Wow this brought back memories. I did research in the chemistry department at the U of NM, Albuquerque. Rode my bike to the university every day. I hiked every weekend in the Sandia mountains. I ran the La Luz Trail a few times for practice and then ran the race to the top. I think there were around 350-400 runners (?) Al Waquie won the race, seemed like he did every year. After the race I heard he went off to Europe to race mountain races for money. He ran the La Luz trail around 1:13. I got 16th as I recall and ran around 1:34. Really tough race but amazing views. I hiked over to the tram and rode it down. Hitched a ride to the start of the race and drove back to Albuquerque. It was a great day. The hardest thing I did that summer was ride my bike up the back side of the Sandia mountains to the top. The last 6 miles of switch backs did me in. I had to walk part of it. Took me about 3 weeks to recover. It was an intense summer, but one I remember fondly.
I hiked that trail many years ago when I lived in Albuquerque and worked at Sandia Labs. Beautiful views, but its definitely a tough hike. Also used to take the tram up when we went skiing on the other side of the mountain at the ski area.
I'd love to run this trail! I've taken the tram to Sandia Peak. We have friends in Albuquerque, so I'd have an excuse to go back. I wanted to do it a few years ago but wasn't in the shape I'm in now. Maybe someday!!
Hey there- how realistic is it for a 7 year old girl who is not particularly athletic but is healthy and energetic to hike to the summit? She is having some confidence issues and I think pointing at the summit and saying we are going to work towards conquering that mountain- then doing it- would do a ton for her confidence. I don't want to set a goal that isn't realistic though. Any info you can give would be so helpful.
I think it’s pretty realistic if yall build up to it and train. The first part is nice, the Boulder section will be tough but I think it’s doable if y’all were to take you’re time, take plenty of breaks with great snacks and water. Id expect a full day though! But, yeah, breaks will be the key to success with a 7 year old I think.
@@VIVSVIBE Thank you so much for the reply and information. We'll start training now and hopefully hit it in the fall. I hiked it in my early teens and don't recall it being that difficult- But I was older than she is and more athletic. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me this info.
Yes of course! I wish y’all the best of luck and hope it helps with her confidence. Climbing mountains is the best thing for that in my opinion. You sound like a fabulous mom!
It could mean that too! For me though, I've learned that even though I can run really far or fast, it's still hard but I'm tougher because of what I've already been through. Once I've run up the mountain, I know it's possible and I'm tougher the second time around!
I don't understand how people run this trail. There are so many rocky and narrow parts full of sharp rocks and cacti that you have to do slowly. I think its too easy to get injured wearing trail shoes.
Wow this brought back memories. I did research in the chemistry department at the U of NM, Albuquerque. Rode my bike to the university every day. I hiked every weekend in the Sandia mountains. I ran the La Luz Trail a few times for practice and then ran the race to the top. I think there were around 350-400 runners (?) Al Waquie won the race, seemed like he did every year. After the race I heard he went off to Europe to race mountain races for money. He ran the La Luz trail around 1:13. I got 16th as I recall and ran around 1:34. Really tough race but amazing views. I hiked over to the tram and rode it down. Hitched a ride to the start of the race and drove back to Albuquerque. It was a great day. The hardest thing I did that summer was ride my bike up the back side of the Sandia mountains to the top. The last 6 miles of switch backs did me in. I had to walk part of it. Took me about 3 weeks to recover. It was an intense summer, but one I remember fondly.
What fun memories and great history! Thanks for sharing.
I hiked that trail many years ago when I lived in Albuquerque and worked at Sandia Labs. Beautiful views, but its definitely a tough hike. Also used to take the tram up when we went skiing on the other side of the mountain at the ski area.
La Luz trail. Glad u did it!
Oh me too!! So much fun.
When i was many many years younger i would run the la luz trail each year for the marathon. Al Waukie was the man to pace…
That sounds like such a fun race! I miss this trail a ton since I'm not there every week. Maybe I'll race it sometime!
I’m going next month!!! That looks so exciting 💛
Have a blast!!
I'd love to run this trail! I've taken the tram to Sandia Peak. We have friends in Albuquerque, so I'd have an excuse to go back. I wanted to do it a few years ago but wasn't in the shape I'm in now. Maybe someday!!
Yes! You totally should. It's such a fun way to enjoy the mountain and then you can always take the tram down or vice versa!
I remember jogging in this trail and feeling the hypoxia killing my lungs and heart!!
It starts to get harder towards the top, no doubt!
@@VIVSVIBE up you go, blood saturation goes down! I wanna go back.
I'm going to Albuquerque in October 2024.
Hey there- how realistic is it for a 7 year old girl who is not particularly athletic but is healthy and energetic to hike to the summit? She is having some confidence issues and I think pointing at the summit and saying we are going to work towards conquering that mountain- then doing it- would do a ton for her confidence. I don't want to set a goal that isn't realistic though. Any info you can give would be so helpful.
I think it’s pretty realistic if yall build up to it and train. The first part is nice, the Boulder section will be tough but I think it’s doable if y’all were to take you’re time, take plenty of breaks with great snacks and water. Id expect a full day though! But, yeah, breaks will be the key to success with a 7 year old I think.
@@VIVSVIBE Thank you so much for the reply and information. We'll start training now and hopefully hit it in the fall. I hiked it in my early teens and don't recall it being that difficult- But I was older than she is and more athletic. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me this info.
Yes of course! I wish y’all the best of luck and hope it helps with her confidence. Climbing mountains is the best thing for that in my opinion. You sound like a fabulous mom!
@@VIVSVIBE Dad actually! But her mom is indeed fabulous. Thanks again!
Even better!! Y’all have fun.
Do you mean, It doesn't get any easier, you just go faster?
It could mean that too! For me though, I've learned that even though I can run really far or fast, it's still hard but I'm tougher because of what I've already been through. Once I've run up the mountain, I know it's possible and I'm tougher the second time around!
I'm gonna guess that you are an Aries.
That may be correct!! Haha
I don't understand how people run this trail. There are so many rocky and narrow parts full of sharp rocks and cacti that you have to do slowly. I think its too easy to get injured wearing trail shoes.
Haha!! That’s the nature of trail running.