Pikes Peak Challenge (a wee late)

Ah yes, the Colorado mountain air and a full day of hiking.. not to mention the 40 degree weather at the base! For the second year in a row, I participated in the Pikes Peak Challenge, raising money for the Brain Injury Association of Colorado. Now, I did it last year, and it was a gorgeous day, so I figured that's what I'd be getting this time around, not the case. I hoped it wouldn't stand in the way of accomplishing my goal time of 8 hours (last year I did it in 9.5 hours). I had the start time of 5:10am. The first half of the hike was a bit tough, as my body was going through cold and hot flashes due to me sweating, then the cold air cooling it off, just a little uncomfortable. We hit Barr Camp right around 8am. We re stocked on water and got some food in our bellies. After a half hour of resting, we started the second half of the hike. From there I found my rythm and just went for it, no stops. That is until i got to A Frame, which marks 3 miles left of the hike. Mind you, the entire morning was chilly and foggy and a little wet, but when I reached A Frame, the fog cleared and we actually had blue sky! And just as quick as the fog rolled out, it came right back, this time bringing wind and snow. But, I'd been walking so intensely that I didn't even feel it. I finally finished the Challenge at 1:10pm.. so if you're doing the math, you'll see that I hit my target time DEAD ON! I enjoyed it, I think a little more this year. But I WILL be back to do it again next year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the challenge.. next year: 7 hours! Here's some pics of the hike!


Til next time

Danger Dean