Rest and Reflection: Lessons Learned from my third 14'er

S L O W.? D O W N. R E S T. R E F L E C T.

Over the past years, I've learned that I can perform at my highest and best when I can distance myself from my work from time to time. I am grateful we have our annual 14'er Hiking Trip to Colorado each year scheduled to help me stop, rest, restore, and reflect.

This year, we chose Mt Yale (14,200 elevation) as our target mountain peak. We hiked approximately 9 miles in 15 hours with an elevation gain of 4,260 feet. Mt Yale surprised us with a blizzard at the peak!

Here are a few lessons learned from my third 14'er hike:

1. Sleep matters. Recharging my body to the optimal level is important when hiking up a 14'er because if I am not fully recharged, my performance will suffer during the arduous climb.
2. Training matters. No matter how many times I've hiked other 14'ers before, it is still important to train. In fact, my body and brain need consistent training in order to be able to climb the mountain with ease. Don't ever stop training.
3. Storms will pass. When the unexpected blizzard passed through us, I was afraid for a hot minute but then five minutes later the sun came out! I noticed that when I am that high in elevation, the clouds pass by quickly. Don't panic when the storms pass through, just be calm and stay low.
4. Appreciate everything along the trail - The stars, the shooting stars, the sunrise, the trees & treeline,? flora & fauna, streams & creeks, river crossings, wildlife animals, frost, rocks & boulders, the sunset, and the moon rise. There is so much beauty around me!
5. Hydrate often. Water is life! I was so grateful for the water bladder in my hiking backpack because it made it easy to drink. Staying hydrated helped my organs function properly and delivered nutrients to cells.?It also helped my temperature stay regulated at a very high altitude.
6. Bring Hmong skirts! I love that I got to experience my 14'ers with my Hmong sisters/mentors/role models. I am incredibly grateful I was introduced to my first 14'er at age 30, and that I continue to foster intergenerational Hmong sisterhood with Nou Yang , Cate, and Yia. What a great honor and privilege it is to learn from their wisdom, perspectives, and victories.