I'd like to say that I learned something today. Where the gym is located is about a mile away from the entrance to the park. Next time I think I will do the same thing. It's a good warm up to the climb. The overlook is right there but because of businesses and a bridge I have to walk a few blocks then cut across and then come back.
Just before 8 o clock I reached the entrance. After a deep breath I began my ascent. The first leg of trail was pretty easy. It's a path that gradually inclines while zigzagging up the front of the hill. You have the choice of zigzagging or taking the stairs. Me being the fool that I am, I chose to step it up. From what I could see there were three landings, so I was pretty sure that I would take at least three breathers. I started walking and halfway up the first set of steps, I had to stop to catch my breathe. Sadness...
My legs are on fire and a little bit shaky as well. I look up and there are three more giant steps then several normal sized ones. So I gather all my strength (Using my hands on the ground for safety) and I literally climb up! The last little bits of stairs were cake to get past. I go up to a mini wall and I sit and puff and pant with about five other people who were just as puffy and panty as I was. I hit stop on the stopwatch and my time was about 28 minutes, stops and all! Overall not bad for my first try!
I laughed because the last three stairs at the very bottom of the hill were descended more by me catching myself from falling as each leg would buckle than from taking steps. My legs were very shaky at that point and I slowly walked back to the car. Parking a mile away didn't seem like a very good idea at that point. I get to the car just a hair short of 9:00 and I figured "Why not?" So I walked over to my new temporary gym and busted out a couple of chest and back exercises LIKE A BOSS! I figured since I worked so hard today I could go ahead and eat as much as I want today of any food that sounds interesting. Just kidding! I ate a Cliff Bar on my way to work.
What an excellent way to start the morning!