We watched the training DVD yesterday. Despite the low quality sound and the resulting information overload, it made me feel excitement and anticipation.

Except there is this one thing... They showed someone sliding down a snowy hill backwards. The person then dug his ax into the ground, thus stopping his tumble.

Brian said we all have to demonstrate that we can do that.They teach us on day one. But if we screw up and hesitate and can't catch on, they probably won't let us continue.

Oh my gosh, this could be dangerous. I couldn't help thinking it. I think I even said it out loud. I had visions of tumbling down Rainier, sliding down a snowy ledge. What am I getting myself into?

I am doing this climb to help me get over my fear of the climb. It challenges me, intrigues me. Best thing I can do is train and learn and get myself to the point where I feel confident in my abilities.

But I am open to the fact that I will have occasional moments of uncertainty. It's all part of the process. I have no idea what is going to happen during the climb. I can't predict my own personal outcome. However, I am sure this journey will result in my own personal growth and will make the whole process worth the effort.