Left work early and got out with Jun for my first summit of Timp for the year. I told him that my expectations weren't too high since my legs were still feeling heavy from Saturday's race, so he let me lead out. My legs felt ok on the climb, all things considered. Apparently we were ahead of Jun's PR pace a couple miles into the run. Eventually though, I started feeling fatigued which was to be expected.
About half way up the mountain I told Craig to lead to show me the exact route he takes through some of the switchbacks. I've always taken the main trail the whole way and it know it's not the most efficient. After we got up into the top basin, Craig put the hammer down on the steep switchbacks below the saddle. I still just don't have that gear back on the steep stuff. Craig waited for a few seconds at the saddle and I pushed it hard and eventually caught him about a hundred yards past the saddle. But I was spent... Breathing hard, legs hurting, you name it.
We pushed it up to the summit to get in under two hours and my heart rate was maxed the whole way up from trying to catch Craig earlier. It was painful, but we made it. 1:57:50... Craig was about 30 seconds ahead of that. This was my first time going under two hours so I know I could cut off about 10 minutes on a day when my legs aren't so heavy.
The descent was long and painful. My legs ached, felt hollow, and just plain hurt the whole way down. It was not fun! Craig was dealing with some nausea, so between the two of us we were a sorry bunch. Time down was absolutely pedestrian... Something like 1:31. Still had fun out there though. How can you NOT have fun on that mountain?
BTW, the Timpooneke trailhead is closing for a month starting August 5th. If you want to get this route in, best do it in the next few days. Details HERE. | 