I have a bad habit of saying "yes" to things that sound like a great idea, often before fully appreciating the depth of the challenge. So, when my best friend and goddaughter asked me to hike the Presidential Traverse, my immediate thought was, "Time with them in the mountains? Heck yes!" What I got was a three-day, nine-mountain trek that not only pushed my body to its breaking point but also reminded me of some profound truths about resilience and what it means to truly show up.
Let's be clear: The Presidential Traverse isn't just a hike. It’s a relentless, high-altitude gauntlet across nine 4,000-footer peaks, including the formidable Mount Washington. We carried our own gear, slept in huts, and battled unpredictable weather. I hadn't felt this kind of athletic challenge—where my mind had to carry my body long after my body wanted to quit—since running a marathon years ago. I had forgotten how brutal, and ultimately, how great, that mental push can be.
The second day, though. That was the real test. We were well into the journey, and the initial excitement had worn off, replaced by raw exhaustion. Every muscle protested, every step felt like a monumental effort. My friend’s husband, bless his comedic soul, became my personal, joke-cracking drill sergeant. When the climb threatened to overwhelm me, he’d simply say, "Alright, let's count to 250." And so, we’d count, step by painful step. That simple ritual, covering roughly a quarter-mile with each count, broke the seemingly insurmountable into manageable chunks. It was a shared burden, lightened by laughter and companionship, and it was what got me through the toughest part of the hike.
By the time we finally reached the summit of Mount Washington, I was running on fumes and pure grit. As we came over the final incline, I saw them: my best pal Kim's parents, waiting for us. In that moment, all the physical pain, the mental fatigue, and the sheer difficulty of the past few days just melted away. I even got a little teary eyed. All I desperately needed was comfort and a snack, and there they were, having driven all that way just to meet us at the top. It was a powerful reminder of how vital it is to have people in your life who show up for you, who go the extra mile, who are simply there when you need them most. Also reminded me the type of parent I want to be for my kiddo.
Finishing the Traverse wasn't just about conquering mountains; it was about rediscovering my own capacity for endurance and, more importantly, understanding the power of a true team. The camaraderie, the shared struggle, the jokes, the simple act of counting, and that incredible moment of comfort at the summit—these were the things that truly propelled me forward. Pushing your mind and body to another level isn't just for athletes on a trail; it's a daily challenge we all face at work. And just like on the Presidential Traverse, no one truly succeeds alone.
