12/31/2010 – On New Years Eve I hiked the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mountains with a couple friends. Man…this hike kicked my ass on the way up! I was the guy in the group lagging behind at least 20 feet. I had to stop many times and take a breather and rest my legs, which continuously felt like they were going to give out at any second.
We finally reached the top after climbing for a couple hours – I was so relieved when we got there. We sat there for short time resting, drinking water, eating energy snacks and took a few photos. A funny thing happend to me as we started climbing back down, the pain from my legs and chest was gone and all I could do was look around and marvel at the scenery and the views from the altitude we were at. I was overwhelmed with feelings of excitement and accomplishment. I felt awesome!
After climbing down a while, my legs begain to hurt again, but I did not focus on the pain (as I did on the way up). Instead, I surrendered to the physical messages from my body and simply enjoyed the moment and engaged in good conversation with the guys all the way down. It was a great day!
I learned a couple things about myself that day. Besides learning I am COMPLETELY out of shape physically, I learned that the pain or sacrifice we go through is usually a trivial thing compared to the reward or sense of accomplishment we get after moving past our obstacles.
It was a great day and I am gratful for my friends taking me with them. Here are some photos from the day.
Another mountain in the distance
Looking back from the top
Tony is happy!
Me and Ryan
Me and Tony
view from the top
resting at the top