Walk, Don't Run

after sitting in meetings w/a candy cart outside the room watching my butt grow exponentially, i opted to spend my free wed night doing a little exercise: running up stone mountain.

at least it seemed like a good idea at the time...

the 1.3 mile hike starts on the east end of the mountain where confederate flags immediately remind you that you're in the south.

the terrain is mostly smooth rock (if it ever rained, you'd be screwed). it gets bumpy in the middle where the rock juts out like gigantic steps, forcing you to jump from one to the other.

just past the halfway point i paused to breathe and take in the view...

did it again near the top to take stock of how far i'd come. would not recommend 1st timers doing that cuz it's kind of intimidating...

finally at the top! the peak is 1,683 feet above sea level and offers an awesome view. on a clear day you can see 60 miles, including downtown atlanta.if you ever get the chance to hike up to the top, you'll quickly learn 2 things:
1) it's a steep climb down, and
2) w/$8 you can cheat and take the gondola.

while i had briefly considered the ride, i was motivated by a dad and his 2 kiddies running down the side. this was about when i realized 2 more things:
1) helmets where created for a reason, and
2) if a 5 and 6 yr old can do it, so can i.

now who wants to climb kilimanjaro w/me in nov? i'm totally serious!