Thursday, June 24, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #21

Upon returning from Mt. Rainier, I found myself just as consumed with the experience as ever.  Once I got back home, I couldn’t get to my computer fast enough.  Maybe I could line up a spot on an August expedition as an alternate?  Maybe another mountain?  I enjoyed the journey so much, the details weren’t important.  It was a very, very strange week.

As a football player, the date of the final game was always on my mind.  At Wisconsin, I knew that January 1 meant Rose Bowl(s) and January 2 meant rest.  Even though the seasons were exhilarating, January 2nd couldn’t come fast enough.  I had expected to feel this way once the Mt. Rainier trip was over.  Boy was I mistaken.

In the two weeks since our return, I have had some time to reflect and what I realized is that the journey to Mt. Rainier gave me something that I hadn’t had in a very long time.  Mt. Rainier gave me a goal.  It was an event to train for, to get excited about, to talk about, and to dream about.  Reaching the top of Mt. Rainier was, and still is, a goal of mine, but it isn’t only goal. 
Honestly, I can’t wait to return and give it another try.  I have accepted that for reasons out of my control, it just wasn’t meant to be…this time.  There will be a “next time” soon enough and perhaps even the prospect of other mountains from there.  But in the meantime, my strategy is to capture the momentum of this trip and the training and concentrate on some other goals and events.  This experience has reminded me that it is impossible to reach a “destination” if you don’t know where you going.  Since leaving football I have maintained a relatively healthy lifestyle.  I have lost 85 pounds since my playing days.  However, I also lost that feeling of really pushing myself and competing (even if this time the competition was with only myself.)  Having a goal, or maybe even a dream, made the journey so much more enjoyable and the preparation easier.  The early morning workouts seemed easier when it meant more than just “maintaining.”  Sharing the accountability of those workouts with the rest of the team made for an experience that I will never forget.

So, for the moment at least, my brief aspiration of becoming an everyday mountaineer, living in the Himalayas and taking morning jaunts up the north face of Everest has been met with a more realistic, balanced, and admittedly sustainable approach.  Find some fun goals that are in line with a centered, balanced, and healthy lifestyle and go for it.  And in the process of doing so, try get as many people as possible to come along for the ride!  It’s more fun that way.

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, June 17, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #20

Not even the consistent and sometimes violent screaming of a 14 month old in the seat next to me could dampen my spirit as our plane departed Milwaukee en route to Seattle.  After much preparation, the trip to Mt. Rainier was finally here.  What was impossible to realize at the time was that no amount of preparation could have changed the outcome of our adventure. 

Day 1: Last day of prep in Seattle

After a trip to the farmer’s market and grocery store, my pack was filled to top with gear and food.  It would have been impossible to cram in one more dark-chocolate covered expresso bean.  With the rest of the day ours, we decided to take advantage of the current conditions…80 degrees and sunshine.  So it was off to the waterfront to begin the “carb loading phase” (technical term.)  An ice cold beer, the smell of the Puget Sound, and crystal clear views of the Olympic Mountain…life is indeed good!  It was shortly thereafter that we learned of the tragic news on the mountain.  Eleven climbers had been struck by an enormous avalanche.  All but one climber had been saved by courageous mountain guides that had rushed to the scene within minutes.  At the time of this post, the last climber had yet to be recovered.  This event had a significant impact on the strategy, tone, and focus of days to follow. 

Day 2:  Meet the guides/Gear check

After traveling to a local ski resort adjacent to Mount Rainier National Park, we met the four men that would be responsible for our safety for the next four days.  Our IMG guides were top notch!  Greg, our lead guide, had returned four days earlier from his successful summit of Mt. Everest.  Max is an avalanche guru,  and his opinion on snow conditions was constantly relied upon.  Ty is an experienced guide who is scheduled to spend 89 days on Mt. Rainier this season.  And Andy, a German/Alaskan, was previously a river guide and dogsledder, who enjoys rock and ice climbing, quiet walks up painfully steep slopes.  After meeting this “A-team” of senior guides, my apprehension was drastically reduced.  We were in good hands.

