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| - I'm an idiot.
Last year, at the most recent height of my physical fitness after losing 40 pounds, I hiked Camelback Mountain with no trouble. Sure, it was steep and rocky, but only a token amount of effort was required to reach the summit from the Echo Canyon trail. Really, if you're in any reasonable amount of shape, you should be able to get to the top easily. I'm not bragging here, I'm setting up the rest of the story.
Fast forward 12 months. In March 2007, I had surgery on my hand which limited any physical activity I was really interested in (cycling, basketball, etc). I used this as an excuse to do nothing until the doc said I could remove the splint. When I say nothing, I mean I became the guy that eats habitually and groans at the thought of exercise. Not on my best day would I be found anywhere but in front of the television.
Fast forward 4 months and 15 pounds. Hindsight being 20/20, my decision to attempt Camelback this morning was doomed from the start. I played basketball for a few hours yesterday, went to sleep around 2:00am, and woke at 5:30. Oh, it has been raining too. That means the monsoon humidity was our unwelcome guest on the trail. Driving to the mountain, my confidence soared. I've done it before without consequence, so why should today be any different? I'll be back in time to make it to brunch.
Halfway up the mountain, I had enough. My legs, once strong and reliable, were seemingly made of jelly. My lungs, once capable of withstanding hours on a bicycle, were on fire. My physical capacity has been reduced to a shell of its former self. The story I tell everyone is that it is way too hot to be out hiking. The truth is that I just couldn't hack it.
The mountain itself gets five stars. As popular as the trail is, I haven't felt overwhelmed with the amount of people. I'll be back next week for the views and exercise, but mostly to reclaim my dignity. I can't wait!
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