Views From the Top
On Thursday, I was lucky enough to enjoy this view:
Taken from Yosemite Point, a side climb at the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. I'll have a separate post about it sometime.
On Sunday, I'll be taking in this one:
Vista near the summit of Mount Diablo, one of the biggest, baddest hills in Northern California ultrarunning.
The timing of these two occurrences probably isn't ideal; taking a six-hour hike on one of the most rugged trails in Yosemite National Park isn't exactly a recommended method of tapering for a tough 50-mile race. However, sometimes you just have to take these opportunities when they come along.
I don't really have lofty expectations for the Diablo race on Sunday. Like last year, I've pretty much treated this lead-up week as a regular training period, and this weekend's race will be opportunity to gague my fitness compared to this point last spring. I'll have somewhat dead legs, and I won't go as fast as I might be capable of, but I'll definitely enjoy the experience.
Just like it's not every day that someone gets to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, it's not every run that I get to journey up and down the slopes of Mount Diablo all day long. So when you get the chance to do such things, it's probably best to seize the moments when they come, and consider yourself grateful.
That's exactly what I'll be doing this Sunday.
Taken from Yosemite Point, a side climb at the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. I'll have a separate post about it sometime.
On Sunday, I'll be taking in this one:
Vista near the summit of Mount Diablo, one of the biggest, baddest hills in Northern California ultrarunning.
The timing of these two occurrences probably isn't ideal; taking a six-hour hike on one of the most rugged trails in Yosemite National Park isn't exactly a recommended method of tapering for a tough 50-mile race. However, sometimes you just have to take these opportunities when they come along.
I don't really have lofty expectations for the Diablo race on Sunday. Like last year, I've pretty much treated this lead-up week as a regular training period, and this weekend's race will be opportunity to gague my fitness compared to this point last spring. I'll have somewhat dead legs, and I won't go as fast as I might be capable of, but I'll definitely enjoy the experience.
Just like it's not every day that someone gets to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, it's not every run that I get to journey up and down the slopes of Mount Diablo all day long. So when you get the chance to do such things, it's probably best to seize the moments when they come, and consider yourself grateful.
That's exactly what I'll be doing this Sunday.
15 comments:
Actually the tallest waterfall in North America is James Bruce Falls in British Columbia. It is 310 feet higher than Yosemite.
I love how this mountain is not that tall but still delivers a good whuppin. I love how it's surrounded by other substantial looking climbs. I for one am not looking forward to seeing that one really steep downhill that leads to an aidstation, you remember, the one AS where we took a picture together. Good thing we don't have to go up it. See you Sunday! I'm still trying to figure an easy way to bring my camera.
Make sure you introduce yourself to me at some point-- I'll be at check-in, Juniper and then at the finish line helping out. Have a great race!
I figure You and Rick G will probably KICK Mt Diablo right in the arse....I really envy you guys with all that beautiful trail.
I can't believe that I'm a native Californian and I've never been to Yosemite! I must go!
Beautiful pictures.
Enjoy Diablo run...I've only ever hiked there. I can't imagine running it...it's so steep.
Have a good race! I need to roadtrip to norcal for a PCTR event one day!
Man, you've been posting a lot, I can't keep up reading! Pace, think Cougar thoughts and finish strong, like you can go another 20. At least:)
So Brian Wyatt tells me that Graham Cooper is going to ride 200 miles the day before. Big D we can take him! Here's our chance hahaha. That's so crazy. I know how I feel after 65-70 miles of hard riding the day before a long run. I can't imagine 200 then followed up by a 50 at Mt.Diablo. The further I go into this sport the more average I feel.
good luck on sunday!!!
Good luck! Diablo is so gorgeous this time of year, as is Yosemite. Way to take advantage of both!
Gorgeous views. Good luck and have fun this weekend!
Wow, the Yosemite photo is beyond spectacular!
Good luck at Diablo!
I really want to get back to Yosemite. I drove through the park as a kid, but it was kinda a one-day thing on the way to somewhere else. I'd love to spend a week there camping.
donald...good luck at diablo..Man, i have got to get to yosemite sometime too...
look forward to your post on the diablo...getting more and more into the trails.. loving it...
that's a gorgeous view! hope your run went well this weekend.
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