Recently I've realized how much mind of matter impacts our day-to-day. It's important to give ourselves the permission to take breaks when experiencing a difficult circumstance or obstacle, in order to come back and finish even stronger. "You must never confuse a single step with the ultimate goal" --so true. Great read!
Cole, I have to say that I'm not really interested in climbing and didn't think your newsletter would be for me, but after having read several articles I changed my mind. You're a fantastic writer. Your observations and anecdotes make this newsletter worth reading. It's great stuff.
I appreciate you saying so; that means a lot to me. My goals moving forward are first and foremost to continue telling interesting stories with observations like this one woven in, and to start telling the stories of other interesting travelers I meet along the way. I sincerely hope you continue to enjoy them, and always welcome feedback!
I actually may have to find a way to work this into my publication description now. Would you mind if I used your original comment in a testimonial at some point? I'd love to get the word out that there is value in reading even for non climbers!
I recently ran my first ever Ultra-marathon; the Never Summer 60K (~38 miles). The course takes you through the beautiful State Forest State Park and through the Never Summer Mountains near Walden, Colorado. Going into the race, I knew there were two difficult climbs; one at mile 6 and one at mile 22. I managed the climb at mile 6 just fine, but then came the second climb up North Diamond Peak. The climb is a near 45% grade with the last 15% coming above the treeline. I struggled. Muscles cramped, my lungs compressed, and my mind was telling me to give in. I am convinced I only made it to the top because I took breaks every 1/10 of a mile. I would not have finished the climb if I had not stopped to rest.
It's a balancing act for sure. When I did my first long backpacking trip ever, our crew leader warned us not to rest for too long sitting down, or lactic acid would build up in our knees. But if you never rest at all, you're going to collapse. Thanks for sharing about your ultra-marathon. That sounds like a gorgeous route!
I recently ran my first ever Ultra-marathon; the Never Summer 60K (~38 miles). The course takes you through the beautiful State Forest State Park and through the Never Summer Mountains near Walden, Colorado. Going into the race, I knew there were two difficult climbs; one at mile 6 and one at mile 22. I managed the climb at mile 6 just fine, but then came the second climb up North Diamond Peak. The climb is a near 45% grade with the last 15% coming above the treeline. I struggled. Muscles cramped, my lungs compressed, and my mind was telling me to give in. I am convinced I only made it to the top because I took breaks every 1/10 of a mile. I would not have finished the climb if I had not stopped to rest.
Recently I've realized how much mind of matter impacts our day-to-day. It's important to give ourselves the permission to take breaks when experiencing a difficult circumstance or obstacle, in order to come back and finish even stronger. "You must never confuse a single step with the ultimate goal" --so true. Great read!
Thank you! I'm glad this one spoke to you!
Cole, I have to say that I'm not really interested in climbing and didn't think your newsletter would be for me, but after having read several articles I changed my mind. You're a fantastic writer. Your observations and anecdotes make this newsletter worth reading. It's great stuff.
I appreciate you saying so; that means a lot to me. My goals moving forward are first and foremost to continue telling interesting stories with observations like this one woven in, and to start telling the stories of other interesting travelers I meet along the way. I sincerely hope you continue to enjoy them, and always welcome feedback!
“Your stories and those of fellow travelers…” What a great premise. Seriously.
I actually may have to find a way to work this into my publication description now. Would you mind if I used your original comment in a testimonial at some point? I'd love to get the word out that there is value in reading even for non climbers!
Sure. Feel free to use the quote.
Thanks!
I recently ran my first ever Ultra-marathon; the Never Summer 60K (~38 miles). The course takes you through the beautiful State Forest State Park and through the Never Summer Mountains near Walden, Colorado. Going into the race, I knew there were two difficult climbs; one at mile 6 and one at mile 22. I managed the climb at mile 6 just fine, but then came the second climb up North Diamond Peak. The climb is a near 45% grade with the last 15% coming above the treeline. I struggled. Muscles cramped, my lungs compressed, and my mind was telling me to give in. I am convinced I only made it to the top because I took breaks every 1/10 of a mile. I would not have finished the climb if I had not stopped to rest.
It's a balancing act for sure. When I did my first long backpacking trip ever, our crew leader warned us not to rest for too long sitting down, or lactic acid would build up in our knees. But if you never rest at all, you're going to collapse. Thanks for sharing about your ultra-marathon. That sounds like a gorgeous route!
I recently ran my first ever Ultra-marathon; the Never Summer 60K (~38 miles). The course takes you through the beautiful State Forest State Park and through the Never Summer Mountains near Walden, Colorado. Going into the race, I knew there were two difficult climbs; one at mile 6 and one at mile 22. I managed the climb at mile 6 just fine, but then came the second climb up North Diamond Peak. The climb is a near 45% grade with the last 15% coming above the treeline. I struggled. Muscles cramped, my lungs compressed, and my mind was telling me to give in. I am convinced I only made it to the top because I took breaks every 1/10 of a mile. I would not have finished the climb if I had not stopped to rest.