Why Everest?

Why Not? Mt. Everest, also called Sagarmatha meaning "goddess of the Sky" is the highest mountain on earth. Standing 29,035 feet above sea level, Everest represents to me the pinnacle of  life. I will not be attempting a summit, but the journey to base camp. A 19 day hike with several days above 17,000 feet will be the test of my life. A test I am willing to prepare for the "Quest" physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.  

The first ascent was by Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay, May 29th, 1953, since then over 3,000 people have summited. 210 have perished while attempting to summit the worlds highest mountain. 120 bodies remain above 18,000 feet, also known as the death zone. In this zone there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. When you enter the death zone, you are literally dying. Your lungs begin to fill with fluid, without preparation you drown. Some of the dangers include, Altitude sickness, pulmonary edema, not to mention avalanches, and 1000 foot crevasses, that are hidden by the snow!

Sounds like fun!!

The other Everest, morbid obesity! Morbid obesity is defined as 100 pounds greater than ideal body weight for your age, and height. Accompanied by other life-threatening conditions. Morbid obesity currently affects 10 million American adults. 10 million! This condition leads to other life threatening conditions such as, Hypertension, diabetes, joint pain, and degeneration, sleep apnea, and well... Death! The CDC estimates morbid obesity cost Americans $117 billion (9 Zero's) per year in health care related cost. There is hope... As Americans we need to stand up to insurance companies, HMO's, and lobbyist and make this disease recognized as just that, a disease and not a lifestyle choice. Eating right, and exercise do work, but the failure rate is 99.8% for the morbidly obese. Join me in my "Quest"!

A little background... July 5th of 1980 my Grandfather took my father, my brother, and myself, fishing. Only three of us came home. My Grandfather, George Woodrow Mathis died of a massive coronary, right on the bank of the pond. His oldest son Gene Mathis, died from an acute MI (Myocardial infarction) at 60, Gene's oldest son my cousin Marshall died at 42 from an acute MI. My Aunt Pam Terry, dead at 46 from an acute MI! My point being, it's not if I have a heart attack, but when and how severe will it be? I started thinking about my family, and how I don't want my kid's to grow up without a father. I made the decision to change my life,and theirs by changing our sedintary lifestyle, and eating healthy. If you, or someone you know needs help getting started. Use the contact page!