A 12 months later on, Hodges eventually ready to deal with Mount Everest | Sports activities

A calendar year ago, Adam Hodges prepared to be on his way to climb Mount Everest.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on Hodges’ plans to scale the world’s tallest mountain, and when he was in a position to climb Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan last summer, Hodges however experienced his coronary heart established on Everest. For the duration of the pandemic, China and Nepal both shut down journey to Everest, and at initial, Hodges didn’t think he’d get the option to satisfy this individual aspiration until eventually 2022 at the earliest.

“A little in excess of a thirty day period ago issues commenced shifting,” Hodges claimed. “The mountain opened up, and I was left with a hard determination on no matter if to go for it or hold out for a far better time.”

On Sunday, Hodges flew from Meridian Regional Airport to Houston, where he then bought on a connecting flight to Nepal. He programs to satisfy up with long-time mate and professional climber Craig Van Hoy right before departing with him to Everest. That will let Hodges to climb the mountain throughout the best time of the calendar year — late April to early May well, which avoids monsoon season and the jet stream.

Considering the fact that having up mountain climbing in the 1990s, Hodges, who is common manager at Anderson’s Wellness and Conditioning Centre, has a purpose of climbing the tallest mountains on every single of the world’s 7 continents. He’s already scaled the tallest peaks in North and South The us and Europe, and Everest would mark Asia off his checklist.

“I regarded as Kilimanjaro at initial to knock out just one of the other 7,” Hodges reported. “Ultimately I made the decision on Everest.”

The prepared climb isn’t just for himself, however. Hodges runs the Rock Continual Boxing courses at Anderson’s Health and fitness, a software made to assistance folks combat the indications of Parkinson’s condition. Hodges is working with the journey to Everest’s peak to raise cash to struggle Parkinson’s, and he claimed the attendees of the course are shut to his heart and are serving as inspiration for the tricky climb. Fittingly, Sunday’s departure day was also Entire world Parkinson’s Day.

“We’re undertaking this in large part to market awareness awareness and guidance for our neighborhood local community,” Hodges stated. “When I get back I want to do some incredible things and take it to the next stage. We’ve had a extended year like everybody else, and the Parkinson’s people necessary to continue to be absent (simply because of COVID-19), but a lot of them have experienced their vaccines and are starting up to appear again to the courses. Last Thursday afternoon, there was a contentment in just the group additionally some new faces, so it is commencing to prosper once more.”

Even though he’s energized to ultimately get the probability to scale Everest, Hodges admits it’s tricky knowing he’s heading to be absent from Meridian for many months.

“I’ve been thinking about this for possibly 20 many years,” Hodges stated. “All of my climbs have led to this level. It is exceptionally interesting, but it’s bittersweet in that it requires so extensive to do and I’ll be away for so lengthy. It’s really hard to say goodbye to spouse and children customers. I’m pursuing a desire and just can’t wait around to get to the mountain and go for that obstacle, but being absent problems me.”

Hodges reported he desired to thank associates at Anderson Regional Health and fitness Method, Meridian Regional Airport and Southern Pipe and Supply for their support and fascination in serving Parkinson’s individuals. Individuals wishing to abide by his journey can like “Ascent For A Cure” on Fb, where Hodges will be running a blog his journey.