It’s also a place where you can explore and do tons of different activities that you can’t normally do at home… like snorkeling, scuba diving, trail running through tropical rainforest, riding up Haleakala Volcano…if you’re crazy enough!

Well we weren’t in Maui, so I didn’t have a chance to ride up Haleakala Volcano…that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it:)  But I did run/hike various local trails around Oahu.  None came close to 10,000 feet in elevation mind you, but still challenging nonetheless.

And there’s one local hill climb I always do whenever I go to Oahu… it’s the Koko Head Crater Trail.  It’s only a short drive from Honolulu and the trail head is really easy to get to and it’s a super short climb so you don’t need to worry about getting your hiking gear on.  Most locals go there for a quick workout… and let me tell you it’s a workout!  It’s so steep that you really can’t run it, but if you charge up the hill as fast as you can, you can probably do it in less than 15 minutes.  I’ve heard that there are few locals that have done it in less than 10 minutes.  That’s my goal…next time:)

15 minutes is a short time…but every time (without fail) around the half way mark of the climb…I always find myself asking, why am I doing this?  I’m on vacation!  You’re supposed to be relaxing!  But, as soon as I get to the top and see the spectacular view…those questions quickly disappear.

Maybe it’s the view, maybe it’s the satisfaction of finishing something challenging…or maybe it’s to prove to myself that I’m still capable of conquering challenges that I could do 10 years ago.

I think my motivation has changed over the years, but my inner drive is just as strong.  Perhaps it’ll take me 10 more years before I break 10 minutes to do Koko Head Crater…but I never think that I won’t be able to do it, simply because I’m getting older.

I really believe that age is a mindset and you’re only as old as you think you are…and here’s a man that exemplifies my belief.  A true inspiration.