Runner coming on your right!
There are many reasons why I keep coming back to the Black Hills. It’s almost a place of therapy for me. The one place that I know will cure whatever is ailing. My family started vacationing here in the early 1970s and more recently, I have adopted the area as a getaway for myself.
A trip here, for me, is not complete without a run up Harney Peak. In fact, it is usually a daily occurance. A few trailheads that are located around the Sylvan Lake area will get you up there.
It has an old ranger station at the top and is the highest point east of the Rocky’s and west of the European Alps. At an elevation of 7,200 feet and a climb from Sylvan Lake of 3,000 – it is a gorgeous and challenging hike or run! The view at the top is awesome!
The trail that I always take to the top is the Harney Peak Trail (obviously) which is very rugged. It is shorter than others that will take you up there but is the best.
So rugged this trail is, I almost don’t recommend running it. There are some nice smooth sections but mostly it is rocky (big, bigger, and boulders) with thousands of tree roots jutting out. All pose hazards and you can easily trip or turn an ankle.
Hikers are recommended to take a first aid kit just in case. Runners? Well, stay alert, make sure your feet don’t drag and are quick, and most important – no whining! The last quarter mile seems to never end!
Coming down is the tricky and dangerous part. It’s only natural to open it up while going downhill. Here, you literally have to dance your way down with quick feet.
In all the years that I have run Harney Peak, I am proud to say that I have never hurt myself, and have only turned my ankle once – today. Nothing big – I ran through it.
Another hazard on this trail are hikers. It is a very popular trail so watch out for people, and an occasional horse (no mules, though). Hikers will see or hear you coming and get out of the way for you, but there is always that one who doesn’t.
I was coming up to a group of ladies at a good pace. Before I could say something, two of them saw me and said to the third, “Runner coming on your right, Janet.” Well, Janet bobbed to the left and then weaved to the right and I blessed her with a sweaty imprint of me on her back. Luckily, I had slammed on the brakes. She then proceded to give me an attitude. I was tempted but then just waved and moved on.
My personal record for running Harney Peak is 45 minutes. Today I did it in 55, thanks to some Jello legs, a turned ankle, and a hiker named Janet. But it was, as it always is, a great run.
One more stop on my trip. A little place called Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There is an 8K race there that I have been hearing about and thought that I might give it a try. I am predicting a 27:50.
Home and my bed are calling. Stay tuned for my last entry – it’s gonna be a big one! It is kinda sad to think that this is ending!
Notes from the road:
1) There is a hair salon in Hill City, S.D. that is named “Curl Up & Dye”. I thought that was an odd play on words for a business. And, actually, someone should check on the proprietors. All the years of coming here, I have only seen a closed sign up in their window.
2) Happy Birthday, Anna!
Road song of the day: “Not Home Yet” by Steven Curtis Chapman