Friday Thoughts 111
Welcome to this week’s edition of Friday Thoughts, where I share what’s been on my mind lately. Let’s get into it!
Walking Challenge Day 5
We managed to get slippery ice day and a warm sunny day both on the first week of the Daily Walking Challenge. The first weekend always presents a challenge, stick with it and get out there!
More 2025 By The Numbers
Here are some other things I tallied up while researching for my 2025 By The Numbers.
Locke Trail Loop - CCW: 11 loops
This is a segment I made on Strava years ago. I ran it at least 11 times, in the counterclockwise direction, and at least 5 times in the clockwise direction. The CCW version is more aesthetic, and gets the big climb out the way first—which is why I prefer it. I set a big PR on this loop in September and haven’t done the full thing since.
Stratham Hill Park Visits: 22
I had at least 22 visits to Stratham Hill Park. When I started a new coaching schedule this summer, I committed to get there at least once a week for some training and outside time, and I would say it paid off. I’m tracking my visits to the park by looking at the “Kitty Rock Down” segment—I always include this trail when running there.
Parker Mountain Summit: 20?
I climbed Parker Mountain in Strafford at least 20 times. Definitely 15 from the main trail plus a handful from the other side or the town forest and a few double climb days too.
I find it interesting that the 3 places I run the most are all about equal in visits throughout the year.
NH 4000 Footers: I climbed Washington, Tecumseh, Osceolas, and the Tripyramids for 6 on the year. And finished my 48 on Tecumseh!
Books: Apple Books hit me with a yearly recap and I couldn’t believe it. I read more than ever this year, and it was totally because I found a bunch of books I really liked. I read about 35 books last year. All of them fiction, except one nonfiction written by GAIN Member Zorana, The Creativity Choice.
All my other fiction books were in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. I started out with a classic, Hyperion, which Kelly Starrett talked me into after I said I couldn’t get into it. I followed that with a head first dive into Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere books, about 18 of them. Stormlght Archive and Mistborn being amongst my favorites.
GAIN ATTENDANCE
Top 10 Check Ins 2025:
Jay P. - 228
Nancy Q. - 224
Jeff H. - 198
Adam M. - 189
Riley S. - 182
Robert L. - 178
Robin N. - 174
Ed G. - 170
Kendall B - 163
Marc S - 154
Speaking of Reading
Ironically enjoy this short-form social media post about how we don’t consume anything long-form any more.
Thanks for reading, see you in the gym!
—Justin Miner