#garmin challenge

[arrolyn1114]

So Garmin has these challenges you can do and you earn badges for completing them. I finished this one today and I immediately started another because apparently, Elvis was on to something: badges are awesome and you just want to collect more and more of them. So here's some fun pics of our adorable dork with his badge collection.

If anyone has any other great pics of Elvis with his badge collection, please do share them with me!

#Garmin #running #challenges #badges #elvis #elvis presley #elvis and his badge collection OTP

[bluedesignwall]

I woke early this morning so decided to go do Park Run. I rode my bike down to the park. I have not been doing well with the bike challenge so wanted to get a ride on the board for the week. Eeeek I am supposed to be riding every day!! Opps. I arrived at Park Run a little early so I went down to the beach and warmed up in the sunshine. I had a good Park Run and came in first in my age group. I rode home the long way to get some kms in the saddle. When I got home Hubby made me a green smoothy. It was a pretty shade of green and tasted pretty good too.

#running #runblr #park run #bike ride #Aotearoa Bike Challenge #exercise #saturday morning #beach #I forgot to turn my garmin off at the end

[robinruns]

It's one of those days where my head feels too full, and I don't know where to begin sorting all the thoughts out. It's usually days like this that I really don't have that much once I get it all cleared out, but while it's all jumbled up, it feels like too much.

#house hunting is just hanging over my head like crazy #my mom's birthday is next week #i have like 8 different activity challenges to do between RWA and work and garmin #plus work #plus i should be doing overtime #i need to grocery shop #i need to visit my mom #i want to give away like everything i own #like everything is so much #and I'm hungry right now and i don't want yogurt

[exitrowiron]

I’m still bike training 5-6 hours a week to get ready for my cross Pyrenees trip this August. I hired a coach and he creates bike workouts that are downloaded to Zwift. I ride my Kickr trainer in Erg mode and Zwift and the Kickr automatically change the resistance to match the workout.

I am in a “build” phase of this month’s training and the workouts are very, very challenging. I can only sustain a few minutes above 160 beats per minute and 171 is as high as I can go. My Garmin watch was not impressed this morning.

Zwift tries to make the inherently boring experience of riding a bike trainer a little more exciting. You can chat with other riders, give kudos and even go on group rides (none of which I have any interest in doing). They also reward time in the app by advancing riders to higher and levels based on miles ridden. At each level you get points which can spend to get flashier wheels, or a special jersey or helmet. As you can see in the pic I just earned some special bike gloves. This is entirely wasted on me. I’ve never ridden by another biker, noticed his jersey and realized or cared what level the rider has achieved.

Despite the Garmin’s advice to chill on the couch, we XC skied for an hour with my niece and her SO. It is pretty warm and the tracks haven’t been groomed but it was fun nonetheless.

[etapereine]

to my word now i'll be true

@cycleprompttuesday: "read"

also on ao3.

it should, maybe, be a bit concerning, your inability to say no to him.

attack with me tomorrow, he jokes, as you both catch your breath on the rollers, side by side like always. it’s a mountain stage tomorrow, the last of the tour. there are dark circles under his eye that match yours, but he’s smiling, just a little - and this is the moment, you will think later, when you doomed yourself. you would do anything, for that smile, even push yourself up a mountain on a stage that no longer means anything for you. 

come to my hotel tonight, he asks, one hand wrapped around your wrist and his thumb brushing against your pulse point. he’s pulled you aside, behind the podium, with pollen on the shoulder of his jersey, a flush in his cheeks, and the roaring of the crowd still ringing in your ears. it is no small thing, what tadej's asking of you. it’s no small thing, the answer you will give him. his eyes are big and blue and beautiful, and you are helpless.

don't leave yet, he murmurs into your skin, after your heart rate has returned to normal and his hands have mapped what feels like every square centimeter of your body. your phone beeps insistently, where you flung your bag in the corner earlier, in your impatience. tadej's face is tucked into your shoulder and his lips mouth lazily along the line of your neck. it feels nice, you can admit that to yourself. you want it, and his lips are very insistent.

visit me in monaco, he urges, his voice slightly distorted through the phone speaker and his face pixelated, just a little, through the terrible hotel wifi. it’s not a question, this time. tadej's gotten more confident, more sure of what this is between you. there’s no need to look at your calendar to know you’re booked the entire week he suggests. you think of salty air and french mountains and your hands in his hair. there’s no need to hesitate before you agree anyway.

