Topic: Dailies

Havasupi Training

by

Leo Crocker Rogers

I have been invited to hike to Havasupi. It is about 10 miles from the lip of the Grand Canyon to the camp ground near the Colorado River, maybe longer. I remember longer. It will be hot. Then of course one has to climb out. Smiles over the miles.

So today, I walked about 13 miles. The temperature was from 111 to 151 in the sun. I had hoped to rest at the 6 ½ mile mark. But that did not work out. I had just enough water for the entire trip. I had hoped to refresh at the 6 ½, but that did not happen. I stopped at an Arbys and got ice and a cup more water.

It was tough. Blisters; very tired. I used to run 13 miles in such temperatures, easily. Today, walking it was a real challenge. In fact it took all I had to start. To get out the door with Dayna, my daughter-in-law and Ryan, my son, both out of town and not available to help if needed took a real commitment.

It used to be I just got tired. Now, I am having to pray almost every minute to overcome a multitude of physical challenges. But I did.

At home, I bathed but getting out of the tub was marginal. Collapsed, but out of the water. Smart move, right?

This is all to say that tomorrow, Sunday, when I conduct our church service, I will be standing, and I will stand, with a smile on my face that few people will understand.  Too, I will sing the church solo. 

My continued best to everyone who gets out the door, physically or mentally and puts forth an effort that takes all they have. Olympians, we.