Independence Mtn

Shufflin’

Rationalization through deep philosophical thought

Incline shenanigans

Tribute to Keith

Went on the same run we did together for the first time 3 years ago. Wanted to share a write up I posted on the gram with the strava fam: Keith Hayes  — We met on top of Mount Evans in November 2021, 6 months after I made the move out to Colorado. We exchanged Strava’s and realized that we live across the hall from each other. I knew this was a sign that you were put in my life for a reason. I remember you leaving packs of Skratch gummies at my door after we would run. We barely knew each other but I could tell you had such a kind soul. December rolled around and you invited me to run in Boulder. It was beginning to get dark and I didn’t have a headlamp but you insisted I join you up Bear Peak. Afterwards I had this feeling inside of me that my life changed forever. I found my first real friends since moving. A few weeks went by and Keith mentioned he and Laura were running from Boulder to Nederland and asked me to join. I showed up that morning, but they weren’t there. A heavy snow came and I figured that may have delayed them. I texted Laura and she said Keith is helping a guy in a car accident that they passed on the way there. That’s the type of guy Keith was, always willing to help regardless of who you are and the situation. Fast forward to March I took a bad fall. I called Keith and what do you know… he and Laura came to my rescue and got me the help I needed. After that they felt like family. From there we went on the craziest adventures of my life, including a 17+ hour push hitting 10 peaks. I spent my birthday helping pace you and Laura during your Nolan’s 14 effort and did so countless times after. Meeting Keith opened my eyes to what’s possible and changed my outlook on this life forever. Most importantly Keith taught me how to be selfless and kind. For the rest of my life I will allow Keith’s character and spirit to live through me. I will share his stories and our experiences with my kids so his memory can live onto the next generation. Losing a friend is the hardest thing I’ve dealt with in this life, especially one that impacted me in a way that changed me as a person to my core. I love you Keith and I miss you so so much ❤️

Picture is from the first time I did the 3rd. Keith showed me the ropes in the flatirons. I pretty much never scrambled without him back when I was doing it a bunch in 2022. He made me feel so comfortable and confident on rock. Not sure I’ll ever be able to scramble again.

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Nick Tusa

Tribute to Keith

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Independence Mtn

Shufflin’

Rationalization through deep philosophical thought

Incline shenanigans

Tribute to Keith

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