A Green AT @ 191

Today, I was looking for some miles.  I also wanted to mix in a little technical running and a little elevation.  I didn't want too much of either though.  I decided to head to Route 191 and run the AT.  It starts at the top of the mountain there.

It wasn't too hot when I started in the evening.  I wore a singlet, but probably could've been shirtless.  There was some wind in open areas, but not much on the trail.  I was sweating a bit by the end of the run.

I started off heading Northbound.  The trail was amazing.  It is a fun, flowing singletrack along the ridge.  What really surprised me is how green everything was.  Last time I ran there, it was snow covered.  It has been awhile.  I don't even think I ever ran there while it was actually green.

The beauty made the run easy to enjoy, but the technical nature of the trail made it slow.  I got out to the cool view within the first mile, after passing a hiker with small kids.  At the view, a few thru hikers had setup tents.  That was neat.

I went back along on the rolling terrain.  Originally, I was thinking about going out 2 miles and back in each direction, to get 8 total miles.  However, I enjoyed this section so much that I figured I'd go farther.  I felt pretty good too.  Then, around 2.5 miles, I began to get tired.  I was mostly running, but there were some technical parts that slowed me to a hike.  Totts Gap was a good place to make it to.

I figured I had to at least go out 3 miles this direction.  Then, I'd have 6 miles already when I got back to the car.  I hit mile 3 right at the woods road.  Although I didn't really have enough water to go another mile out and back, I figured why not.  It would be easier running.

This part is boring, but faster.  There were some big puddles.  I went around one of them because I knew hikers had made a path.  The grass was slightly high, but not too bad.  I ran in tire tracks when I could.  I passed some hiker that was resting or snacking.  He seemed weird and wasn't very friendly when I said "hi."

I was kind of hoping I'd make it to the Mt. Minsi summit by mile 4, but I didn't.  I turned around at mile 4 and headed back.  The sun would be in my eyes going this way.  Luckily, it was setting.

I really enjoyed how the trail went from the top of the mountain to a ridge along the side.  Small ups and downs.  I ran most of it.  I did tire some as I approached mile 6.  I was moving faster now.  Maybe that was due to the faster section earlier.  It was also cooling and I think that helped.

Some of the technical parts are neat.  Running like this are fascinating to me.  I don't take any calories, so I hit some low points and yet I seem to bounce back.  That really happened at mile 6.75.  I don't know what compelled me to pick it up, but I did.  I got very focused and started flying over some very technical terrain.

That lasted for most of the rest of the run.  I took a brief water break on the short uphill by the open view.  The hikers were out talking and I waved to them.  Then, I blasted on down the trail.  I was making great time now.

This got nice and smooth around here too.  I could really push and have fun.  Closer to the very end, it got technical again and I had to be a little more cautious.  Right at the end, I came across a young couple hiking out.  It was nearly dark, so maybe they were going to the view to watch the sunset.  I don't know, but if so, they had to share it with the hikers.

I finished up right at the AT sign at the road crossing.  I was very pleased with this run and thoroughly enjoyed this section.  I wish this was closer, so that I could run it more often.  I should at least get up there monthly, on semi easy days.

Tomorrow, I'm looking to run some hills.  I asked Destrie if she wants to run any repeats down her way.  If not, I'm going to do them at Wind Gap.  I'm thinking 5 repeats there would be great.

8.01 miles - 1:45:59 (13:14 pace) 610 feet of elevation gain

Another Steady Run

Yesterday was very nice weather and a good run.  Today, it was a little warmer, but still supposed to be nice.  Tomorrow, it might rain again, so I had to run today.  I headed to South Mountain (Lehigh) in the evening.  The plan was to run the longer loop.

Although it was still decent weather, I wisely took off the singlet and went shirtless.  It was quite humid.  I was sweating a bit by the end.  At least it was in the low 80s or upper 70s.

Rather than finish the loop with the add on section, I decided to start with it.  That meant warming up with a half mile or so of pavement and downhill running to the trail.  I ran 6 days last week, plus the first day of this week.  I could feel that in my legs as I started.  I haven't run that many days in quite some time.

