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Tim Bergsten created this Ning Network.

Almost every runner I know, whether they’re training for the Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon or not, has already been on the incline or Barr trail this year.  Challenging trail runs, it seems, are a quintessential part of any runner’s routine.  Any runner, perhaps, other than me.

I haven’t seen the top of Pikes Peak for three years. I probably haven’t seen the top of the incline for just as long.

I could blame my inertia on the emotional toll of the fires in our community, or my bronchitis (which is still lingering, thanks in no small part to the air quality resulting from the fires), or my busy work schedule.  I could, but I won’t, because it would be a lie.

The truth is, I don’t follow a regular training regimen. And I don’t generally take on outdoor activities that don’t bring me to life. And I gotta say, huffing and puffing my way up to the top of the Peak has not historically made my soul sing.  I love challenge, but I detest being terrible at things. And on the Peak, I’m slllllllllooooooooooow.

It turns out, I'm not much better on the descent. A few years ago, I hiked Ellingwood with a particularly patient friend. After finally reaching the summit (bribes of chocolate may have been involved), I realized I was terrified to come back down. What's a girl in running shoes to do with all that scree? Here's what I did: I scrambled down that mountain like a crab - on all fours. Not one of my finer moments.

Conventional wisdom tells us that in order to improve, one has to practice. With the big event less than two months away, I had better start. And the only place to start is right where I am.  On Tuesday, I scraped up the motivation to purchase a cog ticket, locking me in to at least one full ascent (and guaranteeing me a ride back down.)

I don’t predict a glorious, strong, three-hour summit. I may take TWICE that amount of time. I might even cry at the top. But I’ll get there, at least twice this summer, and maybe more.

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Comment by Ryan Johnson on July 1, 2013 at 3:58pm

Kristy, you keep me sane, thank you.  In a world of hardcore, ultra-dedicated runners, I sometimes think that I am the only one who struggles to get out of bed early or has difficulty fitting regular runs into my schedule.  I fills me with hope that someone as amazing and talented as you also faces these woes!  Hang in there, and you can believe I'll be right next to you, slowly and steadily chugging up the Peak!

Comment by Vanessa Shawver on June 28, 2013 at 2:00pm

No worries.  I haven't come within miles of the incline in a few years either. However, I am going to do it early on Tuesday morning.  No summit for me, just incline.  I'll be the girl crying the whole way down.

Comment by Melvin Watson on June 28, 2013 at 11:04am

Aweome! Thanks for sharing Kristy.

 

Mel

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