From the Rockland County YMCA to Everest, A Journey of Strength and Determination

Joanna and Peter, two devoted members of the Rockland YMCA, have a bold dream that has been years in the making, to reach Mount Everest Base Camp. This lifelong goal has become the driving force behind their training and preparation as they aim to turn their dream into reality.

"For me, it all started about 10 years ago when I read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer," Joanna shared. "The book really sparked my curiosity about Everest and the people who’ve attempted the climb. Ever since, I’ve been fascinated by it. Ten years ago, Peter and I visited Nepal and trekked the Himalayas with a dream of returning, but now we’re aiming for Mt. Everest Base Camp."

Their journey didn’t stop there—they also trekked 14,000 feet in Peru, which confirmed their ability to handle high-altitude challenges. "That trek was a big test for us. It gave us the confidence that we can tackle something like Everest," Peter explained.

Peter, who is 70 years old, sees this climb as a way to make a personal statement. "I’ve always been passionate about fitness," Peter said. "Climbing and taking the journey to Everest feels like a way to push myself both physically and mentally. It’s not just about the climb—it’s about proving to myself that age doesn’t limit your ability to take on massive challenges."

For Joanna, the climb is as much about immersion in the culture and scenery of the region as it is about testing her physical and mental strength. "I’m really looking forward to pushing myself—mentally and physically—to new limits," she shared. "It’s an opportunity to learn more about myself, my strength, and our ability to support each other through something this demanding." Peter echoed her excitement but also sees the climb as a spiritual journey. "It’s about disconnecting from our everyday lives and reconnecting with nature," he added. "This will be a chance to experience something profound, a true test of our willpower."

To achieve such a monumental goal, Joanna and Peter’s training regimen has been rigorous, detailed, and comprehensive. Their workouts at the YMCA are designed to build strength, endurance, and balance. They incorporate a variety of exercises: step exercises with weights, core training, breathing techniques, and yoga for flexibility.

"We’re focused on building our endurance and strength through different types of exercises," Joanna said. "From step exercises with weights to yoga for flexibility, and core training sessions, we’re covering all the bases."

Their personal trainer, Dudley, has played a pivotal role in shaping their preparation. With his expertise, they’ve tailored their workouts to ensure they build strength in a safe and efficient manner. "Joanna and Peter have made significant progress," Dudley remarked. "Their strength, body composition, and overall fitness have all improved dramatically. They’ve been incredibly dedicated and committed to their goals."

Dudley emphasizes that a challenge like Everest requires long-term commitment and a gradual training plan. "It’s about being realistic and patient," he said. "You can’t expect to train for something as massive as Everest in just a few months. It requires a year or more of steady, focused preparation." He highlights the importance of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and Time-balanced—as part of the process. "Training for Everest and the altitude conditions isn’t a quick fix. It’s a journey that takes time, and setting realistic, structured goals is crucial to success."

In addition to their strength training, yoga has become an essential part of their routine. They have been training under the guidance of yoga instructor Gisele Brown, who has helped them develop flexibility, balance, and breathing techniques crucial for high-altitude trekking. "Yoga with Gisele has been transformative," Joanna shared. "She’s taught us how to control our breathing and stay centered, which will be critical when we face the challenges of Everest."

The training is not only about physical strength but also mental endurance. Joanna and Peter have been building their mental toughness alongside their physical preparation. Dudley pushes them to vary their workouts so they don’t become too comfortable with any one routine, ensuring they challenge their bodies in new ways.

"Training with Dudley has made all the difference," Joanna said. "He’s helped me develop strength in ways that keep me injury-free while also building the mental endurance I’ll need to face the climb. It’s a full-body and mind transformation."

Their weekly routine includes training five days a week, with Saturdays dedicated to yoga and weight exercises, and Sundays reserved for long treks to build endurance. With Gisele’s yoga instruction complementing their physical training, they are ensuring they’re ready for the physical and mental demands of the climb. "We’re challenging ourselves constantly," Peter said. "We’re not sticking to just one thing; we’re testing our limits in different ways to prepare for whatever Everest throws at us."

The Rockland YMCA has been essential in their training. Initially, they came 3-4 times a week, but now they’re at the gym nearly every day. "I love the sense of community here," Joanna shared. "The people, the classes, the atmosphere—this place has really become like a second home to us."

Peter, who grew up in Nyack, has a nostalgic connection to the YMCA. "I’ve been coming here since the 70s and 80s," he said. "Coming back has been a bit nostalgic for me, but it’s also great to see how the Y has remained such a welcoming, positive place. The community here has been such a big part of our journey."

Through their training, they’ve discovered that the YMCA community is more than just a place to work out—it’s a support system that keeps them motivated. The connections they’ve made with fellow members have been as integral to their preparation as the physical workouts themselves. "We’re surrounded by people who share the same goal of self-improvement," Peter explained. "It’s inspiring to be part of a group that’s all pushing themselves to be better."

Packing for the Everest climb is another critical step in their preparation. Their goal is to pack light but ensure they have all the essentials for the journey. "We’ve made sure to pack four t-shirts each, medication, sturdy boots, snacks we love, and a medical kit," Joanna said. "We need to be prepared for any situation, but we don’t want to carry anything unnecessary."

Joanna also reached out to experienced climbers to learn about the reality of the climb and gather insights on what to expect. "Talking to people who’ve actually climbed Everest has been invaluable," she explained. "We’ve learned that it’s as much about teamwork and mental strength as it is about physical endurance. The climb will push us to our limits, and we’ll have to rely on each other to keep going when exhaustion sets in."

For both Joanna and Peter, the journey is about more than going to Nepal and the journey to Everest Base Camp. "It’s about pushing ourselves to new limits, testing what we’re really capable of," Joanna shared. "This climb will stretch us in ways we can’t even imagine right now, but with the right preparation and mindset, we know we can do it."

Peter agreed. "It’s not just about the climb," he said. "It’s about what we learn along the way—about ourselves, each other, and the power of the community that has supported us. We’re ready for this extraordinary challenge, and with the dedication and training we’ve put in, we know we’ll succeed."

Their shared dream of reaching their limits and going to Everest is a testament to their dedication, preparation, and the strength they’ve gained through years of training. With the guidance of their trainer, the support of the YMCA community, and a willingness to push their limits, Joanna and Peter are ready to take on this monumental adventure.