My fight song echoes through the mountains as I embark on another hiking adventure, this time along the CDT. It's a challenging trail, but I'm determined to keep going, and I've made some strategic decisions to ensure I can continue my journey.
Eastern Collegiates: A Different Perspective
One of the key choices I made was opting for the East Collegiate route. While the West Collegiates are often considered the official and more popular route, I had to consider my current physical condition. The West route is more demanding, with higher elevations and steeper climbs, which could be a real challenge for me this year.
I've learned from my previous hikes, especially my AT journey, that gaining trail legs and acclimating to different altitudes takes time. It took me over six weeks to consistently hike those 12-15 miles a day, and that trail was almost 10,000 feet lower than the CDT. So, I decided to be kind to myself and choose a route that suits my current abilities.
Adapting My Pace
Another adjustment I've made is reducing my daily mileage. As a thru-hiker, it was a tough decision, but I realized that pushing myself too hard could lead to exhaustion and potential accidents. I've always been a dawdling hiker, and my pace, even when in good shape, is around 2.5 miles per hour. Recently, I was thrilled to almost hit 2 miles in an hour on a flat section!
Climbing is even slower, and the thin air at higher elevations further slows me down. So, I've decided to listen to my body and camp earlier, even if it means I have hours of daylight left. My feet and body need rest, and I don't want to risk a fall on a steep traverse.
Navigating Elevation
The third strategy is to carefully plan my route, avoiding extremely high elevations. I've already tackled some passes and ridges over 12,000 feet, and while the slope might be gentle, the altitude makes it tough. In 2024, I had the advantage of being on the trail longer and had acclimated, but this year, I need to be more cautious.
For instance, the trail up Mt. Yale is steep, and the ridge crosses at around 11,920 feet. Instead of tackling that directly, I found an alternate route that goes around the base, adding a few miles but keeping me at a lower elevation. This will be my approach moving forward, ensuring I cover the distance but also staying within my body's current capabilities.
Looking Ahead
While I won't hit my original mileage goal for this summer's LASH, my plan for next year has always been to pick up where I left off last year and finish the remaining sections. So, this year's adjustments mean more hiking next summer, and I'll have the opportunity to prepare better at home and acclimate in New Mexico.
The Silver Linings
- My hip is feeling great, which is a huge relief!
- Town food is always a treat and a well-deserved reward.
- Most importantly, I'm still out here, enjoying the trail and the adventure.
So, while I've had to make some adjustments, I'm still pushing forward, and my fight song continues to echo through the mountains. Personally, I think it's all about listening to your body and adapting to the trail's challenges. It's a fascinating process of self-discovery and learning to work with, rather than against, the natural environment. What many people don't realize is that hiking is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, and these decisions are all part of that mental game.
