The Air I Breathe

Time to make the donuts.

With a view like this from my pillow, why would I want to get up...nevertheless exercise?!?

I honestly look forward to hiking this morning.  Really, I do.

Yep, completely NuttZo.

Of course at this moment, however, I don't even want to move from my bed.

This is why most people don't exercise:  we hate it.

There's this great rule in business called the 80/20.  80% of the work is done by just 20% of the people.  It applies in nearly every organization-and in the world of exercise, while it seems everyone out there is "just do it" in truth only about 20% actually exercise regularly.  The difference between the fitness industry and all other businesses?  

The 20% make us feel guilty.

We 80% who don't exercise regularly, and indulge in Ruffles Sour Cream and Cheddar chips by the entire bag (Monday night) are made to feel bad.

Guilty!!!!  Apparently I'm not thin enough, or healthy enough or smart enough to know what is good for me.

If I don't take "my vitamins" I'm looked down upon.  If I don't "workout" I'm not dealing with stress properly.  

My stress release button was here on Monday.

Right now I'm unemployed, the sale on my house fell through and money is crazy  tight.  I had the worse eye ulcer I've ever had Monday night, on the tail end of a nasty cold sore.  I also hiked five times in eight days-three of them shreds that left me sore for days!  I'm doing my part to rid myself of the stress but let's be honest:

Sometimes exercise doesn't help anything, and can actually make things worse.

Thrice broken hand, anyone?

Today I knew my partner would likely have to cancel, but since I'm slow to climb the steep side I decided I'd head up anywise, and if he could squeeze in the hike he'd easily catch up.

Too many dang people going up the steep side.  Another reason I don't like it-it's what everyone does.

Let's talk about this climb, shall we?

It starts at the base of the Prescott National Forest.

A few minutes later-literally THREE MINUTES- and you are here:

Well over the treetops!!!!

Hm.  I think I forgot to brush my hair before I left the house.

Then it's the battle with the Air Monster-the continual fight to keep breathing:

Which involves continually putting one foot infront of the other.

Not as easy as it looks.

This guy has nothing on me!

Of course, the reward bench at the top gives a nice respite, and today, now officially sans partner, I decided to look around.

Afterall, I have time being unemployed and all.

But this I did not expect to find:

Is this where she died?

My heart plummeted in my chest.

Thumb Butte is the rare trail I'll do alone, because there is so much foot traffic on it.  Yet thirty years ago, Cathy Sposito was brutally murdered here. 

I headed back up the trail, momentarily hesitant to head down the not so steep side.

A friend called from Michigan, and we chatted as I hiked down.  Driving home, I reflected on my hike, my relationships and the opportunities I have right now.  

One year ago, I told the King I needed these things.  The postconcussion syndrome had thrown me for a loop; these little reassurances would have meant a lot.  Instead, my heart was broken not soon after my head had been cracked.

Im not settling for anything less than butterflies.

Afterall, this is my playground:

And this is my goal:

Black with a desert sand interior, btw.

I'll get there.  And with the right partner by my side.