Journey Runs

A few weeks ago I made a post the referenced my desire to take on some more journey runs during this coming year. As many of you know, before becoming an ultra-runner I was a hiker (Peak-Bagger). Over the last few years I find that I've been spending less and less time in the mountains and more and more time simply running. One of the whole reasons I started running was to see how many peaks I could bag in a day, or how far I could go. I'd like to take a step back during the coming year and reconnect my two outdoor avenues, hiking with running.

There are various popular journey runs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire that I've all ready accomplished. Runs like the Pemi-Loop, a 32 mile adventure through the Pemigewassett Wilderness covering almost 9,200' of elevation gain. Or the ever popular Presi-Traverse, a 23 mile adventure boasting over 9,000' of elevation gain over New Hampshire's presidential range including the states famed Mount Washington. I've done these adventures before, keeping track of PR's and it's likely I'll do both again in June. Another favorite of mine is the Mariah-Carter-Cats Traverse an 18 mile journey with over 7,000' of gain which I think is the most challenging of the three. So while I've completed these adventures before, and plan to do so again, I also have high aspirations of completing the below, listed in the order of my desire.

Kilkenny Ridge Traverse: 25 Miles w/???' of Gain.
Isolated, wild and rugged; the Killkenny ridge starts in one isolated hamlet and ends in another, going up and over two 4,000 foot peaks and a variety of smaller peaks. Moose frequent the area and some of the best "wild" views in the whites are here. I've been dying to do it for a few years now and its about time I take it on.

Kinsman Ridge Traverse: 17 Miles w/6,000' of gain.
From the tramway parking lot of Cannon Mountain to Kinsman Notch NH Route 112. This run is rugged for sure taking you up and over a variety of PUD's before finally dishing up some rock slab and scrambles over moss covered and typically drenched terrain over 3,500" of elevation.

Mahoosuc Notch Traverse: 31 Miles w/10,000' of gain.
Mahoosuc Notch is best known for being the toughest mile on the AT, even slowing Karl Metlzer to a near crawl during his summer adventure in 2008. I just want to see what everyone is talking about and try to throw, crawl and squeeze myself in and around those car sized boulders.

24 Hour Huts Traverse: 54 miles w/15,000' of gain.
Its a historical hike that used to be undertaken by hut crew members back in the day. Books and logs exists where the AMC workers would write their times down for historical reference and for a shot at friendly wager. Fast hikers have been known to challenge the 50 miles in under 24 hours... but how long would it take me? I wanna know.

Sandwich Range Traverse: 51 Miles w/??? of gain.
Not many folks know about this gem of a trip because its not a traditional loop or traverse. We'd start at the Waterville Valley Ski area and summit Tecumseh and the Osceola's, then take on the Tripyramids, Passaconaway, Whiteface, Sandwich Dome and Jennings Peak before heading back to the ski area parking lot via the road. Its a ball buster for sure.

These are just some of the ideas I have for traverse's. Others include the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway and the Mondadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Possibiltiies in New Hampshire are endless... and time is on my side. All I need are a few partners in crime. I guess what it really boils down to is this. So many people concentrate on the many races that criss cross this country when some of the most pristine and exciting adventures are not only affordable but right out your front door. Get out a map, scour the internet and make an adventure of your own.Then tell us about it... we'd love to hear about it.