Only 16 miles...

The other week, Lil' Sis and I were invited on a hike with Z, D, and J. "Don't worry," we were told. "It's a 16 mile hike, but J did it in only 4 hours...so it's not too difficult." Only 16 miles. Only 4 hours. Doesn't sound too bad; besides, what a great opportunity to hike a peak I've never hiked before, and catch up with friends.

Well, what we didn't know is that this peak is the highest in the county--with an elevation of 5,687 feet. The 16 mile round trip begins at 1,687 feet. That's an elevation gain of 4,000 feet in 8 miles!


We met at church (the halfway point) at 6am, and from there drove to the trail head. After an Albertsons stop to tie up some loose ends, we officially began our trek at 7:43am.


The beginning of the hike was lovely. The weather was cool, the trail not too steep, with an abundance of trees. Soon, however, the trail grew steeper, the air grew warmer, and our steps grew slower. Actually, I should say MY steps grew slower. Z and D took off up the trail at an insane--in my opinion--pace. J stayed behind with C and I and kept the pace of the slowest hiker: me. For some reason, I was really struggling up the trail. The trail definitely had an incline, but it was not as steep as others I'd been on.


After a time, we breaked for a snack. I had one of C's homemade "branola" bars--which was a BAD idea because it soon upset my stomach, and made the trek even more difficult.


C and J chatted most of the way up, stopping and waiting for me after every couple of turns. I just huffed and puffed along behind.


Soon my muscles and lungs screamed at me to stop. I willed myself forward. "You idiot! Can't you feel me burning?"


" I don't care! I am getting to the top of this mountain!"


"You've already gone further than you ever have. You still have to go back this same distance. Conserve some energy"


"I know, I know. But I know I can do it. Besides, I don't want to look like a total wimp. I don't understand why I'm struggling so much."


"Hellooooooooooo...Have you been listening to your heart-rate recently? You're going through the roof!"


"Ok, quick check. 20 beats over 6 seconds...that's 200 beats/min. A good rate is 80% of your max. Max is 220 - my age...197. 80% of that is...157.6. Oh my gosh!!! I'm way too high!!! Is that why I'm gasping for air and struggling to put one foot in front of the other? I've got to go slower."


I felt as if I were walking through a swimming pool filled with Elmer's glue. How could I get any slower without coming to a stand still? Even when resting, my heart rate would only drop to 180.


J and C were great. They continued to encourage me on, and not complain when I asked if we could rest. I finally stopped apologizing for the frequent rests.


We stopped for lunch about halfway up the mountain. J led us to a shady and cool valley where we could set down our packs and rest. I love shade.


I don't know how long we sat there, but it wasn't nearly long enough. All too soon we hit the road again.


I couldn't believe we were only halfway up.


Me: "J, how close would you say we are to the top?"


...long pause...


Me: "Or, do I want to know?"


J: " You don't want to know."


We continued hiking. Crawling from shady spot to shady spot to avoid the sun and the heat. About 1/2 mile from the summit, I had to stop--again. We rested for a bit, then prepared to make the final haul. 20 feet along, I suddenly felt really bad. Physically bad. I stopped and watched the other two slog up the hill ahead of me. I just couldn't do it. All the psychological willing in the world wouldn't convince my body to move. C stopped and looked back. I must have had an expression on my face because her's immediately grew concerned.


"Are you ok?"


"No, I don't feel very good....I...I think I'm just going to have to wait in the shade of the tree. I really don't feel good."


J came back and said he'd wait with me while C continued on to meet Z and D at the summit. Only 1/2 mile left! Why oh why did my body have to quit right then? I'd come so far already.


J found a shadier spot just off the road, where we could get a view and a breeze while we waited. It was a good thing too because I soon thought I was going to lose my lunch. I knew then that I had pushed my body too hard. Controlling my breathing, and attempting to psych myself out of throwing up, I sat with my head in my hands.


J: "Do you want to listen to some music?" (He had his ipod touch with him)

Me: "Sure."

J: "Korean or Classical?"

Me: (groan--feeling worse) "Hang on a sec. I can't talk." . . . "I don't care."


...pause...


Me: "Classical."


J turned on some Chopin, and I eventually lay back under the tree. As I gradually began to feel better, I think I may have dozed in and out. I think we spent an hour-and-a-half chatting and listening to Chopin under the scrub-oak. Sitting in the shade of a tree, with a great view, listening to Chopin, and talking to a friend--a very peaceful afternoon!



Going down was MUCH easier than coming up. It only took us 2 1/2 hours to get back to the car. And boy-oh-boy were we glad to see it! Trek start: 7:43am. Trek end: 5:10pm. The round trip hiking time took 9 hours to complete!


We stopped in at Albertsons again on our way back to church--and what a sight we must have been. Stiffness and pain were already setting in, and most of us limped and hobbled back toward the Gatorade.


The next day I could feel every single muscle south of my waist--and they were sure sore.


The hike was on Tuesday, and by Saturday, I never would have known I'd hiked 15 miles. I would like to do this hike again, and now that I know what it's like, I would prepare more ahead of time for the fitness challenge.

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