Had a most excellent run this evening after work. Started up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman around 4:25pm, it was sprinkling a bit and nice and cool. Went easy up Amphitheater, got to the jct. in a very unpressed 6:39 and upped the pace a little bit. 14:53 to the overlook, 19:mid to the Greenman jct.. I felt as though I was getting stronger the higher I went, instead of the recent fading from the start. Made the summit in 33:34 which I was happy with given the distinct lack of effort, the heavy shoes and the floppy hiking shorts.
It was raining pretty steady on the upper half of the mountain, but it was so refreshing and invigorating, I took the long way back via W. Ridge to SuperFlag, then down Long Canyon to Gregory. 11 to SuperFlag, 22 to the cabin, 33:07 down, just barely quicker than my ascent time. Even the 35 minute drive home (should have been 12-15, but there was a major traffic jam on 36) could not dampen my mood.
I think the challenge will be to maintain this peak in the next three weeks. I'm feeling close to what you're feeling and hope the taper doesn't screw w/ that. You may not have much of a taper however.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though I am climbing out of a valley, where as in years past at this point I felt as though I was just hanging on. Hopefully we can keep climbing!!
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