A dear friend just returned from Everest Base Camp last Thursday. While she was there she wrote “Brent Thomson Runs Everest! December 2, 2011” on a prayer flag and strung it where I will see it as I approach the area where the marathon starts. Just seeing the photo filled me with emotion, I can’t imagine how I’ll feel when I see the real thing. I can see  it constantly fluttering in those howling winds, yet I have no doubt it will be there when I arrive. She emailed me along her trek saying she was clearing the trail of obstacles for me. How amazing the power of friendship.

I am so grateful for the many friends and colleagues who have so generously donated to the Everest Fund. I have raised over $12,000 so far. That kind of money goes a long way in Nepal.

I have all my gear laid out in the guest room. I go in and survey the piles of clothes: fleece, base layers, Gore-tex, wind pants, polypro, lycra, hats, gloves, headlamps, down jacket, Yak-Trax (2 kinds), hiking boots, trail running shoes, gaiters, neck gaiters, socks, sleeping bag, survival sack, GU gels, water bottles, all the toiletries, 2 duffel bags and a small third one for the flight, 12 litre backpack to wear on the marathon, and plenty more believe me. I get overwhelmed and leave the room. But I keep walking past the door and looking in. As overwhelming as all the “stuff” makes me feel there is a certain excitement attached to what’s going on in that room. It represents a different world that I will be soon be in. When I think about the conditions over there it feels so dramatic and romantic. Then I run into one of my colleagues today who say’s “it’ll be just like winter in Minnesota where I grew up” and you know he is right. Frame of reference is everything.