I was going nice and slow, as I hoped to run this entire time.  I found the trail easily.  However, I messed up early on, but things worked out fine.  I wanted to run the downhill switchbacks and then back up.  Instead, I ended up higher up, running mostly on a ridge.  I was going the right direction though and figured that I would eventually connect with the trail I was looking for.  This part was very rocky and there were still a lot of leaves from last fall.  Finding the trail was tricky in spots.

I connected with the main trail and shortly after that saw a mountain biker waiting for me.  I had not noticed him.  I rarely see anyone when I run here.  There was some tough short climbs here, but I picked my way up them very slowly.  Like yesterday, slow and steady was the goal.  Going up, I take small steps and run in a straight line, rather than going side to side.  It works well.

Along the ridge, a deer ran to the trail and paused and stared at me.  I tried to take its photo, but it ran off.  It continued on the trail though and stopped a looked back again.  I got a photo this time, but it wasn't good.  Then, the deer ran off.

I connected back up with the regular trail somewhere around 1.5 miles.  That was solid.  I crossed the road and ran along.  Things are starting to get overgrown here, with all the recent rain.  I'm not sure how much longer I want to run here.

Again, I was steady up the decent climb after that.  It became quite challenging by the top.  My breathing was labored and my legs burning a bit.  I just focused right in front of me and kept going.

I had a little recovery before the gradual climb.  Knowing the trail was a big help with getting through this next part.  I knew I had a lot of downhill afterward, so I was able to climb slowly.

Now, it was back to descending and going through some of the technical stuff.  I was okay, but not great on the technical stuff today, for some reason.  I got scared by a jeep on the dirt road nearby.  Maybe it was Lehigh Police.

I came to the road in no time and then ran out to the view.  I was approaching the final long, climbing section.  At least I knew this part wasn't steep.  The first part was slightly, but then it leveled out.

After that, I came to another trail runner, maybe a Lehigh student.  I almost never see anyone there and a trail runner is even more rare.  Sometimes, there are mountain bikers.  I don't think I've ever seen two separate people on these trails during the same run.

I then was back to climbing steadily again.  This was two good, long but moderate climbs.  I made my way up both without too much trouble.  The slow pace was a big help.  I then popped out on the road.

I was almost done, but I had one more cruel climb left.  I went up the paved stairs for maybe 100 feet or so.  That was a struggle by the end, but I successfully ran the whole way.

I got to my car with about a quarter mile to 6 miles.  I looped the parking lot to get to that point.  This added some slight elevation too.

My legs are definitely getting tired now.  This was a good workout though and I was quite happy.  If only the cool weather would stay around. 

Tomorrow, I'm not sure what I'll do.  I'd love to join the folks doing track workouts at Nazareth.  I'd probably run the hill on the side over and over.  However, they get up so stinking early.  We shall see.

6 miles - 1:09:51 (11:39 pace) 655 feet of elevation gain

Finally A Quality Run

Summertime for me means do whatever I can.  My body can't handle much, so I don't run long or fast.  It seemed like ages since I could last run for awhile on a challenging course.  The summer weather just destroys me.

After the rain yesterday, we had a cloudy and cool day.  I was beyond thrilled with that.  I wore a singlet and of course that and my shorts were still soaked by the end of the run, but I can deal with this weather.  I think it was probably in the low 70s when I started in the evening.

I hate running Trexler when the sun is beating down, because it is so open.  The cloud cover and setting sun was perfect.  The only problem was that I forgot my trail shoes at home and had to turn around on the highway.  I already knew doing one long loop there was pushing the limits of daylight.  I didn't want to wear a headlamp either.  I figured I'd just trek through the dark at the end if needed.  I've run there enough and it isn't too technical, so I could manage.

My goal for this run was to run slowly and run as much of the hills as I could.  I was able to do a great job with this goal.  I started off slow from the Environmental Center and picked my way up the new section.  I ran that and then by the bison (none were out).

