Gratitude

Per my previous post, I spoke about a second strategy for climbing thousands of feet of elevation with 40 pounds on my back. I must share that while I was hiking (up) there were many times where I was fighting with my thoughts.

"I don't want to be doing this."

"Stop it. This is epic."

"This is so painful. My legs might fall off. My toes hurt."

"Stop!"

Something like that. As quickly as the unpleasant/negative thoughts came, I found ways to put them elsewhere. I tried my breath, but I was too anaerobic. Then it hit me.

"I am so grateful to be here. On this mountain. With my friend. This place is beautiful."

Somehow I started thinking of all the things to be grateful for. When I did this, I found that the focus of my thoughts diverted from physical discomfort and the fear of falling. The enjoyment of the thoughts and images of what I was grateful for was almost intoxicating, like the rush of the electrolytes I kept chugging.

I knew when the trip was over I needed to document said gratitude. Here goes:

A waft of cool air: The TCT is super sun exposed. It was hot and there were pockets of different climates everywhere. When a small breeze cooled me off, it was a gift.

A different colored rock: Everything on the TCT is kind of brown. When I came across something different, it became a diversion.

A flat surface: Not much to explain here. A stretch of flat land was like eating your favorite food when you are famished. Heaven.

The view behind me: Turning around offered a different perspective. It also provided a sense of accomplishment. This was profound.

Laughter with a friend: Chris and I have been friends since fourth grade. Old jokes, movie lines and hysterical memories passed the time. While we are often separated by distance and time, when we were on the trail together it felt like we 14 again. Laughter sure is medicinal.

The support of a friend: It really helped when Chris kept turning around and offering a support. At first I thought he was just trying to be polite, but I quickly began to really appreciate it. It helped.

My Breath: Pausing was key to moving forward. Stopping and taking one or two nice, full belly breaths that really filled up my stomach with a full exhale. This just felt good and catapulted me to another ten steps. Over and over.

Hiking Poles: Without them I would have had not confidence when the ground got gnarly. They just helped keep my balance and my head straight.

Shade: As previously stated, the TCT is extremely sun-exposed with. But thankfully, in the fall, the temps are wonderful. However, it can get hot, and it's dry. So when we found shade, it was to be relished.

A place to lay my head: Being my first camping expedition, I did not imagine how tired I would be at the end of each day. I was amazed how comfortable I could be with very little. Perspective.

A Warm Meal: Who knew that a freeze dried meal from a bag would be so satisfying. Bison Goulash. Yum. Seriously. I really learned that I can do more with less. I hope to keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind for a long time.

Water: I carried a 3 liter bladder in my pack and a 64 oz Nalgene on the side for mixing electrolytes. I finished all of it each day. One day, I ran out with two miles left. I was just grateful for water.

Family: I don't know what prompted this. Probably the discomfort of the elevation/ climbing, but I kept thinking how grateful I was that my wife supported this trip and how much I wanted to tell the story to her and my kids.

The TCT, Itself: This place is just stunning. I kept thinking that my pictures won't due the vast perspective of the scenery justice. I was just grateful this place existed and that I got to experience it. See below: