Personal Journeys
Everest Base Camp: Saying Yes to the Unknown
For me, this trek came together at the right time in life. Post-COVID, I had embraced a more active lifestyle. With the kids grown and responsibilities lighter, there was more mental space. I was also in reasonably good health, and I kept asking myself: if not now, then when…
I had never really been into trekking or outdoor adventures. Living in Texas didn’t help either as there aren’t many inspiring places nearby to explore on foot. So when some college batchmates floated the idea of an Everest Base Camp trek, it initially felt ambitious, even unrealistic. But a few batchmates who had already attempted it made it sound doable for my level of fitness, and that planted the seed.
What truly sealed my decision was turning 50. I wanted to do something daring, something that tested my physical endurance and pushed me well beyond my comfort zone. Having an experienced, disciplined, retired Air Force batchmate leading the effort was an added reassurance, especially knowing sound decisions would be made if we faced adversity.
At its heart, the trek promised adventure: traveling to a completely different part of the world, flying into Lukla - one of the smallest and most dangerous airports in the world - and testing both physical and mental endurance. That combination was irresistible.
Preparation: Small Steps, Big Intent
Preparation was modest but intentional. I started running a little more, something I had not done before and completed a 10K run at a reasonable pace for a beginner. I took up pickleball that helped with agility, continued my regular gym workouts, and Zumba, which has always been part of my fitness journey from the start.
To understand altitude better, I climbed a 14er in Colorado, did a few trail walks, and incorporated some breathing exercises - something I now wish I had practiced more consistently. I wanted to show up with confidence and resilience.
The Trek: Grit Beyond Expectation
The trek began with excitement and high spirits as we started together. But the 8-day climb demanded far more grit than I had anticipated. Long stretches of rocky terrain, biting cold at higher altitudes, and thin air with low oxygen made even simple steps feel taxing. The trek guides, sherpas, young and old climbers, amateurs and professional trekkers including world record holders that we met on our way was inspiring.
What stood out was the collective resolve of the group. Everyone was determined to complete the journey, supporting one another through fatigue and discomfort. It became less about speed and more about persistence - one step at a time.
Everest Base Camp: A Moment of Triumph
Standing at Everest Base Camp was both exhilarating and humbling. I made sure to take a photo there wearing my Zumba shirt, because that’s where my fitness journey truly began. My love for dancing and toning workouts at the gym has played a huge role in building cardio endurance, agility, strength and mental toughness - and it helped to take me all the way to the base of the highest mountain in the world.
As the weather began turning unfavorable, we returned to Lukla by helicopter. Descending quickly, I experienced something unexpectedly profound - for the first time, I truly appreciated my lungs filling effortlessly with oxygen.
Takeaways: Lessons the Mountains Teach
Being in the mountains stripped life down to its essentials: one step at a time, patience, humility, and deep gratitude - for health, friendships, and the present moment.
The trek challenged me in the best possible way. It expanded my comfort zone, reinforced belief in my own resilience, and helped forge some wonderful new friendships among batchmates.
The Everest Base Camp trek wasn’t just a physical journey. It was a reminder that growth often begins the moment we say yes to something that scares us - quietly, confidently, and one step at a time.
It's not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves - Edmund Hilary