T-250 Days, 35 Weeks …

This past weekend marked a milestone in the run-up to Everest.  Having committed a few weeks ago and having sent in my down payment and the application accepted, I feel that I have started the training in earnest now.

With a firm departure date of March 29th and arrival into Katmandhu of March 30th, I have a pretty good idea of what my life will be like for the next 250 days and 35 weeks.

Having ran 9.6 miles yesterday with the Petaluma running group and a good workout on Saturday, I am super-motivated by what I need to do and the conditioning required for the Everest summit attempt.  As in Denali, there are a number of things that I cannot control: weather and injuries for example, but I am in control of what my body will be like by then and then mind that follows.

Starting the new job on June 1st has also provided objectives that need to be accomplished by the end of March – as well as areas that are under my control and those that are not.  But the training is still the same:

Setting goals

Perseverance

Teamwork

Leadership

Optimism/Realism

Trust/Integrity

Having been asked the question of whether Everest was a death-wish, my immediate response is that it is a life-wish.  And just like in careers, reaching the summit is just another peak on the way to the next one.  Celebrating success with team-mates on the rope, giving recognition to those that have helped you on the way, enduring hard times, laughing at them later, they are all just part of the journey.

From Baker to Denali, Rainier to Aconcagua, I can vividly remember the first step from the trail-head, that moment of trepidation, what I call self-confidence fighting self-doubt.  And then it’s all over.  You’re having a drink with your rope-mates and laughing about how you almost died on the mountain or in the meeting.  How others picked you up and how you helped others on their journey.

During the run on Sunday, Doni and I were hanging back from the pack and talking about life, running, families, parenting – marathons run and always the why.  We were talking about what I called the Gallagher method of running (after the famous comedian) compared to the Galloway method (which involves some walking).  Suddenly, I heard a trip and a crash behind me, only to find her with seriously symmetrical banged up knees and hands.

and lots of laughter and ribbing later from the group when it turned out Kim had fallen separately in her group on a nearby trail.

The motto of all of this:

Life happens.  Sometimes we fall down.  Sometimes we get bloodied. We then pick ourselves up and continue on – after we get patched up.  Persevere.  Pain and joy get intertwined.

But the mountain is unfeeling.  It stands there waiting to be not conquered, but to be enjoyed.

Enjoy the ride.  249 days.  35 weeks.  The chance to stand on the highest point on earth.  Priceless.