JustKev.in  •  From Lazyman to Ironman, one inactive guy's journey to triathlete (and everything else under his beer helmet.)
March 24th, 2010 | 1 views | 4 Comments »

Roan Mountain Trip

This past weekend’s trip to the Roan Mountain Highlands was fantastic.  I joined Melissa, Althea (my dog), Andrew, Karen, Chad, Stephanie, Tyler, Chris and Aaron for a trip to summit 3 of the peaks on the SB6K list of 40 peaks in the southern appalachians that are over 6,000 feet in elevation.

The weekend started late Friday night when Melissa and I drove up to the trail head and arrived around midnight.  We slept in the car with Althea and ended the short sleep at 5:30 to get ready to start hiking.  Andrew and the others arrived around 6:00 and we set off on the hike a little after 6:30.

Althea

We first summited Grassy Ridge Bald.  This hike is phenomenal.  Especially with perfectly clear skies and the sun rising over the mountains in the distance.  Almost a surreal, inspirational experience that reminded me (not that I needed it) of why I do these things.  To experience such a beautiful landscape is a feeling for me that I cannot put into words.

Sunrise on the way to Grassy Ridge Bald

The group minus Melissa (photographer)

Self Portrait

This was an out and back trail that brought us back to the cars.  After finalizing our packs for the rest of the trip, we set out in the other direction for the second peak, Roan High Knob.  This peak was 100 feet or so away from the Appalachian Trail Shelter that we were to sleep in on Saturday night.  The peak itself was somewhat disappointing with no sweeping views; not even a sign or marker to tell you of your accomplishment.  We made it a little more interesting, thanks to Melissa’s camera angle.

Me "climbing" to the summit

Andrew "climbing" to the summit

Lunch cooking!

Roan High Knob Shelter

After some lunch, we set out for the third peak, Roan High Bluff.  At this point in the day, the snow had warmed up quite a bit and very often, we would find that a foot would randomly fall about 3 feet into the snow.  This made the hiking much more difficult than we thought it would be.  Once we reached the third summit, we were all exhausted.  We made it back to the shelter and even experienced some trail magic: a timely encounter with a snow plow!

On the top at Roan High Bluff

Stuck in the snow again...

Yay for the snow plow!

Check out the massive amount of snow there!

That night, we ate dinner, sat around a warm fire and generally celebrated the day.  We hiked down the next morning and in the end, hiked 12.62 miles in 8 hours, 19 minutesand had a total elevation gain of 3,202 feet.  It leaves me with one question: when’s the next trip?

Me (with my right leg in the snow) & Althea

An awesome bench and "wall" of snow that Chris and Chad built

A very warm fire!

Categories: Hiking/Camping
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March 24th, 2010 | 0 views | 4 Comments »

welcome to the new and improved justkev.in!

Thanks to Jeff and Melissa, I have a great looking blog!  If anyone out there needs any type of graphic design done, whether it is a birth announcement or a photo book for wedding memories, Melissa Oyler Designs is certainly the place to go.  I am constantly amazed by what talent my sister and her husband have for these things.

A word on the new header, the photo on the left is from the Cane Creek Triathlon, the middle photo is from the Assault on Cherokee Triathlon, and the photo on the right is of me finishing my first marathon (hence the stupid big smile!)

Categories: Melissa Oyler Designs
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March 17th, 2010 | 0 views | 4 Comments »

Roan Mountain!

250px-Roan_RhodiesWith only 2 days to go before I leave for Roan Mountain, I am getting very excited.  I have been going through my pack and trying to think of anything I have left out.  As Andrew pointed out, I failed to list a bear bag on my previous post.  I use the waterproof stuff sack that I pack my food in as my bear bag.  I also bring an Opsak to store food in that makes it undetectable if used correctly.  The bear bag will be hung in a tree far from our campsite to keep the bears away!

What have I missed?

Categories: Hiking/Camping
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March 16th, 2010 | 0 views | 3 Comments »

Daylight Savings Time – A Positive Side

homer_running-754097Yesterday evening as I was driving home from work, I realized that since the time change over the weekend, I would have a little extra daylight and thought, “why not go for a run?”  So I cleared it with my wife and set out.  I wanted to do 3 miles, but my shins have been giving me a little trouble since I started getting the mileage back, so I was prepared to cut it short if need be.  The other challenge with this run is that I was to run in my neighborhood and it is pretty hilly.  The first mile went pretty easy, but the second one included more hills and I was feeling it.  Not so much with the shins, but just overall fatigue.  So I decided to bust through that and I was able to keep stride with no walk breaks for 3.1 miles (made it a 5K to see what my time is) in 28:17.  See all the stats from the Garmin 310XT here.

I will plan to get another run in, perhaps on Wednesday.  Today and Thursday are Jillian workouts!

Categories: Triathlon Training
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March 15th, 2010 | 0 views | 3 Comments »

4 days to go!

ENOWith only 4 days until we set out for Roan Mountain, things are coming together.  Final plan is to meet up with Melissa, and she, Althea and I will drive up to the trail head on Friday night.  Andrew and his crew will meet us Saturday morning and we will start hiking no later than 6:30.  I got most of my things packed over the weekend and if I can keep Mia and Sadie from rummaging through my pack, I should have everything I need!