Day 3:  The long, slow ascent begins

The methodical pace of eleven climbers carrying 60 pound packs began as we followed the White River through old-growth timber stands that surround the base of Mt. Rainier and eventually, seven hours later, above the timber line to the base of the Inter-glacier.  It was at this point in the trek that the slopes steepened and it was hard to identify what looked like ants on the mountain as climbers.  The sun was shining and the skies were blue, a combination which makes for an enjoyable day with friends but not, as I learned, for stable snow conditions.  The consensus of our guides was to build camp on a safe vantage point and “watch the show.”  For the remainder of the day/night, we sat perched upon what was one of the most beautiful settings I have ever had the opportunity to experience and watched the mountain shed a layer a snow, one after another, after another.  For hours, we watched dozens of avalanche chutes cascade giant boulders of hard-packed ice and snow.  I will never forget this experience.

Day 4:  Now were climbing

Slow and steady wins the race.  Our ascent to Camp Shurman (3500 ft above our previous camp) gave me my first taste of steep slopes, hard-packed ice, and an empty feeling in my stomach when I turned around and discovered just how quickly we were gaining elevation.  At the first break, I was reluctant to remove my backpack and sit down as the guides had instructed for fear that I may lose my grip on the pack and never see it again, or worse.  Though it didn’t take long before I began to feel comfortable on very steep slope.  However, that empty feeling soon returned as we crested the Inter Glacier and traversed a steep, wind-blown path that lead us directly above an intimidating outcropping of rock and the mouth of gigantic crevasse.  We were now officially on the Emmons Glacier.  I only glanced once at what would have been a quick, yet excruciatingly painful demise.  It seemed like the better plan was to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other and minimize the time spent in such a place.  We arrived at Camp Shurman just before lunch.  Our plan was to build camp, fuel up, and get to bed by 4:00 pm.  Our push for the summit was to begin at 10:00 pm.  Somehow, falling asleep at 4 in the afternoon wasn’t a problem for me. 

At 7:00 pm, Lt. Dan and I were awoken to what sounded like a freight train rolling through camp.  The tent shook violently and shortly thereafter the headlamps of our guide team could be seen through the thin wall of the tent.  Our guides spent entire night digging out our tents in order to prevent them from being completely buried with snow and potentially suffocating the team.  At that point I couldn’t help but vocalize my gratitude four our leaders.  They are machines!  Obviously our hopes of a summit push at 10:00 pm were gone.  Change of plan. 

Day 5:  Decision time

We emerged from the tent at 5:30 am to the continued punishment of a “Deep Low Front”.  The storm refused to let up: http://www.youtube.com/user/MyBodyBasix . And then as quickly as the snow had begun to blow, it stopped.  And at 8:30 am our window for a push to the summit emerged, only to be crushed by news from IMG headquarters that a second “Deep Low” was quickly approaching.  Upon hearing this news, our guides instructed us to quickly break-down the tents, pack our bags and get ready for an aggressive descent of the mountain.  We needed to take advantage of the “tolerable” weather before a second front made our descent impossible; creating deep, soft snow and extremely dangerous avalanche conditions.  In hind sight, it was a brilliant decision.  Mt. Rainier was pounded with storms for the next three days.  Later that evening, we arrived at the trailhead and was greeted by Larry the van driver, sub sandwich, and a cold beer.  Thanks Larry!

Time and space preclude sharing my reflections about this journey which started six months ago, ended prematurely, but will be a part of me forever. In next week’s blog, I’ll highlight my thoughts, memories, appreciation for all your support and the valuable lessons this hauntingly beautiful and majestic mountain taught me.

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, June 03, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #19

It’s finally here!  After many, many weeks of training, research, preparing and blogging, my journey to Mt. Rainier has arrived.  Thank you for all of your support, well-wishes, encouragement, and most of all the accountability!  Because of it, what could have been six months of monotonous training was actually an experience that I will cherish. 

