Martin Parnell Finish the Race Attitude

A couple of weeks ago Sue and I were talking about our back yard and an idea came up…. Why not make two raised beds, one for flowers for Sue and the other for veggies for me? Now, we have what’s called a “Maintenance Free” (Not!) garden, mulch with shrubs and trees so there’s lots of room to install these beds.

Next stage was the design. First port of call was talking to our Rotarian friends Chris and Kirsten. They have a couple of excellent raised beds which gave us some ideas. Next, I googled “Building a raised bed” and You-Tuber “Gardener Stan” gave me all the dos and don’ts of building one of these boxes. Time to hit the road. Saturday morning, we headed off to Spray Lake Centre pool and after a session of the warm water therapy we left the building and meet Janet working on a huge raised garden. There are two of these in the fore-court of the centre and they are magnificent. Janet is not only the Centre’s gardener but she is also a fitness instructor….what a great combination job. She gave us lots of excellent advice and suggested we head over to “Anything Grows”, where the Centre get their plants.

In “Anything Grows” we meet Aaron. He was a great help and shared with us ideas on what flowers and veggies to plant and when, the correct soil mix and how to prevent weeds. All this talking was thirsty work so Sue and I decided it was time for a coffee. We headed over to Good Earth and as we made our way to the coffee shop we couldn’t help noticing the beautiful flower boxes all along the side walk. These are throughout Cochrane and are maintained by the Town of Cochrane Maintenance Staff. Next time you’re walking around down town check them out.

The final stop was Home Hardware. My design was for two boxes that were a 4 feet long x 2 feet wide x 2 feet high. This would require 12 lengths of 6 inches x 1inch by 8 foot planks and 2 lengths of 4 inch x 4 inch of pressure treated lumber. The yard guys loaded the timber into the jeep and home we went.

The next morning the power tools came out and construction commenced. It didn’t long to cut everything to size (measure twice…cut once!) and put them together. And that’s where we are today. Aaron from “Anything Grows” suggested to wait until spring before we plant so there’s no rush to add the soil. So now I have the Fall and Winter to decide what to plant. Any thoughts?

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In early June I went on a 3 day silent retreat to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre in Cochrane, Alberta. It was an opportunity for reflection and contemplation in a beautiful woodland setting in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. My objective for the three days was no objective. I took no devices and the only communication tools were a pen and a notebook. 

The first night I went to the extensive library at the Retreat and picked a book at random…..The Art of Dying by Patricia Weenolson. The next morning I walked to the end of the garden and leaned over the fence. There, 40 feet away, was a massive black horse. I have a fear of horses after being thrown off one as a child. This time I decided to stand still and see what happened. After a few moments the horse slowly ambled over and I was able to stroke its nose. 

On the second evening I had an idea for a story and here it is: One morning, two Meerkats Fo Cuzed and Aym Luss decided to head to the archery ranch. Fo Cuzed had been training for weeks and wanted to impress Aym Luss by hitting the bull’s eye. Fo Cuzed took up a bow, pulled the string to its maximum tension and let the arrow fly. The arrow sliced through the air and “thunk”, it hit the red circle, just 2 inches from the golden bull’s eye. Fo Cuzed was gutted. “I worked so hard but didn’t achieve my goal”. Fo Cuzed kicked the ground and threw down the bow. 

Then it was Aym Luss’s turn. Picking up a bow and arrow, Aym Luss put a blind fold on, spun around three times, did a somersault and then let the arrow go. Pulling the blindfold off Aym Luss saw the arrow fly high up in the air and land in a field of wild flowers. Aym Luss was thrilled. Having never tried that move before there were no expectations on the outcome. 

Fo Cuzed and Aym Luss left the range and, arm in arm, started to head home. Aym Luss told Fo Cuzed it was a great shot and should be proud. Fo Cuzed replied that it had been great hanging out and was impressed with the move Aym Luss had attempted. 

This just goes to show that “Sometimes it’s good to be Fo Cuzed and sometimes it’s good to be Aym Luss”.

And sometimes it good just to take a little bit of time for yourself.

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Sue and I love our football (soccer). As a boy I would go to Plymouth Argyle, in Devon, England with my Dad. From the age of 15, Sue would go and support her favourite team Bournemouth, in Dorset, on the South Coast. She would sometimes take her little brother along with her. The highlight for me was in 1973 when Dad took me to the Plymouth vs Santos game and I got to see the incredible Pele play. There were 36,000 in the stands and it is a night I will never forget. A highlight for Sue was when Bournemouth were promoted to the English Premier League in 2015. This team had gone from the bottom of League 2 and near bankruptcy in 2009, to playing, 6 years later, in the top football league in the world.

Like any supporter of a sports team, you will always stick with the team you were brought up with however we don’t always live where your teams are. Being in Cochrane Sue and I wanted to get our football fix and have found just the team to support…….Cavalry FC.

On May 5, 2018, Calgary was one of four cities accepted by the Canadian Soccer Association for professional club membership. Cavalry FC was announced on May 17, 2018, as the second team to officially join the Canadian Premier League. The club's name, crest and colours were all revealed at the event at Spruce Meadows, while Tommy Wheeldon Jr. was announced as head coach and general manager. Plans to renovate existing facilities at Spruce Meadows, included a soccer-specific stadium, with a capacity of at least 5,000 seats.

On June 26, 2019, Cavalry FC qualified for the 2019 Canadian Premier League Championship by winning the inaugural CPL Spring Season. The following month the “Cavs” became the first CPL club to defeat a Major League Soccer team in the Canadian Championship by upsetting the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019, over two-legs.

The last game Sue and I went to was at 3.00pm on Saturday June 24^th when we watched Cavalry take on York United. Spruce Meadows is a great venue for these games and on that day it was the annual Pride Match. The first 4,000 attendees received a bandana and there were lots of games for the kids. In an exciting game Cavalry beat York United 2-1.

So, if you’re looking for some “footy” action then head over to Spruce Meadows and catch Cavalry FC.

Go Cavs Go!

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Education is one of the most powerful tools that can transform lives and uplift communities. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to quality education, especially in conflict zones where students face numerous challenges. However, one person who is making a difference in this regard is David Falconer, the Founder and Executive Director of Classrooms Without Walls(CWW).

David Falconer's volunteer work began in March 2022, soon after Russia invaded Ukraine. Witnessing the impact of conflict on students' education, David immediately volunteered to support Smart Osvita NGO, a Ukrainian non-profit organization, to coordinate an international volunteer program to deliver online lessons in English. The support David received from volunteers like retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, the Smithsonian Institution, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Edmonton Public Library, Winspear Centre, and teachers and non-teachers from around the world inspired him to start CWW, an organization that currently offers free online schooling to students living in conflict zones.

By partnering with organizations such as Smart Osvita NGO, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, Ocean Wise, Edmonton Public Library, OverDrive, Monash Virtual School, and hundreds of volunteer teachers, CWW is providing a lifeline to students who have been forced to abandon their education due to conflict. By offering free online schooling, CWW is breaking down barriers and providing access to education to those who need it the most. Most important, CWW is letting students in these countries know that the world has not forgotten them and that they can continue to dream, and set goals.

Currently, CWW offers three programs for volunteers to join, Teachers for Afghanistan, Teachers for Ukraine, and Teachers for Myanmar.

Classrooms Without Walls (CWW) is actively seeking volunteers who are willing to offer their free time to teach various elementary and secondary school subjects, including ESL (English as a Second Language). Volunteers are also invited to share their hobbies, gifts and talents with students, such as teaching them how to draw, learn magic tricks, and more. By making education fun and engaging, CWW is creating an environment where students can thrive and learn in a safe environment. There are also other opportunities to support CWW such as updating CWW's social media, becoming an online  host, and general organization support. 

All volunteers are provided with an online introduction and training. 

If interested, please contact, cww@classroomswithoutwalls.ca

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On March 2^nd 2011 my first article was published in the Cochrane Eagle and it was about running (no surprise there). Here is part of it “So, before you try an ultra-marathon, I suggest you run a marathon, before that a half marathon, before that a 10km and before that a 5km. If you’re a new runner, then progressing from a 5km race to a marathon should take three years. Yes, I’ve heard the stories and watched the results from people who want to tick a marathon off their bucket list in six months….don’t, it’s not a pretty sight.

Take your time, let your legs get used to the run / walk. People will say that run / walk isn’t “running”, you have to run all the time or you’re not a runner. Not true. If you want to achieve your running goals and be injury free then run / walk is the way to go.” Looking back that is still pretty good advice. 

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. Cochrane has almost doubled in size from 17,500 to 34,000 and there’s no sign of it slowing down. However, it still has that small town feel. You can walk down Main Street and bump into friends or sit on a bench next to the hotel and listen to someone playing the piano. 

Cochrane is where Sue and I have lived since 2005 and we love having visitors. Last week our son Calum was over from Wales and we headed off on a road trip to Waterton Park. He’s into wild life photography and over the three days he captured photos of herds of bison, elk, deer and a playful fox. 

Over the last 12 years I’ve been fortunate to share my stories with readers of the Cochrane Eagle. Having a local newspaper is so important and every Thursday I look out my front door and there is the latest copy. Then, I make a cup of tea, grab a couple of shortbread biscuits, settle down and read it from over to cover. Cochrane is about community and the Eagle is the glue that holds it together. 

I look forward to continuing to share stories from the not so little town on the Bow in the foothills of Canadian Rockies. Huge thank you to you and the Cochrane Eagle and yes, there will be more articles on my running adventures. 

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On March 8^th at 3.15pm I lined up outside Ecole Notre Dame des Vallees School in Cochrane, Alberta with 77 students, teachers and parents. We were all there for the 6^th Secret 3k Run / Walk. This school has participated every year and as we counted down from 10 we headed off along the pathways of the mighty Bow River. 

A little bit of background on this event. In 2015 for the first time ever, a marathon was held in Afghanistan, a marathon that both men and women were able to participate in but they had to keep it a secret. Why? There are still places in the world where women are not allowed to run or walk outside. However, a community in Afghanistan courageously carved out a new way forward for the next generation. By creating safe races they helped to create a safe place to run and walk. 

The day before the Cochrane School visit, Kate McKenzie, co-founder of the Secret 3k and I visited Windsong Heights School in Airdrie and after talking to the students completed the Secret 3k with them. On the evening of March 8^th I headed into Calgary and completed another Secret 3k. The wind was biting cold but everyone was in good spirits as they ran and walked along the pathways under the lights in Calgary. A little earlier in Ottawa, daughter Kristina with partner Josh and grand boys Nathan and Matthew did their Secret 3k along the Rideau Canal earning hot chocolate and cookies. 

The event took place across Canada and around the world with 1,200 participants plus 31 School and youth groups from 11 countries. In fact over the 6 years that the event has been going there have been participants from 27 countries involved. This year was a record for fundraising with $30,000 going to the Afghan Sports Trust, 261 Fearless, an organization founded by Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon and Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. 

It’s never too early to look ahead to the 7^th Secret 3k. This will take place on Wednesday March 6^th 2024. I went on the registration site (www.secret3k.com ) this morning. You can choose to register for one of the marquee sites across Canada or have a virtual event with you and your friends anywhere in the world. There is also Secret 3k gear and you can donate to one of the partner charities. 

So why not join us for the 7^th Secret 3k and together we can make a difference by empowering women and girls through education and sport.

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I love running! I started in 2002 at the age of 47 and until 8 months ago was still going strong. Then I had a pain in my lower abdomen and had to stop. The diagnosis…..a hernia. Well, in the current health care climate this is not a quick fix. My doctor sent in a request for an assessment by the surgeon and I’m still waiting for the date. My running schedule was suddenly in the garbage can so what was my Plan B? I started walking but was looking for something to get my heart rate up. The answer: biking. 

Checking in a dark corner at the back of the garage I found my road bike. It has been a while since it saw the light of day, however, after pumping up the tires and oiling the chain it was ready to go. My plan was to complete the “Horse Creek Loop” over the summer months. The route took me from my home, across the tracks, up Horse Creek Road South to the 1A. Then west to Grand Valley Road, north to RR280, east to Horse Creek road and south back to the 1A. This was my old marathon route and in total is 45km.  Summer came and went and by Oct. 31^st I had completed “41” Horse Creek loops for 2039kms. 

As mentioned, the other activity I started to get back into was swimming. Heading down to Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre I was keen to get back to the lap pool. The problem was sometimes there were no lanes available. Time for Plan B! Instead of heading home and complaining that there were no lanes I took a sharp right and went into the warm water therapy pool. There I used the foam dumb-bells, swimming against the jets and aqua-yoga (make sure you take a breath). I read up on how beneficial warm water therapy exercise was and decided to turn my hot tub into a warm water therapy tub. I hear you ask “was that complicated to do?” The answer….NO. I just turned down the temperature from 105F to 95F and voila, a warm water therapy tub. 

There you have it. Sometimes things don’t work out so don’t stress out, just look for a Plan B. It may end up being better than your Plan A.

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST,RUNNING TO THE EDGE and THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 and 2018 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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Over the years I’ve been asked to write a number of book reviews. Recently, I received the following email:

Hello Martin,

As the global pandemic sees a surge in people taking up running, a new book showcases remarkable stories from people using the sport to overcome adversity and experience positivity in their lives – including battling disease, fighting drug addiction, and coping with domestic violence. There are over eighty fascinating and often moving stories captured in 'Running Stories'.

I wondered if you might like a review copy of our book RUNNING STORIES and be able to share the news with Canadian media and runners? 

Thank you very much

Andrew Roberts

I contacted Andrew and two weeks later the book arrived. The authors are Jerry Lockspeiser and Andrew Roberts and they are members of the Serpentine Running Club in London.

Right off the bat I loved the way the book was laid out. The introduction highlighted the six broad themes: Running got me through, Running Journeys, Racing Tales, The Competitive Spirit, It’s about other People Too and It makes me Feel Good. That was followed by “10 Questions New Runners Ask” and “Running Words and Phrases”.

This is a perfect start to your running journey. Then we entered the heart of the book, 88 stories of runners from all walks of life. People overcoming challenges, people helping each other. All ages, all sizes, all speeds….People who started early, people who started later on. It didn’t matter.

Each individual story gave me inspiration and hope. A number of the contributors had got their running start through the The Running Charity , an organization that is transforming the lives of vulnerable young homeless people through running and 100% of the authors revenue from sales will be donated to this charity. 

I finished the book in two days and was overwhelmed with a “Can Do” feeling. This book opens a doorway and allows people to take that first step and not look back. 

To get a copy of RUNNING STORIES go to www.amazon.com or any reputable book shop. 

I am now looking forward to Running Stories Part 2: The Next 88 extraordinary stories by ordinary people who run.

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Martin’s next book THE AGELESS ATHLTE – Age is just a Number will be published on September 28^th 2021. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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I was looking for inspiration for this month’s column so I decided to use the mighty Google and see what holiday’s occurred on today, Thursday May 6^th.

Well, I was certainly spoiled for choice. I found the following holidays and observances:  International No Diet Day, National Beverage Day, National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, National Crepes Suzette Day, National Day of Prayer, National Day of Reason, National Nurses Day, National Tourist Appreciation Day, National No Homework Day, and National World Password Day.

However, the one I decided to go with was National Make a Book Day which is part of National Family Reading week.

I started making books as a youngster on my summer holiday travels. Our family had an Aunty Tettler living in the Black Forest in Germany and Mum and Dad and us six kids would head off on a road trip to visit her. Each sibling had a journal and we would write a daily entry about our adventures and stick straws, napkins and ticket stubs into the book.

My book endeavours continued and in 2005 I completed a cycle trip across Africa. Each night in my tent I’d write my blog in a leather bound journal given to me by my daughter Kristina. At the end of the trip I made up a manuscript of the entries plus photos and sent them into Lulu.com. They printed off 25 hard copies of “How do you Eat an Elephant – One piece at a time”. My family all knew what they were going to get for Christmas.

Since then I have had three books published by Rocky Mountain Books: “Marathon Quest”, about running 250 marathons in one year; “Running to the Edge”, about raising 1.3m for the children’s charity Right to Play and “The Secret Marathon”, Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport. My fourth book “The Ageless Athlete – Age is just a Number” is scheduled for release on September 28^th 2021.

Here are three keys to writing a book:

1. Pick a subject you’re passionate about. Write from the heart.
2. Chunk it down. Tell yourself that you only need to write for 10 minutes. Once you get going you’ll be surprised how you can keep going.
3. Write first, edit later. Just get the words down.

So remember: everyone has a story and a book in them.

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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In 2020, one of the outcomes of COVID was that we switched from in-person to virtual races. Instead of heading off to locations around the world we had the opportunity of participating in these events virtually. I tackled a virtual 1000km run across Tennessee, virtually climbed Mount Everest with my grandson Nathan, daughter Kristina and wife Sue and ran the virtual New York, Boston and London Marathons.

A week ago I received a pleasant surprise…..A Guinness World Record (GWR) certificate. This was GWR #6 and was for “The most users to run a remote marathon in 24 hours is 37,966 and was achieved by the Virgin Money London Marathon (UK) on 4 October 2020”.

Now, I’ve have a long history with Guinness World Records. In 2010, after completing 250 marathons in Marathon Quest 250 I had set up “Quest for Kids”, an initiative to complete 10 Quests in 5 years and raise $1m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. I was looking for an event to follow up Marathon Quest 250 and had put out a call for help on Facebook to see if anyone had any ideas. A week later I heard back from Julie Arnold, Event Coordinator for Netball Alberta. Julie thought it would be a great idea to set a GWR for the longest game of Netball. I agreed with her and in mid-September 2011 a group of 16 participants played netball for 61 hours in a gym in Calgary.

One of the players on Netball Quest 61 was Shawn Cable. Shawn had played for the Calgary Roughnecks and he suggested the longest game of Lacrosse. In late April 2012, 42 participants played 24 hours straight in Lacrosse Quest 24 for GWR #2. Next up was indoor soccer. I chatted with Lucy Lovelock from the Cochrane Rangers. We both love soccer and so TriOil – Soccer Quest 42 was born. In early October 2012 two teams lined up on the turf at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) and 42 hours later GWR#3 was set.

GWR #4 was set in mid-January 2013 and it was my favorite. Hockey Quest 500 was a collaboration with Reid Kimmett and the Kimmett Cup. In total 374 participants played 10 minutes each in a hockey game that lasted a total of 9 hours and again this was held at SLSFSC. The cool thing was that half the players were aged between 6 and 12 years old. During the last event of “Quests for Kids”, GWR #5 was set on October 3^rd 2014 at Dublin Heights Elementary and Middle School in Toronto. This was for “The most players (160) in a Ball Hockey event”.

Finally, the certificate for the London Marathon GWR #6 has arrived. In fact another runner from the Cochrane Red Rock Running Club also became a GWR holder for this event. Huge congratulations Sue Wall.

So, it’s almost 7 years to the day between the setting of GWR #5 and #6. The question is…..will it be another 7 years before GWR #7 is attempted and what would it be?

Any ideas?

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Once in a while you have to hit the open road and take a trip. In the past Sue and I have been to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island; Yellowknife, NWT and St. John’s, Newfoundland. However, in this time of COVID-19, we decided to go a little closer to home…..Okotoks, Alberta. 

On a recent Friday morning we headed down the 22 to Bragg Creek. From there it was on the back roads to Millarville / Turner Valley / Black Diamond and onto Okotoks. Our objective was to visit an establishment we have read about in a local magazine….The British Banger Company. 

We’re not that familiar with Okotoks so before stocking up on Christmas goodies we decided to grab a coffee at a café we found on-line…… 94 Take the Cake Café. You know you’re at the right location when you see a sign “Gingerbread Street” and two Gingerbread characters are welcoming you in. The entrance way was up a path to a small house, then through the front door to another world. 

Everything is painted white and out-lined in black. The floor, the walls, the table and chairs. It feels like you’ve entered a cartoon world. Hanging on the walls were pictures of Jack Skellington and his friends from the Nightmare before Christmas. The creative partnership behind 94 is Sherry and Krystof Lindenback. After enjoying our coffee and slice of carrot cake Sue I looked around the small shop and entranceway. There, hanging on the walls, were some beautiful wedding, birthday and anniversary cakes but my favourites were Sponge Bob Hamburger and Mickey Mouse. 

Leaving 94 we headed around the corner to the British Banger Company. We had pre-ordered a number of British delicacies including Cornish Pasties, Steak Pies, Scotch Eggs and Cumberland pork sausages. Tim and Tracey welcomed us in. They owned a butchers shop in the UK and emigrated to Canada in 2009. In the early years of the business, they were able to take part in a Regional Sausage Competition and won 3rd place with two of our sausage flavours – Minted Lamb and Cumberland. After having a good look around their shop we said goodbye and headed back to Cochrane. It had been a good day out. 

This wasn’t a big trip and we didn’t see any mind blowing sites. However, it was just nice to get out of the house for a break. And the pay-off…….we had bangers and mash for supper!

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At 8.00am on Sunday October 25^th I was at the start line of the virtual New York marathon with running buddies Paul and Wayne and the temperature was -25C (-31C wind chill). In fact, this morning Cochrane, Alberta was colder than the North Pole!!!! I wore 5 layers on top, 3 layers below, smart wool socks, Salomon Gortex trail shoes, gloves, huge mitts, a beany hat, toque and a ski mask. The only area that was exposed to the elements were my eyes. 

Thirty minutes into the run my water bottles were frozen solid. I ran with the New York Road Runners (NYRR) app and at every five kms I would hear a group of spectators cheering me on. The three amigos arrived at the half way point and Sue was waiting for us with coffee, chewy bars, and bananas. The first half had been brutal and it took us 3:00:25. 

The weather was improving and the temp had reached a barmy -12C (-15C wind chill). I removed one upper layer and one lower layer and switched my trail shoes for a pair of runners. Running buddy Wayne stayed with Sue and Paul and I headed off to tackle the second half. Things were going well until the 30km mark when my NYRR app died due to the cold and then at the 37km point running buddy Paul blew a knee. We walked it in for a 6:08:46 finish time and the final leg of the virtual "Marathon Triple Crown" (Boston, London, New York) was completed. As one journey ends another one begins. 

So it is with Tobias Weller’s next challenge.  Tobias is 9 years old and has Cerebral Palsy and the super power of Autism. He has just achieved his goal of run / walking two marathons and raising £150,000. Now he is taking on another challenge.....to use his "Super Trike" to cycle a marathon. His fund raising page has just opened so let's give him a turbo start: https://bit.ly/2TrkfJ0 

GO Tobias GO!!!!!!!!

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Mountaineer Martin (aged 64) and Nanatuk Nathan (aged 11) are climbing Mount Everest, 200 stairs per day. It will take them 95 days including 4 Camp rest days.

This is their journal: 

Day 88 of 95: Friday, July 10^th 2020 (Elevation 28,100 feet: Stairs 16,800: Vertical height climbed 10,625 feet) 

Mountaineer Martin:

Last night, I had a call from K2 Kristiana on the satellite phone: “I just wanted to check in and let you know that me and my kids are still climbing towards the summit. After reading your update 2 weeks ago we decided to rework our pace so we could finish on July 17. We will be reaching Camp III today (we are at 11,404 steps). We are enjoying this challenge and although some days we don't climb together, we all have been accountable to each other. 

My kids, Twist-Lock Teague (15) and Leavittation Lucia (12), are definitely faster than I am but I am confident that I still have better endurance! My husband used to work at the Calgary Science Center and he hosted a talk by a man who had climbed Everest. Every once in a while my husband will shout out a fact or anecdote he has remembered while we are climbing. Twist- Lock Teague (who is my facts and figures guy) figured out the pace of the man who has the record for fastest Everest climb and we realized that he climbed Everest at a faster pace than we are climbing.” Great job Winter’s family. See you at the top. 

Today is the start of the “Killer Kramp” virtual Everest climb. Climbers have been acclimatizing at Base Camp and they left at 8am for the 8 day challenge. 

Day 93 of 95: Wednesday, July 15^th 2020 (Elevation 28,725 feet: Stairs 17,800: Vertical height climbed 11,250 feet) 

Mountaineer Martin:

Over the last few days Nanatuk Nathan, Sherpa Jyamchang and I have received many messages from climbers starting up the mountain on their “Killer Kramps” (8 days) and “Everest Extreme” (4 days) challenges.  The last seven days of climbing have been very difficult.  We are all under oxygen and are getting very little sleep. Nanatuk Nathan has been wearing his Everest socks, using his hand warms and enjoying a Twinkie each night. We are getting very excited, only 2 days to go before we reach the summit……one step at a time. 

Nanatuk Nathan:

For my birthday I got an awesome gift of super warm Everest socks from Nana Sue. They are coming in handy because it is never warm any more. Climbing is getting harder, but I know the harder it gets the closer we are to the end. There are only 2 days left but with little sleep I know it will feel like much longer.  I wonder how we're getting home? Hope we don't have to climb back down!" 

Day 95 of 95: Summit Everest: Friday July 17^th 2020 (Elevation 29,028 feet: Stairs 18,200: Vertical height climbed 11,429 feet) 

Mountaineer Martin and Nanatuk Nathan 

Sherpa Jyamchang woke us up early and we had breakfast. It was time for the final push. As we started to the top we could see a worm of light slowly moving up a dark wall. It was the headlights of climbers flickering in the dark. It was completely silent. Nobody was talking. We climbed and climbed, waiting the first ray of dawn. It was desperately cold and there were some very icy parts. The ice axe and crampons barely cut into the ice. 

We reached the Balcony and Sherpa Jyamchang gave us all new oxygen bottles. Ever upwards, we reached a small plateau of the South Summit and there – just around the corner – was Everest summit itself! Continuing on, as we pushed towards our goal, Sherpa Jyamchang helped us over the final challenge………The Hillary Step. Finally, we reached another white edge, but this time it didn’t continue. Looking over the edge, there was a slope down instead. This was the North side of Everest. 

Nanatuk Nathan, Mountaineer Martin and Sherpa Jyamchang had reached the summit. 

Funds are being raised to Support the Sherpa's. They have lost their jobs and livelihood with the closing of Everest on March 15^th. Donations can be made at https://ca.gofundme.com/f/HighHimalayan 

Thank you.

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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Mountaineer Martin (aged 64) and Nanatuk Nathan (aged 11 today!!!!!!) are climbing Mount Everest, 200 stairs per day. It will take them 95 days including 4 Camp rest days.

This is their journal: 

Day 78 of 95: Tuesday, June 30^th 2020 (Elevation 26,850 feet: Stairs 14,800: Vertical height climbed 9,375 feet)

Mountaineer Martin:

Leaving Camp IV we looked down on the Tibetan plateau with its vast brown plains, white glaciers and the other alpine giants – Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu – in the distance. One step at a time, Sherpa Jyamchang lead Nanatuk Nathan and myself higher and higher. We didn’t talk a lot and were happy to follow his routine: climb six steps then rest for 10 seconds, climb for six steps then rest for 10 seconds. 

Nanatuk Nathan:

Today we saw the Tibetan plateau, did you know it is the highest and largest plateau in the world? There are a number of rare animals living on the plateau including the Himalayan Red Panda. I thought that was pretty cool. I am not a fan of climbing this part as it is very hard to climb and stop all the time.  I wonder what’s for dinner? 

Day 81 of 95: Friday, July 3^rd 2020 (Elevation 27,225 feet: Stairs 15,400: Vertical height climbed 9,750 feet)

Mountaineer Martin:

Sherpa Jyamchang received a text from Base Camp saying that a number of climbers from all over the world had arrived and were getting ready to climb the mountain. Apparently “The Great Virtual Everest Charity Climb” had been organized. There are three events: “Killer Kramps” an 8 day challenge, “Extreme Everest”, a 4 day event and “Summit Screamer”, a one day World Record attempt. All climbers are aiming to reach the summit by July 17^th. It’s going to be busy at the top!

Nanatuk Nathan:

Each night, in my tent, I listen to stories told to me by Shepra Jyamchang. He has shared with me tales of when he was a boy and how he started to learn to climb the highest mountain in the world. Sherpa Jyamchang loves animals and my favorite story of his is when he and a friend came across one of the rarest animals in the world, a Himalayan Hedgehog. This animal is normally only ever seen at night on a full moon. I love Sherpa Jyamchang’s stories. 

Day 85 of 95: Tuesday, July 7^th 2020 (Elevation 27,725 feet: Stairs 16,200: Vertical height climbed 10,250 feet)

Mountain Martin

It’s a very exciting day today. It’s Nanatuk Nathan’s 11^th birthday and as we climbed I told him about what I did on my 11^th birthday. My dad had given me a soccer ball and we went out into the garden for a “kick-around”. Sherpa Jyamchang told us that on his 11^th birthday he climbed to Base Camp and looked up at the mighty Everest thinking “One day I’ll climb that mountain”. 

Nanatuk Nathan:

What a day! Mountaineer Martin and Sherpa Jyamchang had carried birthday presents for me all the way up the mountain. They included a Swiss army knife from Mountaineer Martin, hand warmers from Klemheist Knot Kristina, Everest extra warm socks from Sherpa Sue, a box of Twinkies from Crampon Charlie and the best surprise of all……..a birthday cake Sherpa Jyamchang had made for me. That night, in our tent, as we all ate cake and had hot chocolate, we talked about the final push up the mountain.

Funds are being raised to Support the Sherpa's. They have lost their jobs and livelihood with the closing of Everest on March 15^th. Donations can be made at https://ca.gofundme.com/f/HighHimalayan 

Thank you.

Onward and upwards.  

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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Mountaineer Martin (aged 64) and Nanatuk Nathan (aged 10) are climbing Mount Everest, 200 stairs per day. It will take them 95 days including 4 Camp rest days.

This is their journal: 

Day 50 of 95: Tuesday, June 2^nd 2020 (Elevation 23,600 feet: Stairs 9,600: Vertical height climbed 6,000 feet)

Mountaineer Martin: 

On the morning of Day 48 our merry band of climbers had a celebration. We had reached the half way point of our climb up Mount Everest and Sherpa Jyamchang had brought us a treat: Pizza! However, there was no sitting around in our cozy tents, we had some climbing to do. 

As we were leaving I got a text from my old buddy Crampon Charlie “Fell behind last week as I ran into Yabo the Yeti. He let me go after I gave him the entire box of Twinkies (which I think gave him a toothache). I plan to catch up and see you all at Camp III.” I replied “So happy that Yabo the Yeti ate the Twinkies and not you. Were there any Twinkies left?” to which Charlie answered “Sad to report that all Twinkies were lost to Yabo the Yeti but I escaped unscathed. I have requested an airdrop of Twinkies and am hoping they arrive before summit day. Will keep you updated on Twinkie resupply status.” Things were getting serious. 

Nanatuk Nathan: 

Today was a big day as it was halfway day for our climb. Sherpa Jyamchang helped us celebrate with PIZZA! I have no idea how he managed to get Pizza there but it was really awesome especially after so much climbing. I was surprised when I heard about Yabo the Yeti eating the Twinkies since I always thought they preferred snow cones. Hopefully he doesn't try to find the pizza. 

Day 57 of 95: Tuesday, June 9^th 2020 (Elevation 24, 475 feet: Stairs 11,000: Vertical height climbed 6,875 feet)

Mountaineer Martin: 

The next stage of our journey, heading towards Lhotse face, was one of the toughest. It required a number of rope ascents using ropes of dubious strength and changing carabiners between sections. Nanatuk Nathan proved particularly skillful with all things rope. Nice one buddy! 

Nanatuk Nathan: 

Halfway up the rope climb, as a skillful rope person, I saw that further up we went, the harder it was on the ropes. I heard a rumbling in the distance and new a fresh blizzard was setting in, it always felt like every time we caught a break there was always something new happening. No choice but to hunker down for a bit. 

Funds are being raised to Support the Sherpa's. They have lost their jobs and livelihood with the closing of Everest on March 15^th. Donations can be made at https://ca.gofundme.com/f/HighHimalayan 

Thank you.

Onwards and upwards.   

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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Mountaineer Martin (aged 64) and Nanatuk Nathan (aged 10) are climbing Mount Everest, 200 stairs per day. It will take them 95 days including 4 Camp rest days.

This is their journal: 

Day 36 of 95: Tuesday, May 19^th 2020 (Elevation 21,850 feet: Stairs 6,800: Vertical height climbed 4,500 feet)

Mountaineer Martin:

For three days and three nights Nanatuk Nathan, Sherpa Jyamchang, Baby Tahr and I made our way through “Porg Cavern”. Just as we were losing hope we saw the exit and headed out. We said goodbye to Baby Tahr and pushed on to Camp II. Arriving at the tent settlement I was handed a note by another Sherpa. It said “Made Camp II today (May 13^th). See you at Camp III. Best wishes... I have a box of frozen twinkies in my pack...we can all share them at the summit!” signed Crampon Charlie. I’ve known Crampon Charlie for many years. He is one of the top US climbers and is from New Jersey. He’s known for his crazy climbing gear and Father Christmas hat and beard. There was no time to lose. The next morning we left Camp II bright and early, next stop Camp III. 

Nanatuk Nathan:

Once we left Camp II, we continued up Mount Everest. It started colder and colder the higher we went but we knew we had to push through. Three hours after we left Camp II we stopped for lunch, we had turkey sandwiches and they were delicious. An hour or so after lunch we started hearing some scary noises and saw a small avalanche starting on the mountain. Thankfully we were able to run out of the way.  

Day 43 of 95: Tuesday, May 26^th 2020 (Elevation 22,725 feet: Stairs 8,200: Vertical height climbed 5,125 feet)

Mountaineer Martin:

This week I received two texts. One from Summit Steve and his family, who are heading up the mountain, and the other from K2 Kristiana. She said “My two youngest children (15 and 12) left base camp with me yesterday. We are planning to follow the step plan that is on the tracking sheet.  After day one we had some sore legs (my 15 year old thought he'd start fast but realized that is not the best approach) but we are looking forward to the next 95 days! Our plan is to make a donation to Sherpa Jyamchang each time we reach a camp.” Great to have you all on board. 

We started the long climb towards Lhotse Wall. Nanatuk Nathan, Sherpa Jyamchang and I are feeling the effects of the lack of oxygen. We climb 6 steps then rest for 10 seconds. One morning Nanatuk Nathan was making his way around an ice turret when he spotted a Himalayan Hare. Sherpa Jyamchang told him that this was an extremely rare sighting. It stood rock still with its ears pricked up then hopped away. Nanatuk Nathan is taking a break from the journal. It’s been a challenging few days and he’s catching up on his sleep, preparing for the next big push. 

Funds are being raised to Support the Sherpa's. They have lost their jobs and livelihood with the closing of Everest on March 15^th. Donations can be made at https://ca.gofundme.com/f/HighHimalayan 

Thank you.

Onwards and upwards.  

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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Mountaineer Martin (aged 64) and Nanatuk Nathan (aged 10) are climbing Mount Everest, 200 stairs per day. It will take them 95 days including 4 Camp rest days.

This is their journal: 

Day 15: Tuesday, April 28th 2020 (Elevation 19,475 feet: Stairs 3,000: Vertical height climbed 1,875 feet)

Mountaineer Martin: The weather has been getting worse and Nanatuk Nathan and I have been making slow progress. Fortunately we are through the Khumbu icefall and heading towards Camp I. On our journey we have been joined by Sherpa Jyamchang Bhote. He has over 20 years of mountain climbing experience, including 7 summits of Mt. Everest! He told us that he runs a Nepal based climbing company that employees dozens of local Sherpa mountain guides and porters.

Nanatuk Nathan: After meeting up with Sherpa Jyamchang Bhote we continued up the face of Mount Everest. After a few hours it got colder the higher we went, and avalanches were able to happen at any time. Plus we had to watch out for Himalayan bears. On our journey up we saw a group of Himalayan Tahr blocking the path and we had to figure out a way around. 

Day 22 of 95: Tuesday, May 5^th 2020 (Elevation 20,225 feet: Stairs 4,200: Vertical height climbed 2,750 feet)

Mountaineer Martin: The band of plucky climbers reached Camp 1 on Day 19. The Valley of Silence, as it is known, is a vast, flat area, deep crevasses and mountain walls frequently washed by avalanches. At night we listened to the deep, murmuring cracking sounds under our tents. The pounding headaches were torturing us but as we left Camp 1, early morning of Day 20, we gained the first close sight of the mighty Everest. 

Nanatuk Nathan: After leaving Camp 1 we continued up Mount Everest with our Sherpa guide. I still had some fluff on my coat from the Himalayan Tahr we saw earlier. After a long climb we hit a rather nasty snow storm, it was tough but we pulled through. After it cleared it was beautiful and sunny. 

Day 29 of 95: Tuesday, May 12^th 2020 (Elevation 21,100 feet: Stairs 5,600: Vertical height climbed 3,625 feet) 

Mountaineer Martin: Things had been going well for Nanatuk Nathan, Sherpa Jyamchang and myself, however that was all about to change. On Day 26^th the weather went from clear and sunny to a complete white out. Fortunately we were roped together as we couldn’t see more than 2 feet in front of each other. Hour after hour we trudged on not realizing we had taken a wrong turn and were heading into the North Face of Everest. Suddenly, as the mist started to lift, we spotted an ominous dark shape, it was a huge cave. As we entered the mouth of the cavern we couldn’t believe what we saw! 

Nanatuk Nathan: After entering the mouth of the cave, that I decided to call Porg Cavern, I opened Papa Martins backpack and took out a flashlight. When I turned it on I was startled by a baby Himalayan Tahr who had wandered off from its herd. After the little scare we continued on through the cave. After walking for a while we stopped for lunch and I shared some of my sandwich with the baby Tahr who was following us. 

Funds are being raised to Support the Sherpa's. They have lost their jobs and livelihood with the closing of Everest on March 15th:  https://ca.gofundme.com/f/HighHimalayan 

Thank you.

Onwards and upwards. 

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt. From 1985 to 1988 he served as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh and concurrently as Ambassador to Nepal.

Hillary became interested in mountaineering while in secondary school. He made his first major climb in 1939, reaching the summit of Mount Ollivier. He served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a navigator during World War II and as wounded in an accident. Prior to the Everest expedition, Hillary had been part of the British reconnaissance expedition to the mountain in 1951 as well as an unsuccessful attempt to climb Cho Oyu in 1952. As part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition he reached the South Pole overland in 1958. He subsequently reached the North Pole, making him the first person to reach both poles and summit Everest.

Following his ascent of Everest, Hillary devoted himself to assisting the Sherpa people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, which he established. His efforts are credited with the construction of many schools and hospitals in Nepal. Hillary had numerous honours conferred upon him, including the Order of the Garter in 1995. Upon his death in 2008, he was given a state funeral in New Zealand.

Mountaineer Martin (aged 64) and Nanatuk Nathan (aged 10) are climbing Mount Everest, 200 stairs per day. It will take them 95 days including 4 Camp rest days. 

This is their journal:

Day 15: Tuesday, April 28th 2020 (Elevation 19,475 feet: Stairs 3,000: Vertical height climbed 1,875 feet)

Mountaineer Martin:

The weather has been getting worse and Nanatuk Nathan and I have been making slow progress. Fortunately we are through the Khumbu icefall and heading towards Camp I. On our journey we have been joined by Sherpa Jyamchang Bhote. He has over 20 years of mountain climbing experience, including 7 summits of Mt. Everest! He told us that he runs a Nepal based climbing company that employees dozens of local Sherpa mountain guides and porters. 

Nanatuk Nathan:

After meeting up with Sherpa Jyamchang Bhote we continued up the face of Mount Everest. After a few hours it got colder the higher we went, and avalanches were able to happen at any time. Plus we had to watch out for Himalayan bears. On our journey up we saw a group of Himalayan Tahr blocking the path and we had to figure out a way around. 

Funds are being raised to Support the Sherpa's. They have lost their jobs and livelihood with the closing of Everest on March 15th:  https://ca.gofundme.com/f/HighHimalayan 

Thank you. Onwards and upwards. 

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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Mount Everest is Earth’s highest mountain above sea level located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The International border between Nepal (Province No. 1) and China (Tibet Autonomous Region) runs across its summit point.

The current official elevation of 8,848 m (29,029 ft), recognised by China and Nepal, was established by a 1955 Indian survey and subsequently confirmed by a Chinese survey in 1975.

In 1865, Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society, as recommended by Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India, who chose the name of his predecessor in the post, Sir George Everest, despite Everest's objections.

Mount Everest attracts many climbers, some of them highly experienced mountaineers. There are two main climbing routes, one approaching the summit from the southeast in Nepal (known as the "standard route") and the other from the north in Tibet. While not posing substantial technical climbing challenges on the standard route, Everest presents dangers such as altitude sickness, weather, and wind, as well as significant hazards from avalanches and the Khumbu Icefall.

Mountaineer Martin (aged 64) and Nanatuk Nathan (aged 10) are climbing Mount Everest 200 stairs per day. It will take them 95 days including 4 Camp rest days.

This is their journal:

Day 8 of 95: Tuesday, April 21^st 2020 (Elevation 18,600 feet: Stairs 1,600: Vertical height climbed 1,000 feet) 

Mountaineer Martin (MM): 

The first 8 days have been tough going for Nanatuk Nathan and me. We are tackling the Khumbu icefall which moves at such speed that large crevasses open with little warning, and the large towers of ice (called seracs) found at the icefall have been known to collapse suddenly. Huge blocks of ice tumble down the glacier from time to time, their sizes ranging from that of cars to large houses. 

Nanatuk Nathan (NN): 

Papa Martin (MM) and I are leaving base camp and continuing up Mount Everest. It was tough but we knew the only way was up. We were faced with huge snowstorms but Papa Martin (MM) and I are holding our ground. On our way up we also saw a snow leopard and had to find a way around it. 

Funds are being raised for Support the Sherpas. They have lost their jobs and livelihood with the closing of Everest on March 15^th: https://ca.gofundme.com/f/HighHimalayan 

Thank you. 

Onwards and upwards.

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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My wife keeps a journal and, every Saturday, makes a point of including a “Good News Story” e.g. “Koalas are re-entering the wild after wild fires destroyed much of their habitat... ... Sydney-based wildlife conservation organization Science for Wildlife announced that four rescued adult koalas and one baby joey would, at last, be released back into the New South Wales national park Kanangra-Boyd.” 

During these times of global fears in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. I thought I’d try and come up with some other good news stories and quotes to lift our spirits: 

In parts of America, people are filling their Little Free Libraries with cans of food and rolls of toilet paper. 

“Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”
Charles R. Swindoll  -   Evangelical Christian pastor, author, educator, 

In Morristown, N.J. — Nurses, doctors and staff at the local Medical Center were left in tears as a mystery man held up a sign to the hospital window thanking them for saving his wife’s life. As staff tended to a busy emergency room, the unknown man stood outside the back window of the emergency department, placed his hand over his heart and held the poster sign that read: "Thank you all in emergency for saving my wife's life I love you all." 

“It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.”
Doe Zantamata - author, artist, and photographer 

Sophia Thomas, 8, from Southampton, England, was unable to celebrate her birthday as normal following the government’s announcement last week that people should stay home. So the people from her entire street assembled outside Sophia’s  home to sing “Happy Birthday” to her on 25 March, whilst social –distancing. 

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
Harriet Beecher Stowe   -   American abolitionist and author.  

In Edmonton, Alberta, Cara McLeod turned her condo balcony into a stage to share the beauty of opera with her neighbours. McLeod, a soprano with the Edmonton Opera, performed to passersby who gathered while maintaining a safe distance from each other. She was inspired by the videos of Italians singing on their balconies and from their windows as that country began locking down. "Just seeing how, in such a stressful time, that people can come together and use music and raise their voices and have a light spirit even in the pain, was really beautiful," she said.

“When written in Chinese the word “crisis” is composed of two characters – one represents danger and the other represents opportunity.”
John F. Kennedy   -     35th President of the United States 

All 78 elephants at Maesa elephant camp in Chiang Mai were set free on as their owners scrapped the heavy wooden chairs that are tied to their backs for carrying tourists. Camp director Anchalee Kalampichit said this was the first time in 44 years that the elephants had not worn the seats at the start of the day. She said the park will now change their business to allow the elephants to roam freely in the grounds and operate as a place for visitors to observe the animals. They will never wear chairs again.

 “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.”
Thich Nhat Hanh    -   Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist,

A 90-year-old woman who contracted Coronavirus at a nursing home in Seattle has recovered. Geneva Wood, a resident at Life Care Center is now a beacon of hope, especially for people over 65. Health officials have said elderly people are especially vulnerable to the disease. Wood tested positive for coronavirus on March 6, her grand-daughter-in-law, Kate Neidigh said. When Wood tested positive for COVID-19, the family was "stricken, and in shock," and "mad," Neidigh said. Wood, however had a different outlook. "I'm going to fight this for my family and make everyone proud,"

I found this story posted by Mark Rice-Oxley on The Guardian website, March 27th. 2020: “Rolo, the dachshund has been so happy that everyone (in our household) is home for quarantine that his tail has stopped working. The vet told us that he had “sprained his tail from excessive wagging.” 

And, if you feel the need for more good news stories, to brighten your day, why not check out the Sunny Skyz website www.sunnyskyz.com and Readers Digest Canada, website https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/good-news-stories-world/

Stay well.

About the Author

Martin Parnell is the Best-Selling author of MARATHON QUEST and RUNNING TO THE EDGE and his final book in the Marathon Trilogy, THE SECRET MARATHON-Empowering women and girls in Afghanistan through sport, was released on October 30^th 2018. He speaks on having a “Finish the Race Attitude – Set Goals, Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Outstanding Results” and has written for, or been covered by CNN, BBC, CBC, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Runners World, Men’s Journal, Canadian Business, and Maclean’s.

In a five year period, from 2010 to 2014, Martin completed 10 extreme endurance “Quests” including running 250 marathons in one year and raising $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play. In 2016 he ran the Marathon of Afghanistan in support of Afghan women and girls running for equality and his film “The Secret Marathon” was released in late 2019. Find out more about Martin at www.martinparnell.com  and see what he can do for you in the long run.

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