Time For Training To Begin

4/30/2013

I like to call this photo " View from the privy".

We had a great day up top yesterday. The high was 51º with a low of 43º. It is already shaping up to be a repeat of yesterday. Chris and I have signed up for another half marathon in November. I think this might be the day to get back on track and start training. I know it is kind of early to worry about a race in November, but my muscles have been in hiking mode and I need to change gears. Having something to work towards is so important on the mountain. I need to set goals for myself. I guess in a lot of ways it is similar to you folks setting a goal of reaching the top of the mountain. I suppose I take it for granted since I live up here and the hike is my commute to work. When I went home for my fathers 80th birthday, he told me joined a gym. His goal is to loose enough weight and get back in shape so he can hike up here again. The last time he was up was 11 years ago. Now, THAT is a goal. I hope I am setting goals like that at 80. So, if you think you can not make up it here because you "think" you are too old, keep my father in mind and follow his lead. Anything is possible.

Ryan--La

4/30/2013 12:32:44 am

Morning to all up top, your dad's right Allyson, set goals for yourself it makes the time go by. I try to do as many 5/Ks and 10/Ks as possible with my work schedule. Hope to do a half soon, looking forward to hearing about your trip across the pond in person. Have a great day. Remember when you open your eyes in the morning, that's already a good day.

Debi

4/30/2013 02:06:43 am

I laugh at people who say there too old and there my age. I'm only 47!! Your dad has a great attitude, I hope I'm hiking at 80. Hope he makes it up someday. Either that or someone is going to have to put a chair on their back and put him on it like the picture in the lodge. Was that Jack Huff's mother? I remember the picture, just not the name. Not a bad potty view, if I do say so myself. lol

Dar

4/30/2013 02:12:55 am

I'm 47 as well, and I am just starting the second half of my life "the fun half" looks like it's going to be a beautiful day on top.

you folks up there enjoy paradise on earth.

Brian N bama

4/30/2013 02:32:10 am

Good morning y'all. I have set a goal to at least hike the AT through the park. The dream is to one day be able to try to do a complete through hike of the AT with my son/sons.

4/30/2013 03:04:40 am

Hi Debi and Dar you both are my age witch is 47 and I feel if I don't live to be at least 100 I will be cheated out of life. My goal is to be the oldest person to climb Leconte. Any one know if Mrs. Margret Stevenson was the oldest at 94 to climb the Mountain?

Debnfl

4/30/2013 03:33:21 am

Beautiful shot of the mountain top! love the story about your dad and his goal. YEAH GO DAD!!!

Jewels

4/30/2013 04:29:00 am

I laugh too Debi! I am 55 and survived ovarian cancer @ 29. Everything after that is a bonus and I'll keep hiking, kayaking, camping, traveling etc until the end. :)

Debhfl

4/30/2013 09:48:37 am

I totally agree Jewels. It's all about attitude. If you think positive great things can happen! There's nothing more uplifting and beautiful than being in nature.

Bryan Be

4/30/2013 10:27:07 am

I am 38 years old and have been heavy my whole life.The last time I hiked to the top of LeConte was at about 8 years old. I now dropping some lbs and have a goal of making it to LeConte on or around September 27th. Needless to say, I have a long way to go in order to be in the right condition to make that goal. 21 weeks to go!

charlotte

5/1/2013 03:28:07 am

You can do it Bryan, shoot meet me there and we will do it together...after years of not hiking because of my weight I have lost 121 as of Monday and have been in the woods almost weekly since last Sept....LeConte is on my goal list.... See ya there

5/1/2013 03:01:37 pm

Thanks Charlotte! Congrats too you. It is a great accomplishment. I can't wait to get back to LeConte.

Tina

5/10/2013 07:23:30 am

My goal is Sept 27th also. It is my 16th wedding anniversary. Would love to spend it there.

Tony Ga

4/30/2013 11:21:27 am

Well with any luck and the weather holds up, I'll be hauling this 50 year old tail up the mountain Saturday.
Hey Allyson what's your favorite candy?

doug ga

4/30/2013 12:06:59 pm

attitude is everfthing. "how old would you be if you didn't know how old you are" Satchel Paige

DannyH

4/30/2013 03:28:52 pm

They should hold a marathon race in Leconte Smokies area.

Reggie Blue

4/30/2013 03:51:02 pm

I am a 51 yof who has been to the top of this great mountain that I describe as heaven on earth, ever since I was 5 years old riding atop my daddies back pack and sleeping on the floor of the shelter with candles on the rock ledges, along with peanuts to watch the mice come out and eat them. Or coming out of the outhouse at about 8 years old almost smacking a kiss on a mama black bear with 2 baby cubs as I came barreling out the door. I will soon be returning, with my daddy!! Looking forward to it.

awesome

4/30/2013 04:14:31 pm

I will see Great Bear's.

Kathy

5/1/2013 02:11:30 am

I am now 66 and love hiking Mt Leconte too. My knees are getting really bad, but I won't give up. Hiked up in the snow storm, back on 10/30/12, Was a long day, did not reach top till 10:30 that night, but never gave up. Even though have to get shots in my knees, I am going to keep on going with all the pain. Love the mountain I feel like I am in heaven every time I reach the top and thank God for helping me do it. Never give up on your dreams and goals, cause I am going to keep it up also.

Bob

5/1/2013 03:05:54 pm

Hi Allyson: Congratulations to your dad. I too am an octogenarian
and count the hike to the summit of LeConte (at 86) as an accomplishment. I am sure I am in good company. After all it is just a matter of puting one foot in the front of the other.

Comments are closed.

Time For Training To Begin

LeConte Lodge

Archives