Over the weekend, I crossed something off my “need to do this to honor myself and the journey I’ve been through” list. I hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, Utah.
Ever since my knee surgery 2 years ago, this called to me. It was scary, and strenuous, and beautiful. And something about it felt like a right of passage. A way to further express my gratitude to be even walking again. Gratitude that my donor’s bones “took” and I am able to do things like this. Not everyone is this lucky.
So...I did. And it was the HARDEST physical thing I’ve done in years. Harder than all the bike riding. 1500 foot climb, 6 hours of hiking, and my quads and calves are KILLING ME today. (Not to mention, I was genuinely scared.) But...I did it. One shaky foot in front of the other, a few tears here or there, and a constant “just look in front of you, one step at a time” pep-talk and I exhaustingly completed Angel’s Landing Hike.
I am so glad I did.
- Sandy (@SandyStec on FB, IG and Twitter)