Fitness

  • Fitness,  Food,  Mountain Biking,  Restaurant Reviews,  Travel

    Mountain Biking in Klondike Bluffs, Moab, Utah

    Our last full day of the trip was an action-packed one. Jordan and I were on the fence about renting mountain bikes during the trip, but decided to go for it on the last day. We were in Moab, after all, where some of the best and most famous mountain biking trails are located. Our hotel was also right across from the best bike rental shop in Moab, Poison Spider. The night before we picked out and got fit for our bikes. I chose an Ibis Mojo HD3, an extremely high end, 27.5 wheel size, carbon fiber, full suspension mountain bike. We asked our friends who had come to Moab previously…

  • Fitness,  Race Re-Cap,  Races,  Running,  Trail Running

    Summer Solstice 14K Trail Run

    Last Wednesday Jenna and I went down to Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve near New Paltz for the Summer Solstice 14K trail race. It was the perfect night. The race started near the upper parking lot and ran uphill to Castle Point. It was straight uphill for 3.5 miles. From there, it goes back down back to the start making a big loop. It’s part of the same course as the After the Leaves Half Marathon that they hold in November. Jenna and I took a van down with the Albany Running Exchange! It was nice to not have to worry about driving down so late in the afternoon. The race started at…

  • Fitness,  Race Re-Cap,  Races,  Running,  Travel

    Shipyard Maine Coast Half Marathon

    Back in the fall I signed up for my 5th marathon, the Maine Coast Marathon, as well as the half marathon, in the same weekend. After months of slacking on training (I only did two back to back long runs, I was supposed to do them every other week), I wasn’t sure I was up for the 39.3 challenge. My goal for the weekend was to run the half marathon on Saturday conservatively to save energy for the next day, have fun, and to feel good. I wanted to finish the half and then evaluate for Sunday. I didn’t tell many people I was running both races because my head…

  • Fitness,  Hiking,  Trip Report

    Spruce Mountain Firetower

    When attending the last metabolism class of the semester (or ever) became optional yesterday, my good friend from school Krista and I decided to hike Spruce Mountain. Located just outside Saratoga in Corinth, it was a quick one hour drive from Troy. The trail itself was great-not too rocky and not too steep. It would be great for beginners! In about 36 minutes we were at the summit. Unfortunately there are no views unless you climb the tower. I think the tower itself is fairly new. There are windows inside that provide protection from the wind. It was a great little hike! Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Distance 2.8 mi RT…

  • Fitness,  Hiking,  Trip Report,  Uncategorized

    Winter Hike: Cat and Thomas Mountain Preserve

    If you are looking for a nice hike not too far from the Albany area, check out Cat and Thomas Mountains in Bolton Landing, near Lake George. It’s about an hour from Albany and the hike itself is pretty easy! The trail follows an old road for a while, and eventually re-routes into the woods for a little bit. It is a gentle incline. There wasn’t much snow on the ground, but the trail was covered in ice! Thank goodness for microspikes! We took the yellow trail to the summit of Cat Mountain first. The summit is expansive and has great views of Lake George! We ate a snack and…