January 1, 2010

Crazy the way time travels so fast. Training is good, mental health is good. I've been watching the 2009 Everest series Beyond the Limit on the Discoverey Channel, and of course, I'm riveted. I've read and watched everything about Everest. The crazy voice in me wonders where my imagination will take me if I reach the summit of Aconcagua next month. Denali next? Island Peak in Nepal (down the valley from Everest)? If I don't make the summit, I'll return to finish the job, like I did the Half Ironman in 2008. I like to finish the job.

Training has bumped up. I'm doing stairmaster (the revolving stairs) in the gym with a 25 pound pack and boots. I climbed stairs for 1.5 hours yesterday. Tomorrow I'll walk about 3 hours, outside towards Clinton Lake with my pack. The pack is an entirely new variable to add to the workouts. I've had some shoulder strain, some hip strain, but I'm adapting. In the next few weeks, I'll increase the weight to 30 pounds, which will be about right. It's been fiercely cold outside, but with my Feathered Friends expedition parka, I am so toasty warm. This thrills me because the -40 degrees F on Aconcagua scares me and my 108 pound body. There is a wind on the mountain called Viento Blanco--the White Wind--which can reach 100 mph. Will it blow me over? Will my digits freeze in my new Mountain Hardware expedition mitts?

Mental health is so much a part of this. Acknowledging my fear is good, but fear shouldn't hold me back. I try not to listen to doubtful voices because they don't serve me. It's so similar in the world of triathlon. Taking a mantra like, "I know I can, I know I can, I know I can" will take me farther than, "I don't think I can" or "Maybe I can".

One of my 2010 yearly goals is to meditate every day for at least 10 minutes. Meditation keeps you in the here-and-now and keeps the mind still. This is so important in mountain climbing and triathlon. Some people pray, but I prefer to do it in my own spiritual way, which is meditation.

As I come closer to leaving for my trip (February 8) I do feel more spiritual. I recognize the risk I am taking. There are casualties at such an altitude and it's very humbling to attempt such a challenge. I feel closer to my family and friends lately, and there is a lot of love and concern. I am enormously greatful for my life and for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.