Alynn Lupold
Video of Alynn receiving her 53er Plaque
Bio: I am a Reno girl who relocated to Las Vegas in December 2013. I love being outdoors more than life itself. As a former long distance runner (longest race: American River 50 Mile Endurance Run, April 2006, finish time: 11:40) whose chronic injuries forced me to stop running in 2007, I searched for many years for another sport that would provide the challenges, mental highs, and physical fitness that distance running gave me. In 2012, I started doing a little trail hiking around Lake Tahoe, which I really enjoyed. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Las Vegas and joined Hiking Las Vegas, having absolutely no idea there was any other kind of hiking besides the type I had done around Lake Tahoe. One scramble in the Red Rock Canyon, and I was hooked. I have finally found the sport that will give me what I had been looking for since my running career ended.
Age: 47
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: A dear friend who used to live here promised to introduce me to her "hiking friends." Those "friends" were actually the Hiking Las Vegas MeetUp. I signed up and did my first hike (Calico Tanks Peak) on January 18, 2014.
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: January 1, 2015
Toughest Peak: If I take into consideration my experience level at the time of any given hike, then my toughest hike was definitely Calico Tanks Peak - the very first hike I did with the group on January 18, 2014. I had never scrambled before. I'd never even heard of scrambling before. When we left the trail and started climbing up and over rocks, I asked the Organizer (Jason Lillebo) how we had lost the trail. I obviously had a lot to learn.
Without taking into consideration my experience level, I'd say that Icebox and Holiday were right up there as the toughest. I loved them both, specifically because of how much they challenged me.
My toughest hike overall was Mummy Head to Toe. What a day!
Favorite Hike: Just one? Sorry, no can do. Here are a few: I love Bridge Point for the route that takes you through the breathtakingly beautiful Fern Canyon. I love White Pinnacle Peak because it pushed me to face and defeat my fear. I love Lost Creek Peak (the hard way) for its technical climbs and Graffiti Traverse. I love Holiday Peak for its fun slots. I love Magic Mountain because it's short and sweet, full of surprise at every turn, and challenging enough to make your heart beat fast. It reminds me a lot of myself...
How did you feel once you became a 53er: Of course I feel accomplished: I set a goal; I achieved it. But larger than that, my heart felt overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support, camaraderie, mentorship, leadership, and friendship that accompanied me to 52 peaks in 50 weeks. I have never felt such unconditional support and acceptance in my life. These people are my family.
Advice for new hikers: Set goals and don't quit! No step is as important as the next step, literally and figuratively. Remember that the worst thing you can do is panic (I learned that the hard way on Oak Creek Overlook) if you feel like you're in a sticky situation. Look around you - if your partners can do, you can, too. Our bodies are amazing machines that are innately wired to keep us balanced and upright. Most importantly, have fun. Never, never forget to have fun.
Bio: I am a Reno girl who relocated to Las Vegas in December 2013. I love being outdoors more than life itself. As a former long distance runner (longest race: American River 50 Mile Endurance Run, April 2006, finish time: 11:40) whose chronic injuries forced me to stop running in 2007, I searched for many years for another sport that would provide the challenges, mental highs, and physical fitness that distance running gave me. In 2012, I started doing a little trail hiking around Lake Tahoe, which I really enjoyed. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Las Vegas and joined Hiking Las Vegas, having absolutely no idea there was any other kind of hiking besides the type I had done around Lake Tahoe. One scramble in the Red Rock Canyon, and I was hooked. I have finally found the sport that will give me what I had been looking for since my running career ended.
Age: 47
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: A dear friend who used to live here promised to introduce me to her "hiking friends." Those "friends" were actually the Hiking Las Vegas MeetUp. I signed up and did my first hike (Calico Tanks Peak) on January 18, 2014.
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: January 1, 2015
Toughest Peak: If I take into consideration my experience level at the time of any given hike, then my toughest hike was definitely Calico Tanks Peak - the very first hike I did with the group on January 18, 2014. I had never scrambled before. I'd never even heard of scrambling before. When we left the trail and started climbing up and over rocks, I asked the Organizer (Jason Lillebo) how we had lost the trail. I obviously had a lot to learn.
Without taking into consideration my experience level, I'd say that Icebox and Holiday were right up there as the toughest. I loved them both, specifically because of how much they challenged me.
My toughest hike overall was Mummy Head to Toe. What a day!
Favorite Hike: Just one? Sorry, no can do. Here are a few: I love Bridge Point for the route that takes you through the breathtakingly beautiful Fern Canyon. I love White Pinnacle Peak because it pushed me to face and defeat my fear. I love Lost Creek Peak (the hard way) for its technical climbs and Graffiti Traverse. I love Holiday Peak for its fun slots. I love Magic Mountain because it's short and sweet, full of surprise at every turn, and challenging enough to make your heart beat fast. It reminds me a lot of myself...
How did you feel once you became a 53er: Of course I feel accomplished: I set a goal; I achieved it. But larger than that, my heart felt overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support, camaraderie, mentorship, leadership, and friendship that accompanied me to 52 peaks in 50 weeks. I have never felt such unconditional support and acceptance in my life. These people are my family.
Advice for new hikers: Set goals and don't quit! No step is as important as the next step, literally and figuratively. Remember that the worst thing you can do is panic (I learned that the hard way on Oak Creek Overlook) if you feel like you're in a sticky situation. Look around you - if your partners can do, you can, too. Our bodies are amazing machines that are innately wired to keep us balanced and upright. Most importantly, have fun. Never, never forget to have fun.