Point-to-point
26.25 mi
7:44:25
GEAR
• MS Force headlamp (became useless. The light dimmed by the time I finished even though it had fresh batteries. I did have backup batteries)
• Kogalla light (best thing I packed)
• 2 battery banks, plus cord
• Phone
• TNF Gortex rain jacket (ended up only using it to carry food because it has big pockets)
• UD vest
• Altra Running KingMT
• Black Diamond trekking poles
• Katadyn Befree bottle (I did all of my refilling at McConnell’s Mill State Park)
3 liter bladder (only carried 2 liters at a time)
• Garmin InReach Mini (I don’t touch it, just keep it in my pack, so that my husband knows when to come pick me up. It died, of course. He waited for me for two hours because he couldn’t track my progress. This is the second time this has happened with this device. I hate to say this because it could be a lifesaving piece of equipment, but it’s the most expensive, unreliable thing we own)
WEATHER
• 79° F (helped stay cool by dumping water on my head)
• Partly sunny
• Humid
• Passing thunderstorms (I stayed pretty dry, as the tree coverage was thick. At one point, the wind gusted and it was scary. I was concerned a tree would be blown over)
TRAIL
Mostly single track, some double. Technical parts with several rocks and roots. Well-maintained. – HUGE thanks to those who maintain the trail! Wasn’t as muddy as usual, it was more dry, even with the rain (found that strange).
TRIP REPORT: LESSONS, EXPERIENCES, THOUGHTS
I did an out-back variation, beating the point-to-point time on the way.
I knew that the middle sections at McConnell’s Mill were going to be rough, I prepared well for this during training. My pace was pretty much power hiking due to technical-ness and the number of times that I needed to stop to cool down and refill my water.
My wonky ankle did great. I didn’t roll either ankle or fall. I tripped 5-6 times. Toenail-wise, only two are banged up. I remember hurting the one on a rock at McConnell’s Mill. When it caught, I thought part of it tore up.
I learned that if I’m ever going to do something like this again, maybe I should try (train with, first) liquid nutrition. Maybe 60-80%? Then, have favorite solid food options. All of that food, though light individually, adds up.
Need bigger pack? My UD vest is roomy, the elasticity of the material is helpful, however, it still didn’t hold everything and I was worried it would rip.
TNF Gortex jacket wasn’t needed.
Could have planned gear and food better, but didn’t know, this is all hindsight. Learning is part of the process of the sport.
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
• Chipmunks
• Squirrels
• Rabbits
• Birds
• Turkeys
• Deer
• Toads
• Millipedes
• Centipede
• Newts
I’m grateful for the experience and accomplishments. Grateful for the “me time,” the trail, and benefits of nature and exercise. I’m grateful for what my body can do. I’m grateful for this reflection. Grateful for an answered prayer of safety.