This is one of those posts that I don’t know how to write, but feel compelled to publish anyways.

I’d like to give a shout out to a friend and mentor. My friend John coaches the early Tuesday and Thursday workouts (I mentioned these here)that I attend at Crossfit Fort Vancouver– he is also an incredibly hardworking athlete, professional, father, and husband. In the few years that I have known him, his climbing and training ethic has helped shape my own. Last weekend, John and his partner were the only two people to fly into the Alaska Range during the 2010-2011 winter season to nab the second ever winter ascent of Mt. Huntington (12,240′). Read his trip report with photos on cc.com– congratulations my friend. “The work is the reward“, and the rewards are big.

“You become who you hang around.” (Mark Twight)
His example reminds me to pay special attention to the people in my life that drive me to be better. I am sincerely grateful for the many people I have the privilege to hang around. Ask yourself the hard questions, chase the illusive answers, follow the footsteps when you are lost, and break trail when you are inspired. Most importantly- get up in the morning and do something that you care about. Thanks for the push John.

What are you going to do when the day dawns?