Training Season Kick-Off: O.D. on the A.T.

There is a section of the A.T. that runs from Williamstown to Rt 9 above Bennington, VT. Yesterday a group of us ran from campus and started up the trail just as the heat waves started crashing onto the hills. We began with 70 degree temps and ended above 80 which was quite a shock to the nordic system, but fortunately there were several streams and lakes along the way - and even snow patches on the high hills! - to help cool us off.
17 miles was tough this early in the spring, but the woods, early flowers, and hilltop scenery was gorgeous enough to keep us truckin'.
Today a couple of us raced in a "Run for the Cure", which is a benefit for cancer on a course that hits every steep hill near campus in a 2.5 mile loop. Another hot day, above 80 degrees - so a post-race jump in the Green River was a must! Atay was second, Mojo third, Robby just behind. Meanwhile, Aubrey booked past the recreational walkers for a women's win.

The first 1.5 miles up to the top of Pine Cobble were the steepest: Dimitri, Evan ,Erik hoof it up the hill.

Evan and Keith run through the woods just at the Vermont border

Erik takes a breather

Evan tries to get a view of where we are

Keith looks across the valley from a high point

Snow patches from the early week storm provide delicious material for Gatorade slushies

The trail had a lot of fallen limbs and trees from the winter - fun obstacle course

Aubrey takes a cool-off dip in a beaver pond along the trail.

Evan in the shade of a beaver tree and lodge.

The last half mile was a doozy to tired legs and knees: straight downhill on stone steps.

Cooling our legs in the river at the end

The finish at Route 9 and looking forward to icecream. . .