Views of Loudon Heights from the AT through Harpers Ferry

Soooo, the outcome of all this recent mountain running was… sore knees and beginnings of shin splints. Yikes!

Unsurprising when I look back, even though I could see great improvement from an aerobic fitness point-of-view. But if the legs ain’t happy, it’s hard to enjoy running.

An easier week was required!

Monday 6/24 – 3 miles along river and C&O canal

Gentle run, around 9 minute mile pace. Out and back along the river and then the C & O canal. Beautiful evening again. Legs felt ok on the flat but definitely need to take it easy for a while.

Tuesday 6/25 – Rest day

Wednesday 6/26 – Rest day

Thursday 6/27 – 1.4 mile morning hike around HF

Included a nice climb from the river back up to Washington Street, on top of the ridge. The path climbs directly up, intersects the AT and continues on to come out by Storer College and the ATC center. Could feel my lower legs hurting at first, but eased up completely after half mile or so.

Stairs on the climb back up to town

Storer College, now National Park building used for training

Friday 6/28 – Rest day

Saturday 6/29 – 1 mile walk with the family

Walk in the woods along the River Trail, starting from Harpers Ferry National Park visitor car park. Very hot, so the boys took a “swim” 😂

Sunday 6/30 – 1.7 miles along river

Testing out the legs again, specifically lower shins and knees. Ran around 9 minute miles, which is my usual running pace and feels comfortable. Legs were ok, but still feel tender. Going to be a while until I can go running up/down hills again 😦

In other news…

I finally created an inventory of all my adventure diaries from over the years:

• 28 diaries…
• …covering trips over the course of 19 years, from 1999 to 2018
• Mostly UK, Alps, Norway, Pyrenees, South America, Australia & NZ
• Trekking, Bikepacking, Mountaineering