Category: Goals

Posted on

Hallett Peak RMNP June 2025

I arrived in Estes Park an hour later than I wanted to; primarily due to my flight departing late due to the Atlanta weather issue. 

As I drove into this mountain town it was getting dark and I just needed to get something to eat. Luckily, the hotel restaurant had a cool burger restaurant / ale bar.

I tried to orient myself to this place. I’ve been here a handful of times but it all seems so new and was just discombobulated. Nothing seems familiar, which was funny because I used to be the girl who always wanted to see something new but I purposely have been going back to the places I’ve lived or spent time. It was a bit familiar but still seemed new.

I ate a burger and drank an IPA. I took a short walk down the road and saw a sliver of the moon before heading back and going to bed. Tomorrow was a big day.

In my typical fashion, I was wigged out and not sure what I would do. As I packed for the hike I thought maybe I’d just stay in this cute town and walk around instead of doing my hike tomorrow. I think about forgoing the 5am admission to Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park I reserved when they first were available online months ago.

In the morning I was still uncertain what to do. I brushed my teeth. I looked around the hotel room and something in my brain clicks. I put on my trail runners, put in my contacts, filled my bladders with ice and water, and headed to my car ready to hike. I’m ready for this hike. I felt good.

As I drove into the park I thought how I would love to live here again. It just felt right. I knew Tennessee is not my forever place and maybe Colorado was. I missed my dogs and don’t like being without them but they are not allowed on trails in this national park. 

I came here to hike Hallett Peak because I wanted to go back and do what I did when I took the American Youth Hostel trip in 1988. I was 17 and wanted to see the world. 

Now, I want to go back to these places I visited in 1988 and while doing it – think about all the choices I made from that trip to now. This is the second time I’ve done this; last year I went to Glacier National Park. Next year is Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Here I am, 37 years later. I’m hiking Flattop Mountain Trail and will continue .6 miles on an unnamed trail to Hallett Peak. 

Here is the entry from my journal from 1988 (I’ve kept a journal since 1984)

Today, June 27, 2025, Friday, I entered the park and showed my timed entry to the park ranger. I was nervous about getting a parking spot at Bear Lake but when arriving at 6am the lot was half full – relief. I was feeling inspired and ready to hike. 

I started up the trail to Flattop Mountain and most people I saw turned left to the shorter hikes to the lakes while carrying big cameras and lenses. I don’t see anyone until I see a family of 5 hiking towards me. They told me they weren’t prepared for the terrain and heading back to Bear Lake. I don’t see anyone again until I made a turn on the trail and saw colorful clothes to my left. A family of 3 was sitting on a rock taking in the views. I asked them if they are heading to Flattop and they said yes. Awesome, I reply. I won’t be alone. 

I hiked the slowest I’ve ever hiked. My heart beat hard and I stopped frequently to catch my breath. I’m a fast hiker, but not today. I thought of turning around many times, but my self-talk told me “I have nothing else to do today so I might as well keep going.” This helps.

I seriously have no other commitments and could take as long as I needed to get to the top. This kept me going, plus, I really wanted to get to the top and re-live this memory. Nothing looked familiar. Nothing. 

I stopped several times to take in the views of the mountain lakes and the snowy peaks across the valley, then kept going. I ate and drank, and stopped to breathe. 

I made it above treeline and kept going to Flattop. The views were stunning. My head started to ache. I sat down for a few minutes. I made it to a snow field and then to the junction where Hallett’s trail continues marked by cairns only. I asked a man in running tights how the trail was. “It’s an easy 20 minutes.” 

I was convinced to continue and it was slow going over rocks, much like Mount Washington and the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire. The last tenth of a mile was scrambling and looking for cairns. This was not easy. Every step I was cautious and intentional. My brain was zombie-like. I had a headache. 

I made it. 

This is seriously the biggest accomplishment for me in 2025. I did what I planned to do. I didn’t injure myself. I didn’t have a heart attack. I didn’t get killed by a wild animal. I made it. 

I don’t stay long and head back down. I’m nervous about running out of water. I have my filter and just need to find a stream. 

At the junction I met three women, all solo hikers. We took a selfie and this was the moment when I knew I’m not a weirdo to do all these hikes solo – so many other brave women were doing it too. In the background is Hallett Peak.

I hiked slowly and methodically because I wanted to remember this moment. I did it. 

