today i hiked 7 summits in phoenix totalling 22.5 miles and 6000 vertical feet on 4-1/2 hours of sleep. and 11.25 of those miles were uphill. it is one of the most miserable things i've ever put myself through. in fact, the only point at which i felt like i may NOT be a complete lunatic was when the mountainbikers zoomed by me down that incline on a dirt path about 2 feet wide. on my 4th hike, i decided i'd had enough. and although i acknowledged that i had nothing to prove to anyone, instead of packing it in for the day and heading home for a nap and some sunday afternoon nostradamus-history-channel-special, i decided i just needed to move faster. the faster i got to the top, the sooner i could start back down. the faster i made it down, the sooner i could make it to the next trailhead. and the faster i finished all 7, the sooner i could go home to a shower and perfume and pink sheets and advil. contrary to popular (aka huy's) belief, it had nothing to do with feeling accomplished. i wanted to go home. and, as with most things, i wanted it NOW.
i felt like lewis & clark. or any other explorer that spent a lot of grueling time on the trail moving quickly before winter set in or something. more like oregon trail i suppose. except without the benefit of oxen or any refreshing rivers to ford. but anyway, from now on, i'll stick to leisurely day hikes where i can enjoy the scenery and the weather. and can move my legs the next day.
huy accompanied me to the celebratory dinner at the phoenix zoo where, as usual, i was on my best behavior.
2 comments:
i taught you well....never give up and always be on your best behavior when you are out!
You are too amazing. Sounds much more fun than watching Daniel and me bicker over burnt BLT's. I hope one day we can have some exhilarating non-family oriented fun. Hiking is off the agenda, though. And something I don't think we should ever do together... :) I miss you and thanks again for the icecream!
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