I made it!

I woke up at 3am, spent 2 hours driving to the mountains, climbed the hardest trail I have ever climbed that was all rocks, rocks and rocks, suffered from severe cramps and nauseau (my period started the night before - perfect timing) ... BUT I MADE IT UP MY FIRST 14'er!!! I went really slow - everyone else I started with had finished long before me. But when i got to the top of the mountain and signed the register, I was pretty darn proud that I made it. Just a year ago I couldn't walk to the mailbox and here I was on the top of a huge mountain with views that just blew my mind! The altitude slowed me up a bit but I think my cramps was what really slowed me down - I was struggling with feeling sick the entire way up. But I met some wonderful people on the way up who became my cheerleaders - actually, everyone was unbelievably supportive of each other, cheering each other on and helping when help was needed. There were TONS of people, it was rush hour in the mountains! I did experience almost all of the seasons - in the morning it was cloudy and overcast like fall (plus, some of the leaves had begun to change), it warmed up a few hours later and became very summer like, then at the top it actually snowed! So winter was included, and then we had storms on the way down, very summer like. It was perfect weather and I couldn't have asked for a better day. Once I was driving head home, I just started to cry. I'm not sure why, but I was still in awe that i had made it. It was just so surreal and exhausting (although the whole emotions from my period could of had something to do with it ) I will say this - next time I do this, I am planning it WAY AFTER my period. That just wasn't fun. So, who wants to plan a trip to Colorado next summer and hike a 14er with me????  

WOW PJ!  That sounds pretty intense.  Too bad that auntie flo decided to come along too! Congrats for achieving the mountain climb.  What an amazing feat after such a short time.  It is so amazing how our lives change after WLS. Keep up the great work!

Wooohoo!  Congratulations!  You are so inspirational PJ - its so awesome that you've found a wonderful way to exercise that also brings so many other gifts to your mind and spirit.   Amazing!

PJ, Wow!!!  I am very impressed!  I don't really know what a 14er is, but, I'm still very impressed.  What impresses me most about you is that I am positive you are going to be a former obese person for life.  How cool is that???  You really have embraced WLS and the new life it has given you!!!! Lori

14'ers are big here in Colorado, and they are mountains over 14,000 feet - I tend to forget that not everyone lives here in Colorado!  Colorado has the most of them than any other state and it is quite the popular thing to 'bag' a 14er - actually, many plan on bagging each one at some point in time. You know, you said something that really struck me - "I am positive you are going to be a former obese person for life" and that was just about that greatest anyone could say. Thank you, and honestly, I've always thought the same of you. Your gym posts do make a difference!

PJ, I so hope you are right about me.  My problem is still with food!  But, I do like to exercise and that is a very good thing!!!! Lori

Wow, PJ that is so impressive. What an inspiration you are. Congratulations. Jo

I'm telling you, I have a pretty special angel.  She sets her goal, works toward it, and achieves it! Woohoo! We were pelted with heavy rain yesterday afternoon just as we fired up the grill to make our Beer Butt Chicken for dinner.  Of course, it didn't let up until my sibling was done grilling the bird.  I'm not surprised you experienced all four seasons of weather in one day climbing up to Heaven and back down again. Who knows, maybe this time next year, I'll be climbing that 14er right behind you! Kix

You, me and Kelly next year! It's a plan And I happen to know that MY angel is just about as special and her goals just as impressive - don't forget that!

Congratulations, PJ!  I got goosebumps reading your post; your description of your experience makes me feel like I was there with you!   As I've mentioned in previous posts, I lived in Colorado for a few years in the early 90's (Denver for 1& 1/2 years, Vail for 1 year), and I really miss the mountains.  I'm actually hoping to vacation in Colorado some time in the next couple years, and would LOVE to climb a 14'er with you.  (Climbing a 14'er is on my list of things I want to do, along with a century bike ride, and white water rafting in the Colorado River.)  So I just may take you up on that offer! Congrats again on your great accomplishment; you should be proud of yourself.  I know I'm proud of you!!!!!! Kellie