Walking the course toward the summit

If it was up to me, I would have sat down
on this bench for awhile to take in the views.

The pathways are steeper than they look. And it sure was a beautiful day!

I was always lagging behind Kelly and Matt
but it was so exciting to finally reach the top!

I believe this is looking toward St. Helena in the Napa Valley.

This is looking toward Santa Rosa which I think
might be Rincon Valley in the distance.

This awesome sign shows all the views from San Francisco to the
Pacific Ocean to all the neighboring towns and cities. You can stand
here and look out and see these awesome views and it's so incredible!
Almost like bein' on a plane. BUT! Better. :O)

I shoulda known better. I do know better.

That. Whenever my sister Kelly invites me on a hike, I really do know it's not a typical hike or at least a hike I daydream about. (We don't slow down to pick up pretty little rocks in the shape of a heart or sit on a bench and take in the beauty of the beautiful Sonoma and Napa valleys that unfold below us).

It's really a training mission for her. I run behind to keep up with her fast pace. My calves scream in pain. My lungs burn. I am so out of shape.

She is going to run the Coyote Two Moon Ultras in Ojai in March. (while i'm laying horizontal, poolside in Palm Springs)

I am tired. And I'm sore. I do feel really good that I pushed myself. I kept thinking of that awesome show The Biggest Loser where they are reeling in agony while pushing forward to live a healthier life.

I can do this, I can do this, I can do this... I kept saying to myself in between giant deep breaths. And I did do it. A small feat for Kelly and Matt. A huge accomplishment for me.

I made it to the summit, elevation: two thousand, seven hundred and twenty-nine feet.

It did my heart good. In many ways. I'm ready for more activity. It really does feel good to push ourselves. I never would have done this had it not been Kelly and Matt being with me every step of the way.

So. Thanks Kel. Thanks Matt.
I wanna do this again. Soon.