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What’s YOUR Everest?
My Everest is the gym.
Let me explain. I’ve lived in Colorado for almost three years and I love to hike (at a peaceful stroll), but I have yet to attempt a 14er. The state has an impressive 53 mountains that are 14,000 feet or higher, and a couple weeks ago I decided to climb the highest – Mt. Elbert at 14,440 ft. Which means I am now actually working out at the gym and using equipment that almost everyone else has seemed to know about for years: the Bosu ball, the elliptical, the dreaded StairMaster …
The world of working out is a completely foreign one to me. In fact, it’s actually a lot like traveling to a new place. I feel awkward at first. I’m convinced everyone is watching me. I don’t understand the language (however, reps, sets, inclines, levels, and circuit are words I am incorporating into my fitness vocabulary). I make mistakes. But slowly, I learn the athletic club etiquette and I feel a little less like an outsider. I realize that the people tend to be friendly and eager to help. As it turns out, it’s not that scary.
So, why did I decide to climb Mt. Elbert? What on earth motivated me to make a commitment that would require regular training at the gym despite my last 10 years of reluctance?
I wanted to participate in the second annual What’s YOUR Everest? Challenge! June 2-3, I will join Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind man to reach the Seven Summits; wounded veterans from the Soldiers to Summits program; other members of the Global Explorers community; and members of Weihenmayer’s historic Everest summit team at this inspirational event, which encourages participants to discover the fact that what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way.
The welcome dinner in Leadville on June 2 and the climb on June 3 are open to anyone who donates $500 or more to Global Explorers by May 30, 2012. I aim to raise at least $500 so I can participate in this event. All donations made to support my climb will be designated as scholarship money for a 2013 Leading the Way participant.
If you aren’t interested in participating in the What’s YOUR Everest? Challenge yourself, consider supporting one of the event’s participants (like me!) by making a donation to his/her fundraising campaign. You can read about the campaigns and make a contribution here.
