A Weekend for the Record Books

This weekend started off with a race to the finish. No, literally, I was racing to the finish line of the Craft Brew Race-Stowe 5k. It was actually 3.6 miles, but whateves, it was still my personal record for a race. I did behave like an amateur and sprinted out the first mile. Haven't ran a 6:16 mile since I was 18. That's a full minute off my best mile! Best part, you get to sample craft brews after! Win-Win. Although I was bummed I didn't have my running accomplices due to injury and travel, I was excited that the injured one was waiting at the finish line, cheering me on while running (and later sipping my brews). We discussed how organized the race was, the great selection of craft breweries present, and how awesome it would be with a group of friends. New mission: con(vince) all my friends that they must do this race series with me at their Waterville Valley location.

There I am with my sweet medal and a coconut porter from Bent Hill Brewery...one of my favorite brews of the day! Oh and that skirt, a pre-race/end of school present from the boy. I'm obsessed with it. Most light weight, comfortable thing I've ran in, like, ever. Not to mention it's totes ADORABLE!

So running took up Saturday, but the whole point of this blog (HIKING) that happened today. It's my last weekend living in VT until I trek east to set my summer roots in the White Mountains of NH, and what better way to spend it then in the sunshine at the peak of a mountain! I hiked Mt. Hunger from the Waterbury side. It's super easy to get to. If coming from Waterbury just take 100 N until you pass Ben & Jerry's (resist stopping until AFTER  the hike!) Then take your first right onto Guptil Road, follow it straight until you come to an intersection. Turn right onto Maple Street, go by the fire station, turn right onto Loomis Hill Road and cruise all the way to the top until you see a parking lot on your right. Wham bam, slap on your shoes (if you're like me and wear flip-flops EVERYWHERE), and get ready for some amazing views!

I trekked up the two mile trail, which was SUPER muddy after a week of rain. I mean, seriously, it was like mini rivers were flowing in some sections. Now, this hike is listed as advanced and I'm guessing it's because of the class two rock scrambles towards the top. Now maybe I have a different idea of difficult/advanced because I'm a White Mountain girl, but I found it fairly easy/moderate. I mean, I didn't stop once for a sip of water and let me tell you I was jittery from all the caffeine I had consumed prior to the hike. I also saw all sorts of folks on the trail: people in jeans, people with kids on their backs, kids, old folks...all walks I tell ya! But who cares about the people I saw...let's talk about the meat of the hike: THE VIEW! It was ah-mazing! I could see Camel's Hump, Stowe (aka Mt. Mansfield), the Presidentials (made my NH heart happy), and I believe there were glimpses of the Adirondacks over in NY in the distance (but I could totally be wrong...why doesn't someone make an app that tells you what mountains you're looking at. Like, seriously, someone, get on that!) 

Oh...hey, Camel's Hump! Don't you worry, you're on my list of hikes!

Overall I'd chalk this up to one solid weekend even if I couldn't spend it with my dad on Dad's Day (Happy Dad's Day, Dad!) I'd highly recommend either or both of these events to anyone who's into running/brews/hiking/athletic endeavors.