When your best friend comes to visit...

You drag her through the wringer:) in the best possible way! But before that, the week started, as always, with snow in the mountains, and my Tuesday and Wednesday were beautiful if cold, yet again. As much as I am really desperately wanting to see some summer, I can't help but smile in this white pretty wonderland.

Lo and behold, Thursday came, and I picked up Theresa from the airport. Gosh, we've known each other since 2006 (for someone who's from a different country and moved around, that's a long time), and even though we met through ultrarunning (thanks, Montrail Team!), our relationship extended far and beyond. It also turned out to be one of rare type where we both are willing to make an effort to keep it going - and keep it deepening. I visited her home twice last year, and it was my turn to host my BFF.

The weekend started with a trip straight from the airplane, for a short hike exploring Garden of the Gods, and then later Glen Eyrie Castle. Thankfully, this is why we are friends - we like being active. Or, a little crazy by some people's standards.

We did need some rest, though, and some prep work, because Friday was a big day - Pikes Peak ascend. It was to be my 5th for this year (5 for 5!) and Theresa's first time above 11k altitude. Damn, if she only knew what she had signed up for, or if I realized what I treat as "winter hike" is actually a true mountaineering above tree line in the frozen snow. At least the weather was predicted to be super-awesome, as Pikes goes. We parked downtown Manitou, and were at the Barr trailhead at 5 am.

Soon sunrise treated it to its majesty, and lit the sky with colors. I was, as always, on cloud 9.

Our hike up the trail continued, and we got our first glimpse at the peaks above. I am sure it seemed so far away for Theresa, but I was just ear-to-ear happy. I was back to where I belong.

The trail was bone-dry all the way to Barr camp, where we briefly stopped, and even for the next mile. Then the patchy packed snow, some deeper than other spots, lasted to A-frame and tree line. All was good until then, we were plugging alone, no problems.

Coming up above, while breathtakingly beautiful, let Theresa know right away - it ain't the post-holing in the woods she's used to in Idaho. It is crossing the hard packed wind-blown snow fields with no trail, sloped up and in thin air. As it goes in my mind, it was easier to go straight up the gully then on the switchbacks of a not-visible trail. Which is exactly what we did. 

It was all good and dandy...for about a mile and half. It's the next mile plus, one that I call "sketchy", that put some terror into poor friend of mine. Um, ok, I withheld some information, or maybe slightly misrepresented...

Theresa was a trooper. I did my best to kick the steps into the frozen snow slope and help her navigate the feet and poles, but she did the work! Badass is a new addition to her resume. She didn't turn around, didn't kill me for this stuff, and was presented with the top view - smile and all.

We didn't linger, though she asked for some time to recoup - the weather was coming. I could see the clouds forming. On the way down, on that "sketchy" mile, the going was truly scary and slow. Alas, there was no other way off the mountain, so there, how heroes are born. Some downclimbing, lots of kicking in, and directing not to look down - did the trick. We also saw first Cograil train (with snow removal plow attached in front) making its way up Pikes on the new rails!

Once off that worst part, we plunged down the gully, and eventually made it absolutely safe into the tree line. Clothes off, smiles back on the face - in time for some hail and snow for about 2 miles! At least we were NOT out in the open high above!

From Barr camp down, the sun came out full force, and so did our legs - we really barreled at the high speed way above anything we should have (and probably my fastest for this season), all things considering! Super-fast, passing even short distance runners going down! Well, that was fun. 

Phew, that was only day two! The late afternoon was all about coffee, recovery, and stories we told Larry. We still had 2 more days of fun ahead! Of course, that meant huge plans!

The sleeping-in on Saturday gave us an extra hour for our Incline climb. We worked our way up, not forgetting to turn around for the views occasionally, and killed it. Telling you, this girl is an amazing athlete! Strong and not giving up an inch!

Once the big thing was behind for the morning, we took a long back-side route of 10 miles, talking, enjoying the views, and living life in the moment. Of course, since it was still morning by the time we were done, Rudy's tacos for breakfast were mandatory.

After a shower, we strolled through downtown sightseeing, and talking non-stop. That's what friendships are for, sharing the outmost deepest feelings, goals, projects, insecurities, and offering unconditional support.

By Sunday, it was obvious Theresa was developing quite serious altitude symptoms, coming as digestive distress. It didn't stop this strong woman from another venture out in the mountains, although we did adjust the route to stay lower and have a little less climb and miles. I am so impressed with her resilience and willingness to push through. What an amazing human! Hopefully, I am not on her evil side after this trip though;)

And just like that, the time with my best friend had come to an end. It was definitely so much needed and appreciated, on so many levels. I am flying on the clouds of being grateful and happy. 2 more weeks of miles, and time to face the real music.