I feel “inclined” to tell you...

..about The Manitou Springs Incline.
It was once a track for a cable car that ran up the side of Rocky Mountain. Initially the rail was used to transport materials while building pipelines, then it became a tourist attraction as it hauled up passengers to scenic heights. In the early 90’s a rock slide damaged a portion of the track and the cable car was shut down. The railroad ties remain and the locals now hike/run up the 1.02 mile, 2,000ft staircase (with a maximum grade of 68%) for an intense workout.
My first few years in Colorado Springs, I had noticed the scar on the side of Rocky Mountain but I never inquired about it. Last fall, a co-worker mentioned that he was going to do the incline over the weekend and I had to ask, “what do you mean you’re going to do the incline. What is the incline?” The scar was then explained to me and I was determined to give it a try sometime before I leave this state. I never made attempt in 2009 but in the spring of 2010 I finally carried my crazy ass up. Since then, I have ascended the incline at least 7 or 8 times throughout the year. Of course there are those discouraging moments when a man passes you with his 3 year old strapped to his back, or an elderly person soars past you as if they’re on a leisurely stroll through the park. I can’t help but think, “I’m going to do this once a week for the rest of the year then I’ll be that fast too.” Even though I didn’t commit myself to the weekly climb, I did (and still) improve my time with each ascent. It is one of the best workouts I've ever done. The feeling once you finally reach the top and look back at your accomplishment is sublime.