I felt good.  I knew the legs were strong and have been for months.  They almost never even get a workout any more.  Instead, I can't breathe and my body just overheats and falls apart.  My legs are so far ahead of everything else.  All the elevation I've been doing for months has strengthened them like never before.

I went easy up the long gradual climb.  Going into the open field section without any sun was glorious.  Near the great view, rays of the sun were coming through the clouds though.  It was a beautiful sight.

The next section, as I headed toward the big hill, frustrated me.  With all the rain, things are getting very overgrown.  I had to duck numerous branches.  Worse that than, I ran into a bunch of spiderwebs.  I had to put my hand in front of me to try to block them out.  I looked like I was doing the Tomahawk Chop.

I was still running this entire time.  I ran over the two false hills, as I headed toward the grandaddy of them all.  I knew running this would likely be tough.  I ran the bottom 2/3rds, but I didn't want to risk pushing too much.  My breathing was labored and the legs were burning.  It was too early to go hard.

The short hike was a good workout too.  I got back to running and ran slowly up that next hill.  These two back to back are usually killer.  Today, they didn't get to me at this steady effort.  I was taking short strides up the steep hills.

I then turned off to the next section.  I haven't run this since there was snow on the ground.  It was tough to run uphill then.  Today, I was able to do it with my slow pace.  My breathing was slightly labored, but it never got too bad.  I was surprised that I could run this section.  It like a lot of the trail had high grass that concerned me (potential ticks).

A part I ran in the winter is now overgrown.  I took a different way.  I then had the option to take the white trail downhill.  This is a steep descent.  People rave about the Broken Arrow Trail, so I decided to try to find that instead.

The Broken Arrow Trail is a switchback down the side.  It is made by the mountain bikers and looks like a lot of fun for them.  I did enjoy it.  However, it seemed like it added nearly another mile to the already long run.  I didn't really have time for that.

At the bottom, I crossed over and got to the Elk Trail.  This one is very steep, long and challenging.  When it is even cooler, I wonder if I can run it all.  I didn't try hard enough today.  When it got tough (early on), I just hiked, rather than push through.  That took awhile.

Although I was feeling good, my biggest concern for not being too aggressive was food and water.  I had no nutrition with me and only my handheld water bottle.  In warm conditions, the water is only good for about 4 miles.  Today, it was cooler, but I was still stretching it.  I knew there was a good chance I would bonk.

I coasted down the Elk Trail after the climb.  I was happy to be doing this descent in daylight.  It has some interesting rocks and roots that would've been an issue without a headlamp.  I got to the bottom and crossed over the creek on the bridge.

I noticed that due to the high water, the Ford was closed to cars.  I ran along the gravel for a short bit.  Then, it was on to the next climb.  I was struggling a little now, but I pushed on up anyway.

A shortcut that I normally take is now overgrown.  I had to keep going up and that broke me near the top.  I didn't have much longer, so I guess I should've kept going.  Instead, I hiked the last bit.

Now, it was some easy running.  That was a nice break.  I was happy at how light out it still was.  I wanted to run as much as I could while I still had the light.

I crossed the road and did the next gradual climb.  In the heat, I have to hike this.  Being steady today, it wasn't an issue.  I made it to the top and kept going.  I ran along for awhile and then crossed the bridge over the creek.

Next, it was the last long climb.  I can run this sometimes, so today I was unsure.  I made it most of the way and just decided hiking was a better option near the top.  It does flatten out a little, but still goes up.

I ran the jeep road along KidsPeace.  One of their vehicles drove by.  I knew I was close to an 11 minute pace, so I pushed a little here.  Still, I just wanted to remain consistent.

I ran all of the rolling hills, as the sun was setting.  It was now clear that I had enough daylight to finish.  The last rolling hill wasn't easy, but I managed.  Three separate deer jumped across the trail within less than a mile in this stretch.

I cruised on down to the final road crossing.  I kept pushing after the road, although it was uphill and really tiring me out now.  I was surprised that I had not crashed yet.  What a difference some cooler weather makes for me.

I passed some young hikers going downhill near the finish.  They were the only hikers I saw all day.  I was coming up and it was a chore to keep running.  If it weren't for the fact that this was the last climb, I would've hiked.

