Short Runs, Long Rides

With only some reluctance, I'm finding myself lacing up the shoes and heading out on a few runs again. Tuesday I was at Newfound Gap to do some filming on the AT with Walt from the Great Smoky Mountains Association. Walt is putting together a quick video about running the AT through the park and you can check out some of his work here.

Since I was already in the neighborhood, I thought I might make quick a trip over to the Jumpoff. Well, I made the trip out there, but it wasn't quick.

I wish I could say my legs are light and springy after my little running hiatus, but this is simply not true. My strides felt slow and uncertain, even the most brief inclines providing a flush of lactic acid into my quads. Where I did see improvement was in my mind set. My time on the trail wasn't about chasing numbers and piling up miles, it was just fun. Exactly what running along a high lonesome ridgeline should be.

The runs are coming along slowly, but the rides are as good as ever. Wednesday I pieced together a really fun 100k ride out to the Cosby/English Mtn area and back. My Dad even tagged along for the middle 50k.

Crossing the Big Pigeon at mile 25

"You wouldn't mind if I sat down a minute would ya?"

As per usual, I didn't take enough food. Luckily I found a someone willing to sell me a few peaches. After some negotiations, I paid a dollar and a half for six slightly bruised peaches. It's a buyers market right now...

The discount fireworks were tempting, but I opted for peaches instead