I found a stream and filtered water into my bladder and kept going. The sun was strong and I was eager to get into the trees. I made it down and I’m surprised that nothing hurts; my training was good. 

I got back to my car and drove back to Estes Park. I needed food and more water. I don’t have a post-hike plan other than to drive to Leadville after. I should’ve had a plan.

I left the park and head edback to the hotel where I knew I can use a restroom to clean up and possibility get another burger. The burger place was closed so I drove down the road to a Mexican restaurant and ordered a burrito and Pepsi. Just what I needed. 

I looked through my photos of the day while I ate my burrito and I felt so happy. So happy.

Now on to the next hike – Hope Pass at Twin Lakes on Saturday – and a chance at redemption.

Posted on

Things To Do Before You Die, updated again

I’m feeling reflective and I find this post, Thing to do before you die, updated.

And then I find this: Let’s just see if dreams come true, post. My dreams are about pushing my limits, seeing new places, and adopting more dogs. (Oxford comma intended)

I’m looking at houses on real estate websites and find a perfect cabin in the woods, somewhat close to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A cabin in the woods has always been my dream. As much as living in Montana.

I’m reaching a point where I want to go back to that list I created as a senior in high school. Things I want to do before I die. Who thinks of these things at 18 years old living in New Hampshire? Apparently me. Goal oriented, fast thinking, decision maker; often not thinking of consequences.

Here’s my updated list:

  • Be a member of a church
  • Cabin in the woods
  • Visit Italy and Spain
  • Finish a 100 mile running race
  • Complete a Marathon in every state
  • Finish Ironman Florida

When I think about the original list. There are a few things I remember about that original list.

I remember: being a member of a church, log cabin in the woods, be married, have a child, Mount Whitney, AT, triathlon, live out west.

A few of these I can still do.

Today, in 2025 I don’t want to travel internationally until our government is restored and a sane president is elected. I can do everything on the original list except be married and have a child. I’ve lived out west. But maybe this is my time to be a member of a church and buy a cabin in the woods.

I’m a lover of lists and dreams and plan and possibilities.

Posted on

Best things of 2024 – In retrospect

Reflecting on the best things of 2024, here are my best thoughts and actions from 2024

I love trip planning and making my dreams come true. I planned some good ones in 2024. Places I traveled to: Little  Rock, Memphis, Whitefish, Banff, Glacier National Park, Missoula.

Realizing that I’m good at my job and and I’m not here to make people like me. 

Realizing that I might just stay here for a while. 

Finishing the Philadelphia marathon.

Buying a Wahoo trainer so I can ride inside. 

Driving the Cades Cove Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

What am I doing when I am my favorite self? The answer: when I’m on a trail in the woods, whether hiking or running. Most of the time I’m scared and can’t wait to get home, but my favorite self is out there reaching a goal such as getting to the summit, and hiking fast or running to get there, and then get back home safely. I like being an outdoorsy person who knows how to dress in layers to stay warm. I like doing amazing things outdoors. This is my favorite self. 

I also really like going to work and I like the work I do. I like doing all the tasks I do from project planning and coordination to strategy and master planning. I like all the things coming at me at once and making a plan from chaos. I just have to remember not everyone likes the same things I do, and they don’t approach problem solving like I do. 

Posted on

Philadelphia Marathon 2024 Race Report

Philadelphia has a special family memory for me, which is why I’ve been wanting to do this marathon for many years.

My parents grew up outside of Philadelphia and as a child we came here to visit my grandparents in the summer. I remember visiting the Philadelphia Zoo and Hershey Park.  It made so much sense to sign up, train and run the Philadelphia Marathon.

Here is my Philadelphia Marathon Race Report:

Getting to Philadelphia

Traveling to Philadelphia was fairly easy. Saturday started with a nonstop flight from Knoxville. My flight was on time and I navigated the SEPTA train system to the convention center. The train comes twice an hour and it, too, was on time. Twenty minutes later I arrived at Jefferson Station and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. So easy. Train fare was $6.75.

The marathon expo was efficient and fun, and all the runners and volunteers had such great energy. I bought a race hat and walked through the expo. The expo wasn’t huge, which was nice. Sometimes those huge expos are daunting. 

I opted for the hotel that was part of the lodging options for the race. I walked less than a mile to Four Points by Marriott. 

