I just want to say this. We really are not into Mountain climbing on a competitive level - except perhaps for competing with ourselves - I am just a guy who loves being in nature...a normal guy who loves being fit and loves to ski!
Triple Crowning Mt. Whitney for a record of sorts should be for those who are into competition , I think its important you all know this about the two of us: We would love to try it for personal reasons and to challenge ourselves, but we don't care for the sake of setting records.... Personal accomplishments only!
We share our time/pace/milage info with you all, not because we are crazy competitive, but because we share a similar love of mountains and adventure with you all that makes it fun!
MW85
Davey, thanks for the clarification. I, for one, really appreciate that. My own issues here, but I am always skeptical when I see anyone posting specific times/speeds/etc yet say they "aren't competitive". As someone who is WAY too competitive myself, to the point of making myself miserable (and believe me, I'm REALLY good at making myself miserable), I often allow myself to get sucked into other people's competitions. That was one reason I resisted doing the Sierra Challenge for a number of years: I was friends with all the fastest guys, and I knew I would beat myself up mercilessly for not being able to "keep up." It was a long battle to convince myself that moving at my own pace, and being completely self-sufficient with whatever I was doing, was the way to my own happiness.
I admire anyone, and I do mean *anyone*, who sets a goal for themselves and works hard to achieve it. My personal opinions aside, if your goal is to attempt Whitney three times in a day, go for it! I have a few peaks left in the WZ area, so maybe I could plan on something that day and be at the Portal with Champagne at the end.
It sounds as if, since your accident, you have seized the day and worked hard to achieve an incredible level of fitness. I'm working hard to get back to that level as well, hoping that 2010 wasn't just an anomaly. Please forgive my abrasiveness or abruptness, as it was a defense mechanism (comes from being on these boards too much, I suppose).
Carpe diem!
Climb Hard, Be Safe.
-L
