An Investment in Health, Healing & Finding a Little Bit of Happiness.

A few years ago, my soul began guiding me to do a challening thing and so I started considering another marathon. Completing 26.2 miles on foot is challenging, but the reward goes far beyond just crossing a finish line.

Around that time, a hiking challenge called 29029 began appearing on my social media feed, catching my attention with its focus on conquering difficult climbs.  It seemed to attract cool people tackling an amazing mountain challenge of 29029 elevation gain equal to that of Mount Everst.. In the early part of 2023, I joined the waiting list for registration notifications.

On November 2nd at 9:00 AM PST, registration opened; by 9:02 AM, my spot was confirmed. They warn that spots fill quickly, often within minutes, and advise having alternate selections ready.  I chose the July 19th event because it’s my sister’s birth date, with an August date as my backup.  My selection was based purely on the date – I’d familiarize myself with the location later.

For the past 9 months, I’ve been training intently – walking, jogging, and hiking an average of over 100 miles per month.  Recently, at times I’ve relied more on commitment than motivation.  Emotions can be heavy, and life’s distractions can easily derail progress, but commitment fueled my energy and drive to keep going.

Now, I’m less than one week away from leaving for Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to join the incredible people who first caught my attention years ago! I’ve been gearing up, and despite not being a shopping enthusiast, I’ve found myself on a couple of shopping sprees preparing for this special event.

My sister and I shared a love for a luxurious-feeling fabric, now one of my favorite brands of exercise lifestyle clothing with the slogan “an investment in happiness.”

Less than two years ago, my only sibling, my younger sister, needed medical attention.  We had hoped for healing and recovery.  She went from living a fully active life with passion for everything her life was about to losing her life in under a year.   I was fortunate to have spent a lot of time helping her during those months.  I’ll be doing this hard mountain climb while she’s in heaven for what would have been her 52nd birthday.

The timing of 29029 registration was ideal as I had just gotten through her memorials.  I began training immediately, walking every day until the official training plan was released a few months later.

I never could have imagined that the challenge my soul was seeking would serve me for this purpose, a focus to direct my energy, my emotions and the mental processing of losing my sister.  

All the time, energy, miles, new friendships, and everything in between has been extraordinary.  I have immense gratitude and respect for all the miracles, healing, transformation, growth, coaching, grief, love, provision, friendships, blessings, trails, sunsets and everything up to this point.

On Friday, July 19 I will climb one summit, Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole along with “the cool people” and like minded challengers; going for the same goal and the coveted “RED HAT.”  We will climb the same summit, 19 times in less than 36 hours to accomplish 29029 elevation gain – the height of Mt. Everest.

We never know what tomorrow may bring – my sister lived intentionally, she lived an amazing life; she left a lasting impact in her work and with the people in her life – her relationships, she was courageous, creative, even adventurous – she lived her best life.  She left a legacy of commitment, dedication, focus, details of little things, much much more… to my dear sister, Jonelle, thank you for fueling my life with your legacy.   

So far the theme of my 29029 experience is “An investment in health, healing, and finding a little bit of happiness.”

Now is always the best to live our best and most amazing lives. 

Thank you for being a part of my life. I look forward to sharing inspiration from 29029 Jackson Hole!

Love & Healthy Blessings – MV