Jog up Flattop Mountain

When we first arrived in Alaska, Al drove us up to a trail head in the Chugach State Park. The drive was so foggy though that we couldn't see anything but we got out to the empty parking lot and walked around a bit. He told us about some trails that started there and we kept it in mind to return soon. About a week later one of Al's neighbors told us about his friend who runs up Flattop Mountain and back down in about 45 minutes. That was one of the hikes that started from that trail head, so we thought it would be a great workout to do.
Yesterday we decided to go for a jog up Flattop. We put on our running clothes and drove to the trail head. When we got there the parking lot was completely full (like 70+ cars) and we had to wait for a spot. We knew that it was the most hiked mountain in Alaska, but this- we were not expecting.
We started our run on a steep incline and almost immediately realized that running may not be possible. People were in full hiking gear and I've never felt my lungs burn so bad (from breathing so hard). I stopped running after about 30 seconds or so. We continued to jog a little on the flatter uphill parts and walk up the super steep parts. It got steeper and steeper, there were places with narrow stairs, lots of loose rock and a sharp drop off the edge. The last half of the hike you have to actually climb the mountain- with your hands to make it up. Climbing up steep rocks and crevices.
But we did see lots of kids, older people, and many dogs- even little dogs making the climb.
We did make it to the top. It took us 40 minutes (1 hour 20 minutes round trip) and I don't know if it would even be possible for us to EVER jog the entire way up or down- too steep.
It was a really pretty hike! Great views of Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula and even Mt. McKinley on a clear day. The top is very flat and rocky and windy. We are so glad we went, even if it wasn't the nice easy jog we were expecting. We hope to do the hike several more times.