Thanks so much guys!! I'm still in a strange headspace about the physical challenges I've been setting/accomlishing for myself. I mean, logically I think 17.5 miles is pretty cool and I know I finished as the 23rd woman.... but there's still a part of me that thinks of myself as the fat girl showing up to the start line with everyone wondering what the **** I think I'm doing there. When I watch marathons, or look at the other hikers on this challenge, I really do appreciate that there are SO many body types successfully doing these races - big people, fit people, frail-looking people, etc. But I have a hard time extending that appreciation to myself sometimes. Working on it...
Neenee- your post cracked me up! There were a decent amount of people there, most of the trail is single file size, so you can't flood it with thousands of folks. I think there were about 600 people doing the full, and about 200 doing the half. I got a pair of hiking poles which REALLY helped me get down (and up) the hills. Because my other strategy of trying to grab blades of grass to keep me from falling down didn't work so well. And yes, some people definitely do employ the "slide on your butt" method, no judgement on that!!! When I did a training hike, I used hiking boots. But they were sorta new and gave me blisters, not to mention that they started feeling heavier as the mileage went on... So I ended up getting some trail running shoes. They were lighter, but still had a bit of grip to the bottom of them. I was very pleased with all of my gear choices!
Chrono - how is your triathalon training going?? I'd LOVE to do one of those one day, that just seems to be a lot to put on my plate in the near future. I think THAT'S an amazingly cool accomplishment to have!
Newleaf - Woo hoo, fellow Pittsburgher! I've been on some hiking meetups in North Park. Have you seen that new ropes course they just opened there? I'd love to give that a try sometime. Do you kayak a lot? I also want to try that. There's that group down on the river by PNC Park (Venture Outdoors?) that rents kayaks.
Did you also happen to see the article that came out today that claims Pittsburgh as the smartest city in the country?? Something to do with the amount of universities, libraries, museums, and people with degrees... and it was done by a real estate group? Sooooo... really doesn't sound scientifically valid, but folks here seem to be happy about it
Completed the Rachel Carson Homestead Challenge!!
I'm always impressed by people who not only are trying to lose weight, but also become fit/athletic in the process. The hiking challenge sounds like something I'd like to work towards - maybe something like that will be my next goal, after this beginner triathlon I'm doing.
