When we were in Maui last year, Langer and I drove to the summit of the Haleakala Crater. I remember it so well for so many reasons. Primarily because of the altitude sickness. It knocked me for six. One minute I was cruising along in the rental Jeep-of-Glory, then next I was passed out with a monster headache...
Secondly, because it felt like we would drive in the clouds and the rain forever, but then, when we least expected it, we burst through the clouds and there we were...10 thousand feet above sea level, right on top of the world. It literally took my breath away.
Haleakala means "House of the Sun" ...check out these pics and you'll see why..
It was my first hill session in about a year. I knew it would hurt and it did. It hurt. Did I mention that i really hurt...?
Before you get all funny on me, I'm not about to draw a metaphor about ascending the Haleakala Crater and running Reabold hill.
That would be a totally bollocks analogy.
No, I just remembered the trip while I was running and wanted to share it because it was one of the most amazing things I've ever had the pleasure of seeing.
So back to this morning. Reabold hill is NOT a volcano. It is Not 10 thousand feet above sea level. At 93 metres high, it's the tallest peak on the Swan Coastal Plain. The track I run there is the old road that used to be single lane but both ways.
Anyone who grew up around that area like I did, will know it well. Now, the road is a running, walking and cycle track. It's 800ms to the top and it's steep as bro..
This morning I knocked of circuits ascents. It hurt but it felt good. And when i got to the top, I could see the whole city. Such a beautiful morning as the sun came up, and rather than being a hot, stuffy morning, the air was clean and crisp. In a word stunning.
And even though it hurt like a poke in the eye with a blunt twig, it was one of those mornings that made me so glad to be a runner.
Have an amazing week.
Chat soon
GT
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