It was not an easy climb! I started out by waking up very early on the morning of the planned hike. I had not slept very well - excitement and nerves. Tim drove me to the trail head, with a stop for some coffee and a couple protein bars to add to my pack. He took this picture right before he drove way:
I used the last bathroom I knew was on the trail = drank a shot of Go and off I went. From a lot of reading, I knew the first 3 miles were the toughest - you gain a lot of altitude very quickly - no kidding. and to make matters worse - I had to dodge these ultra athletes that have been running the incline - I bet I looked like a tortoise - but I knew I had a long way to go.
I reached the top of the Manitou Incline - where it intersects with the Barr trail and took this picture:
at this point I am still feeling really good and have been keeping very steady pace. My breathing is little labored - note to those reading - I have a history of asthma and used to smoke - so this was no big surprise. I continued to climb and continued to run into runners and walkers. One lady that passed me twice - had to be in her late 60's or ear;y 70's and had calves that anyone would kill for!!!!
I took my first rest break at a little over 3.5 miles. I stopped to drink and have a protein bar. I sat on a rock and was looking around when God blessed me with two deer just walking and munching!!!
The sign told me i had 3.5 miles to my next rest - and the only other bathroom on the trail! so off I went.
I was amazed by the beauty I was seeing. I walked through periods of clouds and fog s i went higher and higher. i saw animal tracks and heard animals rustling in the forests. I finally caught glimpse of the summit and where I was headed!
at this point I was getting a little tired and I really needed to go to the bathroom. Now I had my toilet paper and was ready to bare it ll if I needed - but I held on until I reached Barr Camp. This is the halfway point and time for water, potty and a snack! I stayed there about 20 minutes before starting the climb! I met many nice people along the way - and yes - I told each one of them my story and shared the challenge and what it had done for me!!!
At this point I was 6.5 miles from the summit and I knew the trail was going to get a lot tougher. I knew the switchbacks would be steeper and also that the rocks I had to climb would be higher. As a person with very very short legs - I was thankful that my personal trainer, Toby Clayton with Clayton conditioning had included a lot of weights for my training. I was also very thankful that Body by Vi protein shakes help to build lean muscle - because I used each ounce of muscle!!!
God blessed me with some amazing views:
My next stopping point was just as I reached the tree line. For those of you who don't know - this is where trees can no longer grow - although some amazing plants and flowers and animals live here. I stopped and texted Tim to let him know I was moving lot slower than I anticipated - drank another Go - and off I went!!!
at this point I was really feeling every step. I stopped and said a prayer for strength. although i had brought two large bottles of water - One was gone and the other was only about 2/3 full!! I was sweaty and wet - but I knew deep down that i could accomplish this. The rocks were higher - and the challenges kept coming - my legs hurt, my feet hurt, I was hungry - I was tired - bu although I took a few more rest breaks than I planned on this last 3 miles - I kept going. Its funny how you talk to yourself - I became the Little engine that could - I think I can, I know I can -I sang - I cried out to God - but I kept going.
I found out there are good people - two different hikers gave me water - several more stopped to give me encouragement - just when I needed it most. The last one was on his way down - him and a friend nd their two beautiful dogs, He gave me some water nd told me it was only about 20 minutes to the top - I practically shouted with joy! I knew it would take me longer than 20 minutes - after all -I had the Golden stairs to climb - with tired nd short legs - but I made it - as I rounded the last bend - I started to sing - the sing that is forever placed at the top - America the beautiful! Oh Beautiful - for spacious skies - I then saw this sign and started to cry -
I had made it - I crossed the cog rail tracks and all of a sudden - i saw a blue KU hoodie and knew by the walk - it was my hubby - I started shouting - Tim - Tim and he turned and ran towards me!!! I was never so glad to see my family!!!! He hugged me and kissed me - than went nd got my daughter and granddaughter - we took this picture -
There were people around - clapping and giving me high fives for hiking the mountain. I was tired, sore - bu also very elated! I had done it. Just last February - when I started the Body By Vi 90 day challenge - i was 258 pounds - I could hardly walk a block - I got short of breath walking up our basement stairs - and here I was - climbing a mountain!!!! To God be the glory - great things he has done!!!
Let me leave you with the verse I said and prayed all the way up the 13 miles and thousands of feet of altitude - Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ - who gives me strength!!!
Debi
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