Into Thin Air...

Just last week, I finished the book Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. It's actually been sitting on our book shelf for the past three years and I just picked it up for lack of any other book to read at the time. It's about Krakauer's climb to the summit of Everest as a writer for Outside Magazine. As an experienced climber already, he jumped at the opportunity when he was asked to join an expedition and later write an article about the commercialization of Everest. Instead, this expedition ended up being the worst tragedy that the summit has ever seen, leaving many guides, climbers and sherpas left dead on the mountain.

I wouldn't normally have had any interest in a book about climbing. It's not a sport that I've ever enjoyed though I have tried it many times. However, as an athlete myself, I'm always in awe of the extremes that people manage to push their bodies through and more so, the pure determination that it requires to surpass such limitations.

The real reason however, that I was intrigued by this story was because of a very inspiring person that I met this past summer while training for my half-marathon. Gavin was my 2:00 pacer for the summer and one evening, told all of us the story of how he became a runner; After being very out of shape and having adopted many bad habits, Gavin just decided one day that he didn't want to live this way anymore and was determined to be a healthy person. Bit by bit (and some things cold turkey!!), he changed his life around and became an athlete. Last year alone, Gavin did numerous marathons, a couple of triathlons and had the rare opportunity to travel to Base Camp on Everest.

Travelling to Everest at any altitude is incredible but, Gavin had the even more unique priviledge of going with Dr. Sean Egan, a professor of Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa. Dr. Egan was a person who was passionate about the health and well-being of all Canadians and had climbed the summit of Everest three times in his life. Gavin was a film producer setting up with his crew at Base Camp to document Dr. Egan's ascent. Unfortunately, Dr. Egan died on Everest during that trip due to respiratory and heart problems, and Gavin found a new passion for life in himself.

Upon his return from Everest, Gavin decided to start a legacy of his own called "Find your Everest". It's a website where people can submit their health and fitness goals, and find the encouragement that they need to accomplish them. When they have reached their goal, Gavin sends them a small piece of Everest as a reminder of the huge effort that was put forth in the betterment of their life.

I just love Dr. Egan and Gavin's story. I love the inspiration that was taken from such a sad experience. I love what both Dr. Egan and Gavin were trying to do...help people become the very best version of themselves. After having read "Into Thin Air", I can only imagine what Dr. Egan went through in his last moments and the despair that must have been felt by everyone there trying to help him reach the summit. It's no easy feat to be that brave and to follow your true calling, whether it be to the ends of the earth or the top of world!!

What's your Everest??