning, like running in maple syrup. But I was able to open my stride up a little and that gave me a little extra speed today. I guess that's it for August. Wasn't a terrible month for running I suppose, but hoping it starts cooling down in September!!!
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