No Giving Up – No Regrets: What an amazing year it’s been!
I’ve been reflecting a bit on what’s happened over the last 12 months (Sept 2011 – 2012) and I’m happy to say that I gave it everything I had. Most people who know me well, know that I’m able to “make time” in order to get things done but there really isn’t any big secret. All it takes is really good time management, efficiency, and a willingness to never give up no matter how hard things may get. Here’s a couple highlights from the last 365 days.
Full time student – Part time adventurer:
Believe it or not, I’m a full time dental student at the University of British Columbia (UBC). While school takes up the vast majority of my waking hours, both at school and at home doing school stuff, I still managed to get out and make things happen. Getting through the 1st year of this 4 year program is an accomplishment in itself. The program is tough, long and exhausting. Learning everything from myocardial infarction (heart attack) to the development of teeth is no easy feat. Especially since we start earlier and end later than every other program at UBC. I’m glad to made it through 1st year with good grades and my sanity still intact!
Mountaineering:
Tons of training in the backcountry and in the classroom, I’ve expanded my theoretical skills and put it all into practice. I completed my Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 course, got some professional mountaineering training in with a mountain guide, crevasse rescue training with the Alpine Club of Canada and got out into the mountains with my snowshoes and alpine touring skis more times than I can count. All this led up to my successful 3 week summit of the highest mountain in North America, Denali (Mt McKinley). That makes 3 of the Seven summits completed thus far.
Running:
The running season couldn’t have gone any better. I hit all time personal bests in 2 major running distances, the 10k (35:53) and 21.1k (1:18:21) road races. Not only that, but I also flat out won a 25k trail race. I attribute my success to my intensive running training program that forms the basis of every physical activity I do.
Scuba Diving:
During the last year I’ve racked up another 65 dives and greatly expanded my diving knowledge and skill level. I went from a simple open water diver all the way to Divemaster: a skilled and trusted member of the dive community. Not only that but I also picked up 2 additional specialties along the way, Nitrox and Deep Dive specialties.
Backpacking:
In addition to all the day hikes/skis, I also managed to get in 4 multi-day treks in, taking me all over Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. Logistics and willing trekking buddies aren’t always available so I’m happy to have been able to get out.
Skydiving:
I got another 6 jumps in to bring my total to 24. I’m really close to my Class A license, giving me the ability to jump with another person. It’s a pretty tough sport and so weather dependent it’s been hard to get out but I’ve been making progress.
** This is just of snippet of what’s been going on for the past year. I think one of the most important parts that can’t be put in bullet form or as a picture is just living life how it’s supposed to be lived. That’s just spending time with good friends and family, sacrificing to make things work and keeping motivated to reach for the next level. That’s really what living is all about and how I made it through another year without any regrets.
