WV

This past Saturday, I set out to Rock Canyon with hopes of completing a 32-mile loop I had mapped out on Strava. The success of this run hinged on whether Squaw Peak Road was still buried in snow or if enough had melted to allow a clear passage. I knew one section would be challenging, so I cautiously made my way to where I hoped the snow would have ended.
Unfortunately, by the time I reached the point where I could assess the snow coverage, I had come too far to turn back. I continued trudging through miles of snow, mud, and thorns for what felt like about four hours. Once I finally hit dry trail, the sun exposure, amplified by the snow, had zapped my energy. I had to cut the run short.
I made my way down to the bottom of Spring Canyon and, for only the second time ever, had to call an Uber to bring me back to my truck. I could have slogged back, but I was out of time and needed to get home. Overall, I was out there for a bit over six hours and completed 22 of the 32 miles I had planned. It was still valuable time on my feet, and I encountered a level of suck that typically doesn’t arise until many more hours of running.
I ended the week with 66 miles and just over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. I have one more big week of training before tapering off heading into Bighorn, so here's to one more big adventure. Please like and subscribe!

[@03bruisercat]

There is no such thing as a waste of time run. This makes you stronger in more ways than one!!

[@psillyrunner8650]

You’re damn right. Just hard to appreciate in the moment haha

[@wetwoodchuck]

We've all done this. Micro view...maybe economically inefficient waste of precious weekly time, however the lesson learned on a Macro level will be show its value in future adventures. Keep up the consistency!

[@psillyrunner8650]

Thanks Greg! It will definitely be valuable to know to go somewhere else this weekend for my long run 😂😂 I guarantee I get my 30 miler this weekend 🏔️🏃🏼

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Brother, I’m positive the majority of us watching have been through this same situation in our training. This grind will pay off and give back to you in your training, you got this trust the process. Of course when I do this I feel the same as you on this journey, I’m like 🤬 then I remember hey I’m outside and moving life is good. I feel your struggle, sending you positive vibes 🤙🏽

[@psillyrunner8650]

Never that bad of a time when you’re in the mountains 🏔️ Some are just tougher than others. I’ll definitely put this one in the bank for Bighorn! One more big long run to go 💪🏻

[@Sonatafade]

I know you, and I know your mental is stronger than the training mistake and any lost mileage before a big race. You'll overcome this my man.

[@psillyrunner8650]

I still had a good week overall. Just bitching in the moment haha 😂

[@SeeChadRun]

Trails look stellar! They're beautiful with all the spring growth. This may not have been your ideal run, but it certainly seemed like an adventure. I remember a run that I did (video on my channel "Trail Running to 12,000 ft") we're about 10 miles were some serious snowy post-hole trekking. Not ideal, but it was a pretty memorable run in the end.

[@psillyrunner8650]

It was definitely an adventure! And now I know to avoid that area this weekend haha 😂

[@eric-running-to-chamonix]

If it's any consolation, this got me to hit that Subscribe button. I can definitely relate to an expletive-laden long run due to conditions.

[@psillyrunner8650]

Haha I definitely yelled a few choice words out there. A man can only get so sunburned without yelling something