So, I did a thing this week and I just realized I needed to share it.
I climbed the Manitou Incline. It’s an extreme hike with an average 45° grade with it reaching 68° grade at points. The 2,744 steps gain 2,000 feet of altitude in under a mile. Quads, my friends. Quads for days.
It took 1 hour 35 minutes for me to reach the summit. I almost quit a few times. It was hot. It was steep. I’m not in shape.
It was brilliant. It was exhilarating. It was breathtaking. It was joy inducing.
It was also a group effort. I went alone and started later than I’d planned. The trail wasn’t too busy but it was definitely populated. I started with some hikers but ended with several individuals and groups that all ended up pushing each other to the end. Support from strangers is always such a great feeling. It’s easy, especially these days in this country, to think the worst of people. Yet on this arduous trail that used to be a tourist cable car and can be connected to trails taking a hiker up Pike’s Peak, America’s Mountain, people who will only know each other for an hour or two and who will never know each other’s names will help each other reach the summit. That sentence rambles but I’m going to let it be. The trail and it’s community are a thing of beauty.
It was the hardest mile of my life. It was possibly the best mile of my life, though I’m still proud of my one time 6:59 mile. That was also hot and sweaty. I drank two liters up the Incline and wish I’d had a third… or more electrolytes. Or both. I absolutely crawled at times.
I’m ready to do it again. I’m wondering if I’ll have time before it’s time to leave Colorado.
So little time, so much life to live.