Numbers lie. It’s as simple as that. Some days can be 22 miles and will feel like a cake walk. Other days can be 22 miles and will feel excruciating. Like every step is a battle. Today was the later. Even though i gained less elevation than the day before. It was an excruciating day. 

I had slept decently well in the cold night and had no new injuries that popped up. The distance didn’t scare me and neither did the elevation gain. But from the first climb, the steps required were just harder than they should’ve been. I found myself stopping on climbs, bent over trying to catch my breath.

I thought I turned the day around at lunch time when I sat along a beautiful river, soaking my feet as I ate. I even took a minute to rinse out my sweat soaked clothes. As I put my ice cold clothes back on, I felt ready to go. 

But then I hit the first climb and was immediately back in the same exhausted place as before. I settled in and just gutted my way to camp. I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to make it to the camp dad had ended up at. But eventually, I dragged myself there.

I could barely keep my eyes open over dinner and found myself in the hammock before it even got dark. Hoping for an easier day tomorrow. 

Key stats:

Miles: 22

Elevation gained: 5,200 ft

Mile marker: 1625

Energy left: 0