The JanSport 8000 Meter Challenge

I’m taking the JanSport 8000 meter challenge. Working for Zappos.com gets me an invite because we do sell outdoor equipment. That means I’ll be rubbing shoulders on the trail with employees from REI, Adventure 16 and Sports Chalet as we summit 3 of the higher peaks in Southern California in 24 hours.

This will all start the Thursday after Labor Day weekend where we will meet up and have a carb loaded dinner on Mt Baldy, provided by JanSport. No late night of boozing it up because our day starts at 5am. That is where we start a steep climb up Mt Baldy.

Mt Baldy (10,040 ft.) is the steepest climb, ascending about 4000 ft in 5 miles, but it is the shortest run at 10 miles. Being the end of summer, the top could be 30 degrees Fahrenheit, just under freezing. I won’t mind though, it might even be refreshing. Once we come back down we have an hour and a half drive to San Gorgonio.

San Gorgonio (11,500 ft.) is the longest run, being 18 miles and the highest peak. This is going to make you, or break you. Most people will quit by the end of this little hike. Maybe it’s the heat because the trail is on the south side. Or maybe it’s the distance. But if you do end up feeling like going on, it’s off to San Jacinto.

San Jacinto (10,800 ft.) is unique because you have to take the tramway up to 8000 ft. The tram doesn’t run 24/7. You have to make the tram before 8pm or that’s it for you. But if you don’t make that last tram, then, well, you shouldn’t really go on anyway. If you do make the tram, then you will be hiking with some camping gear. 2 miles out you can drop off your backpack at the Round Valley campsite. Do another 8 miles and hope that you can make the last tram down so your night can be filled with beers and a soak. If you don’t make it, then you will be pitching a tent and sleeping right there.

The next morning we will all meet up at the local Denny’s for a nice stack of pancakes, on JanSport again.

I’m not doing this for the shirt and sweater you get. Or all the goodies zappos.com is going to wrangle us up for training. Or even two free meals! This is for me. For a hint of the feeling I got running cross-country 70 lbs ago.

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Independent Thought

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JanSport, 8000 meter challenge, hiking, zappos.com