Happy Saturday!

As promised by many of the locals in Geneva, the rainy, gray days of November have arrived. While the cool, gray weather can get depressing, I find that the best way to stay happy is through exercise and fresh air! Renaud suggested we head up to the Saleve this morning to see the path in Autumn beauty!

After 9 months of raving about the great trail running and hiking adventure I experienced on the Saleve in February, I was excited to share to finally share the beauty with Bo and two other friends. Our group of 5 met this morning at the bus stop outside our flat at 8, ready to head over towards the base of the Saleve. The weather was around 33 degrees though Renaud expected temperatures in the 20s once we reached the top of the Saleve.

By 8:30 we arrived at the small town a mile from the trail entrance, ready for a great morning. I wasn’t sure how today’s experience would compare to the winter hike and run as I knew there would be wet leaves in place of snow. After our mile warm-up run towards the trail Renaud shared his tips with the group, advising that we find a slow, steady pace up the mountain or our “hearts would explode.” He warned us of slippery rocks and loose leaves.

Over the next hour our path took us up along the mountain with sporadic views out of the fog, overlooking Geneva. Though our lungs and legs were burning, everyone was enjoying the experience. Anytime the trail was flat we would run as quickly as possible but the rest of the time, especially in the steep areas, we hiked at as fast a pace as possible.

The next hour of the adventure we encountered snow, beginning first in small clumps on the trees and then it eventually surrounded us. While I love Fall, I definitely find a peaceful beauty in the Saleve when the trail is dusted with snow. The temperatures also dropped quite quickly, causing each of us to add our extra layers including globes, ear warmers and wind breakers. As we summited the Saleve we felt as if we were in a snow globe. The fog limited our view to only a few feet in front of us but the snow and brisk air was exhilarating! Check out the amazing snow and icicles covering the tree limbs! By this point our ponytails were covered in snow and ice. Even my eyelashes were covered in small icicles! Our journey down required a great deal of caution, more so than last year in the snow. The steep decline down was covered in exposed roots and stones, many of which had frost or icy patches. In addition, without the snow to cover the path our fears were a bit more present. On our way down we even saw a natural bridge and explored a cave path complete with icicles and a chain link railing to support us. More than 3 hours later our group of five found ourselves high fiving and celebrating a successful 8 miles adventure up and down the Saleve! While it was far harder this year due to the wet and slippery leaves, I still enjoyed every moment. The mix of hiking and running left me exhilarated and humbled.  I know I will be sore tomorrow! I can’t wait to return in a few weeks, after the first big snow, to enjoy the snow covered trails again.

Fall or winter running? Which to do you prefer?