come to bed, he whines from where he’s huddled under multiple blankets and a mountain of pillows. you turn another page - only four more before the end. shuffling, the rustle of sheets, arms around your neck. three more pages. before him you didn’t understand how good it could sound, your name whispered in your ear. two more pages. hercule poirot is revealing how he solved the murder, and tadej is revealing just how determined he can be. one more page. his tongue brushes the side of your neck. the book slams shut.

race with me, he calls, before he’s flying away from you up another mountain. he says it’s his favorite, but it’s also the fourth time he’s said that this week. he turns back to you, question and challenge and hope all rolled into one. you look at your garmin, where your carefully calculated numbers look balefully back at you, giving neither judgment nor encouragement. none is needed. the burning in your legs is nothing to the sound of his laughter when you catch him.

read to me, he pleads, fisting a hand in your tshirt but not looking at you. it’s been a bad day, you’ve known that much since he turned up on your doorstep with no warning. you haven’t asked any more questions. he will tell you when he’s ready. the book on your nightstand is a mystery, one you’re nearly finished with, but tadej will complain, tomorrow, if you don’t start it from the beginning. his breath is warm on your neck, and he is asleep before the first chapter is over.

let me see you, he begs, over text and phone and video call. it’s almost a surprise to you, that he has not yet booked a flight and turned up unexpectedly. you know tadej's schedule almost as well as your own, and you know he does not have the time. you know he’ll make the time. he’s crying, on the phone and over the video call, and surely uae can spare him for a day or two. you don’t want to be coddled, but it would be nice, to see him.

stay with me, he says, so quietly you almost don't hear it over the rush of the waterfall. his hand is tight in yours and his eyes are bright and he's looking at you like you're something wondrous to behold. you don't point out that he's the one who drove here, so you couldn't leave even if you wanted to. you don't remind him that you have a flight back to switzerland in three days. that's not really what tadej is asking. you don't have the words for him, but he doesn't seem to need them. the way you kiss him is answer enough.

it should, maybe, be a bit concerning, your inability to say no to him. you don't care anymore.

#did i write another second person tadejonas ficlet for the weekly prompt? yes. yes i did. #what if i wrote something

[polyamorousmisanthrope]

Fitness Challenges

From a Diary Entry:

"We went for a long walk today so I could get my Garmin "sticker." I absolutely refuse to call this stuff a challenge, 'cause then I'd have to take it seriously in my own brain. Calling the "challenge" badges "stickers" means that while I am mildly motivated to earn them, if I can't for some reason (Covid meant I could not earn several of my January stickers, for instance) I don't feel like a failure for not following through.

"But calling them stickers in a small child's voice, I think, has that happy medium. I genuinely do want to be active, but I'm not into the CONSTANT PUSHING FOR EXCELLENCE that is the fitness industry when what I want is gentle consistency."

#fitness

[offduty-model]

What is everyone’s preferred fitness tracker? I’ve had a garmin, Fitbit, Apple Watch, Oura ring… I’m bored with them all lol. But I need something to count my steps at least. I think Garmin was the best out of them.

We are starting a 3 month long step challenge at work. So I am actually encouraged to get up and leave the office and walk :)

#tw ed diet #ana trigger #ed not ed sheeran #ana bllog #tw ana diary #ana tricks #@n0r3xia #thinspø #anatumblr #ana rant

[deweydecimalchickens]

Spent a week hiking in Snowdonia, specifically the Harlech/Barmouth/Dolgellau area. I went up quite a challenging mountain, Rhinog Fawr, that I hadn't attempted before and where the paths are generally only obvious in hindsight. Based on that previous post about doing things solo that I perhaps shouldn't, here is a list of stuff that really earned its keep in my literal and metaphorical rucksack this time around:

Emergency satellite communicator. Mine's a Garmin Inreach Mini. Allows you to send check-in messages or SOS calls, plus your location, even when there's no phone coverage. I'd preset a "delayed but safe and nothing bad has happened" message, and I used it.

Ordnance Survey Active (waterproof) maps. They're bulkier and more expensive than the standard paper maps, but stand up a lot better to folding them the wrong way, shoving them in your pocket, then falling on your arse in a puddle. Guess how I know.

Pair of lightweight trekking poles + being taught how to use them properly. Huge improvement over having one heavy one and just sort of leaning on it at random.

