Date: 9/25/21
Training Days: 13
Miles: 14.75
Shoes: Chacos
Weather: Started off high-40s, ended high 70s

How It Felt: Fucking fantastic!

Commentary: Last night I ate like an asshole. A few of us went to our former boss’ house for a fish fry. I was still a wee full from eating an entire bag of salad and ice cream after my run. But I didn’t let that stop me!

I stuffed three pieces of perfectly fried fish in my face, along with a bratwurst, chips, dip, four cookies, and three beers. I’m surprised the button of my jeans didn’t pop off.

Back at the house, my husband and I laid upon the couch like beached whales, in pain and wondering why we’re too stupid to stop eating when we’re full.

I decided I needed to punish myself with a hike. Okay, punish isn’t exactly the right word since I love hiking, but you get the idea. I kept seeing pictures on Foosebook of this beautiful lake I wanted to check out for myself. Fifteen miles and 1,700 feet of elevation gain should help me work off some of that fish fry.

Before driving to the trailhead, I had to swing by the park I ran at yesterday to see if my heart rate monitor was there. My dumbass took it off at a picnic table and left it there! Luckily, it waited all night for my return.

When I started the hike I estimated it would take me about 5 hours and 15 minutes of hiking to do the whole thing. Add in some fuck off time, and I figured I’d be back at the trailhead in 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Starting off it was chilly. I hoofed it just to stay warm. I made it to the first lake in good time, passing two pairs of hikers along the way. I didn’t stop long at the lower lake because I wanted to spend more time at the upper lake.

The upper lake was absolutely gorgeous. I found a little spot on the shore to call my own. After a quick dip in the frigid water, I made lunch. Then I waded through the clay and water to get to a small island. It was quite the endeavor!

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After an hour of relaxing and exploring, I packed up and hit the trail. My goal was to average 3 mi/hr for the whole hike (hiking time only). On the downhills I jogged, and I kept a decent pace the rest of the time.

Right before the trailhead I found a nice, sunny spot by the creek. I stripped to my skivvies and soaked my legs in the ice, cold water. It felt sooooo amazing on my legs, like the water froze out all the soreness and tiredness.

I ended up hiking 14.75 miles in 4 hours and 45 minutes! The last seven miles oy took me two hours! Oh yeah!

After the hike I felt fucking amazing. For the first time in ages I did a long, solo hike. I’m grateful for all the wonderful folks I’ve met since moving to Idaho, but doing my own thing by lonesome for a day was pretty fucking nice.

And my Garmin said my training is still productive!

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