I have lived in CO for 20 years and finally hiked up longs peak. I had been to the Boulder Field about 15 years ago, I would say about half way to summit. That year, I remember watching a lean women running down, then about an hour later as I was hiking down, she was running back up. Secretly I thought that was awesome. Friends of mine said she must be training for the Leadville 100 mile trail run. At the time I did not know what that  Ultra Running was, I just wanted to be able to do what she was doing, repeats up Longs Peak!!!  I am not running up Longs Peak, yet, but am inspired to continue to get my Colorado fix and hike more 14ers.

The distance is 16 miles starting at 9500 to 14, 200. I did not run and struggled climbing, crawling up some areas near the top.  On the descent, I slide down much of the first mile. Past the Boulder Field to the Key Hole was quick difficult for me.  Serious lunging to the top. I was more sore for a week then I felt after Ironman Boulder.

Beautiful views during my 8 hour day. I ❤️training

OMG, the sunrise was amazing!!

  View from the Keyhole (I think)   View from the notch (I think) 

My Hoka Vanquish felt pretty good on this terrain

So, truth be told, I did not summit. I was pretty scared climbing though the keyhole with the strong wind. I made it. It was pretty slow from the Keyhole to the notch. I was proud I made it to that point. The summit was only 1/4-1/2 mile away and I just did not feel up for the wind. I wanted to start the descent while my friends went on ahead cause I was on a time frame and know I would be pushing it to get done by 1pm. No worries since now I will do it again and give myself more time to reach summit. I really wanted to do my Summer Plank a Day on the summit. Instead I did in on the Boulder Field, .

What is your favorite 14er?