Sophie's Summer Death March

Today I did a training run in Shenandoah National Park with the VHTRC. Toured White Oak Canyon, Hawksbill and Stony Man Mountains, Nicholson Hollow, and Weakley Hollow (west side of Old Rag). There were about 40 of us assembled at 8 am; a variety of pace groups made for little congestion on the trail. I ran mostly with Emily, Dave, Rachel, Beth, Marlin, and Sophie, the best guide possible.

First 5 miles were crazy steep, mostly hiking, up to Hawksbill, elev 4050', highest point in the park. Then north on the AT past Skyland with a side trip to Stony Man and up to Corbin Cabin cut-off. Then east and down Nicholson Hollow to the base of Old Rag. No way I was climbing it today! Then power walking and running up Weakley Hollow back to the parking lot.

Here are the stats:



Lessons learned:

1. No leg cramps despite a lot of climbing, I'm thinking hydration/electrolytes are mostly correct, just need more conditioning.
2. Dalmations do indeed shed (convo with a trail buddy).
3. MMTR is a good first time 50 miler, go for it.
4. 3 minutes standing chest deep in the Hughes River at mile 17 is almost as good as and more fun than an ice bath.
5. A Five Guys cheeseburger is still the best post run meal on earth.

Sunny, 60 to start, 80 at end. #93