Bergen Peak - Upper Loop

Typically today would have been another hard running day, but within the first few steps out of the steps out the front door I could tell today's run up the Bergen Peak loop was going to be sub-par...and it was.


Time:  1:30
Distance: 8.7 miles
Effort: Easy
Body: Poor
Weather: Sunny & hot


I had hoped the mile-long downhill road run to the Elk Meadow trail system would shake out the heaviness I felt walking out the door. But, it didn't. Once I stepped onto the trails, I just resigned myself that this was going to be "one of those runs"...a character-building run.


I jogged up Painters Pause, over to Meadow View and up to the intersection with Too Long. I hung a right on Too Long and ran the Too-Long - Bergen Peak Trail upper loop on the flanks of Bergen Peak. I just ran steady, pausing here and there to yank up blooming Russian or musk thistles growing trailside (trail users are active spreaders of this invasive plant, so they often thrive trail-side...and at this time of the year they are just about to release seeds).

Looking down on Elk Meadow from the hilltop behind my house.

I hit the intersection with the Summit Trail in a sloth-like 55 minutes. I found little physical solace in the descent down the Bergen Peak Trail. Even the downs were a bit of a slog today. 


I returned home via Meadow View, Sleepy S and the neighborhood connector trail.


Off for a few days of camping.