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Author Archives: Hollie

Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop (Appalachain Trail)

November 19, 2019 By in hiking Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop (Appalachain Trail)

Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop (Appalachian Trail)

Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle are supposed to two of the best views on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania.  They didn’t disappoint. Both points offered an endless view of the Leigh alley and surrounding areas.

Hiking the Pulplit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

Even though it was 25 degrees when we started, the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop parking lot was busy. When we started at 8 am on a cold day, we got one of the last spots. By the time we were done around 1 pm, the parking lot was filled and people were waiting. While we didn’t see an overwhelming amount of people on the  Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop, there were people out. To avoid the crowds for a day trip, hike the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop early. I didn’t realize it was a big tourist attraction too!

The Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop is about 9.1 miles and has 1300 feet in elevation gain. 

After you park at the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot you’ll follow the gravel road (blue-blazed) uphill where the hike starts.  While you can hike to either Pulpit Rock or on the Pinnacle Loop, for the full hiking experience, hike the 8.7 mile circuit together.

Hiking the Pulplit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

Start of Hiking the Pulplit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

Then make your way onto the white trail (Appalachian Trail). The first two miles are the hardest when you climb to Pulpit Rock and the first ista.  The next mile requires climbing over rocks and also low-grade scrambling.

Hiking the Pulplit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

You’ll need a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or trail shoes. (I prefer the Hoka Speedgoat Midi).

Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

It’s rocky terrain with a rocky slope to get to Pulpit Rock.

Hiking the Pulplit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

Once you reach the top of Pulpit Rock, you’ll see views of Lehigh valley, surrounding ridges, and Pennsylvania farmland. After taking in the iew at Pulpit Rock, follow the trail to the left. That will take you along the Pinnacle Loop.

Hiking the Pulplit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

To continue on the Pinnacle Loop, you’ll take the blue trail.  You’ll follow the ridge and pretty much have a beautiful view until you get to the Pinnacle. After the Pinnacle, you’ll pretty much be on fire roads the rest of the way back. The last 4 miles are easy hiking and an easy downgrade to the bottom. You won’t have to worry as much about rocks and terrains and can easily take your time.

Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop

In all, the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop was one of my favorite hikes to date. 

You can see more hikes here.

Questions for you:

Hiked the Appalachian Trail? Hae you hiked Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop?

What is one of your favorite hikes? 

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Training Log: Getting Back to Speed

November 18, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Training Log: Getting Back to Speed

I’m not training for anything right now. The rest of 2019 is about regaining speed and enjoying myself while doing so. Last week was the first time I ran since New York. My legs didn’t feel sore early in the week, but they began to feel the mileage in the later part.

Monday: Easy 30 minutes + 4-mile hike
Tuesday: Easy 45 minutes
Wednesday: Easy 30 minutes
Thursday: Rest
Friday Easy 45 minutes
Saturday: Cpl. Marc T. Ryan Memorial 5k 21:38
Sunday: Long Run 10 miles at 8:02 pace

Thoughts:

I’m happy with my week and getting mileage in. My body doesn’t feel as sore as previous marathons, which is nice.

I’m looking forward to getting back into training and getting speed back.  Easy runs are just that, easy and uneventful to build mileage back up.

Cpl. Marc T. Ryan Memorial 5k (21:38):

It was windy with gusts of 40 MPH and mile 2, was almost exclusively into a headwind. On top of that, my legs didn’t feel good. I don’t know the last time I ran a 21+ minute road 5k, but it gives me a relative baseline to work from.  I’m happy I showed up and I’m looking forward to getting to more 5ks.

Sunday Long Run: 10 Miles 8:02 pace

I prefer the 10-mile distance above 15 or 20 miles. 8:02 pace isn’t an “easy pace,” and I felt as though I was working hard but not 100%.  Right now, my easy pace is more like 9-10 min miles, but I’m probably going to keep a faster long run each week for now.

Posts from the Week:

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Marathoning | Not for Me

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week has a big giveaway! 

Questions for you:

What are your goals for the rest of 2019?

Do you have any big winter plans? 

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten)

November 17, 2019 By in Diners Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten)

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten)
I should tell you how I planned to go the Pearl Street Diner all along, but that would be a lie. While trying to figure out the train system in New York, I missed my stopped and ended up at the end of the line in the Financial District and near Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry.  I was hungry and tired so I decided to stop at the Pearl Street Diner on the corner of Pearl and Fletcher Street. I’m glad I did. The Pearl Street Diner is a no-frills diner in New York City.

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten)

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten) Atmosphere: A
From the exterior, you can imagine the Pearl Street Diner is a step back in time. It’s built into a building (or maybe a building built around it). The inside of the Pearl Street Diner seats only about 20-30 people. There are plenty of booths, tables, and a full-length bar. When I got there, the waitress ushered me to a small table so other parties could use the bigger ones.

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten) Coffee:
The Pearl Street Diner coffee was brewed hot and fresh and the waitress made sure I had plenty of refills.

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten) coffee

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten) Food: C
The Pearl Street Diner menu has everything a stereotypical diner would have. There are plenty of breakfast specials.  I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for, just that I was hungry and tired. I decided to order the blueberry pancakes with whipped cream. The pancakes were good, but it was a small portion and I could have used 3X the amount. I would order them again, but I would probably order something else with them.

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten) pancakes

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten) Service: A
The waitress at the Pearl Street Diner was friendly and the food came out fast. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten) Cost: $
For my blueberry pancakes and coffee, the cost was $12. It was a tad expensive considering the size, but then again, it was New York City.

Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back to the Pearl Street Diner (Manhatten)?
I liked the Pearl Street Diner in Manhatten and had a positive experience. If I’m in the area again, I’ll go back. It’s worth the stop from Battery Park or on your way to the Staten Island Ferry.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: A
Food: C
Service: A
Cost: $5-15
Overall:  B

You can see all diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
Have you ever gotten so lost, you need to take a break? Just me, LOL?
Have you been to Wall Street?

Newport Eats Diner (Jersey City)

November 16, 2019 By in Diners Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Newport Eats Diner (Jersey City)

Newport Eats Diner (Jersey City)

While in Jersey City and the Newport area, I decided to stop at the Newport Eats Diner. The Newport Eats Diner replaces the Skylark on the Hudson on River Drive. It’s only been open a few weeks, so it was fun to stop by.  The view of the Hudson and Manhatten is beautiful.

Newport Eats Diner outside

Newport Eats Diner Atmosphere: A
The Newport Eats Diner is a modern diner built into the side of a skyscraper. It’s not the retro, metallic, building you a picture.  The exterior stands out in the downtown.  The inside is massive and there is plenty of seating, including booths, tables and a full-length bar.

Newport Eats Diner Coffee: B
The coffee was okay but nothing unique or unusual about it. It was drinkable.  The waiter refilled it often, but there wasn’t a lot to say.

Newport Eats Diner coffee

Newport Eats Diner Food: B
The Newport Eats Diner menu has most everything a modern diner would have. It’s much more upscale so you won’t find a lot of greasy-spoon staples, but you will find basic high-quality pancakes.  A few items on the Newport Eats Diner menu that caught my eye, including the salmon, omelets, and flatbreads.

I decided to order the hummus appetizer which came with pita bread.  The hummus was delicious and the pita bread was lightly toasted. It wasn’t burnt or crispy which is always a plus.

Newport Eats Diner hummus

For my entree, I ordered one of Newport Eats Diner’s signature flatbreads. It came with grilled chicken, onions, and mixed vegetables. I was expecting it to be a lighter flatbread, but when it came, it was smothered in cheese. It was delicious but nearly impossible to eat with the thin bread. I would order it again and I can see why it’s a signature flatbread.

Newport Eats Diner flatbread

Newport Eats Diner Service: B
When I first arrived at the Newport Eats Diner, I didn’t realize you were supposed to sit yourself. I stood around for a while before finally, the manager told me to sit anywhere. I imagine during busy times; there is someone at the front at all times. The food service was second to none, and both waiters made sure I had everything I needed.

Newport Eats Diner Cost: $$
For my hummus, flatbread, and coffee, the meal was $24. That’s one of the cheaper meals at the diner as well. It’s more of an upscale, modern restaurant.

Overall Thoughts/Would I come back to Newport Eats Diner?
I liked the Newport Eats Diner and if I’m in the area again, I will go back. The service was excellent and the food is of high quality.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: A
Service: B
Price: $20-30
Overall: A

You Can See All Diner Reviews Here.

Questions for you:
Do you like flatbread?
Have you been to any new restaurants lately?

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

November 15, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

The Diadora Mythos Elite TRX is a newly updated shoe from Diadora. For many, Diadora is an unfamiliar brand. If you played soccer, you’d know Diadora is an Italian company that once specialized in both soccer and lifestyle shoes. A few years ago, Diadora moved into running shoes and done a great job. The plush cushioning in their models has been well received.  Plus, many of their models are “only” updated every 18 months to 2 years. Finally, the United States Headquarters is in Philadelphia, which I can appreciate.

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Quick Facts:

Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm

Weight: 10.2 oz

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Fit:

The brand, Diadora, is a wider last shoe altogether. If your feet are wider, it might be a good brand to look into. Many of their models are roomy enough to go down a half size. I don’t because it’s not enough space for me, but many people do. The  Diadora Mythos Elite TRX has a contoured footbed that cradles and guides the foot in a neutral path.

Typically in running shoes, I wear a size 10-11 wide. In the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, I find a size 10 to be most appropriate.

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Ride:

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX uses a new concept in running technology. It gives you support when you need it and not when you don’t need it. The Diadora Mythos Elite TRX simulates the presence of a traditional medial side dual-density system and achieves the same end result by the subtraction of the section on the lateral side.

For instance, say one of your feet pronates and the other does not, the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX will give support to the foot that needs it but will remain neutral for those who don’t. Similar to the once-beloved Nike Lunarglide. Come to think of it; if you were ever a Nike Lunarglide fan, the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX is a shoe to look into.

Blushield technology allows neutral runners to stay neutral, but those were needing stability to get that as well. Theoretically, anyone can run in the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX. Do I quite believe “anyone can run in the shoe,” no, but it will provide support if you need it and not if you don’t.

I’ve run in the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX for several different runs, including workouts, long runs, and easy runs. With the amount of cushion in the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, I prefer the shoe for easy runs.

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Conclusion:

I like the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX and it’s a great trainer for easy runs or recovery runs. The extra cushion during training feels great during recovery runs. If you are looking for a new brand to try, Diadora is a great option. Plus, they sponsor a couple of local races, including the New Jersey Marathon and Philly 10k.  The Diadora Mythos Elite TRX is exclusively available in run specialty. If you are local, I know RunningCo. of Haddonfield, Philly Runner, North Wales Running Company, and Runners High all carry the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro, 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Hae you tried Diadora?

What is your favorite recovery day trainer?

 

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