Don't laugh at me.

Someone close to me (I won't mention who) laughed at me when I mentioned that I planned on climbing a few 14ers this summer.  He/she seemed to think that this was an impossible goal.  I could have cried, but instead, laughed along with him/her.

Okay, so I admit that when I hiked in Chautauqua Park earlier this week, I thought that I might just croak.  The hill from the parking lot is a steep, steady climb.  I was out of breathe and my legs were killing me.

I wanted to cry but instead, I sucked it up (yes, I took a deep breathe) and kept on pushing myself.

Soon I was able to breathe normally and my legs no longer burned with each step.  With encouragement from my fellow hikers (my 60 year old dad, 13 year old son, 10 year old son and 7 year old daughter) I kept on trekking along.

After an hour or so of hiking up the long, steady climb through thick mud, snow and ice we reached our destination: the base of Flatiron #1.

We took a break and ate lunch against the Flatiron, in the snow.  It was the best lunch that I have had in forever!

The hike back down was a piece of cake after we negotiated the ice and snow!  I felt so amazing after that hike and I just knew that I could do more.

I know that I am a fat, ugly blob but I am tired of being that way!  I am going to kick ass and show everyone that I can do anything that I set my mind to!

Yes, I AM going to climb some 14ers this summer!

Torreys Peak and Grays Peak are at the top of my list!