Utah #2: Day One

There Are Only Two Outcomes

By 29029 Everesting

August 28^th, 2021

The First Lap

Nerves are always plentiful at the start of 29029, for first-timers and veterans alike.

Nerves for the first-timer because they don’t know what to expect on the mountain. Nerves for the veteran because they know exactly what to expect on the mountain.

It’s not going to be easy, but that’s the point. You’re part of the 29029 tribe now, and that tribe does hard things. Now it’s time to do the thing – it’s time to climb the damn mountain.

Today Is Your Day

Take what Jesse said in his opening speech and internalize it. Put it deep inside where you will never forget it. When things get tough, you can pull his words to mind and use them to propel yourself forward. Don't leave this mountain with any regrets. You need to achieve your goal.

Whatever you do today sticks. It’s something for you, and it’s something nobody can take away. Let’s conquer this mountain. Let’s do this!

Cofounder

Marc helped dream up this event back in the very beginnings of 29029, and now he's dreaming about his own personal Everest.

Usually, Marc is hard at work behind the scenes, making sure every single foot of 29029 is perfect for participants. This year, Marc is hard at work in a different way. He's on the mountain with you.

He's climbing to Everest. One. Vertical. Foot. At. A. Time.

The Board

The wooden ascent board waits, an empty canvas waiting to be marked with your accomplishments. The longer you go – the more ascents you reach – the more rewarding each brand becomes.

Take a moment to enjoy this. Inhale the sweet smell of burning wood. Pay attention to the darkened singe marks. This is your board. This is proof of your grit. This is proof that you are doing something amazing!

Summer Sun

It doesn’t matter where 29029 is hosted, it’s never easy. But Utah in August always throws a few extra challenges at participants. For Utah #2, that challenge is the hot summer sun.

Sandy, rocky, steep slopes offer no shade along the route - no respite from the strong desert rays beating down from above. If you want 29029 feet, you’re going to have to toss on some sunscreen, stay on top of your hydration, and go after it.

736 Seconds

The gondola is your only true break. It takes 736 seconds – 12 minutes and 12 seconds – from when the gondola door closes at the top of the mountain to when it deposits you safely back at the base of the slope.

Any other time you spend resting has to be done with a careful eye on the clock. But not on the gondola.

Nobody can skip it. 736 seconds of forced rest. Time to contemplate. Time to reflect. Time to relax. And when you hit the bottom, turn right. Right back up the mountain.