~8 miles
4,500 vertical
42:43 up Bear
2:59 total
Got out with Allison and Sierra today for a trip up Bear/S. Boulder from the Cragmoor TH. Went my own pace up Bear and made the summit in 42:43 which I was happy with considering the time of year, my fitness (lack of), trail conditions and I was not putting too much into it (steady tempo, but not really digging).
There was some ice dodging/negotiating between the start and the saddle, but conditions were mostly good. At the saddle, I put on my Microspikes, as they make a HUGE difference on the completely ice covered upper section and are way better than screw shoes in those conditions.
After topping out, I turned around and put the Microspikes to the test, making it down to the saddle in 7 minutes, where I met Allison and Sierra and went back to the summit with them. Allison topped out in 1:12, we took a break on Bear, enjoying the views and the sun, then headed over to S. Boulder, and then back the way we came.
After just one flat run, it felt great to get back onto my home turf. Even running flat stuff with friends, I feel very little motivation or enthusiasm for it. No surprise there, it is no mistake I gravitate toward the steep and technical trails.
