Physical training was only part of the formula.
When I announced my intentions to summit Mt. Rainier in September 2018, my brother Jay asked me an important question: What will you need to do (or stop doing) to succeed?
When embarking on any climbing or mountaineering expedition, you can't discount or minimize the role family and friends play in your journey. My summit adventures wouldn't be possible without my very supportive and more than understanding wife. Like cycling, she ignited or, in the case of climbing, re-ignited a flame and passion.
When Lauren booked our vacation to Aspen in the summer of 2017, it was like a revival, as we pushed the limits of 12,000+ feet. Two months later, climbing on the Palmer Glacier on Mt. Hood, kicking in our steps one at a time to make it to 9,000 of 11,100 feet of the volcano. was the last bit that I needed. With the summit only a few miles away, there was no question, Mt. Rainier was going to happen.
As soon as we got home from Oregon in the fall of 2017, Lauren and I talked through Mt. Rainier, and without hesitation, she said, "Book it!" In Aspen and on Mt. Hood, Lauren got to experience what I talked about in my prior post. She felt and saw the beauty, the peacefulness and tranquility of not a single sound other than your boots kicking the ice and snow. But more importantly, the spiritual/non-tangibles, the mental escape from the world, getting lost in the views and the rhythm of your footsteps and breathing. After these adventures, both of us came back as better people, with a different outlook on life and priorities, which is why Lauren calls our hikes and wilderness adventures "Church." It is a different experience for each, but ultimately the same outcome.
So back to Jay's questions...What did I need to succeed?
Perspective
I needed to keep the above perspective, as everything in life, including climbing Mt. Rainier, is 99% mental. That includes managing the stress of work, as it can easily interfere with my focus and priorities and rob me of necessary energy.
Support
For the other 1 percent, I needed Lauren, my family and friends to continue to push me to get out there and log the miles and do the strength training. I was thankful to have my coach (AKA Lauren) by my side, or usually in front of me, on runs and hikes to keep me going. Coach Lauren's motto was, "For Rainier, I persevere!" This kept me going at mile 8 of a run or uphill on a hike with a 35-pound pack.
Training
I also needed to get some altitude training in and some difficult hikes on back to back days with a weighted pack to mimic my three days on Rainier.
The fitness as well as the layering, caloric and fluid intake, and MPH, were all tested and tweaked. All were critical so I didn't hold up the rest of my rope team or, worse, cause danger to them. The above mental and physical preparation ensured I was 110% ready when the time came.
A quote from someone who escapes my mind right now says, "It isn't about the final destination, but rather the journey to get there!"
Amen Bothers and Sisters! Climb On!