Cog Railway

Yesterday's adventure was riding the Cog Railway up to the summit of Pikes Peak.  I figured I need to rest my legs from the previous days hike, so I sat back and let the train do all the work.  The trip starts in Manitou Springs, elevation of about 6500 foot, and takes about one hour to get to the summit of Pikes Peak.  The 8.9 mile trip had waterfalls, cascading streams, dense stands of Englemann spruce, Colorado blue spruce as well as Ponderosa pine trees, boulder fields, wildlife and awesome views.

I can't put into words the view from the summit.  It was spectacular!  I just stood there in awe of the view and enjoying the fresh air.  I was completely moved by the experience.

Then it hit me, I'm going to run up here on Saturday.  I looked down to see the trail, which was barely visible, and the top of the trail was ice covered.  This is going to be the biggest physical challenge of my life!  I still can't believe there is a run on this mountain.  How crazy would you have to be to sign up for and pay an entry fee to run this race?

I wasn’t affected that much by the elevation.  I was able to breathe without much trouble, however I did walk down the trail a little and noticed on the way back up I was sucking air.  This part of the race will be extremely difficult especially because it will at the end of the race.

While at the top, I had their world famous donuts.  Yes, I said world famous.  The donuts have been featured on the Food Network.  Evidently, something happens to the yeast when you make donuts at 14,115 foot elevation.  I bought two donuts, walked outside and sat on a rock taking in the view and ate my donuts.  They were warm and melted in my mouth.  They were incredibly good.  It was a perfect morning.  Days like yesterday remind me how blessed I am.