Manitou Incline

“When your mind is telling you that you’re done, that you’re exhausted, that you cannot possible go any further, you’re actually 40% done.” – David Goggins

View from the bottom.

View from the top. My face is cropped because I looked utterly wrecked lol. Blame it on my vanity.

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The "Incline'' in Manitou Springs is one hell of a beast. She may only be a mile long, but along that one mile you gain 2,000 feet of elevation. She is steep. She is rough. And, she is relentless. 

The "Incline'' wasn't always a haven for athletic punishment; instead, it was originally a cable car system that was used to transport goods and supplies to the top of Pikes Peak. Once its first use was complete, the "Incline'' experienced a second birth when the avid hikers of Colorado decided to make use of its steep grade to test endurance and mental stamina. In 2013, the "Incline '' was formally opened to the public and since then she has welcomed thousands of brave (see insane) souls to climb her staircase.

This is an extreme trail and it is not intended to be graced by casual hikers. No, this is a serious endeavor. You will sweat, you will feel your heart pound, and you will question your own sanity. Yes, it is only a mile...but the average attempt-er of this climb will take an hour to do it. As you climb those stairs you will see supremely athletic people doubled over, panting, and the body pulsing from their racing heart rate. 

I recently met the "Incline" again after an almost four year departure. She was just as beautiful as when I left her, but she was just as heartless. Like I said, she is relentless. And as I climbed my first 1,000 steps I felt my heart pulsing in my throat. I told myself, "Okay, you only got 2,000 more steps to go. You can do these two more times.". I put my head down and turned my music up. However, instead of blasting my upbeat stripper anthems to get me through the workout like I do at the gym, I opted for my mellow 80s jams to help keep my calm as I slowly climbed each railroad tie. Then, the next milestone....2,000 steps. Here, I was utterly gassed and had to rest in the residual shade. Here is where the mental battle really began. My body felt spent. I was pouring sweat even though I had taken off my shirt and was only climbing in my sports bra. I was feeling dehydrated even though I had drank a gallon of water during the one hour drive from Denver. I could feel the lactic acid building in my legs which caused me to worry because the longer I stayed idle then it was more likely that my tree trunk legs would lock up on me. I gasped and panted and could feel the rawness of blood in the back of my throat. I could see my climbing partner shortly ahead of me and I wanted to catch him. It was here, in those three minutes of shade that I gave myself that final pep-talk and remembered good ole David Gogggins who said, "When your mind is telling you that you’re done, that you’re exhausted, that you cannot possible go any further, you’re actually 40% done.”. 

So, I pressed on. Only 1,000 more steps to go. And, I'd like to say they were blissful and that the “Rocky” movie anthem played in the background....but no, that last ascent utterly sucked and the only anthem I heard was the quick patter of my heartbeat and my rapid panting. But baby, when you jump that last railroad tie you feel the adrenaline and pride greet you in your soul and body. Plus, it is seriously one of the best views in all of Colorado. 

The “Incline” is a must for all athletes. It is inspiring to see people out there on an early morning challenging themselves. It is by these acts that we prompt growth in ourselves through the medium of suffering. We step out of our comfort zone and into the arena of pain which teaches so much. It teaches us that we are strong, physically and mentally. And, it reminds us that once again, we only have this one wild life and “in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. [So,] Climb that goddamn mountain.” (Jack Kerouac). ​