The Saturday before the Summer Roundup I went to the top of Pikes Peak and sat up there for a couple of hours.  Normally I would have ran down some and then back up for some Pikes Peak Ascent training.  However, with the Summer Roundup the next day I just wanted to be on top for some altitude time.

As I sat on top and watched runners going up and down I was sad for a second that I wasn’t running.  Yes, it was only for a second and then I was actually happy I wasn’t running, haha.  As I watched I did feel like a slacker.  I decided at that point next week I am going bottom to top!

Friday evening I went straight home from work and rested to I would feel good on Saturday morning.  5:00 a.m. the alarm rings and it’s time to get up because I wanted to get started by 6:00.  My first thought was why did I want to go so early.  I felt confident and was ready to go heading out the door at 5:45.  I pulled into Memorial park grabbed my stuff and was ready to roll.

As soon as I turned onto Manitou Ave and looked up at the peak I thought to myself “that’s a long way to go!”  I turn onto Ruxton, look at the hill and think “only 13 more miles.”  Not a good feeling so early in my run.  I know it’s going to be difficult and I figure once I get to No Name Creek I can make up some time.  I pass No Name Creek, Bob’s Road and get to Barr Camp.  Heck, I feel pretty good I can do this.

Next up Bottomless Pit and I knew I was slowing down but I still was feeling good.  The last time I had been this far was the Ascent last year.  I forgot how far it is to A-Frame and how many little switchbacks there are before A-Frame.  I started to feel a little discouraged but I was anxious to hit tree line.  Finally, tree line and 3 miles to go.

The last 3 miles were absolutely horrible.  I had many thoughts and many words flying out of my mouth.  “What made me think I was ready to go bottom to top!  This is my last year!  Why do I torture myself like this!”  Then I hit the summit.  A nice rest and some snacks and liquids and I was feeling much better.  Heck, it wasn’t really that bad.  I can do this many more years.

I am thrilled to be a part of the PikesPeakSports.us Triple Crown Runners team.  This team is a great group and they have helped me.  All the runners out there have helped so, keep on running my fellow runner because you inspire me.  GO BRT!!!!!