All the way up.

This is the saying I put up in TJ's room and even though he has moved out, it is still up on the wall.

Several months ago before I had started my running routine, Thayne and I went for a hike up in the San Tan mountains.  To be honest it was a struggle for me.  I was completely out of shape and what made it harder was I was with "speed hiker" Thayne.   I could only go halfway and was completely out of breath.   When we got to the part that was steep, I said "heck no" I can't do it.   So we didn't and finished our easy fun hike without going up the hardest part of the mountain.    Last night I asked Thayne if he wanted to hike again.   I was convinced that after running for almost a month I would be able to do much better.    We decided to get up at 6am.   We actually got up at 7:30am because it was too dark at 6 and because we were slugs and couldn't get out of bed that early.   Wyatt and his friend Carlos wanted to go with us, so the the 4 of us went.   It was a bit chilly when we started but a perfect beautiful day for a hike.   I left with thought that I was gonna make it to the top.  When we got to the first spot (yes there was more than one) that last time I thought I was going to die, I was completely fine and feeling great this time.   So we kept going.   I did make a few quick breathers but I kept hiking without thinking I was gonna quit.   When we got to the bottom of the steep part of the hill I was determined to hike to the top.  Even if it meant going slow.   I was feeling great but not sure how long that would last after I started up.   I am happy to say I didn't give up and I made it to the top.   Wyatt and Carlos went up a different mountain and so Thayne and I stood at the top of our mountain, ok it was more of a hill, and watched Wyatt climb to the top of their hill.  Carlos gave up about 3/4 of the way, but I was so proud to see Wyatt not stop and keep on going until he got to the very top.  

After that first hike I went on, I thought I was just old and would never make it to the top.   Now I know I was just out of shape and as long as I keep going I can do anything.   We have already decided to do another hike.   Today's hike was 3 miles.  Our next hike we have mapped out is about 7.   Not a big hike for some people, but for me it is something bigger to strive for and accomplish.   Running has been great for me.  I have to say I don't always finish something especially if it means doing it in the cold.  I am determined to finish my running program, I go every other day whether it is cold or not.   Running has me more motivated to accomplish things I never wanted to do before.   I can't say I love running but I love how I feel when I am done.  

 So I am not going to give up.   Gonna keep running and going to hike to the next tallest peek.  

 Even if I can't do it the first time, I am not going to give up.  There is always a second and third time to do it, just as long as I keep trying.