Nordman Adventures
My journey in trying to balance a sedentary job with some workouts and a crazy-busy family.
I run because I fear the day when I can't.
2020 North Country Trail 100 mile Challenge mileage total: 7.12
2023/10/10
2023/04/23
2023/03/19
2023/02/26
2023/02/25
2023/01/28
2023/01/01
2022/10/01
Interloken Trail
Didn't feel great. Got a late start, so I was pushing the pace on the way north. This caused me to miss a turn and head down the gorge Trail which really threw me off. I had also set my watch on ultra track, and it was giving me all sorts of screwy readings, like a 2 minute kilometer, and told me my total distance was 13 km. But clearly from the way back, much shorter. But I made it to a new trail, saw some people, a very cool owl, and was able to continue to test my setup. The Solomon boots still agitated my right ringtone, but on the way back I had moved my insole and added a second layer of sock and it was no problem. Something I can fix going forward, instead of buying another pair of boots.
2022/09/19
M13 Finish and M12 start
- Body is still capable, but sore today. Lost 4 pounds - can I keep up the activity to get into better shape???
- Almost tricked myself mentally into night hiking on the road because I was worried about water, but I stayed sane and stuck to the original plan. That was best.
- READ NOTES on the back of the map - I walked right past a pristine source in someones yard because I wasn't paying attention and didn't read the details.
- Hydration pump of the MSR Miniworks is still the king - wouldn't change it for any of my other options. Should have brought more purification pills, though. And more than 1L of extra water since the tablets take 4 hours to work. Also worried about purifying water instead of just filtering - why?
- Hammock & underquilt were fine - I was mostly too hot at night tbh.
- Boots were fine on the roads. Toes rubbed on the downhill so might look at using liners or thinner socks next time.
Things I learned this trip:
- Actually SIT in the hammock and test setup before night time. I chose a small tree and although it didn't break, it bent enough that I was on the ground as soon as I got it. Fortunately there was an alternate not too far away, but it was night time and I didn't want to do too much adjusting so I ended up with a ridgeline so tight you would walk on it. But everything held for a good nights sleep. I did lose one tent stake, though.
- Plastic / wooden spoons won't burn your mouth.
- A chair / stool is a good idea, even if there's a lean-to because you can sit off the floor in the rain.
- Poop before it rains!
- Always bring some form of soap! My hands were sticky, even after I used a shower wipe and it made sleep annoying for a while. Also good to have so you can clean up before getting into the car.
- Speaking of the car, just put dry clothes and a large garbage bag aside for whoever picks you up. Then you don't have to carry them and you won't get their car all gross.
- Bring deo or something to prevent underarm chafing. Not a problem this time, but good reminder.
- Lastly, check water sources before hiking! Was going to refill at Birdseye Hollow park, but there was enough of an algae bloom that I chose against it. Fortunately there was another water source on the route, but I definitely got lucky.
- Brought a 1L bottle of water as backup to my 2L bladder. It was a LITTLE close, but overall I was fine. If I'm going to have a 2L bladder, I should have a 2L backup. The purification tablets take 4 hours which is about how long it takes me to go through 2L.
- Didn't bring many extra clothes, but STUPIDLY work cotton t-shirt and shorts. Sweat just would not stop running.
- Don't forget to wring out your sweat cloth.
- Water is often not easy to get to and very likely you will get wet / muddy trying to gather some for you to filter. The long hose on the miniworks was awesome - maybe get a longer one!
- REALLY too close on food. The one Green Belly I brought was eaten around 2pm on Sunday. Then I was down to 2 dehydrated meals. Turned out fine, but having ZERO food for snacking on the trail was moronic.
2022/04/29
Double Back Again...
Last weekend I did this hike in my Trail Runners. Today I went in my Salomon boots. My knees seemed more sensitive to the downhill today, but I also did a hard bike ride yesterday and also mowed the lawn last night. So it's unclear if the boots helped, hindered, or had no effect. Wearing the boots makes one feel more protected, but because of that I paid less attention to the trail and I think my steps were bigger. I don't think the trail runners nor the boots had insoles aside from the factory provided so that may be the next evaluation step. Might be able to go again on Sunday.
2022/04/26
Finally Out Again
- La Sportiva sneakers & thin knee-length compression socks
- ZPacks gaiters
- SMD Flight 30 UL
- Hummingbird Hammocks Single+, tree straps, & Martin bugnet
- EE Apex Enigma
- Kammok UL Weather Shelter
- Didn't bring towel, trekking poles, handkerchief, or pack hangar
- La Sportiva sneakers & padded ankle-length Darn-Tough socks
- ZPacks gaiters
- SMD Minimalist
- Hummingbird Hammocks Single+, tree straps, & Martin bugnet
- This time I remembered trekking poles and pack hangar (see pic below)
- La Sportiva were fine, though not as comfy as when I first tried them on and my toes were a bit sore on Sunday from the down hill. Should try downhill again with thin socks to see if that changes things. But on Saturday, felt like my feet slipped around way too much with the thin socks.
- ZPacks Gaiters - AWESOME. Even on Sunday, with ankle socks, they stayed above the calf the entire time.
- HH Single+ - continues to be comfortable and I had a decent nap in it with just an UL inflatable pillow.
- EE Apex Enigma blue / gold - perfect for the weather on Saturday which was cloudy & spots of rain.
- Backpacks - I don't like how little structure the UL / frameless packs have. It doesn't stand up when it's on a flat surface. It's harder to pack because it flops around so much. I hate how it's right on my back which soaks up my sweat and makes me hotter, faster. And the roll-top is only useful when you've got a bunch of food that you are working through over several days - it's not like the gear itself gets smaller.
2021/10/27
Injury - Lower L back
Back has been "off" since I did some squats after the ADK high peaks hiking. But Monday I took a little nap in my usual place and woke in bad shape. One Chiropractor appointment on Tuesday, rest at home, ice / heat, stretching, and hopefully another on Thursday. Hopefully tomorrow will do the trick as we have to go to the Dome on Sunday for band and also pick up Annie.