Two Peaks a Day

Do 2 peaks a day help keep the doctor away? Well, if your 52nd birthday is in a few months (like mine is) ... it may actually prompt a visit. My Memorial Day was spent on the peaks of Virginia at the Peaks of Otter. First Flat Top in 2 hours 12 minutes, immediately followed by Sharp Top in 1 hour 37 minutes for a total of 3 hours 49 minutes of actual hike time (not including time spent at the top). Considering that the recommended time for both was 8.2 hours total (5.2 hours for Flat Top and 3.0 hours for Sharp Top), I'd say we (my friend Tim and I) blew that away pretty substantially.

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But no visits to the doc for me fortunately. Used my new Komperdell Shock Light trekking poles (from REI) for the first time uphill/downhill and they proved to be extremely useful - both for powering up the inclines and cushioning my ankles and knees on the declines. Wouldn't hike without them. I used to think trekking poles were for the feeble, but not anymore. Had it not been for the trekking poles, the journey downhill would have been WAY more treacherous - especially on my ankles.
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How did I feel afterward? After the descent from Flat Top (the first peak - 1,500 ft elevation at an 11% slope), I felt exhilarated. After Sharp Top (the second peak - 1,300 ft elevation at a 17% slope), I felt totally expended. Even after training on inclines here in Richmond, hiking every Friday for 2 to 3 hours in the local state park, power-walking 5 times a week, and doing some power-walking on the beach, I still was very challenged, especially after the 2nd peak. Two days after, my quads are still aching, but it feels good. I did have some pains in the left foot/ankle that I could feel while driving home, but that has receded into the background. The back still hurts, but with moderate scoliosis and lordosis, this is pretty much the norm
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So here's what I took -

• A Camelbak Hogg hydration pack with a 100-oz reservoir
• A set of Komperdell Shock Light trekking poles
• A Bruton pedometer
• Four Mrs May's Trio (nuts, seeds, fruits) energy bars
• A small bag of dried cranberries and walnuts
• An apple
• A first aid kit
• Ibuprofen
• Mole skin
• An extra pair of moisture wicking socks
• A small digital camera. 

Fairly light and mobile.
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Now, I'm already thinking about the next power-climb. Hmmm ..., let's see, there's this mountain called The Priest that supposed to be the most challenging on the Appalachian Trail, and it's right here in Virginia. Total of 8 miles round trip and an elevation gain of about 3,200 feet (with a 15% slope). It just might do.