Looking back, the Mt. Rainier journey has already had a profound effect on me both mentally and physically.  I have never in my life been in better shape than I am today.  Additionally, this experience has given me the opportunity to meet and speak with people who have motivated and inspired me to become more than I ever thought possible, something that I could not have predicted six months ago.  In a relatively short period of time, my lifestyle has been modified and the effect of that change has been more than I could have imagined.  For that I owe a big “Thank You” to Uncle Jesse (in Madison), JTW, Jean, Trish, JD, Scott, Emily, Meatloaf, Robin, Coach Heather,  Jimmy, Reagan, Chuck Norris, Derrick, Delaney, Barry, Ethan, Tim, Lt. Dan, Sneaky Pete, Bill M, Kris H, Diane, Jeff C, Bill A, Grandpa Jim, Paul, Dr. Dan, Carl, Jim and Deb, Julie, Parker, and Lady D.  Whether you realize it or not, you’ve played roles in making this happen.  To you all, my sincerest gratitude.

Look for a report next week and a full account upon my return.

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, May 27, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #18

With the realization that our departure for Mt. Rainier is a week from tomorrow, this week’s focus has been on making the necessary last minute preparations and adjustments.  The volume of training has begun to taper.  The gear is ready to be shipped.  My nutritional plan is set.  It feels like all of the hard work has put us in a position to be successful on this adventure. 

It has been a long time since I have invested this much time, effort, and energy into a single athletic event.  I would be lying if I didn’t admit that the idea of this trip has rekindled a competitive spirit within me, a feeling which I thought not long ago would be only part of my past. 

There are many aspects of the expedition which I look forward to, none more so though than the idea of having to focus on one thing and one thing only for four days.  This is an experience that I have only felt, to a lesser degree, during a football game.  It was during a game in which all of the usual distractions that life presents were set aside and 100% focus was placed on the task at hand.  Ironically, it wasn’t until I started preparing for this adventure that I realized how important those 60 minute revivals of my “past life” really were.  Spending four consecutive days focusing on one goal, without the everyday distractions of a phone call, text message, email, fax, grocery list, laptop, electric bill, or the infamous “honey-do list,” is a refreshing idea which I have to believe will pay dividends down the road.  Each step of the journey will need careful attention.  No distractions allowed!  Awesome.

On a lighter note, our “mock game” consisted of a seven hour hike up and down the bluffs that surround Devil’s Lake (WI).  This was an exercise which proved to be beneficial to each of us as there were numerous issues (gear issues, food/hydration issues, and Lt. Dan’s chaffing issue) that needed to be addressed before departing.  All of these problems will be easy to cure in Wisconsin, not so easy on the mountain at high elevation.  This was definitely a worthwhile exercise.

Lastly, as the final preparations are made I would like to extend my sincerest “thank you” to all of you who have sent well wishes, notes of support, and inspiring stories of your own journey.  Your messages have been truly appreciated. 

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, May 20, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #17

With only two weeks left before departing on our Mt. Rainier expedition, the final preparations are being made.  This weekend’s “dress rehearsal”, an all-day hike at Devil’s Lake State Park (the best we can do in WI to mimicking conditions) will mark the apex of our training.  After that, all our gear will be shipped to WA and our training will begin to taper.  All and all, I feel confident that our preparation has put us in a position for the best chance of success. 

However, that feeling of confidence quickly departed this morning as I awoke to a text message from my WA friend Carl. Carl, who is coincidentally Vice President of Sea-Level Support for our Mt. Rainier summit (a prestigious title I know) poignantly brought to my attention last night’s conditions at Camp Muir, a popular camp on Mt. Rainier located at approx. 10,000 ft elevation.  According to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center last night’s residents at Camp Muir endured temperatures dipping into the single digits, sustained winds exceeding 90 mph and wind gusts topping 110 mph!  http://www.nwac.us/weatherdata/campmuir/now/  Whoa!  Those are the types of conditions that cannot be replicated on our Devil’s Lake hike (not that I would want to). 

And while I will place total trust in the decision making of our IMG guides, this news did serve as a not-so-gentle reminder of the potentially brutal conditions that Mt. Rainier can produce.  No amount of lunges, hill climbs, or interval rides can prepare a person for such an event.  Regardless of how good the training has gone or how great I feel, this trip will be a challenge. In addition to the obvious aspects of gaining 10,000 ft of elevation in a couple of days; there are more ways I am going to have to adapt to the conditions, seen and unforeseen. 

