Places I’ve Lived, Ranked

As I was driving over Loop Road to avoid traffic on the Parkway, an idea came to my mind to rank all the place I’ve lived.

When I got home I made my list and ranked the best places I’ve lived. As you can see there is a bit of a pattern of living in places where training opportunities are good. I’ve also searched for photos to accompany these best places. 

Click on image to enlarge.

I’ve decided not to rank Gatlinburg since I’ve only been here three months. 

Concord NH: The city trail systems was one mile from my house. The perfect place to get some vert hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Average Rank: 9.
Hot Sulphur Springs, CO. While I only lived in the town for 6 months, the trails and mountains were very close.
In Tucson, the Friend Factor was high. Making a life-long friend in this hot place was special. Training, specifically winter training, 10.
Granby, Training Factor is high here with Rocky Mountain National Park close to home.
Friend Factor is High for HSS and Granby. My BFF George.
Steamboat Springs, CO. Training Mecca 10. This is where I became a triathlete, trail runner and mountain biker. This is me and my first dog, Abbey at Fish Creek Fall – our go-to everyday hike or snowshoe.

Hiking, Running and Living in the Smokies

I have officially fallen in love with this place. 

I just got back from walking Goldie up the hill from my new apartment. Up Up Up we go and I’m almost even with the Gatlinburg Space Needle. And it is at this point that I realize, I love this place. 

I got here in a weird, wacky, way. I never would’ve imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be here, not in a million year. But somehow, magically, leaving and arriving all worked out. I am living in a beautiful mountain town, again….finally.

My dogs are settled in and I have stopped worrying about them when I leave each morning to go to work or on a run.

I am running and hiking and doing all the things that make me happy. I’m training for next year’s Leadville and feel like I’m on track. 

One of my go-to trail runs close to my house.

I live two miles from the entrance to Smoky Mountain National Park. It will take me 10 minutes to drive to a trailhead to a 4,000 footer. 

The people here are fun, engaging and kind. 

I got very, very lucky. Big time. 

This weekend I discovered there is an REI in Pigeon Forge. I could only buy online when I lived in NH. I walked through the store thinking of all the possibilities; and seeing all the winter coats, longing for winter. I bought maps and guidebooks and Nuun electrolytes. 

That is my update. My next post will be about Mount LeConte. Thanks for reading.

Training Status Update; It’s Monday

Average Resting Heart Rate: 42
Training Status: Productive
Total Vert last week: 1,923
Total Hours last week: 7:02 
Plan for this week: 7 hours: Swim, Bike, Run, Weights

It’s a whole new ballgame folks. So many races in the coming weeks so let’s get down to it. 

I’m doing more morning hikes with these characters:

I’m doing more running and biking at Gunstock. It is so green at the mountain and I love running the Ridge loop and biking on the cross country trails.

And just all around more focused training. 

After all this rain the brooks will be running and that is good hiking with the dogs. This week also includes a trip up north to the White Mountains with Vicky and Ross. It’s going to be another epic hike.

Living the dream or just grateful

Sometimes I laugh when I ask someone how’s it going and they say “livin’ the dream”. And think, are you really? Is that cynical or sarcastic? Or do they genuinely mean it? 

What if they were to answer: “oh my gosh, I’m so lucky to have this life and I’m so grateful?”

Perhaps not as socially acceptable. 

That is my answer today, if asked, maybe, at the right time, in the right place.

Seriously. Today. My Life. I don’t want to sound too happy or too ….. I don’t know, because there are so many things not to my liking right now (not being at race weight, my dogs eating my comforter, gas prices, a pandemic, anything in the news, not running according to the plan).

But here are the things that have made me happy this week and I want to remember them: 

Despite carrying my shoes to the sofa, this dog is pretty awesome.
I get to ski as part of my job. I feel really good about this. Lucky.
Wear a helmet. This is all this means.
Seriously, this is where I work.
I biked outside this week. This truly makes me happy.
This doesn’t really make me happy but it’s reminder that Goldie needs more exercise. I’m going to run with her more.

Hiking Moosilauke via Benton Trail in November

Two weeks ago this trail looked a little different than Saturday. I attempted Moosilauke with my dogs on the Benton trail on October 18, the day after the big snow storm, and couldn’t find a good river crossing spot with the high water running, so I turned around. 

Saturday the water was much lower and I was able to cross the river and hike to the peak.

It was a good day to be in the mountains.

Tunnel Brook trail was a nice gradual walk to the Benton Trailhead. Once we crossed the river the climb began. No big boulders and no granite slabs – it was just a nice hike. 

As we arrived at the Beaver Brook trail two families with young children came up the trail. I know that trail and it’s a tough one – good for them! We hiked for .4 and came out of the woods with a short hike above the treeline to a crowded summit. 

On Moosilauke trying to get out of the wind for a break.

As I took my phone off airplane mode I got a text message from the New York Times: Joe Biden is our 46th President. I yelled to everyone on the top the great news.

It was so windy only the people closest to us heard and cheered too. 

I could see the Kinsmans in the distance knowing I would be up there the next day. And then we headed down. We only saw one other person heading up. 

Termed the quiet side of the Moose, I opted for the Benton trail since it is the easiest trail for dogs and it turned out to be both quiet and gentle. Just shy of 10 miles, it was a great hike option. Saturday wasn’t as warm at 4,802 feet than most parts of New Hampshire however Peter wore shorts and I wore regular hiking leggings.

The dogs had a great time but are definitely tired today, Sunday. Goldies 7th 4,000 footer, and Winnie’s 20th. Now it’s on to the Kinsmans today and to accomplish my goal of 48 in my 49th year.