2023 Outdoor Activity Summary

And another year of exercise came to and end. Overall a new record of overall millage, probably due to my retirement in May.

On the running front highlights included the Uwharrie Marathon in March, the Ridge to Rails Half Marathon in June, the Iron Mountain 16 Miler in September, the Medoc Mountain 10 Miler in October and the City of Oaks Half Marathon in November. Most weeks I ran Mondays at Trophy Brewing and I frequently joined the Wednesday run out of Raleigh Brewing as well as some Thursday and Saturday runs with the Raleigh Trail Runners. Despite specific goals I realized in early December I could beat the 1,535 miles I achieved in 2017 which I accomplished on December 31 by 0.6 miles.

Biking was also really enjoyable throughout the year. Some weekend greenway trips with friends riding from Clayton to Raleigh and many rides from home to the local brewery. I only mountain biked about 200 miles, but always at interesting spots such as Old Fort, Lake James, Medeoc Mountain and of course Williamson Preserve, just two miles from my house.

Lastly, I am grateful for all the hiking, camping and backpacking trips this year. The highlight was certainly the 160 mile Arizona Trail hike in the fall, but several hiking weekends at Medoc Mountain, Stone Mountain, Hanging Rock, Raven Rock and Pilot Mountain State Parks were very enjoyable as well. I also participated in three Raleigh Trail Runner weekends going to Old Fort, Lake Lure and Damascus as well as the two very memorable trail work weekends in Old Fort.

Main highlight for 2024 will be a four day backpacking trip through the High Sierra in Yosemite. Hopefully, the snow has substantially melted before this trip in late May.