Highlights of 2008

I was going to write a post recapping personal events and achievements of 2008 but while I was out during my last run of this year late this afternoon, I thought about the truly magical moments of the past year that were so wonderful that they took my breath away or made my eyes hurt.

These moments are just that, they are minutes in my life when everything is so right, the company or views are so perfect and it’s generally a space that I may never be in again, even if I try.

Times where I want to burn it into my memory to remember when I’m  in my proverbial rocking chair.

Some of the ones that come to mind on New Years Eve are:

Descending from Denali under a full moon and the middle-0f-the-night lights just reflecting off the snow and mountains and jagged cliffs all around.  Listening to perfect music and knowing that Denali had been conquered and it was all downhill from here (plus a hot shower and hamburger and french fries were awaiting!)

Running in the Marin Headlands on an amazing clear winter day.   Looking out to see the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Bay, the city, the bridges and nothing but trail ahead.  It’s all downhill from here!

Coming up to the finish line in Sacramento and looking up at the clock and it still in the 3:50x range.  Body moving, feeling good, people cheering.  Personal record just ahead!

Looking up at an absolutely clear Sonoma County sky where the stars were so clear and bright, the night was so black that I could see all of the clouds of stars between the stars.  A night and moments that were so incredible that it made me speechless and was forced to breathe – because literally it took my breath away.

Running in Annandel Park, or in China Camp or in Rush Creek.  Looking around and seeing the sunlight shining through the trees, views of mountains and endless vistas all around and running friends to savor it with.

Sitting around a table with climbing partners after summiting Aconcagua, enjoying pizza and beer and having the afterglow of achievement and success while looking up and seeing the 23,000 foot mountain that had just been summited.

Having champagne with good friends on the beach after completing my first 50k – blue skies, blue ocean and black toes   Walking into the Pacific ocean and letting the cold water ease sore legs after a 35k.

Being part of a running relay team and having that team spirit lift us down the roads, through the mountains and with cheering crowds.  Having the satisfaction of doing something for the team and eating nachos at Santa Cruz (and a team-member mooning people on the 280 freeway )

It’s not quite in the same league, but those moments existed on the golf course as well where for a short time, every shot was pure, putts went in, and the trophy was mine.

Even in the technology area these moments existed.  Working non-stop for 72 hours to get a web-site up and the morning after being able to enjoy one’s handiwork and admire the work that went into it.

And a totally random collective moment: when Obama was elected president.  That was a night that millions will remember where they were and what is was like to be part of a hopeful future!

My takeaways from all of this?  Even though I’m kind of a numbers and records freak and track everything, numbers are just numbers in the end.  Climbing or running with people you are close with, on whatever different levels, and persevering through adversity is one of those things that matter.  Building lasting relationships.  Running by myself and being with myself is great also, in and of itself, and the ability to take it all in and enjoy is priceless.  Though in the end, it’s the people I am with that can make it special.

Music as well, has played a major part in these moments.  I can remember songs coming up on the trail, or under the stars, or in the descent, or in the tent -  and in the future it brings a smile to think about where I was when the song came on.

Of course, this post is about the magical moments – not the hardships, heartaches, frustration or pain that happen separately.  When the end of our lives come, the memories remain and no one can take those away.  It’s exciting to think about next year and having no idea when or where those times will come again.  It’s ok to live in the moment, enjoy the moment and be ready to take those chances that bring new summits and new challenges.  Happy new year to everyone and may the coming year bring you your own special times in the year ahead!!!