I totally bonked on the mountain this time. Other than that, a good run.
My tree bridge near Wadsworth; more fun than the sidewalk crossing:
On the mountain, about halfway up:
I don't think I had enough to eat before attempting this, because by the time I had hiked halfway I was feeling fatigue in my legs that seemed to sap strength from the rest of my body. I thought it was fine, just fatigue from skiing, and pressed on. I stopped to eat a bar, but with the heat and effort, my body didn't process it.
I would call this the "crux" of the hike, looking up a steep rock gully that I typically use some easy handholds to climb:
Another steep spot just above the last:
Looking back down near the top:
Aliens will hatch from this any day now:
By the time I got to the top, I was a lightheaded, nauseous mess. I sat and rested. I had a couple more bars with me, and I figured as long as I could get the stomach going again, I'd be fine. I walked slowly back down, and only felt normal near the bottom.
Only six miles to go, feeling tired but normal again:
This small snake was more interested in warm pavement than escaping from me:
Distance was 22.28 miles, time 6:07 (moving 4:44), elevation gain/loss 2,828 feet, avg. pace 16:29 (moving 12:47), and best pace 6:48.
The heat was a factor mainly because of water consumption and because I just can't seem to climb steeps in the sun -- at all. It just knocks me out. Thankfully there are water faucets throughout Bear Creek Lake Park, but I need to stock up on water in Morrison for the trip up the mountain next time. I keep running low.
Need to eat more, possibly get some gels for this kind of outing. Solid food works fine on low-speed flats and downhills, but not so much on uphills or at higher effort levels.
