Just do the Damn thing.

I got a very late invite to an epic event called 29029 Everesting. Actually, at the time it was the first of many that they hosted, so there was a chance it could bomb. But I can’t pass up a good challenge and a great opportunity! So with zero real hiking experience and a Florida stadium run with a weight vest on the weekend prior, I was as ready as I was going to get. I arrived in Utah just in time for dinner Thursday evening. The climb to our version of Everest (29029ft) started at 6am Friday. Alarm went off at 4:30, fuel up, headlamp on and go time! The very beginning of the mountain was steep, looking at it the night before was a mind f*ck. I got in 7 trips up that damn mountain on Friday. That included a very short lunch break and a stretch break. Friday night on the mountain I started feeling dizzy, nauseous and couldn’t breathe well. So when I got back down I made the decision to rest for a couple hours on the couch. I set my alarm for 4:30am hoping to wake up ready to go. I needed 6 more ascents to reach my goal of 29029 vertical feet and 30 total miles. I had until 6:30pm to reach that goal and I was going to be cutting it close. So I threw down a banana and some water, flipped the switch and started what was about to be a very long and hard day. I didn’t take any breaks, refused to let myself go inside, hit the port-a-potty at the bottom every round. Fueled myself with bananas, pretzels, pb&j and tons of hydration at the aid stations. I probably ate 12 pb&j's throughout the weekend. It got hot...real freaking hot. It was hard to breathe because I was not conditioned for the altitude. I had to dig deep, so many things going through my head but stayed positive as I passed the same exact rocks and leaves over and over again, each trip up. I saved on of those rocks.

At 4:30pm I FINISHED! 37/100 people hit 29029 feet and everyone put in a ton of hard work to say the least. People came with their own goals and made it happen. Hardest, yet most rewarding challenge to date! You’re mind wants you to stay "safe" and in the low stress zone, it doesn’t want your body to experience pain, suffering or discomfort. But when we step out of our comfort zone whether it be physically or mentally, that is where true growth takes place. I met some really amazing people and spent time with some of my faves. The staff was awesome and the event was one of a kind! So if you need a sign, this is it. Whatever you are waiting for, no better time than now to start making it happen. If you wait until all is aligned and perfect, you will never take the leap.

Gave myself this same little pep talk & MNT Condition was born!

xoxo

Nichele