Started out great. Caught in traffic on W's.

Passed woman getting ill on side of trail.

Stayed with her until her friends caught up.

Missed cut off by nine minutes.

Decided might try continue as civilian. Rescue volunteer cautioned not to due to storm issues.

Turned back at A-frame once again.

Next year.

Ready. Set. Go!

Everything is laid out. Can't read another word from Matt's book.

Its time to do it.

The path goes up. I will go up.

Soaring.

In my minds eye I have already won.

Tomorrow is the affirmation.

 Have spent some time looking at Pikes Peak and been enjoying reading everyone's great posts about getting to the top (and back if that's their race) . Some moments have also been spent reflecting on The Ascent, 2008, getting so close, and having to go back down because the weather was creating terrible conditions on top. (it was a longer run, I was turned around at the A- frame.) My gear is ready, clothes set aside, race day check list complete. A little anxious about parking, sleep, and,…

 Its beeen a great few weeks . Spent a lot of time on trails. Each day has found me spending at least a few hours on a trail.  Trails on Pikes, going up, coming down, going up...., trails in the canons, trails in the parks. Ran into a few friendly faces, some known (Brandon, Aaron, Amy) and some just breezing by me, often sharing smiles, words of encouragement, or pats to the dog.  I enjoy the trail . Quiet engaged movement, with the dog trotting, running, and casually peering down at me…