Sealskinz waterproof socks. Up to your ankles in a puddle and your boots aren't waterproof anymore? No problem!

Water-to-Go bottle with a filter that kills bacteria, viruses and giardia. Makes getting drinking water from streams a bit less anxiety-inducing.

Having done a mountain skills course in the meantime. I mean yes you can figure a lot of stuff out through lengthy trial and error and try not to die, or you can...go and get taught stuff by a professional.

#Snowdonia #Hill walking #Hiking #Rhinog Fawr #Outdoors kit #Mountain skills

[mountrainiernps]

October and November can be challenging months for hiking in the Cascade Mountains.

With such a great range of elevation, you can be walking in fog near sea level, rain only 2,000 feet above sea level, snow above 5,000 feet above sea level, and then if you climbed higher you might even get above the clouds into bright sunshine.

In the national parks, like Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades, you might drive in the park’s entrance in a pleasantly cool temperature but find it freezing at your trailhead. Besides being prepared with clothing and insulation, this also means that snow might cover your trail.

Except for the Pacific Crest Trail, no trails in Mount Rainier National Park are marked on trees. It is only the beaten path for guidance. Or is there more?

If you have a GPS device (global positioning system), such as a Garmin or other brand, you could load up the trail data ahead of time and have the device guide you when the trail is blanketed by snow. Battery power, especially in cold temperatures, can be key to keeping these working in order to get back to your motor vehicle.

Another option would be a paper map and a compass, if you have learned and trained on how to use those to orienteer across the landscape. These can be especially nice since they don’t require batteries or cell towers.

Some folks decide to use apps on their cell phones. Those can be handy and easy to use but you have to make sure the app you chose doesn’t rely on cell towers being within reach. There are many places in the park that have no service. Like the GPS device, these also need plenty of battery power and might lose their charge fast in cold weather.

What do you prefer to use when you go out for a snowy adventure in the national park?

Are you a person with a device and back-up batteries? Do you prefer paper maps and compass?

Or how about device and paper map and a compass? Having and knowing how to use all 3 isn’t a bad thing. ~ams

For more on the 10 Essentials, this website can help https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm To find links for Mount Rainier specific weather forecasts try this website https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/weather.htm

NPS Image. Mount Rainier National Park map from 1931. NPS Photo. Image from Mount Rainier National Park Air Quality webcam March 11, 2020. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/webcams.htm?site=mora NPS/S. Redman Photo. Fall colors of yellow and red on subalpine meadow in Paradise. Snow on evergreens in background. October, 2009.

#mount rainier national park #mount rainier #hiking #trail #map #gps

[cynicalrecoverysociety]

Absolute Abs

Killer ab routine today in addition to the 100 Abs Challenge. It hurts when I cough (in a good way).

Yesterday my dynamic step goal on Garmin got to 10,420 which I thought was very funny and also the upper limit of how much I'm willing to walk daily. Still definitely going to try to meet my step goal every day it just won't keep getting bigger.

#fitblr #fitspo

[petercookportlandtoalaska]

Day 2, Sat May 18, 2024, Portland, Oregon to Leavenworth, Washington, 350 miles.

Wake up at 7:00 excited to get on the road. Slade and I head out to IHop for breakfast, then head back to the hotel for a ride out to MotoQuest where we pack our day bags on the bikes, dump our luggage and fire up our Garmins.

Fortunately, Darren has done this ride a number of times and knows all the roads. After a short highway jaunt to get out of Portland, we turn off onto the backrooms and start twisting, winding, and climbing our way to Yakima.

We have a quick stop at the 70-mile mark for a coffee under the distant shadow of snow cobmvered Mt Hood. Then, it's back on the road again following the Columbia River to Canada. The Columbia River Valley is always windy, and the river is full of people boating, fishing, and wind surfing.

Around 1:00 we stop for lunch. The roads and weather have been perfect for riding, and our only challenge seems to be working on our riding callouses as I notice a lot of people starting to shift around in the saddle and stand up to get some hinder relief.

After lunch, we continue northward through the Cascade Mountains, lush green valleys and apple, cherry, and pear orchards through to Yakima and Ellensburg beyond, stopping only for quick breaks and gas. By 5:30, we're in Leavenworth, a small Bavarian styled tourist town of circa 2,500 approx. 150 miles from the Canadian border

Parking our bikes at the Bavarian Inn, we unpack our bags and head out to Rheins Haus for some German beer and bratwurst (with fabulous spicy mustard).