I ran all the way in to the parking lot.  I finished up at my car, just before sunset.  I was so thrilled with the workout.  Although my legs were nowhere near their limit, I was finally able to push them some and run most of the uphills.  I've run faster times here, both when I was faster and it was cooler, but I'm happy with this one.  This is the first time I've taken the route like this, so it is a PR.

It is supposed to be cool again tomorrow, so I might have to take advantage.  I'd love to run 10 miles or more somewhere again.  Maybe I'll go to Mt. Tammany and try three loops.  It is clear that all those loops have been paying off when strengthening my legs, even if it is mostly hiking.  If only my breathing could get in the ballpark of my leg strength.

10.89 miles - 1:59:16 (10:57 pace) 1696 feet of elevation gain 

First Musconetcong Gorge Preserve Run

It was pouring rain all day today.  Luckily, there were no thunderstorms though.  I had to run, but also keep it relatively short.  I just didn't know where to go.

I have this hiking blog that I often use to find places to go.  I wasn't really searching, but for some reason I clicked on a place and it wasn't too far away.  I headed to the Musconetcong Gorge Preserve.  It seemed ideal, as it was a relatively short loop.

I headed out with a sleeveless shirt, but also my rain shell.  I wore a visor too.  It was cool, but I got a little hot with all that on.  I was glad I wore that gear though, as I did get quite wet.  The tree cover helped, but I was still soaked by the end.

It was a little tricky for me to find the parking area.  I thought it was bigger lot.  It was on a stone road, but luckily not washed out.  I had a map of the place, but apparently the blazes are different colors than on the map.  I figured it was short enough to not get lost.  I had briefly looked at the map, so I had a rough idea of where I was going.

I decided to take the downhill trail from the start, rather than the uphill one.  This was a fun and smooth singletrack for about a mile.  I was cruising along.  I enjoyed the run in the rain.  I find running in the rain, especially on trails to be fun.  This was the perfect place for it too.

It wasn't long and I came to the stream.  It has small waterfalls and the trail crossed over the rocks.  It was gorgeous and already more than I had expected.  I ran along on the other side of the stream.

This was more fun singletrack.  It was mostly along a ridge.  It was a little overgrown in spots and I think had some poison ivy.  Hopefully, I didn't get any.

There was a stone path below that I could've taken.  That looked like no fun though.  Instead, I took the white blazed singletrack.  This is a switchbacking climb.  I never anticipated it would be as steep as it was.  With the steepness, the rocks and mud, it was tough to run up much of it.  I mostly hiked.  There were some cool stair sections here and there too.  It was fantastic.

After quite a few switchbacks, I finally made it to the top.  I could go right to complete the loop, but that would be relatively short.  Instead, I decided on some short out and back to the left.  I was on the NJ Highlands Trail, running along the upper ridge. 

This was a mix of running and hiking.  I had to be careful not to fall on the narrow and wet ridge.  I didn't go too far out and then I headed back.

This run was so slow because it was so beautiful.  I stopped for a ton of photos.  It was fairly rocky and technical at times.  I got an awesome picture of a big mushroom on the trail.

As I approached the stream from the top, I came to a giant boulder near the trail.  That was quite cool, but it didn't look like it was too easy to get to.  Right before getting down to the stream was a steep descent. 

The upper stream area was also stunning.  A lot of water was rushing down.  There was a trail down the side of the gorge and I want to explore it more in the future.  For now, I crossed the water and headed for home.

Much to my surprise, another runner came down the hill at the stream crossing.  He asked me the direction the trail went.  I didn't see anyone else out there all day.  Figures that the only person on the trail would be a runner.  I definitely need to explore more of the stream in the future.

Coming up from the stream was a stunning singletrack climb.  It was just more ridge running from then until the finished.  I enjoyed doing that though.  I was finished somewhere between 4 and 5 miles.

This place was far more than I could've imagined.  It was beautiful and also packed a challenging climb into a short run.  I will without a doubt be back here again.  What a hidden gem that is so close by.  The only downside is how small of an area it is.  I went from thinking, "this is a pretty cool local place" in the beginning of the run, to "this is a pretty cool place, period" by the end of it.