Seen: 
- OK I admit it.  I have never slept directly on a glacier for one night much the three nights planned.  I hope that I can adapt to sleeping on a bed of ice.  Better make sure I don’t forget my sleeping bag and pad!
- I hope I am able to adapt to the altitude.  Won’t know until I know.  Altitude has been the reason for plenty of trips ending prematurely.
- I really enjoy eating…a lot.  I am a little worried about the food situation.  I haven’t had to eat rehydrated meals for four days straight.  Let’s hope that reconstituted beef stroganoff will sound appetizing after 10 hours of hiking?
- As a person that avoids public restrooms at all costs, the logistics of being tied in with four other climbers and having to deal with “Mother Nature’s calling” bring to mind scenarios which I have chosen to avoid thinking about and are best dealt with on a mountain. 

Unforeseen:
- Last night’s weather report is a real reminder that Mt. Rainier could end our possibilities of summiting whenever she feels like it.  We can’t control this.  Therefore my plan for adapting is to take in and enjoy the journey.  It will be challenging for me to disassociate summiting and success. 

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, May 13, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #16

Sadly, it’s when life throws a monkey wrench into what would have normally been an ordinary week that I am more apt to count my blessings and in doing so realize just how important (and conversely- just how insignificant) some things really are.

My week began Monday morning with the usual business.  I started Monday morning with a 5:00 am workout, followed by the regularly scheduled listening session in which I indulge Robin by nodding my head while he prattles on - boasting about how challenging and fun his Ironman training is (this is becoming more and more frequent, but I feel like he deserves the empathy.) 

Shortly after the business of the week began that I received a very, very concerning phone call.  My grandfather, whom I had coincidentally spoken to the day prior, had rapidly come down with a serious illness and was rushed to the emergency room. 

As of this morning, and without belaboring the details, I am happy to report that once again that stubborn old Marine pulled through.  He has a long road to recovery, but at the end of the day it is most importantly just that, recovery. 

This sequence of events opened my eyes to a few things:

- I am very, very fortunate to be healthy.  I have never felt better than I do today and I have somewhat recently come to the realization that being healthy (and feeling healthy) allows me to be a better friend, father, spouse, etc. 
- I am surrounded by people who support me.  When “life happened” and my meticulously planned calendar was immediately deemed unimportant, others were there to pick up the slack. 
- I am fortunate that my wife and kids are in excellent health.  It doesn’t take long to realize that a hospital isn’t a fun place to be.  As an aside, I am very proud of my oldest daughter.  She registered for the Lakefront Marathon Kids Run, a commitment that makes me very excited. Over the next few months, she will run 25 miles in smaller segments and then complete her marathon, running the final 1.2 miles and finishing on race day at the official Lakefront Marathon finish line. How cool!
- My 20 month old now refers to himself in the third person as “The Eathly-Bee.”  It’s the little things, right?

And so, one of the last weeks of my training for the summit was somewhat disrupted. But in that disruption, I found perspective. I was fortunate to look at the “big picture” - a 30,000 foot view from above. And that view from 30,000 feet put the 14,400 Rainier summit in perspective.

Until next time,

Chris

Friday, May 07, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #15

I had a sick feeling in my stomach last night. Our outfitter sent an email informing us that we were one month away from our expedition on Mt. Rainier and that we needed to iron out any last minute gear issues. The feeling in my stomach reminded me of college. It was as if an exam had been announced and I was not prepared for the test. However, that feeling quickly subsided when I came to the realization that I am as prepared as I could possibly be. Unlike my college days, this time around I actually studied for the test. Hell, I actually went to class for this exam! And with that realization came a sense of peace. I am ready. I am ready to go out and enjoy the experience, to challenge myself, to make new friends and to learn more about the friends that will be joining me.

