Utah #2: Day Two

Grit

By 29029 Everesting

August 28^th, 2021

Be Where Your Feet Are

There’s no denying it: the goal of achieving 29029 vertical feet in 36 hours is ambitious. To achieve it, you’ll have hiked 29.9 miles. These big numbers are daunting. So don’t focus on them.

Be present. Focus on where your feet are. Break down 29029 into each individual ascent. 2.3 miles. 2,310 feet.

If that’s still too much, go more granular. Focus on that next step. Focus on that next breath. Be where you are now, not where you’re going. 29029 happens a single vertical foot at a time.

Volunteers

Well-stocked aid stations would be nothing without volunteers. Of course you need food and drink, but more importantly, you need some compassion, cheering, and energy. That’s where the 29029 volunteers come in.

Some are 29029 veterans – past participants who know exactly what it’s like to conquer the mountain. Others are simply people who enjoy watching something so inspiring take place in front of them. No matter which type of volunteer, they all share a common goal: helping you get up the mountain.

The Captain

You likely talked to him before finally committing to registering for the 29029 experience. He probably told you all about the power of 29029 – the power to change lives. He’s seen the mountain change people.

Matt “The Captain” Burrell is the first point of contact both on and off the mountain for participants at 29029. But this year, at Utah #2, he is actually on the mountain, tackling 29029 himself. For the first time.

If you get the chance to hike a few strides with him, don’t pass it up. The Captain’s infectious enthusiasm will put a smile on your face. The Captain will help get you up the mountain.

Mountain-Forged Friendships

People come to 29029 with friends, with spouses, and with family. You’re stronger when tackling 29029 with others. But if you did come alone, you won’t be caught on the backfoot. 29029 comes with a built-in community. You won’t find a single soul on the mountain that doesn’t want to help you reach the summit!

When you enter 29029, the mountain gifts you with 250 new friends.

The Voice of the Mountain

You will have made many new friends on the mountain, but none who want to see you succeed as much as longstanding 29029 MC, Colleen. She’s the friendly voice of the mountain – always cheering you on.

She’s also the voice of reason – encouraging you to turn right. Making sure you don’t take too long of a break. Reminding you to put on sunscreen. Asking if you’re drinking.

Listen to Colleen. She'll get you to the top.

The Difference Between Success and Failure

There is only one difference between success and failure – grit. When you signed up for 29029, you signed up for a grit party. Grit is what will get you up the mountain. Grit is what you’ll use when things get tough.

Grit can mean a lot of things. Grit might mean pushing onward through the night, skipping sleep. Grit might mean setting an early alarm after a short night’s rest to get back up the mountain for sunrise.

Grit is what it takes to achieve your goal, however many summits that goal is. Grit is what it takes to succeed at 29029.

Red Carpet Treatment

The 13th ascent starts when you pull on the Red Bib – signifying your final ascent. It ends when you pull on the coveted Red Hat. Up top, before you receive the reward you worked so hard towards, you get to walk down the Red Carpet.

Well-earned would be an understatement when your feet finally hit that luxurious Red Carpet. You’ve pushed through struggle, soreness, heat, fatigue, and more.