Mount Sherman Summit - Dexter’s Side of the Story

A couple of people I want to acknowledge before I get into this. First and foremost, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I will swear by it: I would not be here right now if it weren’t for Him and my faith.

I also want to give a huge shout-out to my buddy, the originator and mastermind behind this whole organization, Vilius.

Getting into it, Mount Sherman was my first 14er. Ever.

The thought of actually climbing a 14,000-foot mountain had never once crossed my mind since I touched down in Colorado back in 2023. Yet here I was, about to take on a challenge I never imagined myself doing.

Running on just four hours of sleep, the morning we had been talking about for weeks had finally arrived. I had no idea what to expect, and I was nowhere near the best shape of my life after getting a little too comfortable with everyday living, but I was still beyond excited.

The three-hour drive to the mountain was filled with the same energy and hype as Vilius. We were ready to fly up that mountain, conquer it, and proudly stake our names at the summit.

Oh, was I wrong.

The reality was very different from what I had imagined.

Because of some pretty rough road conditions, we had to park about a mile away from the actual trailhead. That one-mile walk just to reach the starting point already had me huffing and puffing like I had climbed halfway up the mountain.

The entire time, one thought kept running through my head:

What did I actually get myself into?

And that was just the beginning.

With every step, the mountain reminded me that this was going to be a completely different kind of challenge. My legs were feeling it, my lungs were working overtime, and my body was quickly reminding me that I hadn’t exactly been keeping up with the best fitness routine.

Having a partner like Vilius by my side made all the difference. He kept pushing me, encouraging me, and motivating me to keep going, even when the thought of turning around started sounding pretty good.

Through every breathless climb, every much-needed break, and every moment of doubt, we kept moving forward.

Eventually, we made it to the top.

Looking back, I can honestly say it became about much more than reaching the summit. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, pushing beyond what I thought my limits were, and proving to myself that I could do something I never thought I would even attempt.

My first 14er is officially in the books.

Would I do it again?

Ask me after my legs recover.