First Ascent

My son, Jalen, is 5 years old.  He is 3 feet, 5 inches tall, and weighs 40 lbs. His favorite color changes each day and he loves his mommy more than life itself.

On April 9, 2006 he was  24 days old.... he crossed the Ironman finish line in the arms of his mother, post-surgery, following a roller coaster year of triathlon training, high-risk pregnancy, and life-long goals synced in beautifully inconvenient harmony. 

Completing my first Ironman with my loving wife and the baby we had always wanted......this was the greatest moment of my life. This moment captures the essence of what we have become as a family today.

Jalen was born into a world of endurance sports, health-based nutrition, and self-improvement.  Quality time with either Jen or myself has always been about the quest for adventure. At 1 year old, he waited hours for me in remote mountain ultramarathons. I would run into the aid station and see him reaching for me with both arms saying, "Dah! Dah! Dah!"

 At 2 years old, I drove him to a lonely stretch of highway where Jen was cycling the Tour de Cure for diabetes. Jen pulled to the side of the road and choked back tears while she and Jalen spent a few precious moments holding each other and laughing.

At 3 years old, Jalen ran his first trail foot race. The course was 100% trail and took place at almost 9,000' elevation. He ran alongside adults, falling far behind them. A small crowd gathered and watched him run to the finish line from the crest of a small hill. They cheered and clapped....you couldn't not help but be warmed by his incredible effort and miniature size.

At 4 years old, Jalen started riding two-wheeled bikes. I put him on a Trek kids road bike and he started riding to pre-school. He began running 2-3 miles with me on local trails but still often chose to sit down and sip electrolyte fluid for random 30 second rests. He also started riding a small indoor trainer bike and completing entire 60-90 minute "Spinerval" videos.

I never once told him to swim, bike, or run. In fact, I have never asked him to do anything. He has, however, absorbed the lifestyle that we live in the Armstrong house. And just like 50 mile training runs that I do on weekends...Jalen's training antics have become "normal".

This past Sunday, however, he blew my mind with a monumental effort that left me without words. (Until now)

It was Mother's Day. Jen prepared to leave for her 12hr shift at the hospital. I thought about what Jalen and I might do after she left for work. The weather was quite warm outside...about 80 degrees, and it seemed a perfect day to head out on some type of adventure. I asked Jalen if he wanted to do a hike...and of course he jumped up and down with enthusiasm.

I thought we would head to South Boulder where I train for ultra-distance trail races. I knew the trails well and even thought, although remotely, that Jalen and I might start a "real hike" up toward South Boulder Peak or Bear Mountain. I suggested to Jalen we, "go climb a mountain."

I threw some fluid, snacks, and waist packs in the car. We kissed Mommy good bye and headed South Mesa trail head.

I figured Jalen would be good for a couple hours on the trails so I packed enough snacks for 3 hours.  He wore a small camelback with 40oz water and carried 3 Clif "Z bars".  I brought 50 oz GU brew electrolyte fluid for myself as not to become dehydrated for my own training on Monday. Without expectations, I showed Jalen where the trails connected to the parking lot.

We walked out from the trees and the foothills of Boulder became visible. I stopped him and made him look in my eyes. I said, "Jalen, we can go climb a mountain but it will be very hard. You will have to work very hard. The truth is, not everybody can climb mountains...and especially kids your age. If you climb a mountain, you will be part of a special group of people. Do you want to go on a little hike or try and climb that mountain?"

To that he responded, "Um, Daddy? If I climb the mountain will you buy me hiking gloves like yours and a hiking stick from REI?"

Daddy: "Yes Jalen. If you can climb this mountain,you can get a hiking stick."

Jalen: "Um, Daddy? Is there an REI at the top of this mountain?"

Daddy: "No Jalen. But that is hilarious."

With that exchange, he started toward the peaks to earn a hiking stick.

The temperature was in the mid 80s. My only concern for Jalen was the heat.  I offered him a piggy back ride and helped him on and off for 2 miles. I had him remove his shirt and showed him how to dip it in a stream to keep cool.

It took about 30 minutes reach "Shadow Canyon". This south trail to the summit of Bear and South Boulder Peak climbs 3,000 vertical feet in 1.25 miles. I told Jalen his hike would start at that point.

I told Jalen

And without hesitation, he started climbing...

Jalen climbed and climbed. He would occasionally rest and sit on the trail. These "rests" were no longer than 2 minutes long. He consumed water, electrolyte fluid, and clif bars. He didn't talk much and sometimes pointed to the rocks to confirm the correct line. The higher he climbed, the more I shook my head in awe behind him.

He reached the saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Mountain after about 4 hours of continuous climbing.  I asked him three separate times if he wanted to stop or go back to the car. He smiled and said, "Why?"

He stood at the saddle gave me a thumbs up to indicate he was still working toward his goal.  I wished that everyone who ever loved him could see him at that moment.

I became quite emotional watching my son, my only baby, work through pain and discomfort.  This photo I was taking was not simply a photo of a child...it was a photo of a moment when, for the first time, a small person made a decision to ignore discomfort in lieu of personal accomplishment. I was so proud I could say nothing more eloquent than, "I love you, I am so proud of you."

Jalen continued climbing and asked me for confirmation he was "almost there". I squeezed his hand and pointed to the large rocks on the peak.

His clothes were covered in dirt. His knees, elbows, and hands were scratched. He sat down one last time for 30 seconds and then popped up to his feet and said, "Ready when you are."

He hiked up the last switchback and reached out his hand for me to guide toward the cluster of large rocks on the summit.  I held his hand and him the final 30 feet. The space between steps were as wide as he was tall. He sat down and took a deep breath.

And Jalen peered west from the top of a mountain.