Category: Monday Motivation

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New Gear Monday

One of the things that long back-to-back weekend runs does, is it tests your gear. After running for a few hours I become a bit delusional and I can’t even unzip pockets quickly much less adjust bottles on my hydration vest. A few gear-related issues that have been bothering and frustrating me the last few weeks while running need to be fixed as I’m out on the trails longer.

This morning I bought a few things online to remove my frustrations and make me more happy while running.

Wireless headphones – long overdue.

A GPS watch with a heart rate monitor on my wrist

A new running vest that is waterproof and wind resistant

My headphones have been driving me crazy with the wires. With wind and hydration flasks moving and shifting they hit my headphones a certain way and they move position in my ear. They typically don’t fall off but it’s annoying. I did a few searches and while I really wanted the Apple AirPods I decided to go with running-specific wireless headphones and opt for Jaybird X4 Wireless Headphones. I’ll let you know how I like them.

My heart rate monitor with my Suunto Ambit 3 has been driving me crazy lately. For two months I’ve been wearing it with no problems but the last two weeks the chest monitor is either too tight and restricting my breathing, or too loose and falling down. I need to try something new. I don’t feel too bad about buying a new GPS running watch since I’ve used the Ambit 3 since my bike crash in 2014 when my Garmin was destroyed.

I opt to go back to Garmin and bought the Garmin Forerunner 35. I like how it monitors health-related options like resting heart rate, which is still too low for me right now. I might just wear it all the time like a regular watch.

And, since I bought the Garmin with REI dividends and a special member sale, I added a vest for spring running that has been on my wish list for a long time.

I’m excited for a complete day off today. I will also be paying special attention to one of my favorite Instagram accounts I follow: Rest Day Brags

One my favorite accounts to follow


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Week 26 – Training for Leadville

Training for Leadville

This is the last week of training before the real training starts for the 25 week training plan for Leadville. Not to say that I haven’t been pushing it; I have. Saturday’s 16 mile course was hilly with 1,123 elevation gain and a post-run recovery hike with the dog. I was sore before bed and woke up Sunday morning groggy; but not sore.

Sunday morning I couldn’t imagine running 10 miles. But after a lot of coffee and a breakfast of eggs and toast, I headed out. I completed the 10 miles and actually felt pretty good during most of it. I hiked and ran in a wintery mix, snow and rain. My heart rate has normalized on tough hills and I don’t feel like the hills are killing me anymore.

I’ve been reading so many website and blogs about gear, training and nutrition. Saturday night I ordered an Osprey hydration pack for long, mountain runs.

I’ve been watching Ryan Clayton videos: I like that he doesn’t post videos that have him explaining something while he runs. Okay, maybe he does once in a while. Ha. I like his athletic background and video style; I can learn a lot from his YouTube channel.

I also read Heather’s blog/website, Relentless Forward Commotion. I find her tips and exercise ideas really helpful as I build miles and try to get stronger.

I’m trying a new gel. I notice that some backpacker/hikers use Muir products so I thought I would give it a try. I’m typically a Hammer devotee because it works for me, but I will give it a try.

PS: I also love my Injinji socks. I wore these on my Saturday run and seriously, I didn’t even think about my feet the entire time. That has got to be a good thing.

Average Weight: 158

Average Resting Heart Rate: 50

Training Time: 9:28 (includes weight training)

Total Vert: 3,286

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The list of 4,000 footers, AMC 24th Edition

I’ve managed to keep the 24th edition of the AMC White Mountain Guide in good shape over the years (even though I did buy the newest edition). I recorded my first hike in this guide. I visited the White Mountains for the first time in May 1988. I hiked Lafayette and Lincoln with my boyfriend and his family just before high school graduation. 

Completed 4,000 footers 24th Ed pg 1
Completed 4,000 footers 24th Ed pg 1 with dates. Just one left on this page: North Hancock.

Completed 4,000 footers 24th Ed pg 2
Completed 4,000 footers 24th Ed pg 2. Just Cabot, Owl’s Head, Waumbek left to do.

I caught the hiking bug from that hike and have Nathan to thank for that. Hiking and peak bagging kept me sane in my early 20s when I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I had no goals and no career aspirations. So I hiked the 4,000 footers in NH for a sense of accomplishment.

Every weekend I would head north from Portsmouth and hike, checking off each mountain. I got to a point where I had about 10 or 12 peaks and suddenly I found my career path. In 1999 I moved to the mountains full-time and stopped hiking 4,000 footers. Even after moving to Colorado I didn’t hike the big mountains, (14ers) but choose the mountains in the wilderness around Grand County to hike and explore with my dogs.

I knew I’d be back in New Hampshire to finish the list. Once I got here it took about a year to settle in and get back to my mountains.

I hope to finish the remaining peaks this month and start the list again. It’s been too many years and I need a fresh perspective of these beautiful, challenging mountains; and I need to hike Mount  Washington and the Presidential Range again. I can’t wait to start again.