Unveiling My Why: 29029 Everesting
In 24 hours, Andrew and I begin our individual but connected journey to conquer 13 ascents and 29.9 miles over 36 hours or less—mirroring the elevation gain of Mt. Everest.
I've posted a few training snippets on my social channels about this event, but I haven't shared my ultimate why. There are a few obvious why’s:
I love a challenge. Challenges motivate and feed my "I can do that" disposition.
I am in better physical shape at 46 than in my twenties and thirties because I've been consistently depositing into my overall health and wellness bank for over a year. Participating in this event is a reward for the ups and downs in the wellness journey.
An incredible bonding opportunity with my husband through a shared experience. This type of event is a first for both of us.
While those reasons are important and deserve acknowledgment, they don't reach the core of why I wanted to do this event—so much so that I shed happy tears when Andrew gifted me my ticket last Christmas, one of his most meaningful gifts in our 23 years together.
Until then, only Andrew was going, and I was so disappointed. When he bought his ticket, I felt like the kid in school raising their hand to be seen, "pick me, "pick me" or, as Andrew might remember it, a persistent litigator making their case.
I didn't know about 29029 until Andrew discovered it. After delving into its core purpose, "build your life resume, recalibrate sense of the possible, build community with like-minded people," why the founders created it, and the participant's testimonials, I knew in the depths of my soul I needed this endurance hiking experience. However, I still didn't fully understand my why—until now.
I often struggle with a healthy case of the "am I _____ enough" (fill in the blank). Despite my "I can do that" trait, faith and belief in my capabilities frequently wavers with overthinking, seeking perfection, and quietly questioning myself and my value.
As I've been working with my life coach over the last six months to accomplish writing goals, kick habits that hold me back, and establish new ones to progress in multiple areas, I've had to acknowledge and navigate through buried limiting beliefs and emotions.
In 24 hours, when the climb begins and grows arduous and likely physically painful, when I may want to quit and wonder why I'm here, I will remind myself that I am embarking on this challenge to leave the negative cobwebs of my self-limiting beliefs on the mountain. With each ascent, I will shed the cobwebs and stride forth with enhanced purpose to live boldly and confidently.