I wasn’t able to check in early, so the desk agent took my bag and I started my adventure through the city to the art museum. I walked by the Rodin Museum, surprised because I’d been to the Rodin Museum in Paris. I read the placard that stated that this museum has the most sculptures other than the one in Paris. The Thinker was the first sculpture to see, and I’m pretty sure there is a version of it that I saw in Paris.

The race start and finish is in front of the art museum. By the time I arrived the half marathon race was finished but I still needed to pass through security. It was good to see the set up and have a plan for the next morning. 

I checked out the Rocky statue and walked up the famous steps to the Philadelphia Art Museum. 

I walked through the museum, had lunch at the cafe and made a plan for getting back to the hotel. I stopped at the Whole Foods for some race day breakfast and post race snacks. 

Philadelphia is really easy to navigate with the grid system streets. I didn’t get a chance to go to the Liberty Bell because by the time I was close to my hotel, it was time to get off my feet, which in retrospect I think I walked too much before the race. It was windy and about 45 degrees. Race weather was supposed to be the same but less wind.

I needed to stay off my feet so I decide to eat at the hotel restaurant and ordered a Philly cheesesteak and a LOVE IPA. 

Then spent the rest of the night watching TV. 

Race Morning

I woke up at 4:30am  knowing that I needed to catch the shuttle from A Loft at 5am; it was a 5 minute walk from my hotel. In retrospect, I probably should’ve arrived at A Loft a little later because the two plus hour wait to start the race was a little much.  I didn’t want to be late or be standing in lines so I caught the early bus. Next time I would get to A Loft at 5:30. Last bus is at 6am. 

Because I got an early start there were no lines at security check points or the bathroom. After 6am there were lines everywhere. I sat in the warming tent for a little while and walked around when I got bored. 

Two hours and 30 minutes is a long time to wait for a race start. I was in H corral so I didn’t start until 7:30ish. The energy was high and it was very exciting to get running. 

The Race

The course is great. I loved the energy from the crowds going through all the neighborhoods. I loved the open spaces near the parks and river. The spectators really make this race. But let me warn you, there are some hills – gradual hills. According to my Garmin it was 1,877 ft of elevation gain.

The aid stations were awesome. The volunteers were amazing. Since I started in the last corral I was worried that aid stations would run out of water; but they never did. 

As I made my way to the finish I was really hurting. My legs were really tired, but nothing hurt. My neuroma didn’t act up and my IT band didn’t spasm; I just had heavy legs.

I crossed the finish line, got my medal and just wanted to get back to my hotel to shower. I found the shuttle and in 20 minutes I was in my hotel room. I took the longest shower of my life and then headed to the hotel restaurant to refuel. 

I wish I could’ve gone out to explore Philadelphia more but I really just wanted to have a meal and lay down.

The Analysis

This marathon is no joke. I completed the training that I wanted. I was just hoping that it was going to be less painful. I know I have some work to do for my next race which includes losing 20 pounds, 3 days a week in the gym, weight training and core work. And following the plan to do speed work and hills.

I’ve been running marathons and competing in triathlons for 20 years now and I say the same thing after every race.

I’m proud of myself that I was able to get to the start line. I was healthy, fit and ready for this. This whole “getting old” stuff is tough. However, I’m more consistent with training and core and weights than I’ve ever been; simply because I have to in order to be fit and trained for life. 

Post Race Thoughts

Sitting here writing this, I feel like that 34 year old woman from 20 years ago who was writing race reports while processing a race, all while thinking she can do anything. And gets ready for the next big race in a few weeks. I’m going to keep dreaming of new places, new adventures, new experiences. I’m going to keep making plans and doing the work to make my dreams come true even as I age.

Takeaways from the Philadelphia Marathon: 

  1. I like that it is a big city, small marathon.
  2. Easy navigation to Convention Center and Race Start
  3. I would do this marathon again  
  4. Philly Cheesesteaks are the real deal
  5. Awesome spectators
  6. Great weather – cool and windy is perfection

I am more of a trail runner in a mountain location than a big city road racer. But I think it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and try different things and see things you’ve never seen. The rest of my year is filled with trail races but I loved getting some miles in on the road with 17,000 of my new best friends. Thanks Philadelphia – the LOVE is real.