Tomorrow, I'm hoping the rain will have passed.  Then, I'll get in a decent day.  Maybe I'll trek up to Mt. Tammany.  I don't know.  I'd like to at least hit double digit miles and get some technical running in.

4.90 miles - 1:12:24 (14:47 pace) 674 feet of elevation gain

Wind Gap Evening AT Run

I didn't have time to run yesterday.  I had to get out there today.  I planned to run in the evening.  The plan was just a short run of about an hour.

I headed up to Wind Gap to run on the AT.  After going there last weekend for the run with Scott Jurek, I realized I need to get there more often.  It has some decent elevation and also some good technical running.  I don't go there enough.

It was a nice evening.  However, I still ran without a shirt.  I was sweating a bit by the end too.  I'd take this weather all summer for sure though.

I began by heading southbound.  My watch didn't find a signal initially, but then I got one.  I wanted to go this direction because it has switchbacks.  I ran them over the few hundred foot climb in the snow of the winter.  I hoped I could run up it today, but I wasn't sure.

At first, it didn't look like I'd be able to climb without resting.  I was going easy, but my breathing was very labored.  However, as I got used to it, the climb was better.  I was able to slowly pick my way up.

I ran the entire way up.  This is a great place for me to do hill repeats and I need to get here more often.  I might try to start coming every week.

I had to hike the super rocky section on the ridge, when I got to the top.  I saw a hiker above there and another one earlier.  He was glad to know he was nearly to Wind Gap.  This isn't a fun section when you are thru hiking.

I had some trouble with the rocks when I got back to running.  The issue was that they suck and the setting sun made it hard to see them too.  I ran when I could.  I stumbled a few times though.

I had planned to go out 1.5 miles.  However, I was enjoying the ridge running.  I kept going until things got rocky.  That was around 1.8 miles.  It was good to be heading back.

One other thing I didn't like is that parts of the trail had some slight overgrowth.  I was worried about rubbing up against them and possibly getting ticks.  However, I didn't find any.

It was fun to get to the switchbacks and cruise downhill.  I enjoyed that and was back to my car fairly quickly.  Since the run was slow, I knew I'd only get about 4 miles.

I was slightly under than, so I headed northbound.  That would give me some slight climbing.  I didn't make it all the way to top, before turning around.  I finished up the quality short run over 4 miles.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to run.  However, I don't know what it will bring.  There is going to be a lot of rain.  I might have to take a zero day or maybe just do a short, easy run.

4.09 miles - 1:03:29 (15:32 pace) 716 feet of elevation gain

Another Tough Tammany Run

I haven't had a quality run in days.  I needed to get to Mt. Tammany.  I arrived about mid afternoon.  I figured that by this time, I'd just run 2 loops.

The weather was better for sure.  For me, that doesn't mean much at all.  Even with lower humidity, I still suffer.  Part of the issue here is that the Red Dot Trail doesn't have a lot of shade.  My shorts were completely soaked by the top of the first summit.

I knew it was going to be a struggle when I went to take some pictures by the beach.  I jogged up some stairs and didn't have it.  I don't think I fueled well enough during lunch.  I felt crappy from the start.

I ran the usual early part.  Then, I hiked the first rocky section.  I knew running it at all wasn't a good idea when I already felt kind of depleted.  However, I did try to hike it kind of hard.  That didn't work out great.

There were some nasty storms in that area the other night.  I guess they dumped a lot of rain.  There were streams where I don't remember ever seeing streams before.  My feet got quite wet.

I hiked up and up and up.  I know this trail so well by now.  I just kept pressing on.  The super technical boulder section was even wet and tough to navigate.  I didn't see many hikers in the some too, with my speed hiking.  I got to the top and took my usual photo.
beginning, but there were quite a few as I climbed.  I passed

The Blue Trail ridge section was a mix of running and hiking.  I caught some hikers right as it was descending.  I passed them running and they said, "good for you."  I picked my way down.  I didn't feel great or terrible at this point.  I didn't want to get injured on the rocks.

