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February 21st, 2018

2/21/2018

9 Comments

 
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Good morning,

It’s currently 48 degrees and partly cloudy up top. Yesterday’s high was 53 degrees, with a low of 43 degrees.

After posting yesterday’s blog, the clouds parted and sun warmed the mountain. By evening, the clouds rolled back in, cloaking the mountain.

--

A Summit Effort

I moved gently down the mountain. Jogging lightly, I thought of the effort I planned to put myself through. The goal was to run from the Alum Cave Trailhead to the summit of Mt. Le Conte. The warm weather and ice free trails made for a great opportunity to attempt a fast climb. My personal goal was make it up the mountain quicker than my time from the beginning of the season. Continuing the descent, I soaked up the sun’s warm rays. At the trailhead, I peeled off as many layers as I modestly could. It would be a hot climb. Feeling solid, I started my old Casio and began the ascent.

Legs humming beneath me, I focused on my breathing. I couldn’t help but revel in the beauty of the trail.  The mountain looked so different from the weeks prior. My eyes continued to wander. The trail steepened. My focus came back to the task at hand - breath management. The trails namesake came into view. Twenty minutes had elapsed. I ran the climb, ignoring my body’s request for air.

The Pulpit appeared in front of me. Relieved, I knew I could use the flat section to catch my breath and make up a little time. Monotony Ridge lay waiting on the other end. Moving fast, I managed across the wet rock as quickly and as safely as I could. The long climb started sooner than I expected, but I knew this section well. I settled into a pace I could maintain for the entirety of the monotonous climb. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Focused, I continued upward…onward.

With Monotony Ridge in the rearview, I ignored my sluggish legs and made for a much desired landmark, the horse gate. Though the gate no longer stands, the checkpoint remains a beacon in many a hiker’s mind. The landmark marks the end of the climbing along the Alum Cave Trail. In control of my breath, I rounded the bend and sprinted down the trail…

I climbed the steps to the first bridge, after the junction with the Rainbow Falls Trail. My watch read 49:26. I’d bested my November attempt by 5 minutes. Satisfied, I walked a few steps. My original goal came back to the forefront. THE SUMMIT!

A few minutes later…

I smiled, gasping for air, atop the high point.

Onward,
​Seth

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“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
9 Comments
Alan
2/21/2018 12:24:27 pm

Seth. Congratulations on the PR ascent. That is a wonderful time.

Reply
David Safford link
2/21/2018 01:06:57 pm

What a run! I spent nearly 3 hours trudging up the trail back in November. I can make that time... on flat Florida sidewalks! Good for you, Seth. Thank you, as always, for sharing your experiences.

Reply
Robin Meyer
2/21/2018 01:13:20 pm

Congratulations on beating your fall time!!! It's an awesome feeling to best yourself!

Reply
Cynthia Marrow
2/21/2018 03:10:52 pm

Just joined your blog. Have been following your post on FB. I love your pictures. My husband and I are 64. Never been hugh hikers. Just starting. Our goal is Mt. LeConte. We are working on the hike up by hiking trails within the park. Hope to make it this year. Can’t imagine jogging/running the trails even when we were younger😂😂
Great blog!!!

Reply
elaine
2/21/2018 06:19:08 pm

You are a super hero, Seth! Bravo! I am excited each year when I succeed and arrive at the desired end. (Time will remain a secret between myself and my hiking buddy).

Reply
Dennis Barkimer
2/21/2018 06:22:41 pm

Congrats on your run! Your pictures are awesome what camera equipment do you use?

Reply
JP
2/22/2018 07:31:29 am

Strong work my friend! Loving your posts, keep up the good work!

Reply
Bill Fuqua
2/22/2018 12:31:44 pm

Impressive.

Reply
Al
3/1/2018 12:03:44 pm

My best time to the horse gate. 1 hour and 15 minutes. Not running.

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