What was even more comforting was the email introduction of our guide team. Their combined resumes include many mountaineering summits (of mountains that this flatlander from Wisconsin has never heard of and from parts of the world that I could not locate on a globe,) cool experiences (one of the guides worked nine years in Alaska as a river and dog sledding guide,) good vibes and even an Olympic gold medal (2000 Sydney Volleyball.) Honestly, I couldn’t be more excited. It is comforting to know that I will be lead by experienced professionals. However, it will be a gratifying experience to spend some time with such a group of motivated individuals. I can’t wait to hear the stories!

Our training is right on pace. Early Monday morning, I returned to Camp Randall. My summit attempt of the student section proved to be a treacherous journey, requiring every bit mountaineering knowledge I could muster. Well, not really. It is just hard to make climbing stairs sound interesting.

Sneaky Pete, John, and I were able to put 33 miles on the bike this morning before the day began. Tomorrow calls for a power hike with some interval short-roping (dragging another climber up the hill.)

Should be fun.

Mt. Rainier is no longer a trip that on the distant horizon.

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, April 29, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #14

One of my favorite things about Body Basix is the willingness of fitness enthusiast and those pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle to share their goals and stories.  Quite honestly, I am inspired by the messages.  Please share.

Below is a note I received from a former teammate.  Derek was a fellow Big Ten and NFL offensive lineman, a team captain, and a good friend.  After leaving the game, he decided to repurpose his body.  The story below describes a goal which, I think it is safe to say, would have been beyond his wildest imagination not long ago.  Congrats Derek!

***

I am planning on hiking the Shenandoah Nat’l Park leg of the Appalachian Trail.  The goal is to backpack this distance of 100+ elevated miles in one week.  I along with Chris am a former NFL offensive lineman.  The training for such a challenge is crucial to accomplishing my goal.  Chris and I are both used to brutal strength and conditioning training, but this is different. 

I am training with my backpacking partner, an experienced hiker having completed her first trip on the AT in 2008 (Connecticut to Bear Mountain).  She is from Seattle and has also worked in a cannery in Alaska.  She reports that the while on the AT, she has experienced bad weather that rivals both the Northwest and AK- freezing temperatures and constant driving rain, never mind the elevation.  Her hiking partner at the time, who is an experienced marathon runner and triathlete said, “That day of hiking was worse than the last mile of a marathon.” 

I have learned that my flexibility, core strength, and endurance are everything.  The wilderness and Mother Nature are unforgiving.  I have to be in as good of physical shape as I am mentally tough to endure everything she has to offer.

How to begin such a challenge?  The knowledge one must accumulate to spend a week walking with all they need to survive on one’s back is overwhelming- the logistics, the planning, the maps, the gear.  Where to start?  One day at a time.

The initial process of this trip is very exciting for me, knowing that it will end during the peak of Fall in the Shenandoah.

Derek Engler

***

Your stories, challenges, goals, and dreams are always welcome at Body Basix.  We love to hear them!

Until next time,

Chris

Friday, April 23, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #13

prog-ress
-  a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal)
-  gradual betterment

per-spec-tive
-  a way of regarding situations, facts, etc., and judging their relative importance
-  the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it

In theory, these two should go hand-in-hand.  In practice, it seems that the only thing they have in common is that they both start with the letter “P.”  How unfortunate. 

It is my opinion that progress is achieved by an “inch by inch, day by day” mentality.  We make choices every day that seem insignificant.  However, collectively these choices have an enormous impact on all aspects of our life.  What do I need to do to take care of myself today?  Will I workout?  What will I eat?  Who will I choose to spend time with?  Will I “sweat the small stuff?”  How will I react to the behavior of others?  What is my goal at work?  etc.

It is easy to lose perspective of this “gradual betterment” that we all strive for if only examined on a daily basis, especially if we end up making a choice that may not be the best; we are too close to notice the progress.  Personally, it is only when I step back after months of grinding away that I notice any accomplishment. A coach once preached that “Championships aren’t created in a day. They take years of preparation, dedication, and hard work.”  Very true.

