10 Weeks...Hiking a Mountain...9/13-19

This weekend I took a break from working on my mileage and focused on some serious cross training. I agreed to meet some friends for my first trip up Iron Mountain. Move over Cowles, this hike kicks some butt!



A big challenge for me was the heat factor. Poway was predicted to hit 85 and we weren't starting the hike until at least 8:00 AM. Usually, I'd want to start that trail by 6:30 or 7:00. But it is much more fun to hike with friends and since we went out for dinner and drinks the night before, a little extra time to sleep was appreciated. Man, though, did it get HOT.




(We all groaned when we saw this and realized it'd only been a mile since leaving the parking lot!)

(Finally, half way!)

I did not go prepared with enough water. Thankfully, the "event coordinator" brought tons of extra water. Still, I'm pretty sure I ended up dehydrated. My legs cramped up afterward in a way I've never experienced even on the 3 day. The view and the fun times shared make the trek more than worth it. Though honestly, I'd rather go up that hill than down it!


(Not really an over-dramatization...we were really wiped out here!)


(Yes! Finally down the hill and back to the cars! Turn on the AC, stat!)

I am glad I've been training on hills so much since moving to Oceanside but really, I'd like to get a bunch more in before conquering that bad boy again!

Monday Rest
Tuesday 4 miles Easy walking
Wednesday 30 minutes Moderate cross-training
Thursday 5 miles Moderate walking
Friday 45 minutes Easy cross-training
Saturday 14 miles Easy walking
Sunday 10 miles Easy walking