WOW! What have I been thinking not running up mountains all this time?? That has to be the best way to start the day off. I started running at the trail head at 6:30, the sun was just coming up but I never saw the sun because I was in the canyon. It was quiet and peaceful, and I had the entire mountain to myself the whole run. Never saw another soul. I felt like singing along a lot on the way up the mountain, but I couldn't because my heart and chest were pounding too hard...but on the way down I was just belting it out as I bounded down the pine needle covered soft dirt and snow pack.
When I took off up the trail I was Immediately humbled as my calves were on fire after the first steep mile.
Then I hiked for a couple minutes to recover, then it leveled off just a tad and I ran again.
I was able to run the majority of the 3.4 miles to the summit from the trailhead, but there were sections where the steepness was too great for my current fitness level.
I guess since that's the first time I have actually ever attempted to run to the top of a mountain I'll cut myself a little slack though.
But I was very humbled by the constant steep grade that Anton Krupicka runs up in 32-34 minutes every day...it took me almost 55 minutes.
Here are the stats:
6.5 Miles - 1:31:40 - 14:09/mile - HR 146 avg - Ascent: 3600 ft - I like it!! - Descent: 3600 ft.
As depicted below the summit of green mountain is close to 8200 ft. The trailhead is about 5750 ft. There are some ups and downs along the way netting a total ascent of about 3600 according to the garmin.
I will be heading back to that trail on a frequent basis in the coming weeks, I am positive of that. What an incredible place to run!
