Periodically I like to insert “repeats” into my training. I will select a difficult day hike and see how many times in a row I can do it in, at a much faster pace than hikers. Not only is this a good physical challenge, but it is a significant mental challenge. My theory is that if I can toughen up myself mentally too, when times get tough during a long race, I will be less likely to quit. Instead of quitting, you figure out how to continue on with a memory and assurance that with adjustments things will improve. With “repeats” it is easy to quit because you come back to your starting point, which is a way out toward rest and comfort.
For me, the rules for summit repeats include starting at an established trailhead, climb to the summit and then return to the trailhead. Then do it again, and again. Past repeats I’ve accomplished have included my repeats on Mount Timpanogos, the most consisting of five consecutive summits (24,000 feet of climbing in 70 miles). I’ve also accomplished Kings Peak (highest peak in Utah) repeats, accomplishing two consecutive summits, which I have done on three different occasions (9,000 feet in 52 miles). All three times I hoped to do three summits, but just didn’t have the mental push to run it one more time. Behind my house, I did four consecutive summits of Lake Mountain (12,000 feet of climbing in 36 miles). Others have tried to match or beat some of these accomplishments, but so far the records are safe.
As the snow melts from the tops of the mountain and late spring arrives, I shift my training from long runs on lowland terrain to climbs into the mountains. This Saturday I was interested to start doing some serious vertical training and I selected Y Mountain above Provo, Utah, as my destination for doing repeats. See good article on the Y mountain trail.