December 28, 2011

Went out this morning and hiked 13 miles at Umstead state park with a 14 lb. pack and my new Oboz shoes.  Finished in about 5 1/2 hrs and had enough at the end to push the last uphill mile.  My feet were tired, but no blisters and no real pain, so I think they'll be keepers.  There were a couple of fast walkers in front of me who had no idea they were pacing me.  I closed the 100 yards between us by the end, then chatted for a few moments with a family of 4 kids who were out with their parents for a hike. 

Cheryl and I stopped in at REI on Tuesday when it was wet after a heavy rain and I've picked up a trail guide for the Uwharrie Moutains area an hour west of Cary.  People says it's really good training for the AT and the guide is full of hikes listed a Difficult or Difficult+ (whatever that means).  I guess that will be my destination in the near future.

December 25, 2011

No training today.  Merry  Christmas to all!

December 22, 2011

I was out on the trail again today for 5 miles at Umstead.  Yesterday I went shopping for some new shoes because I've been having a few problems with the pairs I've been wearing.  I went to REI and had them bring out all  of the size 14 low hiking shoes and cross-training shoes they had in stock.  Surprisingly, about 10 pairs were produced.  Then I went through them one at a time, trying them on, sending back the ones that fit my feet poorly, and taking a stroll through the store on anything that seemed like they might work.  The Keen trail shoes that I've been wearing have a high spot that's been bruising the outside of my right foot.  So I tried on another pair of the same style Keens, and the high spot was immediately evident as I walked through the store.  I don't think I'll be wearing those Keens again for a while.  I came home with a new pair of Oboz Sawtooth's -- a brand I'd never heard of before, and a pair of Vasque Juxt's, another brand I've never tried on before.  Shopping was an interesting experience.

Shoes today felt good on the soles and and arches of my feet, they seem to be slightly narrow around my little toes, but no major issue, and I expect that may improve as I break the shoes in.

December 20, 2011

Went out and hiked the trails in Umstead state park for 15 miles today.  Started at noon and ended at 5:30 pm with just a few rest stops to readjust my socks.  I think it's the longest distance I've ever walked in a single hike.  Tonight, I'm relaxing after having a few vitamin I (ibuprofen) tablets.

My daughter Rachel has helped me with a few photos, so I hope to liven this blog up  a little soon.

Supposed to rain here tomorrow, so we'll see about hiking or not.

December 18, 2011

Went out for a short training hike today.  Did the Company Mill Trail in Umstead State Park, about 6 miles with just a hydration pack, trekking poles and my pair of Keen trail runners.    Finished in 1 hr 45 minutes without much huffing and puffing on the uphill stretches and no stopping to catch my breath.   Training is paying off.

December 17, 2011

Hi.  I'm setting up this blog for family and friends who want to be able to follow my upcoming attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine.

I'll admit being new to blogging and there will probably be some changes at I learn.  Please bear with me.


Jerome