Categories: Hiking/Camping
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March 12th, 2010 | 12 views | 11 Comments »

Roan Mountain To Pack List

grassyridgeFor those of you that might think a back country hiking trip is intimidating, I hope to simplify the task by sharing my pack list.  This trip is a one night trip that includes sleeping in a shelter, so it is more or less a very light weight trip compared to those that require a tent and more food and clothing.  I plan to drive to the trail head the night before and be back at the car for breakfast the morning after we camp, so I will be able to leave some things in the car, too.  I will also bring my dog, Althea, along and she has her own pack to lighten my load (and expel some of her abundant energy!)

For my backpack:

  • Food/snacks (a little extra just in case)
  • Stove
  • Gas
  • Pot to boil water in
  • Spork (an all in one fork, spoon and knife)
  • Lighter, fire starter
  • Extra Clothes – socks, liners, underwear, undershirt, rain jacket
  • Pack cover
  • TP and shovel (for the special places…)
  • Multi-tool
  • Cordage
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water bottles, bladder
  • Steripen (water purifier)
  • Tripod
  • Camera
  • Sleeping bag
  • Hammock
  • Slap straps (to hang hammock)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Flashlight
  • Headlight
  • Spare Batteries
  • Summit/day pack

To wear when I set out hiking:

  • Hiking pants
  • Socks
  • Liner socks
  • Boots
  • Hiking shirt
  • Undershirt
  • Garmin watch

For Althea’s Pack:

  • Dog food
  • Leash
  • Dog bowl
  • Water bottles
  • Bear bell

To bring & leave in car:

  • Tent
  • Extra sleeping bag/pad
  • Cooler with water and Mountain Dew
  • Fleece Jacket, hat and gloves
Categories: Hiking/Camping, special places
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March 11th, 2010 | 0 views | 7 Comments »

Roan Mountain Trip

Next weekend, I will travel to the Roan Mountain Highlands to do some backpacking along the Appalachian Trail.  I will drive up late Friday night with Althea, sleep in my car and await Andrew and others to arrive early Saturday morning.

We will begin our hike east to Grassy Ridge Bald.  Then we will come back to the trail head and hike west to Roan High Knob.  We will then continue on to Roan High Bluff.  Each of these peaks are listed on the Carolina Mountain Club’s South Beyond 6000 list of 40 peaks in the southern Appalachians over 6000 feet.

Roan High Knob Shelter

Roan High Knob Shelter

After Roan High Bluff, we will return to Roan High Knob, where a shelter awaits.

I am extremely excited to be going on this trip and to this area I have not had the privilege to explore as of yet.

And of course, I will update my special places as well!

Categories: Hiking/Camping, special places
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March 10th, 2010 | 0 views | 8 Comments »

a new look at training

Last year, when I started swimming, biking and running, training for triathlons and running events, those three activities were all I really had time for.  This year, I am going to try something different and include fitness exercises on a regular basis to tone muscles not necessarily used directly in each of those activities.  The goal here is to advance my overall fitness and abilities.

One way I plan to do this is with the help, yet again, of the Wii.  You may remember that the Wii initially motivated me to become healthier and lose weight with Wii Fit.  This year, with the recommendation of my friend, Andrew, I will use Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010.  I am on my first week of the program, but it appears to really whip you into shape.  the workouts are intense circuit style and last nights consisted of:

  • Running (in place) ~5.5 minutes
  • 25 push-ups
  • 20 back kicks (1 rep consists of kicking leg straight back and “punching” with both arms then repeat with other leg)
  • 20 sledge swings (1 rep consists of swinging the Wii remote like you would a sledge hammer on one side of your body then repeat on other side)
  • 25 water pumps (holding Wii remote with both hands at your chin then squatting down bringing remote almost to the floor then back up)
  • 20 boat poses (half sit-up at the same time bringing both legs up to form a “V” with your body)
  • Quick stretching (knees to chest while laying on the floor)
  • Running ~5.5 minutes
  • 25 push-ups
  • 40 sledge swings
  • 20 back kicks
  • 25 water pumps
  • 30 sledge swings
Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels

This all left me completely exhausted, especially after running a little over 2 miles at lunch yesterday.  I will continue the 2-3 runs during the week and a long run on the weekends.  I will also try to cycle to work and home when the weather permits.  As long as I can get to the pool or lake, I should be set for the triathlon season fast approaching!

I have a hiking trip with Andrew and others coming up on 3/20/10 in the Roan Mountain Highlands.  I will certainly keep you posted on that with (I hope) wonderful pictures from the trip.  I am also looking forward to taking Althea along on the trip as well!

I look forward to what this training will add to my abilities.  And with a trainer that looks like that, how can you resist?

Categories: Hiking/Camping, Triathlon Training
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March 9th, 2010 | 0 views | No Comments »

Training Again!

After getting over back pain recently, I am excited to report that I have started running again as of last Sunday.  I ran/walked about 5.5 miles with Melissa.  I was also able to run today at lunch, but stopped after a little more than 2 miles because my shins got pretty sore.  The last thing I need is to start with too much mileage and get shin splints again!  Also, it is getting warm again and I am not used to the heat!

Another reason for this post is to spread the word about 344pounds.com.  Tyler is on his quest to lose a lot of weight and is doing a workout pledge.  So all of you get to his blog and comment/friend him, whatever to add more time to his workout!

Categories: Triathlon Training
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