Jared King

An Honest Day's Work

By 29029 Everesting

February 28^th, 2021

I was obsessed

The way I found out about 29029 was so serendipitous. I had just come back from summiting Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. I was also doing a lot of Krav Maga, so my legs were stiff and sore, and I needed some help. I found a place called Stretched in Manhattan, where someone literally stretches you out for an hour. As I was getting the treatment, I started talking about my expedition and outdoor adventures to the therapist. He said to me, “I have the perfect event for you.” And proceeded to tell me that he’d just come back from Stratton mountain, where these “crazy people hiked all day and night in the snow.” He finished with, “I don’t know why people would want to do something like that!”

And with that sentence ringing in my eyes, the lightbulb went off. At that exact moment, the switch turned on for me, and I knew that I had to find out more about this event. I went home and started researching, doing a deep dive into everything. I read the stories and spent hours on the website. I was obsessed with the concept and couldn’t wait to sign up.

I marked my calendar to register as soon as the tickets went on sale! And that was how my journey started.

I have always been attracted to hard challenges. I enjoy taking on things that test my limits and that require me to push my boundaries. When I first learned of 29029, I was attracted to how fun and adventurous the experience looked. So the idea of it being the next step in my journey was more of a subconscious thing at the time. When I got into the training and learned more about, and from the community, the mental challenge and mental growth I’ve experienced really helped me lock into the goal of reaching 29029 feet.

My Utah virtual 29029 event experience taught me so much about my drive and desire to finish what I start. Knowing that I put in an honest day’s work.

Am I good enough?

To set the scene: It was a late August night. I was in Montauk taking on the Utah virtual event. I was utterly exhausted. This really was my first time taking on such a long endurance challenge. With my tiredness grew a sense of anxiety of whether I was fueling myself enough. I was expending a lot of energy, but was I taking in enough? I decided to eat as much as I could. I went completely overboard! I ate more chicken, bread, and hummus than you could imagine. This was coupled with all of the gu and carbs I’d been eating throughout the day. At the time, it felt like exactly what I should do!

A few hours later - I did not feel good. At all. So there I was profusely throwing up on the side of the street in Montauk. It was horrible. When I finally stopped, I sat down on a bench and started hysterically crying. It just came out of me. I was so emotional, and it was such a low moment. It brought up so many questions and feelings that had been suppressed and that I needed to work through. Am I good enough? Can I do this? Do I have what it takes? Am I strong enough? Am I enough as a person? These are questions that many of us have in our heads, but we’re never given the opportunity to express or deal with. 29029 is a microcosm for how you think about life and how you think about everything else you do. Dealing with those emotions allowed me to make progress in life and will be a moment I won’t forget.

It also gave me the courage to finish what I started. I had never entertained the thought of not finishing. Still, it wasn’t a given at that moment, and I had to decide and really commit to getting back on my feet and making it a reality. And that was one of the biggest things I took away from that experience. Knowing that if I tell myself I will do something, I can commit to it and get it done. I can find a way to finish, even when it’s not easy or seems impossible. 29029 helped me see that.

There's real magic to it

I have two groups of people in my life.

My family and a few select friends - at this point, they know that I am continually searching for growth and the opportunity to test myself. They say, “Ok, good luck, let us know when you’re finished."

And then there’s my other friends, who have no idea. They wonder what I am doing and why I’m doing it! “What’s the point?” is a common question that I get. To me, that’s somewhat of the allure - knowing that not everyone is up for this. There’s something special about the group of people who sign up for 29029. You've gotta really want it. And you know that you’re going to go through some discomfort to get there. But that’s what makes it special.

It’s incredible to be part of this community. There’s real magic to it.

Listen to the 29029 Podcast episode with Jared King and Travis McKenzie

An extraordinary group of people

Leading into the virtual event, I had my doubts. I wasn’t quite sure how it would translate. There was the WhatsApp group, which in the beginning was a little annoying! There were so many messages, and I had no idea how I would keep up with it all. It quickly turned into one of the best parts.

It was an extraordinary group of people. Everyone was willing to help each other and show vulnerability. That helped me get through my struggles, knowing that hundreds of other like-minded people were going through their own challenges at the same time. That collective energy and the fact we were all working towards a common goal made it an exceptional experience.

The family reunion of 29029 participants in Utah is going to be a special place to be!

I get butterflies thinking about standing at the bottom of Snowbasin, looking towards the summit. Thanks to coach Brent, I am confident in my training and my ability to get it done. The focus for me is on the execution of the plan. I am also excited to unplug, be present in nature, connect with myself, and deepen the connection with my fellow participants. I know I will walk away from 29029 more enriched, fulfilled, happier, and awesome. It’s already given me so much, and I can’t wait to continue that journey in Utah this August.