More Developments!

So apparently I am on a bit of a roll... my trainer, Jarrad, was nice enough to introduce me to the owner of the gym where I work out. It is actually a physical therapy clinic called Axiom Physical Therapy (www.axiompt.com) where I have been a patient twice, once for a torn quad and once for whiplash that I got from being crashed into by a drunk driver. His name is John and he is super nice. I told him about what I am training for and he gave me an awesome opening by saying that I should wear an Axiom shirt on my trip. Well, that just got me going about how it would be so wonderful if Axiom wanted to sponsor me and how I would tell everyone about Axiom and all that good stuff. He gave me his email address and asked me to send him a note. I wrote him an email yesterday and his response was "Where do I send a check?" Sweet!!

I have an appointment coming up with my dentist and he is very outdoorsy - AND he's known me since I was just a twinkle in my father's eye - so I'm hoping maybe he will sponsor me also.

Haven't heard back yet from New Balance, haha. It would certainly be incredible but don't worry, I'm not counting on it.

I have collected a fair amount of gear that I will need for the trip... I would be terrified to add up how much I have spent on gear! But that's ok... I'm trying to get items that I will use more than just in Nepal. Maybe after this trip I will love hiking? haha, sooo funny.

I don't know how much any of my readers know about the situation in Tibet and Nepal right now but to make a long story short, China is putting pressure on Nepal to crack down on freedom of speech and expression. An American climber has already been removed from the country for having a Tibetan banner in his bag. Nepali airspace is being controlled by the military, as is communication out of Base Camp. To read more about this, I recommend www.mounteverest.net as they seem to have the best coverage. China has been oppressing the people of Tibet for years - and now they think they can do the same in Nepal. It's sad that China is basically taking away people's livelihoods by denying climbing permits for the North side of Everest and by making it so difficult for climbers and trekkers in Nepal.

I hope all of this is over by the time I make it over there!