FALL (and New Years 2021)

Yes, we have had all the seasons in the past few weeks.

It was a glorious fall this week, with a nice brown, 42 degree New Year's day (BYE 2020 ya fucker) And then, as is to be expected after fall, winter came back. 

It was a big mileage week, as I wished to complete enough miles for my own personal Dopey Challenge (48.6) A while back, Danielle and I thought we might complete it in its intended form (5k, 10k, 13.1, 26.2) to welcome in the New Year. However, we have both improved our adulting skills in the last 10 years, and each decided that it would be foolish to take on such a challenge. 

In the end, I concluded that I could probably tough out the distance over a weeks time, and I did, with a bonus mile added (I believe.) 

I had one of my better runs in a while, a 9 miles on New Years Eve. I ran an unusual route, kept a sup 9 pace, saw a trailer fall off a truck at 50MPH, and then went home to shuck oysters for Covid NYE. 

The one skill I perfected in 2020. Shucking. 

We got a 9 plus mile hike in on New Years Day, which was really refreshing. I had been almost a month without so much as a half day off (not winning at balance, at the moment) so it was extra great to get some time away from the grind. We had never done a Pierce to Eisenhower trek in the winter months, and it was a perfect day to hit two peaks. Eric and I are definitely hikers who really enjoy seeing old favorites. We are close to completing the New Hampshire 48, but are really in no rush. We like to hike where we want rather than live by a list, so that's what we do. 

And it was an amazing day. Temps in the 20's, sun, and only a tiny, gentle breeze on occasion. 

The whole family

I'm currently on day 63 of my run streak, and have very little intention to keep it up. 

This was a solid week for both the NEVERENDING Boston to Bar Harbor Challenge, with many bonus miles. I also held my own in the 202.0 challenge, which, as expected, is a fast and furious charge to the finish. Since I do not see many more 49 mile weeks in my future, I expect to fall in the standings rather than continue to climb. 

And, most importantly. 

2020 is over. 

Even the good times of the past year were overshadowed by a pervasive feeling of impending doom. It was a tough year in many ways. It was also a good year in many ways, but let's travel back in time one sentence to see why the good wasn't worth much fist pumping. 

2021 is not the magical cure for what is happening in the world. things are LEGIT bat shit crazy. But, I'm hopeful that we will begin to see the covid situation improving, as vaccines become available. 

Anyway. on to 2021 with much hope!

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running: 40.4

Hiking: 9.3

Total: 49.7

Warmest day: 42

Coldest day: 27, low of 16

Snow: 6" on the 2nd

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: 123/573 A 7 place improvement. And, I will confess, the first time in a while that I have been surprised to see such a small jump. With almost a 50 mile week I figured it would be better (but I could be getting into the fringes of the runners who run 50 miles weekly, no problem. I have not been keeping close track to the "competition" because this challenge is SO LONG.) 

202 Winter miles: 26/1302 (the top 14 people are all well over 100 miles)