Day 3,451—Difficult Trails Discovered—

The trails around Whitecliff Park have always been there, and while I have traveled on the main parts of the trail, I didn’t really know how much was out there. One time I remember doing more and looking at the map, only to see there was still a lot I didn’t do. In the end, I was running around 2 miles per lap and happy with some sections. There were at least four extremely steep hills. With one even having a rope you could use to climb if needed, these are the kinds of trails that are so familiar, mostly reminding me of what it is like on Lone Elk or on the Shippey.

         I was struggling to manage an 11- to 12-minute mile on the trail, but at the same time, I was happy it was so difficult that it was causing me to go so slow. Even when there weren’t hills, there were so many rocks, roots, and fallen trees to navigate. I shouldn’t be happy that there isn’t much upkeep on this trail, but I am. It is a worthy challenge, and it is a boon it is so close to my house. I can get there in 3 miles.