Mt. LeConte

My marathon training plan kicked off this week with a planned four mile easy run on Monday and six miles of hills today.  I missed both of these workouts.  But only a fool would not consider Sunday's 10-mile hike to the summit of Mt. LeConte a good replacement for those workouts, the adequacy of which can be felt even today in sore muscles.  Muscles are supposed to feel this way after that kind of workout, though - climbing from 3800 to 6500 in elevation - and it is a good, healthy feeling as they go through the process of repairing and getting stronger, not unlike having run a hard race.

There is always a benefit to be gained in good cross-training, and Sunday's glorious hike - on the most perfect day I remember for climbing this mountain - was no exception.  This was my 27th climb to the top - just me and Martha (who is in GREAT shape) this time - and I hope it will not be my last.