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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!!!!!

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Comment by Mary Baldwin on July 22, 2014 at 3:04pm

Now that I know I what BRT stands for I can appreciate your blog that much more.

Everytime I find myself on Ruxton I think "only 13 more miles to the top"...haha :-)

Comment by Sean O'Day on July 18, 2014 at 3:20pm

Oh, treeline.  The good news about feeling so terrible this time is you'll likely not feel quite as bad next time.

Comment by Amy (Arcuri) Perez on July 15, 2014 at 8:33am

BRT!!

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