The Climb: (What I learned at the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado)
When you look out and see the top of the mountain it's not hard to say, "That's not so high. I'm gonna climb it." With a voice in the background saying "No, that'll take all day," you start running thinking "Nah, I'll do it in 30min.' The flat road leading up to the base of the mountain is a breeze as you brace yourself for the climb. Soon, you realize you need to shorten your stride because the "hills" are steeper than they appeared at a distance. You start to breathe harder and struggle to keep going as you adjust your pace and try to catch your breath. There's PAIN, but you're still fresh enough to push that aside. As you get over the first hill you come to a realization. It's not just a STRAIGHT UPHILL BATTLE, but an up & down path to make it to the top. On one hand you're relieved from fighting to go up, but on the other hand you realize it's going to be a lot harder than you initially thought. With this realization, the first sign of DOUBT hits. As you start to go uphill again, the pain increases and lactic acid starts to form, and combined with a steeper climb, adversity hits you like a slap in the face. With the dry air of 8,000ft. your throat starts to burn. Everything sucks and you want to justify just going to the second highest peak... or maybe the third... no one will notice. but I tell myself I CAN..... I WILL BECAUSE I HOLD MYSELF TO HIGHER STANDARDS!
So you keep going one step at a time, at one point you have to dig your hands and bear crawl with your head down, and have faith that the the steep climb will eventually taper. The closer you get the more you realize I'M GONNA DO THIS!!! You see less and less shoe prints in the sand, and soon enough you are on the top.... Enjoy the top, take pictures, rejoice, holler and throw your hands up in the air! There is not much FUN, about getting to the top. But the satisfaction of being on top and the few minutes descending were pure bliss!!
The toughest part is that 3/4 mark... Realize when you get to that point you must hold yourself to higher standards...So, Climb YOUR hill!! Fight that pain and doubt and have faith that you will reach the top one tiny step at a time!!!
Let's take notice of the other "Sand Dune Climbers."
1) Not everyone made an attempt to get to the top: That's fine, they were happy with the view they had from where they were.
2) Not everyone chose to run to the top: One lady walked 20~30 yards and took a break to catch her breath & appreciate the view. Others made their way to the top.
3)Not everyone decided they were going to run to the top: The important thing is to find a pace that works for you. If you have a consistent pace you will eventually get to see the top!
Eliot Kelly
"Climb that Hill"
