Piestewa Peak, located in the center of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the highest mountains of this area and from its pinnacle, provides an advantage point for observing this upper section of the Sonoran Desert Region. It is a popular hike, but to reach the top can be challenging as often many hike shorter segments due to the ruggedness of the trail. One spring morning, I decided to join the ranks and attain the peak. As I head up the trail, I eventually realize that this journey will not be as easy as I anticipated and will require an internal muster of endurance as well as perseverance to reach summit.
Starting off for the Summit Trail, I am greeted by fellow hikers also enjoying their morning exercise. At a good pace, I trek along the dirt …show more content…
I notice my first signs of fatigue. My breath is steady and my quadriceps are pulling to keep up with my pace. Further, the trail winds on. My breath quickens as my heart rate increases. I feel my leg muscles, all of them, strain under my request for them to stretch and pull my body up as the path ascends. Climbing each step until I reach an area to rest with an adequate view of the valley. I pause to catch my breath and realize that at this moment, I could easily finish here and make my way back down. Then, I notice the summit is only a short distance way. I can’t stop here, this is not my end. I felt an internal need to continue on and reach my intended destination.
Finally, I reach the summit of the mountain. Tired and breathless, I stop to appreciate the panoramic view of the valley. It was spectacular and surpasses the view from the resting area. The immensity of the valley stretched flat for an eternity. My determination to keep pushing forward, taking each step at a time lead me to my destination and completion of the trail. I was not only elated that I reached the top, but I was able to prove to myself that I could do it.
The trails at Piestewa Peak vary in intensity such as anything worth working for. I had discovered that if I really wanted to go all of the way to the top, it would require an effort to extend extra energy and dedication to push forward. It is learning how to strengthen endurance despite the challenges encountered on the trail that teaches us to find the end, be it any goal in
Starting off for the Summit Trail, I am greeted by fellow hikers also enjoying their morning exercise. At a good pace, I trek along the dirt …show more content…
I notice my first signs of fatigue. My breath is steady and my quadriceps are pulling to keep up with my pace. Further, the trail winds on. My breath quickens as my heart rate increases. I feel my leg muscles, all of them, strain under my request for them to stretch and pull my body up as the path ascends. Climbing each step until I reach an area to rest with an adequate view of the valley. I pause to catch my breath and realize that at this moment, I could easily finish here and make my way back down. Then, I notice the summit is only a short distance way. I can’t stop here, this is not my end. I felt an internal need to continue on and reach my intended destination.
Finally, I reach the summit of the mountain. Tired and breathless, I stop to appreciate the panoramic view of the valley. It was spectacular and surpasses the view from the resting area. The immensity of the valley stretched flat for an eternity. My determination to keep pushing forward, taking each step at a time lead me to my destination and completion of the trail. I was not only elated that I reached the top, but I was able to prove to myself that I could do it.
The trails at Piestewa Peak vary in intensity such as anything worth working for. I had discovered that if I really wanted to go all of the way to the top, it would require an effort to extend extra energy and dedication to push forward. It is learning how to strengthen endurance despite the challenges encountered on the trail that teaches us to find the end, be it any goal in