Here is the second part of my training with Anton video. I should point out that this is just one of many workouts that he puts me through. We mix it up a lot and I’m always worn out by the end of a session! Next will see some healing that he helps me with.
If you have questions for Anton Ferguson, you can reach him by email: contact@fitnesslaser.com
My good friend, Jeff Evans, recently returned from an incredible adventure in Haiti. They got the full experience with surfing, kite-boarding, and a rolled truck. Head on over to Jeff’s blog for a good read!
I am often asked how I train for adventures. So I thought I’d show you what it takes to get ready for an expedition. Over the past couple of months, I have been preparing for a whitewater kayaking trip in Mexico. This video will give you an idea of what I’ve been doing with my trainer, Anton Ferguson.
For those of you you haven’t heard, my friend 15-year-old Jordan Romero, completed a 6-year climbing quest and hopes to inspire kids with his Healthy Eating Challenge. Team Romero, which consists of Jordan, his father Paul and his step-mother Karen, spoke at Summit 2011 about his quest and the importance of living an active, healthy no-barriers lifestyle.
After more than eight days at the bottom of the world, Jordan announced that he was able to summit Mt. Vinson on Christmas Eve, making him the youngest person to climb the highest point on each continent.  This milestone marks the end of an adventure that began when Jordan reached the summit of Kilimanjaro (Africa), followed by Kosciuszko (Australia), Elbrus (Europe), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania),  and Everest (Asia).
My friend Bob Vogel, who is a wheelchair athlete, wrote a superb article about last summer’s Adventure TEAM Challenge for New Mobility magazine. It’s definitely worth reading!
We’ve already started planning on the next ATC race and it’s going to be better than ever with a new location and time. Stay tuned for details.
It’s winter, so it must be time to think about summer! One of the coolest new toys I got last year was a pair of stand up paddle (SUP) boards from Tower Boards. We didn’t get them until the fall so I haven’t played too much but have lately been thinking about what fun they’ll be this year! Here’s a photo with me and my friend Rob Raker on the maiden cruise.
Hi Everyone,
I received this wonderful note from the mom of a young boy I met while speaking at their community school. Her son is an amazing kid full of spark and passion – despite some challenges like a missing arm.
YuYu had a great success yesterday that he has asked me to write to you about.
You were one of the first people he wanted to be sure heard about this.
For two school years now, YuYu has been attempting to reach the top of the climbing wall in the gymnasium. If one is successful with this endeavor then there is a bell hung from the high ceiling of the gym and when you get to the top of the wall you get to ring the bell.
For two years, he has made many attempts to climb all the way to the top of the wall so he could ring the bell. But he had never succeeded. His prosthetic arm is cumbersome and, as much as he tried, he never made it to the much-longed-for bell.
At the beginning of this school year, YuYu declared that THIS was the year he would reach the top and ring the bell and he would do it before the end of the year.
Well, yesterday was YuYu’s day! He succeeded in climbing all the way up the wall and he proudly rang that bell with the biggest smile you have ever seen in your life!  With the eyes of all of his classmates and many of the teachers and the principal cheering him on wildly – YuYu achieved his goal and could not have been more proud of himself!
After he climbed back down he said: “This is the greatest day of my life except for the day I was born.  I kept thinking ‘I can do this’  and I just kept looking up and I did it!”
On the way home from school in the car YuYu said, “Mama, can you please email Erik and let him know I did it? Erik climbed Mt Everest and I climbed the wall and rang that bell! I think he will be very proud of me today.”
Well, I am very proud of YuYu!
We’re entering a brand-new year in which significant challenges abound. Whether we’re climbing the biggest mountain or the gymnasium climbing wall, why don’t we all grab hold of YuYu’s spirit and reach to achieve our absolute best.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year and a chance to ring that bell in 2012!
Erik
This is the second half of the interview I did with Jeremy Dobish for the Backcountry Coalition. This time I talk about some of my gear issues, favorite ski destinations, and more.
Happy Holidays!
Erik
In just 18 days, my good friend Kevin Cherilla will be leading another expedition to climb the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. What makes this trip unique is he will be guiding Kyle Maynard, who is attempting to become the first upper-level quadruple amputee to climb the mountain. And Kyle will do it entirely under his own power!
Here is an interview from this morning on the local news in Phoenix, Arizona, where Kevin lives. Sorry about the commercial at the beginning but the interview will inspire you. In fact, I was so inspired by Kyle that No Barriers partnered with him to help achieve his goal and tell the story. Visit Mission Kilimanjaro to find out more about this great adventure. A donation of $193.41 will help them succeed and get you a great t-shirt and other rewards.
For more information about Erik, call Leading Authorities at 1.800.SPEAKER
