I’m originally from Florida. Before moving to California, I believed that “altitude” was basically anything on or above the second floor.
In preparation for the 2009 Gore-Tex TransRockies Run (which starts this weekend!), I decided to do some trail running and took on California’s Mount Diablo. My altitude training, before Diablo, has entirely consisted of the cool, stunning and rolling hills of the Marin Headlands. That being said, running Diablo was a huge wake up call.
along the trail
Low on water in 100 degree heat, swarmed by bees and horse flies, and out of Roctane, I reconsidered my decision to trail run a mountain named after the devil. I honestly felt like I was in hell.
Finally!
It took me a little over two hours to get to the top. I refilled on water, nursed my wounds, took some photos and bolted back down towards my car. 16 miles, almost 4,000 feet in elevation and some serious sun poisoning later, I was back down to the Floridian comfort zone – sea level.
I drove back to SF hysterically laughing. Mt. Diablo’s elevation is a joke compared to the roaring 12,000 foot peaks we’ll face in the Gore-Tex TransRockies Run.
It’s going to a grueling race. But, in its third year, its one of the most well-respected and best-supported stage races in the world. I couldn’t be more excited for such a tough endeavor. Needless to say, if the elevation doesn’t take my breathe away, the views surely will.
Off to Denver in the morning!
