Why did we want to do this Invitational?

This time last year I was invited to hike Mount St. Helen’s with some friends and clients. Now this was not the first time I had been asked on a summiting adventure and I was good at saying no. I use to always love challenging myself like that, but I had grown accustomed to my comfort zone the recent years, and excuses were easy to find. To my own surprise, this invitation was different and I found myself saying yes. I hated it the second I did, but it didn’t take long to be reminded of how much reward comes with embracing challenges.

I enjoy being around people who set the bar high for themselves, and these ladies did just that. If the summit view was the only reward, I’m not sure it would have been enough. It was the shared suffering with people I respect; the nerves driving up and seeing the mountain, to standing at the summit; and seeing these women succeed that made it all an experience I want to repeat.

Carol and Miriam at the Summit of Mount St. Helens.

The Miriam Esther Invitational was created to provide an opportunity for people to do just that. To push themselves along side others, to encourage and be a part of a like-minded community that prioritized health and well-being. Like grandma always said, “there is nothing wrong with a little competitive spirit among friends”, and I agree with her!

Thank you everyone who joined the challenge this January!