I'm back!

I made it!  Our team summited Mount Rainier on August 7th 2010!  It was an amazing climb.  Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement.  I am working on typing up my journal entries from the climb for everyone to see.  I thank the Lord for our success and safety on the mountain and for delivering us back home again.  If you haven't already, check out my photo album on Facebook.  More details to come...

On my way!

It is finally here!  After years of dreaming, months of training, weeks of planning and days of stressing.  I am finally going.  I am heading out to Washington state today!  I may not be able to update this blog during  the climb.  If that is the case, then I be writing a trip report when I return.

Thank you all for your love and support.

To God be all honor, glory and praise!  I give thanks and pray for a safe, fun trek.  Amen.

Ramping up

Starting on June 7th, I have ramped up my work out routine. I have less than 2 Months before I leave for Rainier! Time to bust my butt in preparation. I have slacked off a bit lately while I was out of town on business.

Here is my workout schedule:

Mondays: After work - Drive to Boulder. Choose one 1) Hike in the Flatirons, 2) Hit the rock climbing gym. Stretch!

Tuesdays: Bike home from work (24 miles). Stretch! Balance exercises (slackline, core blasters, yoga, hooping)

Wednesdays: Bike to work (24 miles). Stretch! After work - Drive to Boulder. Choose one 1) Hike in the Flatirons, 2) Hit the rock climbing gym. Stretch!

Thursdays: Bike home from work (24 miles). Stretch! Balance exercises (slackline, core blasters, yoga, hooping)

Fridays: Bike to Work (24 miles). Stretch! After work - Drive to Boulder. Choose one 1) Hike in the Flatirons, 2) Hit the rock climbing gym. Stretch!

Saturdays: Training event. Choose one or more: 1) Long hike with +30lb. pack. 2) Climb a 14'er with 30lb. pack. 3) Rock climbing outing (Lead climbing/multi pitch). 4) Long bike ride (lots of hills).

Sundays: Rest!

So that is the plan! In July, I will try to increase the intensity and length of the workout sessions.

It has only been a week and I can already feel my muscular structure changing.

Thank you Father for making our bodies with the ability to stretch, change, tear, adapt and heal! I pray that I can bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior through this mountain climbing journey. Lord, help me to be humble and give you all of my praise. Amen

Paid In Full

Ok, the latest development for my journey to Rainier: As of today, I am confirmed as a official team member for the Kautz Expedition Skills Seminar! Simply put, I submitted my final payment. I can't believe that I am really going! Now all I have to do is make arrangements for lodging and flights.

Getting in shape!

I've been working on building a work out plan for myself. I basically have 6 months to get into the best shape of my life. I plan to do a lot of cardio! More info to come...

Here is the description of the climb from the RMI website.

"The Kautz route ascends a classic line on the south side of Rainier and is a great adventure for physically fit climbers ready for a more technical climb. The goal of the Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz is to build a solid mountaineering foundation for climbers while making a summit attempt on a more challenging Rainier route. This is the perfect trip for climbers looking to develop their mountaineering skills in pursuit of bigger peaks such as McKinley, Aconcagua or the Himalayas. This program consists of a Mountaineering Day School, a Technical Training Day and four days of expedition style climbing."

Looks like fun! I am very excited. I received the RMI registration packet today. I have to fill out information about medical history, fitness levels and emergency contacts.

It feels a little surreal when I stop and think, "I am really going to do this!"

Where to begin?

I am using this blog as a tool to catalog my journey toward Rainier. I have 172 days to get in shape and to acquire all of the gear that I will need. There are many logistical hurdles to overcome as well. I will be posting a workout regime, gear checklists, travel itineraries and many other lists and thoughts as the time draws nearer.

I hope you will all follow along and keep me in your prayers.

God bless.

I am registered to climb!

I have reserved a spot on the Kautz glacier Expedition Skills Seminar with Rainier Mountaineering Inc.(RMI). There were only three slots available as of yesterday. These climbs fill up fast!