I was so excited then and at the time I envisioned working up to longer distances. I can't believe that was two years ago. As it turns out, I didn't work up past the one mile run, and in fact, I don't distance run all that much anymore. I came to the conclusion I don't really like distance running, and walking fast seems to work just fine for me. But every couple of days I just have to run - its like my legs desire to go fast and the muscles ache to move and stretch another way. Plus I have this need in my head to prove that I still can do it - that I can still run. I either do fast sprints, 30 seconds fast as I can running, 30 seconds walking - alternating for about 10 minutes, or I do a slower, longer on and off jog for a couple of miles. Whichever way I run - I am always appreciative of the fact that I can still get my body to do it.
While on vacation we went to Arches national park with our son and his kids to do some sightseeing and a little hiking. His kids are ages 1 to 7, so most of our hikes were fairly short. We decided to hike up the trail to the Delicate Arch which the sign said was about a 3 mile moderate difficulty round trip walk. We were not sure about the little ones doing this hike, but they wanted to do it, so off we went. The 7 year old and I led the way. I had not done much walking or exercising during our vacation so was excited to get back out and stretch some of the stiffness out. I kept up a fairly fast pace. Soon I noticed the 7 year old was slowing down and then she dropped back with her parents who I guess were doing a more comfortable stride for her. At this point the path started up a steeper incline and I noticed the rest of the family was getting further and further behind me. I started to wonder if they were going to give it up and not finish the hike.
My first thought was that I should drop back and stay with them. But all of a sudden I got the same feeling that I sometimes get when I walk, I just had to run, or in this case finish the hike. I had to prove to myself that I could do it, plus I wanted to get to the top to see the famous scenery. So I sped up and started walking as fast as I could. I wasn't running as it was a pretty steep incline, but I was walking quickly using long strides, and it felt really good. Glancing back a couple of times, I felt a little guilty that my family was now quite a ways behind me, but I selfishly kept going. Soon they were out of sight. I stopped only long enough to describe my husband to another couple who were headed back down the path and ask them to tell hubby that if they all decided not to finish the hike, it was OK, but I was determined to go the distance and would meet them in the parking lot when I was done. The couple laughed and agreed to watch for him and deliver the message.
Up, Up, I climbed until I came to the part where the path narrowed and continued along a ledge on the side of the rock mountain. I stopped a minute to see how much further I would have to go and how deep the drop was on the side of the ledge. Normally I am pretty scared of heights but it wasn't that bad so my legs started up again, I did not let my mind think, and I continued my fast pace up the ledge concentrating only on getting to my destination. It didn't take too long to reach the top where I climbed onto a flat slab that opened up to an absolutely amazing site. I was a tad bit winded for a minute, but so elated about being there and awed at the fabulous scene before me. It was breathtaking.
I wandered around taking it all in, even getting close (but not too close) to the edges that dropped off, to see what was below. It was so wondrous. After several minutes I sat down, gazing at the natural beauty, and watching the other tourists enjoy it. I thought about my family wishing they were there with me, especially my husband. I wanted to share this moment with him. I don't know how long I sat there, but eventually I began to think that I should head back down, to not make them wait too long. So I walked around a little more to take in the view one last time, and then as I turned to the path, I saw the 7 year old climb up off the ledge, followed by her Dad, and then her siblings and her Mom, and finally another sibling with Hubby. My heart literally leapt. I was so happy to share this moment with them and so glad that they did not turn around, but made it all the way to the top too. I actually teared up a little as my grandkids saw me, smiles breaking out on their faces and one of them yelled "Grandma, we made it". I walked up to Hubby, who was freaking out a bit as one of the kids got a little too close to an edge. "Grandpa, you made it - I didn't think you would!", I said. He just smiled then quickly turned his attention back to keeping the kids safe.
Sometimes I just have to run - sometimes I need to run - so I will continue to run as long as I can, because I can, and to prove that I can! I intend to appreciate every moment of it too!
