Finding a hiking partner who matches your speed, difficulty and enthusiasm is challenging. Heck, finding a partner in anything is a matter of luck. My husband is a great partner in everything but climbing up a mountain. We hike well, adjust our speed to each other and enjoy the same distances. Sometimes he pushes me (most of the time) and sometimes I am the more adventurous, but it is a good partnership.
Sometimes. There are mornings when you awaken and need to hike or walk and just do not have the enthusiasm for it. The hike up Pulpit Rock Open Space happened on one of those mornings. We parked in a different place in this very visible marker of Colorado Springs from I 25. The paths are rutted and deep from millions of travelers over the years.
Pulpit Rock in Distance 
Looking West 
Sun over Rock 
Halfway Up
Up. Climbing. It seemed like straight up. Fast. My partner was ascending fast and I said, “You need a young guy to push YOU!”
My heart rate climbs in heat and ascent. After this heart racing experience, I now stop when I want to, and rest and get a drink. He is fine with the breaks and the old dog appreciates it as well.
Pikes Peak 
People at the top 
Hiking Partner 
Top View of Garden of Gods – Red Rocks
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. I Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB
Worn Out Tax 
View to East 
UCCS Campus 
Made It 
Wind at Top with Tax
We have to transition from training to enjoyment of hiking. I have decided my word for the pandemic is adaptable.
Being flexible means bending our needs as necessary and training our bodies to move in outdoor ways.
‘Easy going’ is a mindset needed for wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, limiting activities, and moving off the trail when hiking.
Compliant means even if I do not understand all the rules and do not believe it helps, I will do all I can to keep myself and others safe for these few adjustable months of Covid.
What is your word for this season of your life? How have you changed your outdoor activities? What will you do when it is cold again?