I had never climbed the Incline in the dark and I fretted a bit about needing a light. I am the type to trip and break something.
But those concerns were for naught. As I made my first few careful steps up the lower ties on Christmas Eve morning, the lights from upper Ruxton Ave. provided just enough reflection to make the climbing safe. And the star-spackled sky and December's cold and clear air kept me aware.
The headlamps of early climbers shined bright above me as I worked into a rhythm and my legs warmed to the challenge.
The steps were clear of snow and ice, though some slick spots lingered in shadowy places.
I made the climb alone, pausing to capture photos and think about the year past. Breaking out of my routine - at 6:15 a.m. that routine usually means sleeping - is a sure-fire way to derail my mind. It's good to look at one's self and life and the people in it from different angles .
Starting and sticking with PikesPeakSports.us has been such a rewarding adventure. I've come to know so many interesting people. You all inspire me.
Your love for one another shines through in your dedication to each other, your families, your community and your pursuit of healthful living. I hope I never lose sight of that because there is power and energy there that should be told as our stories. They'll keep me busy for another year.
My knees and hips creaked and groaned as I passed the Incline's false summit and made the final push for the top.
The Incline regulars have a special tree at the summit that has become the Incline Christmas tree, decorated with this and that. I wanted my photo by the tree. A nice lady there was happy to oblige.
To me, the tree represents the things we love ... exercise, adventure, being alive and outdoors in Colorado, each other; and the idea of Christmas (mine, anyway), giving ... just flat laying it down for the people I believe in, and for this little piece of the planet I call home.
Soon after, the sun crashed through the morning clouds and collided with Pikes Peak's massive eastern face. Everything was light and I snapped a few more photos, pointed the toes of my shoes toward town and hurried down Barr Trail to my family and good coffee and our own special tree.