Live, Laugh and Love: Conquering Pikes Peak

Live, Laugh and Love: Conquering Pikes Peak: Anyone who knows me, knows my story - as far as it is written. I have had a lot of  success with weight loss and have been training for the ...

Conquering Pikes Peak

Anyone who knows me, knows my story - as far as it is written. I have had a lot of  success with weight loss and have been training for the last 8 or so months to climb Pikes peak! On July 17, 2013, I reached the summit of Pikes Peak at just after 5 pm. I was elated, exhausted and humbled that god provided me with the strength to complete this milestone!

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

Dad

I sit here now as Father's Day has ended. It's quiet in the house. I just read my daughters FB post thanking both her fathers and my dad and I start to bawl like a baby. Even as I write this.... Tears are streaming down my face. This is one of those days it really hurts that he's gone!

My dad was the best! He and Mom were tough but we had a lot of fun too! Some of my favorite memories are my alone time with my dad. Being the youngest I got the benefit of that a little more as my brother and sister got older! I remember some hilarious fishing trips in Nebraska...one time Dads pole took off into the lake and I watched as he jumped off the bank into the water after it. Of course he caught it!

Then there were times , after Mom was gone that we would just sit and listen to Gospel music together and sing along. He had such a deep bass voice that I can still hear in my head. Sometimes we would sit outside and talk for hours. It was always in the garage and he always had a beer!

Dad loved his family. Even when we disappointed him. When I had to tell him I was pregnant my senior year in high school, I cried for hours because I didn't want to see the disappointed look on his face. But even though he was disappointed, he stood by me. And he loved his first granddaughter and the next nine grand kids like no other.

Is miss him so much. I know the years after Mom dies were very painful for him. I have never seen two people more in love than my parents. I talked to him almost every day after that day. We became closer. It still hurts terribly that he is not here...to see his great-grand kids. To see that I finally lost the weight he begged me to lose and to stop smoking. I know he and mom are proud. I just hope they know their family here misses them and loves them each and very day!!!

Remembering

Remembering - that's why I made this picture yesterday! Although I continue to lose and I see differences in my endurance - I felt in a funk when I hear about some people's miraculous weight-loss. so I dug up this old picture of me and made this as a reminder of just how far I have come! I need to remember that it is a process! I can do this! Anyone can do it!!!

Today i tried something new and fell in love with it! It was the Power Hour at Title boxing Club! i know I am going to be sore - but it felt good. I am still training for my Pikes Peak climb - it is less than 6 weeks away! I have been walking stairs and walking long distances! 

I have a new job! i will be teaching 6th grade LA next year. Was a little bummed I didn't get an administration job - but I know this is where God wants me! I will be in a much more positive environment - which will help with stress which helps with weight-loss!!!

So remember - if you are struggling - take a look back and remember how far you've come!

On the other side

 I Have had a lot of health issues since Tim and I have been married. 8 of those resulted in surgeries. He has always been there. Always supportive. Always waiting. Yesterday it was his turn. And although the surgery wasn't serious, I got a glimpse of what he has gone through. The feeling of leaving him in someone else's hands. The feeling of ...will he be alright. I prayed, I had friends who prayed. I knew things were going to be okay, but still did not like the feeling of what if.

We talk about living our lives like there is no tomorrow. I have tons of students who live by the motto YOLO ... You only live once.... But do we really treasure our time here on earth? Do we live to make people around us smile? Sod we share the love of God? Do we enjoy the beauty He created?

I have been thinking a lot about life like a garden....am I weeding out the negative stuff to let the flowers bloom? Am I surrounding days elf with positive good soil to help me grow stronger, more vibrant and alive?  Or do I let thorns, rocks and weeds invade my thoughts and contaminate my soil?

To live life to the fullest with the blessings God has bestowed on me....not to want more, but be content with what He has blessed me with. To show Anneshia the beauty of life, to love my husband with all my heart, to treat my friends well...these are the flowers I want o bloom in my garden...what's blooming in yours?

Happy

Our pastor has been preaching a series on happiness! It's entitled Run Forrest Run. Thinking back on the movie... I realize just how happy Forrest was! I also realized just how happy I am! A lot has changed in the last year. Is my life perfect...no...but God has helped me overcome so much that I can truly say I am happy. I am happy with the person He is helping me to become. I am happy with the way life is...the good, the bad and the ugly.

Why am I happy...because I know I am no longer in control...I let God take the reins. You see I have always been a fixer...a control freak. And I realized with God's help...that was the reason for my lack of contentment. If I just let go...I would find the happiness He wanted for me. I had a job interview for my dream job...what I went and did my masters for...know what..it's in Gods hands. Pone of my daughters is facing a big difficulty...guess what....He's in control of that too.

I love this! Does this mean I am always worry free...do I not stumble and want to fix things...sure.... But I have a few friends I know I can call and talk to...and they help me get back on track!!!

So here's to happiness!!!!

Deb

Setback???

So Sunday really through a wrench in my plans! I was having an awesome day running errands... Getting stuff for Tim to start his challenge! Around 1, I started having severe abdominal pain... At first I thought I needed to eat!! I ate a chicken Cesar salad!! The pain became worse... So I thought... Trapped gas?? Tried a heating pad, warm bath and massage!! The pain continued to get worse! Off to the ER.... Appendicitis and a hernia!!! What???? You have got to be kidding me!! I have had so many abdominal surgeries... How can something else be wrong??? I am the healthiest I have ever been... Why now???

I could sit and wallow in self-pity as my activity level is destroyed! I can't do what I want to do to promote. I am frustrated about a planned trip to LA... Feeling down... I could sit and let the depression over take me!!!

However.... I choose to breakthrough!! I have a God who is stronger than all my problems!! I have friends who love me!! I have a very supportive husband!!

This will not be a setback!! Instead of breaking down...I choose to breakthrough!!!!