OK.  So let me put an end to my Socratic-themed blog and provide a real-world example.  In January, I committed to a training program designed to help condition me for my June Mt. Rainier climb.  After the first eight weeks of training, I didn’t really notice (there is that whole perspective thing again) much of a change.  I found myself feeling good, but I lacked anything remotely close to a sense of accomplishment.  Luckily, I didn’t have to rely solely upon my own perspective to evaluate the progress of my work.  I was fortunate enough to have had an iDEXA scan (an advanced tool used for evaluating body composition) prior to starting the program and another after week 8.  Upon receiving the results of the second scan, I was told that 10% of my body fat had gone missing.  Great news! 

What I find sad, though, is that I needed to be told that I was making progress.  Instead of having faith in the daily decisions that I made and trusting that they would collectively point me down the health path of reaching my goal, I just didn’t take notice. 

Here’s the point.  I truly believe that we all are trying to make progress in our daily lives, relationships, fitness, wellness,\ and just overall health.  Trust that the little choices you make will accumulate and become something that, one day, will be monumental for you - even if it is hard to believe today.  Give yourself a little credit for caring about yourself enough to make a choice in the fist place.  Keep up the good work!

Till next time,

Chris

Thursday, April 15, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #12

I received a preview of our soon-to-be-featured “Health and Wellness” tips from a new member of our Body Basix team (Certified Life-Coach Emily – who you’ll soon get to know well) which caused me to take pause.  Emily suggests that a person take inventory and write a list each morning of the ten things for which they are thankful and by doing so, creating a positive mindset to begin the day.  This seemed to fall in line with a philosophy which I try to live by: “What you put out is what you attract.”  So, I thought that I would give it a try.  I wanted to see if I was able to notice a significant change by starting the day with such an exercise. 

Admittedly, it seemed too simple to be true.  While I did have to budget an extra 10 minutes at 4:00am this morning, I can tell you it was definitely worth the effort.  Today ended up being one of those days in which everything just seemed to fall in place.  Have you ever had a day like that?  If so, have you ever wondered why? 

And while one day doesn’t constitute a trend, I can assure you that this will become a regular exercise.  And why shouldn’t it?  It seems I have time to spend time on all kinds of things which really aren’t nearly as important.  Here goes:

I am thankful for:

1) My kids.  They are healthy, rambunctious, smart, persistent, hilarious, and unrelenting in the pursuit of fun.  They are young and they view the world with a perspective that is impossible for me to duplicate.  They keep it real!

2) Deann (my wife.)  I would say more, but it wouldn’t be appropriate.  

3) The people in my daily life.  I have found myself surrounded by inspiring people, who challenge me by their actions to become more tomorrow than I am today.

4) A job for which I look forward to go to!

5) For having a fresh, nutritious dinner with my family last night (prepared on a charcoal grille and enjoyed with a nice glass of Cabernet.) 

6) Today’s weather.  It is supposed to be 80 degrees!

7) Peace of mind.

8) For having an invitation to work out with a new group this morning.  Should be a challenge.

9) Mt Rainier is only six weeks away!

10)  Body Basix is ready to launch!!!

It wasn’t long ago that the thought of posting my list wouldn’t have resulted in any action.  However, I believe that creating this list allowed me to have awareness for all the things that went right today and I just thought it was worth sharing.  Give it a try.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Thanks for the suggestion Emily!  I am truly thankful for it.

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, April 08, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #11

If you have been following the Body Basix’ blogs, you may have noticed a void in my own personal blog when it comes to responding to the “chirping” of my business partner Robin -  a person who is not afraid to stir the pot with some old-school trash talking.  I am told that this is the foundation of his quite impressive basketball game.

It has always been a practice of mine to ignore such dribble.  In my opinion, there is no upside in verbal duels.  This is why I have not responded to Robin’s references to my expedition group as “The Merry Men of the Mountain.”  You may have noticed my silence when he referred to mountaineering as a sport that was “one notch above mall walkers,” a comment made during a workout and in front of an audience of 8 or 10 women.  Admittedly, Robin’s consistent banter is totally harmless.  Honestly, it is sometimes quite amusing.  That said, it made me recall a saying from my days in football - “Let your pads to the talking.”

Well my friends, the time has come. 

