It’s been a little over a month since I was climbing a mountain in Idaho for the 29029 Everesting event. If you don’t remember tales from my obsession, this is an endurance challenge. Participants have 36 hours to climb a very steep mountain 15 times which ends up being the elevation and distance of climbing Mt. Everest. All without leaving the country. If you complete the journey in the required time, you get the coveted “red hat.”
That’s it. A red hat.
My trip to Idaho in June was my third attempt at the red hat and I did not finish. Mind you, I was super proud that after getting extremely sick, I returned to the mountain and hiked from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on day two and was one of the last two people on the mountain when time ran out. My welcome at the top from the other participants was enough to make me feel accomplished and happy with what I achieved. The community that participates and volunteers in these events is unparalleled to anything I’ve experienced. You won’t find a more supportive, genuine team and It’s a huge reason for my involvement.
As I was saying, I was content. For two weeks.
Then it began.
The tiny whisperings in my brain letting me know that I still had unfinished business. I reasoned with myself that maybe mountain hiking for 36 hours just wasn’t my jam. My, “third time’s a charm” attitude did not get me the red hat. I could do so many things with the money. Bla, bla, bla. The list goes on.
The whisperings didn’t go away. In fact, they grew stronger. I reached out for advice from everyone I knew. Some thought I was nuts for a 4th attempt, others were concerned that I’d try again and be devastated if I didn’t finish again. The response that clenched it was when I asked a trusted friend if I should go back and their response was, “Why wouldn’t you?”
This was what I was feeling inside, but afraid to speak out loud. I’m just not a quitter. I’m not sure it really matters that I get a red hat, but it matters that I want to finish what I started. The process of what happens when things get tough offers a lot of life lessons and I’ve obviously got a lot left to learn!
So, I’m going back! Not next year, but THIS October to the event in Vermont. I know if I wait until next year, I may lose my nerve. So I’m striking while the iron is hot. Thankfully, I’ll be joined by my friend and Souper Jenny General Manager, Keith Yaeger. We both have unfinished business from Idaho. In fact, the gang will all be there - as my friend, Meg Gillentine and friend and Souper Jenny CFO, Eric Miller will be there as volunteers wearing their red hats!
I’m scared. but I’m doing it anyway because I strive to be that woman that always reaches beyond her comfort zone to experience the good stuff. I believe that is where growth begins.
Wish me luck! I’ll need it!