Date: 2013-01-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4" snow cancels todays trail run because it is too dangerous with all the rocks and left ankle just getting back near 100% from the 2 rollovers back near xmas. Anyhow, did bust an hour ten last time out on the 6 mile loop and beat my running companion back to the car in 1:05:15. Knew there was a reason for the added pain going up the powerline - Pace was excellerated from the beginning. Cardio coming along ahead of schedule.   Perhaps I do a road run in a couple hours.What have I (think) learned that is beneficial to the Newbies of 2013?- It is imperative that you take care of your FEET.   If your shoes hurt you in any way - GET DIFFERNENT SHOES & quickly!   My choosen shoes are Merrill Moab Ventalators because I have very wide short feet with bunions. They come in a WIDE WIDTH. Right out of the box they seemed molded to my feet. NO HOT SPOTS.   No abrasions even with wet socks which have been the case almost every run on the loop. Good support.   Only unknown is HOW MUCH will feet swell up with my planned continual 20 mile days.   TWT, but hoping these shoes work the whole way because I have 2 more new pairs to be mailed to me as needed. Also, as I mentioned before, I plan on washing my socks mid-day and putting on a fresh pair (if it isnt raining).   If that worked for Andrew Skurka (he did the A T, P C T, & C D T ALL in 1 YEAR, it cant hurt.- Clothing - ALMOST everyone carrys too MUCH & I prefer to carry more FOOD and less clothing to propel my 200# Northbound.So I will list my ENTIRE CLOTHING from Springer:   (& price paid)= 2 Pair Ex-officio underwear (16e)= 3 pair Smartwool MW hiking socks (my one luxury, the 3rd pair of socks -   for the most important part of your body, YOUR FEET) (42, bought 3 pack)= 2 tee shirts (Men's Helix S/S T-Shirt & Augusta Sportswear 790, 100% poly   Wicking tee shirt) (11 & 5.62)= Pantagonia Cap 3 MW Bottom & Top (39.20e)= 2 pair Prana Mojo Shorts (12 first pair & 24 2nd pair)= 1 Moosejaw Men's Jason Mowery 1/4 Zip Fleece Jacket (free, got it with reward points - 4 oz heavier than I like, but didnt need to spend 149 for the Panatgonia R1 Hoody = raingear/wind protection(upper body) Packa (115)= 1 army surplus wool gloves (had for years for hunting)= 1 20 odd year orange frayed beanie= 1 Ohio State Baseball Hat= Moab Ventalators (90 1st pair, 63 pairs 2 & 3 (got online coupon)The bottom line is that I can PUT ON EVERY PIECE of Clothing (except extra underwear and 2 pair of socks)   The idea is that the extra tee shirt and shorts will be wore while doing laundry.I know I will have NO leg protection from driving cold rain, but this is a calculated risk.   I did the 16 Mile A T stretch in very high (40ish mph) wind and low 30's with only the MW3 bottoms and shorts with no problem.   If anything, cold legs will force the action to either MOVE faster to the next shelter, or set up tent and get off the wet geat and into sleeping bag.Basically, I have drawn the line in the sand, MAXIMUM Gear weight is 15#.No exceptions.   With My cheapish ($76) 20 degree bag @ 3# 8 oz being heavy, MSR Hubba @ 3#, base gear (tent, pack, pad, bag) is about 10 pounds)Besides, thru hiking NOT a fashion show, simplicity and flexibility the key.I read about 40# pack weights & would like to question the hikers as to WTF do you need all those clothes for. Isnt the idea about walking/hiking? I would rather carry an apple pie that I could eat versus cloths seldom/never wore.Read a workout article in Backpacker magazines last issue and will share some of it on next post.forgot - my running companion is Felix, a 2 year Old German Shepard who is almost always 50 yards ahead. For some reason, he stopped about 20 yards from the car last time out. It was suggested by my son that it was his plan to get more of my Lunch! Think he might join me from Clarks Ferry to Route 325 crossing midhike (mile 1142-1159). See how HE likes that 2 mile rocky section on Peters Mtn!