When you know your training trail like the back of your hand you know you're training well. I figure I actually know Mailbox better than the back of my hands. And given how much time I spend with my hands on a keyboard that's a pretty good sign.
Knowing the trail means I know where to push hard and when to take a breath. I know where it gets steep and where it gets STEEP. Such familiarity has allowed me to develop a strategy for the trail that helps me get the most out of the climb.
At the same time, that same familiarity breeds contempt. A whole lot of contempt. Especially for the lower sections of the trail where the forest seems barely alive. That's why I often hike it in the dark with my head down, breathing hard.
Thankfully, the upper section of the mountain makes up for the dreary section below. Plus it's some of the steepest terrain and the best training for big mountains, especially in the snow.
Still, I can't wait for the snows to recede so I can get back on some of those big mountains and put all this training to use.
