CLIMBER BLOG: Jason Walsh
Why I joined SOTSK
I overheard Shannon talking about the project when it was still just an idea and they were structuring the team. Shannon, Jess, Kenna and I were all mutual friends. They knew how strenuous the hike would be since Kenna had attempted it once and they asked if would help train them. I was happy to be brought on. I had some previous experience climbing and also knew what a great opportunity it would be to climb to 19,000 feet with friends. They knew my philosophies about training involve putting your health first. At the start, believe it or not, some of the people didn’t move very well. And when you’re climbing a mountain, there are a lot of different types of movement so if you’re not moving correctly, you’re like a misaligned car and you’ll break down. I knew I could be an asset to the team and really help people prepare which would give them a better chance of summiting.
In terms of my takeaway, I’ve thought a lot about how my perspectives have shifted. I grew up in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. Years of working hard to climb the ladder in the training industry, can lead to losing perspective of what life is really about. I recently went through a breakup with someone I care greatly for and I spent a lot of time thinking while on the climb. It’s a change in perspective that I needed…but I didn’t know that until it hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s involved letting go of ego. It’s getting back to being who you are. Knowing there’s a really good person in there and sometimes you can get caught up in it
Being on Kilimanjaro and meeting these amazing people from all walks of life determined to make a difference together has been incredible. I’ve literally been so happy. It even drew me to tears at dinner one night. And I feel like when you’re happy with yourself, everything else comes naturally.