No partying tonight. It's been a long, perfect day, and most of us are ready to head back to the hotel, read a bit, or blog, and hit the sack. Tomorrow, we hit the border, Canada, and the Okanagan Valley.

[smilingcrumb]

People you'd like to get to know better

thank you to @akitasimblr who tagged me! <3

last song: Narcotic - Dimitri Vegas vs Unmet Ozcan Remix

favorite color(s): black and navy and burgundy and forest green and ...

currently watching: Young Sheldon ^^

last movie: hmm mostly it's an Anime but I think it was Dune (fabolus fim btw!)

currently reading: "A Touch Of Malice" Scarlett St. Clair

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Chocolate!

last thing I googled: something translated from german to english xD

current obsession: smartwatches from Garmin - don't know which one I should choose

currently working on: working out my challenge and see if it makes sense what my head thinks -.-

and i tag: @limeysims @bakersimmer @natolesims @mossysim

Feel free to do this or not. Have a great day! ♦

#people of simblr #thankful #personal

[strapstylehub]

The Best Watches for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Unleashing the Perfect Gear

SEO Meta-Description

Discover the ultimate guide to choosing The Best Watches for Outdoor Enthusiasts. Dive into the world of durability, functionality, and style with top recommendations, expert insights, and FAQs answered.

Introduction

Outdoor enthusiasts require watches that can withstand the rigors of nature while complementing their adventurous spirit. The market is flooded with options, making it crucial to understand the key features and brands that cater specifically to outdoor activities.

1. Why Outdoor Watches Matter

Outdoor watches are not mere timekeeping devices; they are essential companions for those who embrace the wild. The importance lies in their durability, with features tailored to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Let's explore why these watches matter.

Importance of Durability

Outdoor activities expose watches to harsh conditions. A durable watch can endure impacts, resist water, and withstand extreme temperatures, ensuring it remains reliable in any environment.

Features for Outdoor Enthusiasts

From altimeters for hiking to tide trackers for water activities, outdoor watches come loaded with features. These functionalities enhance the outdoor experience, providing valuable information for various activities.

2. Key Features to Look For

Choosing the right outdoor watch involves understanding key features that define its suitability for outdoor adventures.

Water Resistance

A crucial feature for water-related activities, water resistance ensures your watch remains functional even after exposure to rain, splashes, or submersion.

Shock Resistance

Outdoor activities often involve impacts and rough handling. Shock-resistant watches can endure these challenges without compromising accuracy.

GPS Functionality

For hikers and explorers, GPS-enabled watches offer navigation assistance, tracking routes, and providing location-based information.

3. Top Brands in Outdoor Watches

Several brands specialize in outdoor watches, each with its unique strengths and offerings.

Casio

Known for robust and affordable outdoor watches, Casio combines functionality with durability, making them a popular choice among adventurers.

Garmin

Garmin excels in GPS technology, offering outdoor watches with advanced navigation features, ideal for those who rely on precise location data.

Suunto

Suunto's outdoor watches boast a perfect blend of style and functionality, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize both aesthetics and performance.

4. Reviews and Ratings

Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider real user experiences and expert opinions.

Analyzing Customer Feedback

Explore online reviews to understand how users rate the watch's performance, durability, and overall satisfaction.

Expert Opinions

Consulting experts and enthusiasts can provide valuable insights, helping you make an informed decision based on credible recommendations.

5. Comparisons with Everyday Watches

Understanding the distinctions between outdoor and everyday watches helps in making the right choice.

Differences and Advantages

While everyday watches focus on style and general use, outdoor watches prioritize durability, functionality, and specialized features for outdoor activities.

6. The Best Watches for Specific Activities

Different outdoor activities demand specific features. Let's explore the best watches tailored to particular adventures.

Hiking

Hiking watches often include altimeters, barometers, and compasses, assisting hikers in navigating diverse terrains.

Diving

Diving watches are designed to withstand underwater pressure and come with features like depth gauges and luminescent dials for enhanced underwater visibility.

Camping

For campers, watches with temperature sensors, sunrise/sunset data, and robust construction are ideal for a seamless camping experience.

7. Style and Functionality Balance

Outdoor enthusiasts don't have to compromise style for functionality. Finding the right balance ensures your watch complements your outdoor gear and personal aesthetic.

