MyCOLORADOLife.net
Been looking forward to Wild coming to theaters for 6 months. Solo woman hiker (with no training) treks the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) 1,000 miles, California to Oregon.
Why? Life issues, searching for healing, looking for direction. [That’s as much as you’ll get from me.]
Since I hadn’t read the book, was limited to third-hand info – it’s the girl version of Into the Wild.
Probably watched Into the Wild 20+ times in 2007 & reevaluated my life direction. I wasn’t a loner – I surrounded myself with awesome friends…yet remained hollow, empty inside. Why was I living as society dictated? Was I hoping to get points in heaven for leading a respectable, predictable life? This movie inspired.
I created a 3-year plan, built a home in Colorado & gave up my Manhattan-centered career in a downturn economy. Not quite Chris McCandless, a recent college grad with zero life obligations. Nope, I came with life baggage – yet I too wanted more.
Wild couldn’t possibly match my Into obsession, right?
Didn’t have to – Cheryl Strayed’s story stands on its own. AND I’m 7 years older. Whereas Into taught me to dream/that it’s ok, Wild teaches it’s ok to forgive yourself/that it’s ok.
Really good flic. Go & go often.
https://simplyalyson.com/3-lessons-i-relearned-from-wild-the-movie/
‘Wild’ Trailer (2014)
‘Into the Wild’ Trailer (2007)
Travelled to Centennial after work on Tuesday & met up with 2 Colorado-based Maniacs, Stacy & Dave – and their Denver running posse at Run Colorado. Always good to expand one’s friend base – thanks for the invite Stacy!
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- Dave, Stacy & their Denver running posse
During off-season (5 weeks between past Saturday’s Rehoboth Beach marathon & next January’s Mississippi Blues full), decided to focus on one BIG weakness – endurance. Not beating myself up – I completed 17 marathons in 17 different states…that’s a great accomplishment – but I gutted out the last 3, hovering at 4:30 finish times. I can do better.
Gonna make peace with the beast – HILLS. Will not only improve marathon results but also increase lung capacity & quad strength for my BIG August 2015 life adventure. 3 days in – breathing like a rookie, sweating hard, struggling.
Day 4: signed up for a 5am meetup at Manitou Incline, 2 hours away – you do the math, mighty early Saturday wake.
Manitou Incline is a popular hiking trail rising above Manitou Springs, Colorado. The trail is the remains of a former 3 ft narrow gauge funicular railway whose tracks washed out during a rock slide in 1990. The Incline is famous for its sweeping views and steep grade, as steep as 68% in places, making it a fitness challenge for locals in the Colorado Springs area. The Incline gains over 2,000 feet of elevation in less than one mile.
2 years ago I hiked Barr Trail (28 miles – crazy long day) but missed the Incline – no dogs allowed. That day Ro & I salmoned 3 miles up the return trail, dodging runners ‘til we passed the Incline junction.
Arrived first & inadvertently introduced myself to spooked hikers ‘til my new running group arrived.
Tough meeting new folks – not sure of pace or even what folks look like plus this would be my first high altitude run in months (perfect match for my off-season hill challenge, huh 🙂 )
Manitou Incline is only one-mile UP – but with a 2,000ft elevation gain.
Was forewarned to go out slow, advised there is a bail-out point two-thirds up, and that the last third was straight UP. Picked up pace ½ in, then waited for our group near the Christmas tree summit. No altitude adjustments needed here 🙂
20 minutes later – MAGIC. Sunrise pinks & oranges coloured the horizon.
Chatted it up with Jim, a local runner who hits this trail regularly. Good guy.
Amazing start to the weekend – thin air, cool temps & a mountain sunrise. FAAAANNNNTASTIC!
Took a spill on the trail run return – mostly superficial scrapes, no muscle damage but busted a toe…will lose the nail in a few weeks. Ouch. Never considered I could fall, didn’t try to catch myself – hit hard. Life lesson.
Big fan of the Springs – beautiful place to run. I’ll be back; highly recommended.
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- colour starting to burst over Colorado Springs below
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- #inclinechristmastree
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- thin air, cool temps & a mountain sunrise – FAAAANNNTASTIC!
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- blue to purple, now black
