There's a Party on Grays Peak!

I am so excited about climbing Grays Peak this summer!  I have wanted to climb a 14er for a few years, but hadn't found a climbing partner.  For those of you who don't know me, I have grand plans of doing such things on my own accord, but it never really happens.  I do soooo much better if I have someone to walk along side me on a journey (or in this case, pushing or pulling me).  Well it started out with my friend, Emily.  She made a plan and I show up whenever she tells me to.  We walk or hike - depending on our time restraints, the weather and how many kiddos we have with us.  She said one of her other friends might want to join us - cool.  Then my friend Chrissy came on a hike with us.  Her goal is to walk the Bolder Boulder with one of her friends.  She told me that I should come along.  I told her that I'd walk the Bolder Boulder with her if she climbs a 14er with me.  I think she got the short end of the stick, but she agreed.

Soon, we added her sister, and my friends Stephanie and Polli.  I think today we might have added Kathy and Karen.  There may be some other people that she works with, but right now, I think we're up to nine.  I love a party, so I'm thrilled that so many of my friends want to take this journey with me.  I keep saying we're having a party on Grays Peak.  Of course whenever I say that, someone always asks if we're going to have champagne when we reach the top.  Obviously these people aren't thinking of my current fitness level.  I mean, I'm working really hard so that it's not the worst idea I've ever had, but if I drink at 14,000' I'll have to be carried home.

The most recent milestone is that I climbed to the top of Mt. Sanitas on Saturday!  Can I get a "Woot! Woot!"  Of course, there were times that I didn't think I was going to make it.  There were times that if my legs could talk, they would've said, "Are you crazy???  I'm not going any further.  I don't want to and you can't make me!"  But Chrissy and Stephanie were very patient and very supportive and just about the time I really was ready to give up, we were way too close to the top.  As I looked up at the final incline, Stephanie said, "I'm at the top, you can do it."  All I could think was, "It's Maui all over again!"  (but that's a different post)  And most importantly, it worked.  It was my idea to climb a 14er, it was my idea for Chrissy and I to hike today, I'm the one who invited Stephanie to join us and there's no way that the two of them were going to reach the top while I looked up at them and waited.  So I pushed through.  I reached the top.  (thanks, girls)

The views were stunning!  The other hikers didn't look nearly as tired as I felt, but I didn't care.  I sat on a rock and heaved while I took it all in.  Mt. Sanitas is only a fifth of Grays, so I have my work cut out for me.  But it was still breath taking.  I was still glad to be there with my friends.  I was soooo thankful that they both love me enough to not get mad at me when I said, "I don't like either of you right now." on the way up.  I resolve to try to stop doing that!!!!  I was still proud of myself and my accomplishment.  I took a moment to thank God for good friends and the beauty that surrounded us.  I took a few photos and then we headed back down.

The round trip took us three hours.  Chrissy is determined that we'll get faster and faster and I can't be completely outdone, so I'm sure she's right.  I did feel like an old woman for the rest of the day.  Every time I stood up, it took me so much longer than it normally does.  And I walked hunched over for a few minutes.  And holy cow, my knees hurt.  And I discovered a new fitness goal.  It's not to lose a certain number of pounds, or to get to a certain size - it's to be able to get up from a low couch or to get out of a car without grunting.  I think it's a good goal and I'll be adding it to my happiness project next month.  The good news - Sunday I got out of bed easily (which surprised me) and when I came down the stairs, I didn't wimper even once.  I felt great all day and even completed a huge project Sunday afternoon.  So there's hope for me yet.

I won't be drinking at the top of Grays, but whether I'm heaving or not, I will be sparkling!!!  Let me know if you want to join the party!!!