Chewing on a Big Mountain!

Today I'm back in the office after my September mountain climb.  I go with some guys from Lincoln in July as well, but this fall trip is strictly my personal climb, which is in conjunction with some meetings I have in Denver.

The results of my hike made me laugh as I own up to my own bad habits.  So often in life we tend to run around with too much on our plates--hurrying, scurrying, confusing our weeks, and rushing past the greater things in life.  Many of us, when cornered about the nature of our hectic lives, choose to place the blame on other things:  it's the kids' schedules, our jobs, this particular season, the result of spousal under-performance, the need for more money, etc.  I sometimes do that too.

But my hike Thursday told the tale of the true one to blame, at least in my situation (and quite likely, in many situations).  It's ME!

I had been looking at maps of my climb for weeks.  As the day came closer, and I looked a little closer at the mileage of my route I had pieced together, I realized I had chartered a 32-mile hike!  Even for me, that was too much.  So I reassessed and agreed with myself to hike up-and-back rather than attempt a round trip route.  I'd still be getting 16.25 miles in.  Good enough!

That decision was good enough all the way until it became decision time.  I was at the top of Mt. Antero in record time.  I was feeling good, accomplished, limber, well-hydrated, and optimistic.  From my vantage point at 14,269 feet, I could see the trail from which I came, and I could see the trail that would lead me down and around Mt. Antero.  As I stood there, my internal conflicts came rushing forward:  Stay the course Jason; it'll still be a good climb.  BUT, if you go back the way you came, you'll be down before lunch, which will be dissatisfying.  BUT, if you go back where you came from, you'll be able to meet a friend for dinner.  BUT, this other route and mileage would be EPIC!

It's easy to guess which route I chose.  I thundered down the trail leading down and around.  I don't know how I thought I'd really be able too accomplish 32 miles in one day.  I guess I just went for it.  Finally, around 4:15 in the afternoon, I had reached the paved road my car was on, and began to tackle the last 9 miles of the trek.  My body was sore, my water was low, and my feet had numerous blisters, some the size of caterpillars.  That's when the thumb came out.  Somebody please give me a ride!

After three miles of brisk trudging, a ride finally came.  As we drove to my car, the driver asked if I had gotten lost or had an emergency.  Ha!  I had contemplated what story I would tell my kind driver about not planning on needing a ride or about getting off track or lost.  But those were all lies.  All I could ultimately confess to was intentionally choosing a trail I was unlikely to finish solely by foot.  My driver laughed, but seemed a little confused (rightfully so!).

I finally arrived at my car where I slipped into sandals, took a huge drink of water waiting for me, and began my trip out of the mountains and into cell reception to tell Sarah I was alive and well.  On my way out I thought about the trip.  Why didn't I just go for 16?  BUT, that hike was awesome!...  Ultimately I concluded in my thoughts that it shouldn't surprise me the trip turned out like it did:  You know me... I told myself.  I'm never satisfied with just doing what I can.  I'm never okay with just fitting into the day what would leave with time for other things.  I'm an all-out kind of guy; it's what I do!...  And myself said in reply  Yeah, I do know you; you are that kind of guy.  But it doesn't always get you to where you want to get.  Now you're tired, you won't get dinner, and your wife hasn't heard from you.  The day's done.  Is that what you wanted?...

Oftentimes it's nobody's fault but our own when we're running ragged and overwhelmed.  Although I hate to admit it, I think it takes even MORE courage, training, and integrity to set reasonable, healthy goals than it does to take on a 32-mile hike up and around a 14,000+ feet mountain.  I wrestle with this all time.  My hope, in addition to hiking all 56 14ers someday, is to learn, one day, the skill of setting better rhythms.  That would be nice!  I also wish that to many of you, who also struggle with the same thing.  Learning this skill is well worth it!

More to come!

Jason <><