As you know I've been recovering from my Ulnar Transposition Surgery and so I've had to stop working out completely over the last 2 weeks. This is about the longest such period since probably when I had mono back in business school in 1981. Tomorrow, at last, I see my surgeon and with any luck I'll get a green light to at least be able to pursue a limited set of training activities. With a little more luck I might even have a full green light (well, as full as I'm going to get) to do what I want, which would be the first time (arguably) in 6 months. I feel rested and ready to start the rebuild. In the interim I've been on a pretty good diet regime and find myself down about 12-14 pounds. I plan to stay on it all through May and hopefully have done enough base rebuilding that I can work out in a fashion that I've become accustomed to, come June....Still no plan to compete this year.
This is a stretch to draw a parallel but my thoughts have been occupied with the events of Everest and in Nepal over the last 72 hours. Of course the biggest tragedy is throughout Nepal but Everest is more personal given our emphasis on big mountain climbing over the last 6 years. Anders and I have done enough of it now that we find ourselves personally knowing at least 5 people there--three we would count as pretty good friends. Thankfully all five passed through the events safe and sound.
Greg Vernovage, whom Anders and I climbed with in Antarctica, and who leads IMG's sprawling effort was in base camp. We're pretty close to Greg and he stayed with us briefly while we were in Santa Monica. Also at base camp is Lapka Rita whom we met in Antarctica as well.
Mike Hamel (who was instrumental in my summiting of Vinson), Dave Hahn (who led Anders' summit of Denali), and JJ Justman (who led my summit of Aconcagua) were all trapped up above the Icefall but have thankfully made it down to base camp via helicopter rescue today. For me, it puts the events of Everest in a new light to know individuals whom you've shared so much with up there in harms way.
Two years in a row now for Everest. Sometimes you have to stop, to go forward. Mankind needs Everest in our collective experience. Its part of who we are as a species--even if it isn't for most people. I hope next year is the time we move forward again....
My heart and prayers are with all those affected and their families....
