Next Challenge

So, a couple postings ago, I asked for the next physical challenge. Well, I think I found it. This past Sunday, I did my first training on Pike's Peak. Mike, Holly, and I hiked up to Barr Camp which is about 7miles from downtown Manitou Springs. We hiked from the Cog Railway which shaved about a mile off the total mileage. It took 2:13:56 to get to Barr Camp and the legs were beginning to get tired. At the same time, my tummy was getting hungry. We rested for about 15minutes before heading back down.

On the way down, we hiked for a bit before I got the urge to run. Part of me was freaking out about whether I am going to be able to do the marathon while the other part of me was tired of the company (part of my adjusting back to the old life that has changed). So, I took off about a mile from Barr Camp and ran back to the car with a couple of little stops to test my legs and see if they will hold me after running downhill for a long period of time. Holly was worried about Mike's knees because he decided to wear his big backpack to keep himself from running, so she and Mike remained hiking along the trail talking intensly about their work lives. I guess eventually, they did kind of run down the mountain. For me, I learned that I need to hit the mountain a few more times to test some gear and figure out what to take on the mountain with me on August 20th! Hopefully, I will be able to get down there at least 2-3more times before my race. We will see.

I do find myself still thinking about the trail and almost getting the blues just thinking about not being out there getting the blues on the trail. Today, the temperatures are in the 100s for Denver and last year on the trail it was 100 with 100% humidity when Spice Rack and I pulled into Waynesboro, PA for resupply. We opted for the airconditioned hotel room and some fresh laundry rather than heading back out into the heat. What a difference that makes. I remember joking on our walk to dinner that night about going on a date to the movies there in Waynesboro and how it would be a kids movie beacause that was the only movie at the theater in Waynesboro. They were showing Madagascar. We never did end up going to the movies. Instead, we had our dinner and went back to the hotel to chill out in the coolness of the room. Spice Rack had turned the AC up so much that it felt like winter in the room. I remember sleeping that night with all the covers and possibly even my sleeping bag thrown over me. I slept very well though!

Pike's Peak is going to be a challenge, but I'm not sure it will be as much of one as the trail. I guess there are all different kinds of challenges. Since, my husband is hesitant to allow me another long trail for a while, I will make do with the challenges he will support. His passion is running so anything running I do he will join me and of course always do better than me. We will see how things shape up. I have friends planning the PCT in 2011. I have mentioned it to Mike and he has said simply that we will see. So, all my friends on the West Coast help me nag him to let me do it! I should also look into getting sponsorship or something. We will see what happens though!

I do thank everyone for their support of me while on the trail. Despite being done with an amazing challenge and showing how strong I can be, I do still need the support of dealing with the insanity of "reality! " Thank you and Blessed Be! Never forget to help those less fortunate than you for some day they may be your boss!

Me Centered WORLD

So, as I continue to pass through my days wishing I was back on the trail knowing full well it would not be the same as it was last year, I think of my lessons. The most recent one was sent to me more in an email from GG upon her return from a year Holiday;

"We are really missing the trail and everyone, not having to deal with people who think the world exists because of them."

During my daily walk to work, I am often nearly run over by automobiles with citizens in a hurry to get somewhere as though they are unable to wait for me to cross the street despite what the crosswalk sign says!

When I was on the trail in New York entering Harriman State Park, I remember crossing on an overpass and looking down at the traffic jam below me. I laughed at the people stuck in their cars all hurrying to get somewhere and yet being stuck in nowhere land...aka. the highway parking lot of the 4 July weekend. It felt really good not to have anywhere to be. I was just being.

At work these days, I listen to my co-workers complain of not having enough time to do something nice for their co-workers like bring treats to work. On the days I decide I want to be nice, I wake up extra early just to walk to the bagel shop to bring bagels and cream cheese to work.

Don't get me wrong, I am not asking for praise for my good deeds or anything like that. All I am saying is that it really does not take that much time to do one good deed every so often in life. Whether it is a matter of stopping at a light to let a pedestrian cross the road. Heck in Colorado, it is state law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. It could even be something as simple and easy at staying in the right lane on the highway so those moving faster than you can pass with ease. A few kind words to a friend, co-worker, family member, or stranger could make all the difference in the world. This world was not just created for each individual. We all live together and effect one
another both physically and emotionally.

So, think of those who surround you and how much energy it takes to get upset at the jerk who cut you off versus how much energy it takes to just sit back and laugh because that person is taking life way too seriously and rushing to the end. Every day is a gift, so live life to the fullest before it is taken away from you leaving you with tons of guilt and regrets!