When less than halfway to the top is the height of victory.

My first heart surgery occurred before I ever came home from the hospital as the grand old age of 11 days. At this point in time, I can claim four heart surgeries and a fancy-dancy, biosynthetic pulmonary valve that was placed about 10 years ago.

It was only with the placement of this apparatus that it became possible for me to engage in sustained cardio work.

Previously, in the battle between mind and body, the score was: mind 0, body 4,376.

In the event I attempted activities designed to build cardio output, such as walking a distance longer than a sprint at a pace faster than an 18-minute mile or hiking even modest elevation gains, my body showed me it was in charge and thrust me into a sleep that not even Prince Charming’s kiss could conquer for the next 24 to 36 hours.

The marvel of biomedical technology has given me access to new activities, worlds that can only be reached via foot, and friendships based on getting out and about and challenging myself.

With this background, it might be easier to comprehend just how shocked I was at my own reaction when Liz sent an invitation to participate in a 7.1 miles out-and-back hike demanding 2,700 feet of elevation gain in 3.6 miles.

It sounded fun!  Even more astounding? It sounded possible – not doable by any means, but maybe, possibly, I could?

I had no illusions about how significant of an endeavor this would be for me – just the prior month Thomas and I had hiked down from Glacier Point to the floor of Yosemite Valley and that was only a 2,411 elevation change. At that time, I had questioned the sanity of the hikers passing us on their way up.

But, I clicked “going,” filled my day pack with water, protein bars, and a book and, joined by 3Day partner Debbie, I met the other hikers at the ungodly hour of 6:45 am at the Ice House Canyon staging area.

Avid hikers tackling Ice House Canyon to Ice House Saddle.

The nature was remarkable and the other hikers were knowledgeable and supportive, but about 1.5 miles in, it became evident that the Ice House Saddle was not a destination I was going to conquer – at least not on that day. I am in tune enough with my heart that I rarely take my heart rate – allowing the degree to which it is thundering in my ears to be my guide. I had reached the point where that thundering refused to subside even when I stopped and rested for a few minutes.

Ceding defeat, I found a comfortable tree and settled in with Monica “McLean”’s book and told my companions I would be happily waiting for them when they passed by again on the descent.

My hike ended far before the summit and I accomplished less than half of what I sent out to do. But, what might have been a failure for another person was a victory for me!

First and foremost, and the victory my mother would probably praise the highest, I listened to my body and obeyed its command.

Second, I attempted something that for the first 45 years of my life I would have considered unattainable. Having a valve instead of a Dacron-pericardial membrane patch is a game changer in my world and has given me the confidence to try. At least try.

And finally, I did have a physical victory. I ascended almost 1300 feet in under 90 minutes and 1.5 miles! The little girl who kept having to go sit on the sidelines during playground tag and could claim tenancy of one of the cots in the little room behind the school receptionist would not recognize herself in this woman I have grown up to be!

My cardiologist is monitoring that valve’s performance to determine when it is time for its replacement. But wow!! I will not resent having to have another heart surgery – I will embrace the opportunity to continue engaging in all of the new experiences modern technology has gifted me.

Just as my pathway from infant cardiology patient to physically active adult relied on the support of my parents and innumerable members of the medical community, my recent accomplishments are team efforts.

Without Liz’s invitation, it never would have occurred to me to attempt a 2700 elevation gain. Without Debbie’s companionship, there is a better than average chance I would have heard the alarm, fired off a cancellation text, and went promptly back to sleep.

Recent additions to my fundraising effort are due to the generosity of Nancy. Nancy is a keeper. She seems to have more enormously long-term friends than is possible. It just seems as if everyone she has ever known must have decided this is not the type of person you let go of or allow to drift out of your life. She walks around the world with this great big, beautiful smile and, whenever she shows up to an event, that smile just lights the whole day up and gives those around her a spring in their step. I am so appreciative of her helping me move closer to my fundraising goal!