My effing awesome NSV today

misskerouac

The Grouse Grind.

If you live in the Pacific NorthWest maybe you've heard the name, or it's nickname "Mother Nature's Stairmaster"

If you haven't heard of it here it is (with some very attractive lady running up it like it was poofy clouds):


Region: The North Shore
Difficulty: Difficult
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Distance: 2.9km
Elevation Gain: 853 meters

# of "stairs" : 2830

I have done The Grind 3 times before today with my best time being just over 2 hrs. I am not a hiker, never claimed to be one, so I set myself a goal for this summer to do The Grind in under 2 hrs. If I could do that, I would be so happy.

I got up this morning and drove to the North Shore, started my timer and headed up. At the 40 min mark I thought "either this is the slowest I've ever gone or I missed the 1/4 mark sign" then I saw it... THE 1/2 WAY MARK!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!

It made me so happy, I just kept going, rarely stopping, just going slow and steady and before I knew it, I was at the top!! I ran over to the "official timer" and looked at my watch....

1 hour 22 minutes!!!!!!


I almost started crying right there.
I knocked just over 40 minutes off my previous time.
This is the first time I have done it since I started exercising 4-5 times a week.

So I sat on top of this gorgeous mountain and ate my protein bar and my apple and stared out into this beautiful province I live it, seeing mountains, the ocean, and the city and I was genuinely happy.





Everyone here inspires me everyday, and assures me that I'm doing the right thing. That even when I don't see the scale move for weeks, that I am still getting healthier and in better shape everyday.

Thank you :happy:

pinuplove

You are awesome!!! And what a view

omma_to_3

Wow, does it look like that the entire 2.9 km? Shoot me now LOL. Good job!

misskerouac

Wow, does it look like that the entire 2.9 km? Shoot me now LOL. Good job!

Yes, lol, it's "stairs" and rocks the whole way up.
82minutes isn't bad, but it's not great, so i hope to keep getting better.

The record is 21 minutes, I have no clue how lol

jaxandmaksmom

i am from vancouver too.. and my goal is to do this before end of summer... when i do... lol you and every other person wll hear me scream from joy at the top!! way to go!!!!

threeohtwo

That is so incredible! Great going!

gayje

Is this Vancouver WA Pacific Northwest? I'm in Vancouver and would love to try this one out. I know it will kill me but it looks so beautiful and serene at the top that it would be worth it!

misskerouac

Is this Vancouver WA Pacific Northwest? I'm in Vancouver and would love to try this one out. I know it will kill me but it looks so beautiful and serene at the top that it would be worth it!

Vancouver, BC.
So not THHHAAAATTTT far lol

CallMePat

Thats awesome! And the view doesn't get much better than that.

dbb9263

Great job!!! I am very impressed, and what beautiful country to enjoy!

noctilumina

CONGRATULATIONS! Also, "running up it like it was poofy clouds" made me laugh. Well done, truly. Thanks for sharing the accomplishment, and the beautiful photographs!

larkiedeek

WOW!!!!

wildcata77

Congrats on your victory! It looks absolutely beautiful!

misskerouac

Thanks everyone

sewerchick93

How awesome are you?...pretty damn awesome in my book!!!!!

GodsGirl37

that is awesome congrats!

catattack13

love you girl. this is sheerly, simply, badass awesome.

theblackbirdtree

Seattleite here; never heard of this but looks INTENSE! Nice job today!

KWake1

Way to go! I'm so proud of you!. Way to stick with the program and show the Grind who's boss. The Grind is one of my ultimate goals, I can't wait tell Grouse where to stick their gondola prices!

Faintgreeneyes

You are flippin awesome!!! Way to get a NSV and just---- completely bada**!

Hairista

You are awesome!

misskerouac

I'm not going to lie, it's awful, every step is like "why the F am I doing this" but you get to the top and it's the most amazing feeling.

nat1965

Congratulations!! I have been hearing about the Grind for years but have never actually done it...and since I am now recovering my strength and endurance after having leg surgery I'm not going to be able to do it for awhile.

I gained lots of weight during the last couple of years because of my leg injury and am just now able to start exercising a bit more but am still dealing with limited mobility. I can totally relate to having achieved (or in your case having blown away) your goal - I felt the same way when I was finally able to do 25 minutes on the exercise bike!

Your hard work is obviously paying off!

ndblades

That is totally awesome! And the beauty, , wow! I live in the flatlands of North Dakota -- beautiful in its own way - but wow, I'd love a workout like that! BE PROUD!

RayofSunshine73

So great! Go! Go! Go!

misskerouac

That is totally awesome! And the beauty, , wow! I live in the flatlands of North Dakota -- beautiful in its own way - but wow, I'd love a workout like that! BE PROUD!

Everytime I go away I miss B.C., I need to feel that big hug the mountains give me everyday

misty0413

That is sooo goood. 1 hour and 22 min. You should take someone with you and have your picture taken.

lanasweat

Wow, I almost cried reading your post - you are freakin awesome! What a great accomplishment

beckyinma

Incredible achievement! I love hiking. Great nsv!

nursenelson

no THANK YOU!!!
The Grouse grind is something I WILL CONQUER one day. Of course I will have to make a weekend out of it as I am a 9 hour drive from Vancouver!
I hike alot and would LOVE to experience that climb one day soon!
I'm hoping in October as I have a wedding to go to then...I hope it's not covered in snow already by then!
LOVE THE PICTURES and and hour and 22 minutes is wicked!
Good for you

Bobby_Clerici

Wonderful inspiration - thanks!
All Is Possible!:flowerforyou: