Yes. I actually did it.
On Monday, June 22nd 2009 I climbed the Grouse Grind 13 times in one day. I was feeling a bit apprehensive about the event as the day approached, but I ended up breaking the official Grouse Mountain record of 12.
- 06:36 AM -> 07:23 AM = 46:58
- 07:47 AM -> 08:30 AM = 43:08
- 08:46 AM -> 09:29 AM = 43:09
- 09:44 AM -> 10:30 AM = 45:56
- 10:58 AM -> 11:48 AM = 50:02
- 12:15 PM -> 13:09 PM = 54:15
- 13:30 PM -> 14:22 PM = 52:48
- 14:45 PM -> 15:41 PM = 56:04
- 16:17 PM -> 17:15 PM = 58:15
- 17:48 PM -> 18:45 PM = 56:55
- 19:03 PM -> 20:00 PM = 57:26
- 20:18 PM -> 21:23 PM = 64:39
- 21:51 PM -> 22:58 PM = 66:40
Avg = 53.5
Was it easy? Absolutely not. In all honesty, it was one of the hardest things that I have ever done in my life. It challenged me both physically and mentally.
I don’t think that I ever doubted whether I could push myself to do 13. I did doubt whether it was physically possible to do that many Grouse Grinds within the allotted time (the time during which the gondola would run which was approximately 7:30am – 11:00pm).
I contemplated many times whether or not it was worth continuing. Those nagging questions came to me most frequently on Grinds #6 and #7. At that point, I had done a significant amount of work already, I was suffering from some severe cramping, and I still had the hardest work a head of me.
However, in those dark moments. The times where I would question my motivations, and perhaps even my own sanity, I found reasons to continue. Primarily, that reason was the RLP Shelter Foundation. However, it was also all of the people that offered me an outpouring of support. I was receiving a barage of phone calls, text messages, emails and tweets (follow me on twitter here) from supporters…as well as people offering words of encouragement on the trail.
Once I reached the top, I would almost forget about the struggle that it had taken to get there. The human mind really does have a short memory for pain and suffering. I was focused on refueling and getting back down as quickly as possible after each ascent so that I could get started on the next one.
I found that dwelling on the pain, or the struggle to reach the top was pointless. To get me through the day I concentrated on the feeling of success that I felt with each ascent that I put under my belt. Every one brought me closer to my goal.
What really kept me going, what was really motivating me every step of the way was knowing that reaching my goal would benefit the RLP Shelter Foundation. Without that motivation in mind, I would likely have quit when things began to get challenging around ascent #7.
The feeling of reaching the top on that last ascent was exhilarating. I had given everything that I had. Every ounce of strength, every inch of willpower. I had pushed myself beyond every limit that I thought that I’d possessed…and I succeeded in my goal. What an incredible feeling.
Even better…it was all for an amazing charity.
Please Donate
On June 22nd, 2009 I broke the record for the most ascents of the Grouse Grind for charity. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is an incredible organization which is there to help women and children suffering from domestic abuse. Of every dollar donated, 100% goes directly to those in need (Royal LePage covers all administrative costs of the charity).
Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation
Copyright © 2009 by Sebastian Albrecht, Vancouver Realtor with Royal LePage Westside ”Breaking the Grouse Grind Ascent Record for Charity”
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
You’re the bomb. Glad to have been a part of your support team. Start planning for next year! @TiaSparkles