UltraGrind 2009 Stats and Recap

UltraGrind 2009: Solo Long Distance Grouse Grinding, A Feat for the Feet

Date: June 3-9 (Wed-Tues), 2009
Total Grinds in one week: 57
Total distance trekked: 165.3 km (103.3 miles)
Total elevation climbed: 48.621 km (159,518 ft) equivalent to 5.5 times elevation of Mt. Everest
Total stairs climbed: 161,310
Total ascent time: 56:48:50
Average time per ascent: 00:59:48
Slowest ascent: grind #15, 6th grind of the day: 01:13:44
Fastest ascent: grind #57, 9th grind of the day: 00:50:18

On Tuesday, I successfully completed my mission of setting a new mountain record on the Grouse Grind and in the process raised donations for the Covenant House Vancouver.

I had a great deal of moral support from many friends as I started my grueling one week vertical journey and to them I offer my most sincere thanks and gratitude. I fully appreciated all the kind words of encouragement and motivation and complimentary food and drinks to help keep my engine running. Even when friends couldn't be there I still received texts telling me to keep strong and believing. That meant a lot to me.

By far, this is one of the most mentally and physically demanding experiences of my life and yet rewarding beyond words. These are memories to last a lifetime and I learned a lot about myself through this process: humility and patience being among the top of my list.

When I quickly realized that I couldn't go as fast as I would like to because I had to average 8 grinds/day equivalent to doing a half marathon plus distance up a mountain for 7 straight days I learned to eat humble pie pretty fast. I had to find my rhythm, maintain as steady a pace as possible and keep myself in the fat-burning zone or risk burning out.

Over the course of the 7 days I got to know myself pretty well. Eating, drinking and positive self-talk on a constant basis was my daily challenge to keep the body going. That's what happens when you push your body far beyond the comfort level. The mini heat wave I encountered on days 2 and 3 (Thurs/Fri 30 degree heat) played havoc with me. I suffered everything from insect bites, swollen feet, muscle soreness and fatigue to dehydration and nosebleeds. After day 1 and 9 grinds later I was so fatigued I fell asleep on my bathroom floor.

The human body is an amazing machine. It adapts so quickly to our ever-changing environment. By day 4 despite having cinder blocks for legs I simply got used to climbing 8-9hrs /day. The legs kept pumping, breathing was steady and controlled and I was feeling a lot better. My body was adapting. This reminded me of the Tour de France riders and what they put their bodies through over 21 days of mountain racing. Now that's an amazing accomplishment.

On my toughest ascents I drew inspiration and motivation from some of the greatest athletes around. That same Sunday Roger Federer won his first French Open after 11 years cementing his career Grand Slam and Tiger Woods won the Memorial with a spectacular come-from-behind play. These guys are prime examples of people who have a passion for what they do and they are excellent at it. The best in the world in fact. I believe every person in the world has a talent for doing one or more things better than anyone else. Find that talent, nurture it and achieve great things in your life. Find your Everest and start climbing.

"Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential." - Winston Churchill

To support me and my cause, a complete list of much needed items as well as how to make a donation can be located at this link.