Finding the Right Blend

Explore watches that combine rugged durability with stylish designs, allowing you to make a statement while enjoying outdoor activities.

8. Maintaining Your Outdoor Watch

Proper care ensures the longevity of your outdoor watch, preserving its functionality and appearance.

Cleaning and Care Tips

Regularly clean your watch with a soft, damp cloth. Ensure proper storage and servicing to address any issues promptly.

9. Affordability vs. Quality

Balancing budget constraints with the desire for quality is crucial when selecting an outdoor watch.

Finding the Sweet Spot

Numerous affordable options offer impressive durability and features. Research thoroughly to find a watch that meets both your requirements and budget.

10. Emerging Trends

Stay updated on the latest trends in outdoor watches, especially the integration of smart features.

Smart Features in Outdoor Watches

Modern outdoor watches may include smart functionalities like fitness tracking, notifications, and connectivity with mobile devices.

Conclusion

Choosing The Best Watches for Outdoor Enthusiasts involves a careful consideration of features, brands, and personal preferences. Whether you're a hiker, diver, or camper, finding the perfect watch enhances your outdoor experience.

FAQs

Are outdoor watches suitable for everyday wear? Outdoor watches can be worn daily, but their durability and specialized features make them especially suitable for outdoor activities.

Can I wear my outdoor watch while swimming? Most outdoor watches are water-resistant and suitable for swimming. However, it's crucial to check the specific water resistance rating.

What sets outdoor watches apart from regular watches? Outdoor watches prioritize durability, functionality, and specialized features for outdoor activities, distinguishing them from regular watches.

How often should I service my outdoor watch? Regular servicing, typically every 2-3 years, ensures your outdoor watch remains in optimal condition.

Are there budget-friendly outdoor watch options? Yes, there are budget-friendly options with impressive durability and features. Research various brands for the best value.

Can I replace the watch battery myself? While some outdoor watches have user-replaceable batteries, it's recommended to have it done by a professional to maintain water resistance.

#sales #shopify #online store #street style #onlineshopping #shopping #apple watch #apple music #apple news

[exitrowiron]

Day 37: Newbury, OH to Meadville, PA

64 miles, 2,474ft ascent, 3:30

Let’s start with the good news… for the first time in a few weeks everyone is back on the bike and feeling well. Also, no one was assaulted by an automobile and due to today’s short mileage, we got to sleep late.

Today’s challenge was navigating a tight weather window and a destination hotel which has been prickly about early check-ins in the past. Most of the riders would prefer to get going as soon as possible and a few grumbled about the late start, but the guides want to avoid riders waiting hours for a hotel room. The forecast radar showed a storm front passing over our destination around 2:00; my ‘A’ pace group was the last to get started at 10:30 on the day’s 64 mile course with two refueling stops. If you’re doing the mental math like I did, you know it’s going to be close. 

We had the benefit of a strong tail/crosswind for most of the ride, strong enough that I cringed whenever I saw the Garmin instruct a left turn to the North. I skipped both the refueling stops in order to save time and on a flat course I would have made it, but the 2,474ft ascent shaved enough pace off my progress that I still had 4 miles to go when the skies opened up. I arrived at the hotel wet but happy that a room and lunch were waiting for me.

Aside from the rain, today’s ride was great. I love riding fast and the scenery as we passed from Ohio to Pennsylvania was bucolic. We are in Amish country again, marked by tidy white farm houses, occasionally with a bit of green trim and frequently laundry hanging from a line to dry. Whether old or young, the Amish took time from tending fields, hanging laundry or guiding a team of horses to return my wave. They prefer not to photographed so I didn’t.

Let’s talk about the daily routine in a bit more detail:

Arrival at the destination:

- Bags and a bike rack are waiting by the hotel entrance as well as the standard snack table and coolers. The first thing I do is grab my smaller day-bag, change into street shoes, make a Skratch protein shake and put this in my bag along with other snacks/drinks for the afternoon and evening.

- Check into the hotel and take my bags and bike to my room.

- Hang my sweaty gear in the closet to dry, take a shower, change into casual clothes, and drink the protein shake, etc. I’m pretty efficient and all of this is usually done within 15-20 minutes of arrival and then I either take a nap, or once every 3 days, do laundry.

- Dinner is usually at the hotel around 6, though occasionally we will visit a restaurant nearby.

