Peak Awareness

Adirondack Mountain Club has been chosen as a recipient of Athletic Brewing Company’s Two Trails Program. This is great news for a great cause! It will help maintain ADK trails. Learn more:

Two For the Trails | Conservation Grants | Athletic Brewing Co. Athletic is on a mission to protect the outdoors through conservation grants & volunteer projects. Find info on how to apply or join us in making a positive impact.

As I stand on the cusp of my 10th Boilermaker race tomorrow, I find myself deeply reflecting on how much the world has changed since I ran my first one. When I first laced up my running shoes for this awesome event, at 18 years old back in 1998, the world seemed so different. The years have been filled with both beautiful and harrowing events that have reshaped the world we live in.

We've faced the heartbreak of terrorist attacks, the devastation of wars, and the ongoing sorrow of school shootings. Each of these events has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, reminding us of both the fragility and the resilience of the human spirit.
At 5'10", it takes me 19,642 steps to complete the 15K race. This year, each step carries a weight of remembrance and dedication. I am running for those who cannot run anymore, dedicating my race to the memories of those lost in these tragic events.

For 2,977 steps, I will walk, paying tribute to those who couldn't run away from the terror of 9/11, those who were trapped in planes and stairwells, unable to escape the chaos. They will be in my thoughts as I slow my pace and honor their memories.

My steps will also be a testament to raising awareness for mental health. Last year, we lost 45,980 people to su***de in the U.S. I will take 4,598 steps, each one representing ten lives, to shed light on this silent struggle many face.

In remembrance of the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, 10,000 steps will be dedicated, each step representing 100 lives lost to this global tragedy.

I will also honor the hikers and climbers who perished in 2023 with 50 steps, and those who lost their lives on Mount Denali with 129 steps. For the souls taken on Mount Everest, 310 steps will be dedicated, and for those on Mount Kilimanjaro, 25 steps.

In memory of the Boston Marathon Bombing, I will take 3 steps. For the victims of Mount Washington, 161 steps. For the moe. NYE victims, 3 steps will be dedicated.

For the victims of school shootings and other tragic events: Columbine High School (1999) - 13 steps, Charleston Church (2015) - 9 steps, Las Vegas Shooting (2017) - 58 steps, Sandy Hook Elementary (2012) - 26 steps, Virginia Tech (2007) - 32 steps, San Bernardino Attack (2015) - 14 steps, Northern Illinois University (2008) - 6 steps, El Paso Walmart (2019) - 23 steps, Tree of Life Synagogue (2018) - 11 steps, Fort Hood (2009) - 13 steps, Aurora Theater - 12 steps, Buffalo Supermarket - 10 steps, 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Bombings - 259 steps, 2016 Nice Truck Attack - 86 steps, 2015 Paris Attacks - 130 steps, 2013 Westgate Mall Attack in Nairobi - 71 steps, 2011 Norway Attacks - 77 steps, 2018 Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting - 11 steps, 2018 Thousand Oaks Shooting - 12 steps, 2016 Brussels Bombings - 32 steps, 2016 Berlin Christmas Market Attack - 12 steps, 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing - 22 steps, 2017 Istanbul Nightclub Shooting - 39 steps, 2015 Charleston Church Shooting - 9 steps, 2015 Chattanooga Shootings - 5 steps, 2015 San Bernardino Attack - 14 steps, 2015 Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood Shooting - 3 steps, 2015 Umpqua Community College Shooting - 10 steps, 2015 Lafayette Theater Shooting - 2 steps, 2015 Emanuel AME Church Shooting - 9 steps.

As I run this race, each step is a poignant reminder of those who have left too soon. It is a tribute to their memory and a call to all of us to cherish the time we have, to savor each moment, and to strive for a world where such tragedies become distant memories instead of daily headlines.

To all my fellow runners, I wish you the best of luck tomorrow. May you run with purpose, passion, and fun all along this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to the first responders, volunteers, and medical personnel who make this event possible. Your dedication and support are the backbone of the Boilermaker, ensuring our safety and success.

And, of course, a special thank you to Saranac Brewery for their continued support and hospitality. Your efforts help create a memorable experience for all of us.

Here’s to a race filled with reflection, dedication, and hope. Let's run together, for those who can't, and for a brighter future.

Very happy and proud to say we safely summited the incredibly beautiful Mount Olympus! From the forest to the glades to the knife-ridge Giosos Pass to the Plateau of the Muses to the summit of the gods, we now fully understand its significance in Greek mythology and culture. A very technically challenging and difficult climb but worth every bead of sweat and stress! We hope this inspires others to challenge themselves in ways that will push their boundaries and fulfill a pursuit of their dreams no matter what they are. #mentalhealthawareness #genderequality ✌️✊🏔️❤️

We are officially on route to Greece to climb Mount Olympus in honor of CNY Health Home Network, Inc. and European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)!

Embarking on this journey to climb a mountain for charity is a humbling and exhilarating experience. We are grateful for the support and push forward.

Join us on this exciting adventure as we try to safely summit the mountain of the ancient Greek Gods, spread awareness, and hopefully make a difference in the lives of those in need. Follow along for updates on our progress and how you can help.
Wish us kali dunami (Greek for ‘good strength/good luck’). ✊✌️🏔️

We are proud to announce we will be climbing Mount Olympus in honor of CNY Health Home Network, Inc. and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).
CNY Health Home Network provides much needed aid to our local citizens suffering from mental health issues, and EIGE helps all genders in the European Union be free to pursue their chosen path in life.
Please consider donating to one or both causes and help us make our world a better place.
CNYHHN: https://www.cnyhealthhome.net/
EIGE: https://eige.europa.eu/

Peak Awareness wouldn't be the adventure it is today without the incredible journey to Everest Base Camp through Nepal Hiking Adventure. Bishnu, the heart and soul behind the company, is an absolute gem of a human. From the moment we booked, to inviting us into the Kathmandu offices, to coordinating every detail, and introducing us to the phenomenal Sherpa guide, Gore, every moment was crafted to perfection.

Bishnu hung out with us pre and post-trip, unveiling the rich Nepali culture, from the city to the food and the warmth of its people. Real, open, and honest, it felt like we'd been friends since high school.

Our recommendation? If you're dreaming of adventures in Nepal and in the Himalayas, reach out to Bishnu and his exceptional team. Check out Nepal Hiking Adventure and Everest Base Camp to book a trip of a lifetime, soak in the incredible experiences they offer, and meet some of the most beautiful souls you'll ever come across.

PS: Yep, that's us in the company's Instagram profile picture, standing atop Kala Patthar (https://www.instagram.com/nepaleverestbasecamp/). The journey was life-changing, and without Bishnu's opportunity and help, we wouldn't be where we are today. Forever thankful for the great vibes he's spread into the world! Namaste brother. 🙏❤️
(photo of ceremonial scarf given upon completion of trip, hanging on image of Nupste, Everest, and Lhotse, taken from Tengboche during EBC trek circuit)

Take a moment to reflect on the incredible strength and potential residing within your very being. The journey behind you, with all its challenges and triumphs, has shaped you into a resilient soul.

Yet, what lies ahead is an open canvas, waiting for you to paint it with your dreams and aspirations. Let this quote be a gentle reminder that your inner strength, courage, and spirit are the driving forces that propel you forward. As you face the unknown, tap into the wellspring of determination and positivity within. Every step forward is an opportunity to uncover the greatness that lies within you.