This time last week, I was running-er-hiking up Pikes Peak. In all honesty, there wasn’t much running for a couple reasons. There were just too many people on the trail to move much, and…elevation kinda slowed me down.

The race was on a Saturday (August 19th), and we drove up from Phoenix starting on Wednesday. Arrived early afternoon Thursday. We got settled, met up with Addie and Joni to pick up our race packets, then it was into the “hurry up and wait for the race” mode.

A brief run on Friday to shake out the legs was helpful in getting a little used to the elevation.

But really, not much ability to do that in such a short time. I didn’t feel any effects at all really. Maybe a little more tired than normal, but that’s it.

Race morning was nice. Chilly at about 60 degrees. We started out on time and I was able to run that first part, but as we hit the trail, early on, most everyone was walking, hiking or power hiking.

But when it was flat enough, we’d run, even if only a few seconds…it helps move things along.

I enjoyed the beauty surrounding me. Chatting with people-who were willing to chat **wink**. It often times felt like a death march it was so quiet.

So, I passed the time taking pictures, videos, and thinking about why I was running. It was in memory of Mary Sue Seymour. I’m doing a fundraiser for a cause she held close to her heart, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, as I complete a few adventures on my road to the 2018 Boston Marathon. http://giftfunds.stjude.org/IRun4MarySue

I also had the following names written on my shoe, so they were close to my heart this entire run: Lynn, Taylor, and Frank.

The real fun started above the tree line – so maybe about 12,000 ft or so. I still felt pretty strong for the most part, just a little dizzy. I was still having a blast looking around at the beautiful views, taking pictures of the line of people ahead of and behind me.

About two miles or so from the top, I could hear someone shouting out names from the finish line at the top. That was torture. But a sweet one. It motivated me to stay strong, encourage those around me, and keep plugging, one step at a time.

It got pretty hard those last two miles. Breathing was pretty labored and my legs were getting tired. But I was just so happy I’d made it this far.

Only two miles left.

I could do this.

For you, Mary Sue.

For those who can’t.

For me.

I’d never climbed a Fourteener, so this was pretty darn exciting for me.

The finish line…wow. Talk about an amazing event. The clouds had rolled in, so it got super cold. I was glad to have my special needs bag packed with a fleece, knit cap, and sweat pants.

But the reception and encouragement by the people there. AMAZING. I guess I hugged the girls giving me my finisher medals. I was just so happy…and kinda delirious. LOL!

The people there were amazing. I was so thankful to have my sweet hubby and coach there to meet me with wide open arms. He grabbed a fun little finisher video as well. He’s my rock. My encourager. My heart.

Thanks to Addie for taking me under her wing. Addie challenged me to this last year, so when registration opened, I was on it within the first couple of minutes, because this historic race fills up fast. Thanks, Addie, for suggesting this.

Thanks to The Mary Sue Seymour Foundation for choosing me to represent Mary Sue for these coming months. She was an amazing, encouraging and inspiring woman. It’s an honor.

Thanks to those who have donated to the cause and to those who will. Any amount helps-we need to fight this terrible disease with all we have. Too many are taken from us before their due time. Click HERE for the donation site.

Thanks to Jesus for giving me the ability and resources to do what I love.

Thanks to you who follow my adventures and all the support you give me.

Next up: 50k run in October. Let the training begin. . . .

Stay strong, my friends.