It was super hot and humid yet again. It got into the mid 80s. I definitely struggled some, but it did help that I dressed better. I wore just a singlet and short shorts. I ran with a handheld, rather than a vest. That helped a lot.I knew I wouldn't be able to run much with the heat and humidity. I figured that I would just take it easy going up and then run most of the way down. I ran the easy early part. I was going to run the bottom of the first rocky section. However, I tripped on basically the first rock. I fell and scraped my knee a little. What a way to start. At least I fell uphill.
At this point, it was time to hike. I just hiked all of this rocky section. I tried to hike fast at least. I encountered a few hikers on this early part and the parking lot was crowded. However, this loop wasn't as crowded as I was anticipating.
When it flattened out, I ran for a bit. I ran until a little past the first overlook. It was getting a little steep after that and just too hot for me. I didn't want to have my breathing too labored. I hiked some more.
I ran again when it flattened out, until the rockiest section. This part had me very worried. I haven't run here very often when rattlesnakes could be out. I was so careful with every step. On the rockiest parts, that wasn't easy. I was so focused and scanning the trail.
Since I was looking for rattlesnakes, I didn't notice the heat quite as much. Certainly the shade was helping too. It was much more green than it had been in some time. I did miss the green for sure.I had to hike most of the rest of the way to the top. My back started to hurt, as I was almost there. I was sweating a lot too. I ran a little before the top. I then took my usual photo from the summit.
It was now time to run. I was on the Blue Trail. That is super rocky and I was a little beat. I ran most of it, but did hike here and there. I was twisting my ankles at times.
Finally, I was on to the downhill. I had to be careful on some of the very steep and rocky stuff. I ran most of it, but very slow. I did open it up where I could. I was very focused on the trail, still looking for rattlesnakes.
I ran behind some teenagers that were hiking. They must have thought I was crazy. I always love flying down technical stuff while others are cautious just hiking. I ran by some other people later. I told them I was having fun now that I was running downhill.
Eventually, I was to the bottom. I was a bit slower than I would've liked, but not too bad. I got on the AT and headed to the parking lot. There were a lot of hikers there and I had to go around them. I got back to my car in over 56 minutes.I wanted to get 4 miles in. Therefore, I headed back up the AT briefly. I ran until I hit the 1 hour mark. That was at 3.82 miles. I had some elevation gain too. I then ran downhill to the car to finish. It was a solid and productive run.
My foot didn't hurt during the run. However, it did hurt a little afterward. I have to be careful to watch how much I run. I rode my bike in the evening and might ride again tomorrow. I'm busy this week, so not sure when I'll run again. I guess it could be tomorrow, but if not, probably not until Thursday.
4.15 miles - 1:03:21 (15:15 pace) 1297 feet of elevation gain
14th Mt. Tammany Summit of the year
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