Another 4 Tammany Loops

I didn't get out to run on Saturday morning and I was at a Fourth of July party too late to run in the afternoon or evening.  I took a zero day.  I knew I had a big day upcoming anyway.

I was going to Mt. Tammany again for loops.  I figured anywhere from 4 to 6 loops, depending how I felt and whether I really wanted to push myself or not.  It would be anywhere from a quality day to a tough day.

Earlier in the week, it looked like another big Trail WhippAss party there.  However, the number of people coming decreased as time went on.  Some people were there and doing other stuff, like Ryan.  I got there before 8 AM.  Ryan was late and Mel had said he was coming.  Daniel did a loop before me and he waited to do more loops with me.  Finally at 8:15 or so, the two of us took off.

I was unsure on attire.  It was a bit chilly at the start.  I opted to just go shirtless, since I knew the shirt would be coming off after a few loops anyway.  That was a good choice, as the climb already had me sweating.  I was soaked, but by the end, but it wasn't too bad.  Some areas have trees without leaves, so it can get up hot near the top.

Daniel and I took off nice and easy.  We hiked a lot and ran a little on the way up.  The company and conversation kept me distracted.  The pace was easy too.  There was no need to rush.

When I had been driving up, I came through a lot of fog.  I was hoping it might still be there and luckily, some of it was.  I got a cool picture of the fog rolling over Mt. Minsi.  That was worth stopping for.

We cruised down the Blue Trail.  The rocks were fun and it was nice and easy.  The trail was damp in spots and slightly muddy, so I was cautious at times.  Overall, it was pretty good though.  We finished this first loop around an hour.

As I refueled at my car, Jun from T.W.A. ran by.  He's a beast.  He does 100 milers all the time and is training for the Bigfoot 200 out west.  He flew by and kept going.

It was on to loop two.  This was more of the same as the first loop.  It was easy and we took our time.  We were running pretty consistent.  It was mostly a hike up and a run down.  I felt quite fresh after two easy loop.  Again, it took us about an hour.

Some friends had finished up running other parts and were chatting.  I said a few words, but wanted to get going.  Daniel had a wedding to go to, so this was his last loop.  It was his 4th and my 3rd.

The 3rd loop was a real struggle last time.  Today, the climb up was quite tough.  I was breathing heavy at times and starting to overheat a little.  With Daniel a loop ahead of me, he had some issues too.

We got to the summit and began to head down.  Daniel fell behind and it gave me a boost.  Even though I struggled on the climb, the descent was great.  I wasn't stumbling, I was cruising down the technical stuff.  I think taking enough Tailwind was a big help, although I probably wasn't drinking enough fluids in general.

Daniel caught me on the descent.  Apparently he wasn't struggling, but had a call from his wife.  We ran in together to finish this loop and then he had to leave.

I rested briefly, but figuring this might be my last loop, I wanted to get going.  I was surprised that I hiked pretty well.  A guy was running downhill and told us about a bear at the top.  I was disappointed because I figured I'd never see it up there and I didn't.

I felt so good going up this climb.  This loop ended up being the reverse of the previous loop.  I was slipping now and couldn't run down the steepest and most technical part.  I wasn't comfortable with my footing.  I still ran a lot of the descent.

I heard that there were more bears down the trail.  I was thinking that I might finally get to see them.  Then, I saw a bunch of hikers looking into the woods.  There were two bears in amongst the trees.  They were about 100 yards away, so I could barely see them.  At least I finally did see bears here.  It took me 28 loops this year before that happened though.  I'm sure I ran by some off in the woods at times and never even noticed.

I ran on down after the bear stoppage and finished up the loop.  I was hoping maybe I'd see Ryan at the parking lot.  Flo was supposed to come at some point and I guess she wasn't too far behind me.  I never saw her though.  If I had company, I would've went out for a 5th loop.  I didn't feel like doing it solo though.

This went a little better than the 4 loops last time.  By the end, I was close to cramping.  The rocks still beat up my feet and they were quite sore.  I was starting to get uncomfortable when I stopped, but I didn't push my limits.  My legs are still so strong at the moment.  All of this climbing has really helped me improve.

I have no idea what I'm doing next.  I'll run tomorrow I'm sure.  I was thinking of going long.  I'd love to run 2 long Trexler loops if I don't work.  That could be hot though, so we will see.  I might be better off parking by the zoo and then having water halfway through at the Environmental Center.

15.12 miles - 4:19:05 (17:08 pace) 4709 feet of elevation gain
Mt. Tammany Summits 25, 26, 27 and 28 for 2015