Tag: Fitness

Notes on Going it Solo

October 10, 2016

5 miles deep in some tougher terrain. The trail was slick with ice and snow and at times littered with rocks and boulders. Overall it was nothing too difficult, but I had been the only person I’d seen all morning. Just me and Nina walking along this beautiful valley soaking in the early morning sun. Steep snow dusted cliffs towered above the east side of the valley, while sun kissed steep hill covered in burned trees flanked the west. I took a deep breath and smiled as I watched the steam from my breath on the exhale I heard it. … More Notes on Going it Solo

14er Frenzy: Lincoln, Democrat, and Bross

September 22, 2016

Another weekend up before the sun. Another wind-whipped cold morning. Another high altitude struggle. Another summit sunrise. Another smile. Another day well spent in the mountains.

Squirrel and I set out to achieve a pretty ambitious goal: climb three (4 named) 14,000’+ peaks in one morning. That alone is a pretty tall order, but it doesn’t stop there. Only in Colorado can you go and do something like that, then see a show at a natural amphitheater (Red Rocks) that night. It was exhausting, exhilarating, and totally worth it. The promise of a full moon and good weather, this was an opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up. … More 14er Frenzy: Lincoln, Democrat, and Bross

The Tippy Top of Lake Tahoe – Hiking Mt Rose

September 8, 2016

The rock feels cold on my hands as I stare off into the distance. My mind is blank, empty, just enveloped in the moment. I’ve made it.The breeze brings a chill as the sweat evaporates off of my body. I breathe deeply. The sun’s strength is gaining, struggling against the increasing winds to wrap me in it’s warmth. I see the strip of trail across the valley, the lake off in the distance, and endless horizon of mountains and valleys below. Above me the sky stretches out with wispy clouds like fingers outstretched welcoming me into this beautiful day. In this moment I feel small. I am alive. It’s perfect. … More The Tippy Top of Lake Tahoe – Hiking Mt Rose

How to be the Only One on the Summit of a 14er

August 15, 2016

Flash. I’m on the mountain. At least I hope I am. I’m pretty much limited to the small beam of light my crappy headlamp from Target puts out. Every now and then I see green eyes up the trail, one of the dogs is looking back at us. But as I walk almost begrudgingly up hill my head slowly clears. As my heart rate rises and the oxygen thins an easy calm comes over me. A focus I only feel on the mountain. The physical exertion almost secondary to the mental peace I have. … More How to be the Only One on the Summit of a 14er