The stage has been set for a “Sunday exhibition.”  And while I would prefer a Sunday contest like the ones of yesteryear, (one in which I could line up across from Robin in a three point stance), I will have to settle for a road bike and some spandex.  On Sunday, Robin and I will be going head-to-head in a charitable 20 minute time trial. 
While it has always been a personal policy of mine to avoid giving my opponent any “bulletin board material,” in this case I cannot resist.  “Robin, if you thought that you saw my competitive side during our jump rope competition, I’ve got news for you buddy.  You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.  Get ready.  I am going to unleash all the fury of a mall walker at closing time!”

In all seriousness, Sunday will be great fun and a great workout.  And it will raise funds for a great cause, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  We have assembled two teams of six riders.  The experience level varies greatly from rider to rider, with Robin and I holding firm at the novice end of the experience spectrum.  However, there is one common thread between all of the riders…an excitement to compete.  Should be fun. 

Until next time,

Chris

- On Monday, be sure to ask Robin how it went.  It is possible that he may forget to post the results.  He is sometimes known to be at a loss for words. 

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #10

I have always had an admiration for those folks who walk this earth to the beat of their own drum.  Not a care in the world.  And without any regard for the opinion of other’s as it relates to appearance, style, behavior, etc.  My youngest daughter is this way.  Maybe it’s a “middle-child thing?”

All I know is that I have always cared about “what people will think.”  Perhaps a little too much. 

In elementary school, I remember worrying about the proper placement of my bandana as it hung around my parachute pants.  You know, the cool parachute pants with eight zippered pockets.  Not the lame ones with only six pockets.  “Does the bandana hang above the knee or below? What will people think if I get it wrong?”

Caring about other peoples’ opinion hit an all-time high in middle school.  Trying to be cool, coupled with the hormones of a 13 year old, proved to be a stage in my life which I would not want to revisit.  Try to imagine a seventh grade boy measuring a height of 6’6” and weighing 160 lbs.  Now what this awkward, uncoordinated kid should have been focusing on is putting one foot in front of the other without tripping.  Instead, all the worry was placed on the “rolling of the jean cuffs.”  “What would happen if the cuffs unrolled?  Oh my God, I will look like a dork!”

News flash!  You are 6’6” and your jeans are already three inches too short.  Rolling them up will not help this cause.  You already look like a dork.

I think you get the point.  The fact is, to one degree or another I have always cared what people will think.  However, I think the Rainier training program has helped me overcome this concern.  For example, riding a bike 5-6 days a week requires a pair of padded spandex shorts.  Not even Chuck Norris would look like a man in these things.  The result;  I have traded my pride for comfort.  Even though it hard to feel like a “man’s man” in 95% Lycra shorts with a but pad that I can only imagine feels like my 18 month old’s dirty diaper; I have officially quit caring what people think. 

So the next time you’re going for a leisurely walk down the trail and you hear a peculiar noise, don’t worry.  It is just that same seventh grade dork (plus 20 years) wearing a 50 lb backpack, pulling a sled up a hill, doing lunges.  Feel free to stare.  He has officially traded the indoor workouts for the spring air and a scenic atmosphere. 

Until next time,

Chris

Thursday, March 18, 2010

My Climb to the Summit – Chris’ Blog #9

I placed a phone call to an old friend and coach Tuesday afternoon asking for a favor.  As is typical with John, it took him about three minutes to grant my request and make the necessary arrangements.  “Make sure you are at the gate at 6:45.  There will be someone there to let you in.” 

The Wisconsin landscape doesn’t exactly simulate the Cascade Mountains.  While there are some nice hills locally, I was looking for something a little different.

I left my home at 5:30 yesterday morning and headed to Madison, WI.  The temperature was 33 degrees and it was poised to be the nicest day of 2010 thus far.  I was excited to be returning to my Alma mater.  Camp Randall is a place that holds many fond memories.  Although it didn’t take long for my excitement to turn into anxiety.  The Wisconsin football program has influenced me greatly.  Many of the same principles that Coach Alvarez used to build a successful program still influence me today.  Ideas like, “eliminate all distractions,” “focus on what you can control.”  But there was one unwritten rule that was never violated.  “If you‘re not five minutes early, you are ten minutes late.”  The spring construction was preventing me from making good time and for a while it was looking like I may miss my window of opportunity and becoming the first person to break Coach’s rule.  Coach had a saying about excuses as well.

