Day 18: Leashed

Mile 144, Sassafrass Shelter, NC.

Today was one of those days.  Both a physical and mental struggle.  A 3000+ foot climb. I feel leashed. Despite starting slow, working up miles, preparing for the long days, I am still held back by this cursed achilles tendonitis.  I feel betrayed.  I did it right.  I didn't rush.  Fuck. 

Today as I walked up the 3000 feet, I felt okay.  Tired, but ok.  I crushed the climb.  Holding 2+mph the whole way up.   6.7 miles in 3.25 hours.  I did it.  I made it to the shelter before noon.  I watched as almost a dozen hikers passed me by, pushing on.  I felt defeated.  If only this cursed tendon would stop hurting.  I felt leashed by this stupid ankle.  Damnit.