Vermont: Day One

36 Hours of Hard

By 29029 Everesting

October 15^th, 2021

Over 200 people are here at Stratton Mountain to chase red. Unlike the leaf peepers chasing autumn reds, these people are here chasing a different kind of red – the Finisher's Hat.

This is 29029 Vermont, and it’s time to summit.

17

17 ascents up the mountain is what it takes to Everest at 29029 Vermont. 17 times up the steep pitches. 17 times hiking up underneath the gondola. 17 gondola rides to the bottom. 17 brands on the ascent board. 17 experiences on the mountain.

Jesse's 7 Step Guide to Everesting

It won’t come easy, but you already knew that. It’s not supposed to be easy – if it was, it wouldn’t be worth it. Everybody here wants to see you succeed – everybody here will help push you to the top of the mountain.

Out of all those people, nobody wants you to conquer your personal Everest more than Jesse Itzler. That’s why he laid out 7 steps to Everesting at 29029 Vermont during his pre-event speech. These 7 steps will get you to Everest.

Need a reminder? Here are those 7 steps again:

1 - Fix the Little Problems

Little problems can become big problems when left unaddressed, especially when spending 36 hours on a mountain. Small blisters become big blisters. A slight chill turns into uncontrollable shivers.

Fix the problems within your control. If you're cold, put on a layer. If you're sore, do some stretching. If you're hungry, eat right away. Give yourself the best chance at finishing.

2 - Get Your Rest on the Mountain

You're looked after well on this mountain; from massage therapists, food and drink top-ups, gourmet meals, 5-star yurt accommodations, and more.

Just remember, all these niceties don’t move you up the mountain. They don’t get you closer to Everest.

When you can, get your rest on the mountain. Take a quick breather on the mountain. The more time you spend on the slopes, the closer you get to your goal. Relax and rest when you need to, but do so sparingly, then get back out on the mountain.

3 - Do The Math

It’s possible to be both physically and mentally capable of reaching the summit, while still not quite getting there. How?

Time.

The clock is always ticking. You have 36 hours to work with - don't forget that.

Do the math after each ascent. How long did it take? How much slower are your ascents becoming as fatigue sets in? Adjust your rest accordingly. Don’t miss Everest because you spent too much time in the recovery room.

4 - Remember This is Just One Day

29029 is hard. It’s a challenge unlike any other. Of course it doesn’t come easy. This might just be the hardest thing you’ve ever done.

But there is an ending. It’s 36 hours.

You have to be great for 36 hours. You get to push through the pain and discomfort for 36 hours. After that, you can relax again.

It’s only 36 hours of hard.

5 - Chip Away

36 hours is a long time to progress towards your goal. 36 hours of the slowest walk you can muster will get you further than you’d expect.

Keep at it. Keep moving forward. Keep turning right as you get off the gondola. Keep chipping away. Keep working towards Everest.

6 - Be Present

36 hours can be overwhelming. 17 ascents can be overwhelming. 29,029 vertical feet can be overwhelming. But don’t focus on that.

Focus on what you are doing now, in this moment. Focus on the foliage on the trail. Focus on one step at a time.

7 - Get Ready to Finish Like a Champion

By this time tomorrow, you’ll have emptied your tank on the mountain. You’ll have left it all out there and achieved something amazing. This accomplishment will be yours.