The Quest for the Perfect ExerGame

Today was my last day in Banff and the weather forecast was for sunshine. I awoke to mist, so wasn’t too optimistic, but a quick check on the webcam on the top of Sulphur Mountain confirmed clear blue skies. The local bus up to the gondola station was busy. On arrival, everybody piled off and headed for the terminal. I checked my kit, admired the view and set off up the 5 km Sulphur Mountain trail. It was fairly easy going at first and then began to steepen and zig-zag under the gondola wires. It wasn’t long before I reached some patches of snow.

With all the gondolas whisking past overhead carry their passengers up the 700 m ascent in 8 minutes, I began to think that maybe I would have been better taking a ride? No, I was heading up to what would be the highest point to date that I have stood on the planet earth (2256 m) and I was going to earn it. I pressed out, boosted by the breathtaking scenery and the abundant wildlife. One walker passed me and I caught up some others. Finally I arrived at the top station, some 87 minutes behind those who travelled up with me  on the bus.

The view from the top was amazing and well worth the climb. I very much enjoyed my climb and felt all the better for it. I had scaled new heights and on the way thought about a couple of ideas of how to make exercise the “Easy Option”. Oh, and I was CAN$26 better off!

But perhaps my story illustrates just how difficult the exercise option may actually or perceived to be for many people.

After enjoying the view and the summit wildlife, I left the “Tourists” behind and headed down the trail on the other side of the mountain into the wilderness. This chapter of the “Quest for the Perfect ExerGame” had come to a close.

So for now, enjoy the view…