- Charge devices (Garmins, phone, pedals)

- I try to update social media after dinner, talk with Beth, Netflix and then it’s lights out by 9:30.

Mornings are busier and it took me a while to master the ‘perfect departure’.

T- 1:30: breakfast is usually available starting between 6-6:30. No one in the group skips breakfast and there is a line when the door opens.

T- 1:00: Dress in bike gear appropriate for the day’s weather, repack bag. I‘m using vacuum seal bags to ensure that my dirty bike clothes don’t funkify the rest of my clothes between washings.

T - 45: Clean bike bottles and secure them as well as the fully charged Garmins to the bike.

T - 30: Take suitcase to the luggage van

T - 15: Tip the housekeeper and take bike and day bag to the departure area. Store day bag in Trek van.

T - 10: Fill bottles with ice, water and Noon; apply sunscreen, clean sunglasses, take a picture of the whiteboard with details on water stops; retrieve fully charged front and rear bike lights; check bike tire pressure.

T - 5: Start Garmins, ensure mine is paired with HR monitor and power meter.

T - 1: Receive exit and route instructions from Trek guide.

That’s pretty much the routine for the 47 days of the trip, with a bit more flexibility for the rest days. It’s great. You don’t have to worry about anything; all the logistics and food are handled, you just have to pedal for a few hours each day.

I’m not sure exactly where the Midwest ends and the East begins, but seeing the Dunkin Donuts adjoining our hotel makes think I must have already crossed that invisible line!

[fitblrgames-2023]

For the stairs challenge this week. I am planning on using the floors tracked by my garmin. This may be helpful for other people who don't have access to stairs easily. Garmin calculates floors like this: A floor climbed is equal to 10 feet (3 meters) in elevation gain.

Sounds great!

Yes, a floor is a flight. Typically stair risers are 4" to 9 1/2" depending on the age and use of the building. So a typical flight stairs is around 14 risers. Sometime more, sometimes less. Floor heights also vary! Houses usually have about 9ft-11ft per lever and office/multilevel buildings tend to be around 13ft-14ft.

#fitblr #fitblr games 2023 #I like buildings....

[dirtanddistance]

Valley Vertikiller 30k Race Report

Race: Valley Vertikiller 30/20/10k Distance: 30k Date: 10/07/2023 Location: Sumas Mountain, Abbotsford, British Columbia

I'll let you in on a little secret: I signed up for this race solely due to peer pressure. A bunch of folks from my running club were talking it up and signing up, and I, not wanting to miss out, signed myself up. I told myself I didn’t need to worry about it because it was a long way out, and that training wasn’t going to be a concern as I'd ‘have a good base’ after Squamish50. I brushed off any sense of impending doom as the group chat buzzed with discussion of past years’ DNFs and weather-related disasters, and reassured myself that after a 50 miler, a 30k couldn’t be much of a fuss for me.

Turns out, these assumptions were more or less correct and it was wildly fun to run a shorter but very challenging trail race shortly after a longer and very challenging trail race.

Conditions for race day were pretty much as perfect as possible - no rain, a bit of sunshine on a course with heavy tree cover, but not so dry that things were sandy and slippery. While some might have argued it was a bit warm, the course is so forested that it was hardly noticeable to me. The race swag was also top-tier, with snazzy running hats and stickers. The real treat, however, was the course - one of the most thrilling I’ve encountered in my short time here in BC. Much like Squamish, singletrack MTB paths were the stars of the show, and the routine of uphill grinds and flowy descents was one I found comfortingly familiar, if not any easier for having done a lot of it before. The mental boost of having just done something similar and in much greater volume was incredibly apparent to me, as there was no segment of this event during which I cried or contemplated quitting (progress!).

As the name implies, a lot of upward-going travel is required to complete the Valley Vertikiller. With about one mile of cumulative vert, you’re climbing for a massive chunk of your time on the course. This may seem like a fault rather than a virtue, but for me going in with the expectation that there will always be another climb made the experience much easier to handle mentally (and made it much easier to enjoy the pretty leaves). The first third of the course (roughly 12k to the first aid station) featured plenty of climbing; after a tight starting section, I eventually found myself more or less alone. Naturally, my brain went to its happy place, reciting Replay by Iyaz as I marveled at the crimson and gold leaves around me. The most memorable portion of this chunk was a narrow section with a steep drop-off to the left and views of the surrounding area through the trees. It felt stunning and life-threatening at once; much of that section was not terribly technical, yet I found myself taking it quite slowly out of fear of what might happen to me if I accidentally took a tumble over the side. This is also where the top 20k racers started blowing past me, which I imagine was as irritating to them as it was a little bit terrifying to me. Eventually, the climb resumed and brought me to the first aid station. It was on a bluff with quite a view, making it an enjoyable stop. I met up with a teammate but soon headed back out on the trail for the middle segment.

