Another hike, Another 100 Miles
We have officially signed up and started our county’s 100 Mile Ultra Hiking Marathon. This was a challenge they offered last year during the fall. This year, and for the first time ever, they have put together a 100 mile spring hike marathon. We basically have 3 months to get this done and friends, it’s starting rough.
We mostly hike hard on weekends to compensate for the fact that we can’t do too many hikes during the week. Last weekend, we started slow, doing just about 6 miles. We then caught what can only be concluded to be: the plague. I don’t know how we got this, but the baby went to bed rough on Tuesday and now, on Sunday, the illness has reached out to smack all of the children with its filth. No hikes this weekend. No hikes this week. We have until May 1st and it’s going to be a lot of grinding. But, that’s not the point of this post! I want to share some photos of the healthier times from just 7 days ago. Back when we could all breathe out of both nostrils.
We’ve started in the state park. So far, Runa, our 4 year old, has not asked to be picked up once AND she’s carrying her own bag! It’s basically a cheap fanny pack that we have cinched down and filled with Bluey bandages, her bandana buddy, a small snack, and a whistle. Thorrin, our 2 year old is also carrying her own bag, but she tires of it after a mile. I think it gets in her way because she’s wearing a giant coat and it slides from front to back too easily. Once we hit truly warmer weather, she’ll probably push herself a bit more to carry it, without the jacket interfering with her vision and her steps.
The big kids have been doing great as our official pace team. They are 11 and 14 years old. This makes them full of energy, constantly snacking, and fiercely proud of their speed. They do a wonderful job at looking back and measuring how the littles are doing; constantly adjusting and yelling out to us if we’re approaching a water crossing or slippery rocks. I think this gives them a job and makes them feel like a real team member, guiding their little sisters in and out of the woods.
We are excited for this 100 mile challenge. Last year’s Ultra Marathon was such a growing experience for our family. We had so many talks, not only on the trails, but also the drives out to every trailhead. It’s hard to have enough connecting time with each kid, especially when they are all at different stages. I mean, we have a toddler, a preschooler, a tween, and a teenager. They all have unique personalities, but they all come alive and play together on even ground when outside. The trails are just a way to make it happen with ease. I don’t have to convince a teen to put down a book and talk to her sister. I don’t have to tell a tween to put down the xbox controller and play little kid games instead. I’m not arguing with little kids to be patient with their big sisters either. We just say, “Hey, hiking time!” and they all immediately are 6 years old and chasing frogs and finding flowers and whispering about every discovery along the way. Not every family is like this of course, it’s just something that resonates with ours. I will always cherish these hikes.
Happy Hiking!