Race Website: https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/
Distance: 26.7 miles.
Elevation Gain: 1,877 ft
Time: 5 hrs, 38 mins
What I ate: Pre-race: a bagel and bar, During race: 4 GU gels, GORP
What I drank: lots of Nuun at aid stations, 2 L water
What I wore: Salomon hydration vest, winter running tights, blue long sleeve shirt, dk blue thin jacket, started with beanie then changed to baseball hat
What I saw: A lot of people cheering and yelling at me (LOL) 

Rate this race: 10/10

Posted on

Shenandoah National Park in August

I’m entering Shenandoah National Park on a Saturday. I’m nervous about lines and traffic. I  head east in Front Royal, VA. I arrive at the North Entrance Station and there is a line of five cars. A minute later they open a second station and I move over to it. Yay! No wait. I take the obligatory selfie in front of the entrance sign:

I’m still feeling a bit sad about my race this morning and my ankle is pretty sore from the twist and fall. I opt to start driving home today instead of staying another day in West Virginia. I’m hoping the views and short walks around Shenandoah make me happy. 

As I start the drive heading up to Skyline Drive there are several cyclists coming down the hill on road and tribikes. They are hauling –  whizzing by my car. They are going downhill and still pedaling. 

The triathletes are in their aero bars and I’m scared for them. Mind you, that was me 15 years ago on my bike in Rocky Mountain National Park and I smile to myself. I have such great memories of rides in RMNP. 

It’s a good sign when I enter the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center parking lot and spot a New Hampshire license. I’m always looking for a sign and a car visiting here from my home state is a sign. Seeing a NH plate makes me smile despite limping from my car to look around. 

One of the aspects I love seeing while visiting National Parks is how people talk to each other and share stories to complete strangers. You just don’t see that in your regular life. I normally wouldn’t talk to some just because they have a New Hampshire plate but I thought I might ask them where in New Hampshire they live if I see them get in or out of their car. 

I see families talking to other families on the grass overlooking the view west from the visitor center. Everyone is happy to be here and taking in the view. And they are talking to each other!  I go into the visitor center and learn about the monarch butterfly.

After a 40 minute visit and walk about, I drive south and arrive at the halfway mark. Now I see normal cyclists who are looking around, taking in the view and not hellbent on speed. I’m going slower than every car and pull over frequently to let cars pass. I turn a corner and there is a young deer peacefully eating grass by the side of the road. I’m scared for it and try to shoo it away from the road but I’m ignored. As I continue on I flash my headlights to cars heading to me. 

I stop at Elkwallow Wayside at Mile 24.1 for food. There is a long line so I walk into the gift shop instead. 

I almost buy a sticker at the store that said Bike SNP thinking it would motivate me to come back and bike Skyline Drive one day. Instead I buy a mug and a boonie to remember this trip.

I decide to turn right and leave the park at the exit to Luray.  

As I drive down a few switchbacks to get back to the highway I feel like this road is similar to Blue Ridge Parkway when I visited it two years ago. Mark and I traveled around Stuarts Draft, VA after the UROC race. It has a similar feel to being above it all and taking a switchback back to the valley. 

It’s just beautiful on this drive and I reflect that I am so glad I did this trip. What’s so interesting about this park is it’s not busy. I don’t know if it is because kids are all back in school and it’s just not busy on a Saturday. 

I love Virginia and this park road between two valleys is fun to drive. The green valleys is the distance look so peaceful. 

What the National Parks do for me is they give me perspective and a beautiful landscape for reflection. I have such great memories of visiting national parks as a teen and in my 40s.

In 10 months I have visited 8 parks and 2 Historic Sites:

Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Petrified Forest, Saguaro, Glacier National Park, Harpers Ferry and now Shenandoah National Park. I visited two National Historic Sites in Arkansas: Little Rock Central High School and Fort Smith. I visited Banff National Park in Canada.

I like making plans and experiencing these beautiful, majestic parks. 

National Parks remind me that there is so much to see and experience. That our world is so beautiful. And acknowledge that I do not have unlimited time. National Parks remind me to keep going, keep seeking and keep making plans. 

My thoughts as I drive back to  Tennessee: 

I am going to follow through with every plan and make BIG Plans.
I’m going to book my trip to Philadelphia and run the marathon. 
I’m going to Monument Valley to run a race I’ve always wanted to do. 
I’m going to make my life fantastic. 

Visiting Shenandoah National Park did make me happier. Driving through the park and getting home late Saturday was the right decision.