The middle section of the race is where the black hole of my experience began. I had forgotten to charge my Garmin the night before, and somewhere after about 10 miles, it shut off and left me floating in a liminal space where distance and elevation no longer existed. I was on my own to finish this undertaking. Had I already accepted that the distances in trail races mean next to nothing and that I had no idea what this course really involved? Sure, but having the Garmin ticking away on my wrist at least could ground me, could give me some indication that time had passed and that I had moved since my last glance down at it. In this new, uncharted territory of watchless running, I was truly adrift. Alas, that is a story for another time. I knew I was at least 10 miles in and had done a decent chunk of the climbing for the race by that time. This section included the biggest and baddest climb of the entire climb. It went on forever. It was relentless, unforgiving, and so steep that I thought my already angry Achilles tendon would resign at any moment. I began to lose my naive enjoyment of the pretty leaves and a coherent repetitive song in my head. Finally, the climb ended with no real immediate payoff at all; I had to be satisfied with the mere acceptance that I was no longer clawing my way up what felt like a sheer cliff face and would, in all likelihood, get to run down something at some point to get to the finish line.

I had no idea how long it took me to get to the second aid station, or where it was on the course. The second aid station was a bit more muted in energy and ambiance than the first, but I gladly ate an obnoxious amount of watermelon and filled up on water and Tailwind before trotting off to part three, which I reminded myself was the last section I would have to do before I could be done and never run again.

The first section of part three has been erased from my brain by the sands of time and probably the fact that I had no frame of reference for what was happening in this race, but I do remember reaching a course marshal who told me that I was going to ‘just take Squid Line back down and I’ll see you at the finish’. This statement was only partially correct. I did in fact take Squid Line back down. However, the ‘just’ combined with the fact that I, again, have no concept of distance or the passage of time without something tracking me, made Squid Line feel like a small eternity. But it did more or less lead to the finish line and the section of trail between it and the end was gentle enough that I did not begrudge its description as basically the last thing I would need to do to get out of this forest. The lie was that this lady was not at the finish line.

The benefit of having the name of the trail pointed out to me was that saying the word squid immediately funnels all of my thoughts to SpongeBob. My brain rewarded this with a loop of the jellyfish rave song, which carried me throughout this final ordeal. I did pass several people on this section and the final portion between there and the finish, which mostly made me concerned because you are probably hurting if I managed to catch you in a trail race. The finish line sorta jumps out at you as you get spit out of the woods and under the archway. As if purposely continuing my purgatory, the finish line clock was not running, leaving me in a continued state of mystery. I knew I was not the last of my teammates out there, but I had no clue how far behind the others I was. Alas, my finish time became the least of my concerns after spotting my darling husband sitting in the medic tent with his ankle wrapped up.

While my team placed 5th out of 5, this race was still better than any cross-country meet I’ve run. Post-race we were treated to homemade soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pumpkin pie. While that spread is impressive enough on its own, I was thrilled when I discovered that there were vegan options for ALL THREE of these treats. I was a bit disappointed that I had overdosed on Tailwind to the point that I was not in any position to eat pie, but the butternut squash soup was a religious experience.

The real lesson I learned out on the trails that day was that I do need to wear my orthotics. They are not optional for trail running. I do not have them and run in them just for fun because I am a podiatrist, I apparently “actually need these” because my feet “actually kinda misbehave when I’m running and it starts to hurt in additional ways that they don’t need to”. I am the kind of non-compliant patient I shake my head about (but also have proven to myself and hopefully others that good orthotics - not the ones they tried to sell you on a cruise once - are real and not a scam).

There was much debating among my teammates as to whether any of us would do this race again. As tough as the course is and as much as I do not foresee myself ever racing this thing for time, it was such an enjoyable experience and fun challenge that I can’t see myself skipping it next year.

Next up, an expanded musing on the joys and terrors of running into the unknown without your Garmin!

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