My hiking buddy, Stacy, and I started our hike at 7:00 a.m. Both of us were feeling a bit under the weather but we were determined to summit. When we arrived, vehicles and several E-Z UPs filled the parking lot. A small crowd was there and everyone had the look of anticipation. We soon found out that we would be sharing the trail with runners participating in the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Race. Even some of the AC100 volunteers we talked to agreed that these runners were crazy!

We started up the switchbacks, trying to gain elevation as quickly as our bodies would allow that morning before the herd of runners but they were quickly upon us. Their bodies so streamlined along with their accessories.

The trail was their 15+ mile leg. They started in Wrightwood and would finish in Altadena, another 85 miles or so to go. That kind of commitment inspired me…if they could do 100 miles I knew I could push through my cough and fatigue to do my 8.7 miles, dammit!

Slow and steady we traversed over 40 switchbacks through serene woods. Stops were frequent, and not just to let the runners past. But that was okay. The weather was perfect, shade dominated our path, and the beauty of the forest was meditative. Seeing the ridge with the oldest tree in the San Gabriel Mountains finally emerge, gave us the boost to roll up the last switchbacks to the peak where we had an amazing 360 degree view.

The sky was a deep, deep blue. A breeze kept it cool. There were quite a few hikers at the top. Everyone buzzed with the sense of accomplishment. We lunched, took photos, chatted with a few folks, and even watched a glider airplane circle overhead for a few turns. It was an interesting morning.

Later at home as I was relaxing after a cold shower, a meal and adult beverages, I thought about those runners. They were still out there and would finish while I slept that night. Crazy or not, that’s badass!

Peak: 9,399 feet; approx. 3,000+ ft. elevation gain; 8.7 miles; 6+ hours. #sixpackofpeaks2018 #sixpackofpeaks #52hikechallenge #52hikechallenge2018 #hike31 #mountbadenpowell #nationalsummitday #fiercehikers