Mario Andretti would have been proud.  With construction now behind me, I had time to make up.  I sped into the parking ramp with five minutes to spare.  I quickly gathered my gear, backpack, mountaineering boots, IPod, and sprinted to the gate.  I arrived at the gate at exactly 6:45.  Thankfully for me, the staff member that was to grant me access to the stadium did not work with the football program.  She was not used to “Barry time.”  So, I waited ten minutes for her to arrive and let me onto the field.

At 7:00 am, I was hiking the stairs of Camp Randall Stadium.  It was surreal!  Having spent so many hours in a stadium filled with 80,000 rambunctious Badger fans, I hiked up what is considered to be the student section in total silence.  There was no one around.  Up and down I went for the next hour and half in complete silence.  The memories returned - one after another.

As the sun rose, it peaked over the eastern edge of the stadium.  I couldn’t help but to turn my thoughts towards upcoming trip and what will be day three on Mt Rainier.  We will have been climbing for about four hours on our summit push before the sunrise on that day, an image that keeps me climbing.  I can’t wait.

Thanks for making this happen John.

Chris

Thursday, March 11, 2010

My Climb to the Summit - Chris’ Blog #8

Usually by Thursday morning, a typical training week has left my legs feeling hopeless.  This week was no exception.  The alarm began to ring this morning at 4:00 am.  As usual, a quick slap of the snooze button was followed by a big ‘ol stretch.  The “4 am Chris” quickly realized that his sore legs provided a great excuse to sleep in another hour or so.  “Surely my body must be telling me to rest.”  What a convenient problem for me!

As I lay in bed, the guilt started to set in.  My training partners were planning on meeting for a 5:00 am ride and the thought of sleeping in became just that - a fleeting thought.  Or, perhaps it was just the desire to avoid catching any grief from my teammates.  Either way, I was out of bed and on my way to the gym.  The workout that ensued turned out to be one of the most challenging to date.  Afterwards I was spent, but very grateful for having shown up. 

Looking back, I know that I would not have made the trip if not for the accountability to my team (not to be confused with the recent reference to the “Merry Men of the Mountain” by my business partner Robin).  This morning’s events made me ask a few questions.  Why?  Why do we do this?  What drives us to train like we do?  Or to live like we do? 

For me the answers to those questions were plentiful.  Selfishly, I want to see the sun rise from the top of Mt Rainier on June 9.  Although admittedly I don’t think this reason alone would be enough to keep me motivated.  As I thought more about it, the answer became clear. Accountability.  This morning that accountability came from Lt. Dan, Sneaky Pete, John, and Tim.  However, I think it will be the accountability to my children that will motivate me to put one foot in front of the other when times get tough on Mt Rainier.  You see one of my three weekend training partners doubles as a 40 lb pack (see pic.)  The other two are equally as relentless in their encouragement (and lack of sympathy for my sore legs).  For me, it boils down to this.  I better get my work done now because the thought of coming home and telling my three children that “daddy didn’t get to the top of the mountain because he was tired” is not one that I am willing to see become a reality. 

What is it that keeps you going?

Chris

Friday, March 05, 2010

My Climb to the Summit -  Chris’ Blog #7

I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours…

Spring is in the air and with it comes the excitement and anticipation of summer, along with the prospect of reaching my goal.  My summer kicks off in grand fashion with a Mt. Rainier expedition in June.  I can’t remember being this excited about a single event.  However, what I am more interested in learning about this week is what the warmer weather means to you.  What are your goals?  Are you training for an event?  Maybe you’re making a change and trying to live a life that is little bit healthier?  Maybe you’re just trying to be a good example for your kids?  I know I am.

If you have read any of my previous blogs, it is no secret that I am inspired by the people who cross my path.  It energizes me to hear about your goals, in the making and those that you have accomplished.  Big or small.  Near, future or a long way down the road, I would love hear what you are working on. 

Chris