The water was running wild when I got to the waterfall at the bottom.  Even with my speed hiking up, I was slower than normal, thanks to the heat and/or lack of proper nutrition.  My run down was slower too and it was a few minutes under an hour when I finished the first loop.

I dried off a bit at the car.  I spent a few minutes there.  I figured that I might as well just get going.  It was going to be an ugly loop 2.

I hiked even some of the early parts that I often run.  I managed to avoid the bees around the one tree for a second time.  I didn't see much of anything on these loops.  I sluggishly picked my way up the mountain.  I barely ran at all.  It was basically a hike.

I took a little more time than usual at the top.  I was going slow anyway.  I also wasn't going to finish under 2 hours.  I mostly hiked the ridge.

I was glad to finally be descending the Blue Trail.  I didn't feel any worse than the first loop at least.  I went down slowly and controlled.  It would be nice to be able to hammer it a little, but I had to listen to my body.  I had no nutrition with me either, so I couldn't recover.

Most people were gone by now.  I did see a few hikers though.  I saw these cute little kids with their hiking gear on at the bottom.  I finished up and was very happy to be done.  I finished two loops, even if they weren't overly productive.  I figure that I've now done about 30,000 feet of gain and the same loss just on Tammany loops alone.

Tomorrow, I hope to run again.  It should be kind of easy.  Maybe I'll go to South Mountain.  I should switch it up sometime and go to Walking Purchase Park.  I haven't been there in awhile.  I could also just go to another section of the AT.  I'm leaning that way now actually.

7.10 miles - 2:08:38 (18:07 pace) 2373 feet of elevation gain
Mt. Tammany Summits 23 and 24 for 2015

Post Storm Run

Today was a frustrating day.  It was supposed to storm, so I waited things out in the afternoon.  Nothing came and instead it blew through around dinner time.  I almost didn't do anything.

I couldn't go where I wanted, so I had to stay local.  I went to Jacobsburg.  I figured even a short run is better than nothing.  I haven't been able to do anything good lately and today was more of the same.  At least it was a run though.

The storms were fierce, but fast moving.  They cooled things off a little I guess, but it was still humid after 7 PM.  At least it wasn't sunny.  I wore a sleeveless shirt.  It didn't last though, as I was too hot.  My shorts were soaked by the end of this short and easy run too.

I started off along the creek and it was nice and peaceful.  There was almost no one out today, so I had the trails mostly to myself and the wildlife.  My GPS didn't track right in the beginning, so my distance was always wrong.

I got to the gradual uphill.  I went easy, but was huffing and puffing up it.  Still, I ran it all.  I ran this entire run.  Most stuff I do now is just too steep to keep running.

I ran along the fields at the top.  The view of the mountain was sure pretty with the setting sun.  The trails had a little mud, but the rain was so brief earlier.

A deer ran across the trail as I neared the end of the field section.  It was cool to watch it, hop and hop again over the field.  I'm used to seeing deer in the woods, where they just disappear quickly.

After that part it was downhill and I was heading toward the car.  I didn't like how short this run would be though.  I was going to go out and back.  Then, I came to the trail behind the new building.  I decided to take it.

This is another nice climb.  Once again, I was huffing and puffing, but still running, as I picked my way up it.  I knew most of the challenge was over now though.

Next was my favorite place in all of Jacobsburg.  It is a fun, narrow singletrack ridge.  There are roots to navigate.  With it being wet, I was very careful over it.  If every part of the trail was like this, I'd have a lot more fun at Jacobsburg.

I then crossed back over the creek and headed for home.  I ran into a couple women walking over the bridge.  They were the first people I saw all day.  After finishing, I saw a guy hiking with an American flag.  That was interesting.

It wasn't a fun and challenging day, like I had hoped, but at least I got something done.  I really need to put in a good day tomorrow.  Maybe I can go to Mt. Tammany.  I need some climbing.  I've also been thinking about another trip to Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle.

5.89 miles - 51:46 (8:47 pace) 404 feet of elevation gain INACCURATE DATA