Everesting

For the record,  Everesting has been on my schedule since the end of April, with a GO date of 5/30 well BEFORE it hit the big time!     After the 5/4/24 run challenge, I was ready for another one, I wanted to aim for 4/4/48 (run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours)  on 5/30, but coach put the kibosh suggested I focus on the bike for a month.  Ok, let me think, 2 hours later, Everesting was on my schedule.

I knew very little of what this actually was, but when you google epic cycling challenges, it pops right up. 

What is it?

Simply stated, “Everesting” is climbing the elevation of Mount Everest - 29,029 ft / 8848m - on your bike, in a single activity. Breaks are fine, but no sleeping is allowed. This outing typically requires well close to 200 miles of cycling, and upwards of 15 hours to complete. I had to acknowledge with only a few weeks to prepare; this may be unattainable.  In wanting to “share” this experience, it made sense to develop intermediate goals that put this challenge within reach for everyone.    The Half and Everest are the 2 recognized events.  

Quarter Everest - 7257 ft / 2212 m

Half Everest - 14,415 / 4424

Base Camp - 17,700 / 5380

Camp I - 19,900 / 6065

Camp II - 21,300 / 6500

Camp III - 24,500 / 7470

Camp IV - 26,000 / 7920

Everest - 29,029 / 8848

The ride must be executed as repeats of a single climb.  You must go from the bottom to the top of the climb for each repeat. You must descend the same hill you climbed - no loops. 

Of course, when I read about this, I was all in for the FULL 29,029, and then I started to drill down, do research, and really understand the feat that this is.   After my first big training day 3 weeks ago, I decided 20,000 was my goal.   5K more than I had climbed in one day previously and a substantial accomplishment.  Until John commented,  “Wow, that seems like ½ ass, not really doing it all.  I mean Julies, you were going to do Ultraman, who not do all of this?”   I went into a defensive rage calmly responded, it's not the same, its not a race? How can I go deep into the well, that dark place of pain and suffering without a # on my back?  We argued, and I stormed out, cue the 5 bananas.  Upon further speculation and personal guilt-tripping I knew I had to commit to the full.

37 ½ laps of San Elijo – 175 miles = 29,029 feet

I made a pact with 2 others, NFQ!   Larua will be in Golden and Alison on her trainer, but we are going ot get this done.  I am scared, excited, on the edge, eager to go, wishing I had a month to train, nervous, hungry, tired, excited all at the same time. 

I don’t take failure lightly…. In fact, I don’t fail, but this is daunting! 

Go time is 4am on Sat 5/30!  I think this will be a 16 -18-hour effort.   Many of my athletes have set big goals from ¼ to 20,000feet.  Each of those goals is daunting and I know they will be far out of their comfort zone trying to reach their goals.  My BFF will be out there until I finish, offering to help with whatever crazy food craving I have!  I have another friend willing to start at 1pm and do the back ½ with me!    I am blessed to have the support out there….

This is race week!!!  Rest, carbs, mobility…