Training Log Archive: glewis

Start of a great overnight with Bruce, Mark and Eric. Went for a heavy pack, it was close to 40lbs by the time it was fully loaded. Bruce left his house early in the day and picked up Eric then Mark before grabbing me on Sand Island in Bethlehem. We were supposed to set out at 7, but some mechanical delays and oppressive heat meant that we didn't mount up until almost 8:30. Rode the D&L Trail up to the AT north of Slatington at Blue Mountain. This section has a considerable amount of rode riding, and we spent a good bit of time searching for the right roads, but moved decently well when we were on the trails. We also stopped a few times for people to refill food and liquids.

We stashed our bikes in the woods to the side of the AT parking lot and trekked up and then west for a bit. The trekking poles were a big help. We stopped a few times for food and water, but moved much quicker coming back (also downhill) with no real stops. My pack has decreased weight with food and water consumed and gear exchanged, so it was probably down closer to 30 lbs at the start.

Event: DVOA Springton Manor
 

Big trek/run on/around the AT by the Pinnacle and the Port Clinton Fire Tower. Carried a 23lb AS2 (thanks Garrison!); a little uncomfortable with the full 3L bladder, but it got better after the bladder emptied a bit. Tried Nuun hydration in the bladder, the taste wasn't my favorite but I could tell that it was working, as I took in less than 300 cal for the entire day (just one protein bar during mile 9). Took the trekking poles with me for the first time. I can't believe I've been missing out for all of these years - they were fantastic. Took major load off of my thighs; I only felt my calves burning on the huge climb up from Rattling Run to the AT. Glad I went with the Cnocs too; they held up remarkably well, including a few spots where I was expecting them to snap where I got them wedged in rocks. Incredibly light and sturdy; not that easy running downhill, but the rest was natural.

This hit most of the highlights of the region. The whole day was overcast, and it began raining on my way to the Pinnacle. It picked up and lightened up at times, but never really stopped. Started at the Hamburg Reservoir and took the AT up to the Pulpit and the Pinnacle, running into a couple of throughhikers on the way. View at the Pulpit was decent, view at Pinnacle was worthless. Followed the AT around to the Fire Tower trail, and from the trail south of the Fire Tower to I took an unmapped trail down through Rattling Run and back up Blue Mountain to the AT. Had a tough time finding a yellow-blazed trail at the Minnehaha spring, but ended up taking it to the cut-off trail that led down past the reservoir back the parking lot.

With Rebekah away for the week, I unfortunately had to forgo any chance at being competitive at the Springton Manor Sprint-O. A shame, as it is my favorite map and one where I've been pretty successful in the past.

Noah and I went for a stroll on the shorter of the two courses, and we had a lovely time. He ran a good bit, got carried through the high grass, stopped to see some goats and a peacock, and happily punched all of the controls.

Big, beautiful ride from Exton Park on CVT out to Valley Forge to Oaks and a little SRT towards Pheonixville. Rode the MTB with the replacement gravel tire in back (new Continentals are coming this week!) and it was nice and smooth. Weather was perfect, which took my mind off of the 23+ lb pack on my back, at least for the first 3/5 of the ride. The last 10 miles back on the CVT were tough, but I set myself a time goal and was pretty happy that I hit it with a minute+ to spare.

Pushed Noah down and back up the hill on a car walk. Trying out the new topos.

Early morning paddle at Marsh Creek. Beautiful morning at a relaxing but steady pace. Once I got going (~30ish minutes) it seemed like I was able to move a little quicker and steadier. A little push at the end felt good.