Vega to the top of Everest! An interview with Rob Hill

On May 25^th, 2010, he successfully completed this incredible mission – when he reached the top of the world, the South Summit of Everest. Here he shares his inspiring journey to the top of Mt. Everest:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where you grew up?

I was born in Kamloops and moved all around British growing up. I now have settled in Nanaimo.

2. Who are the main influences in your life?
Mostly my parents. But I would say Rick Hansen, Terry Fox, Sir Edmund Hillary and Pat Morrow are all men I have looked to as heroes and for inspiration in life and during my campaign.

3. What prompted you to take on the challenge of climbing Mt. Everest?
Everest is part of the Seven Summits - the highest mountain on each of the seven continents, which I have been climbing to raise awareness on Intestinal diseases and living with an ostomy; all part of my No Guts, Know Glory campaign.

4. What did your daily training routine include prior to the big climb?
The average day would be getting up early for my first workout - 10 different exercises that hit all the different muscle groups, with sprints in between each exercise and three sets of each exercise. Mid-morning I would either head out for a trail run or mountain biking, alternating days. Then later that night I would be back in the gym for more cardio and to work different muscle groups and specific exercises. Once that was done, I would do what I called a “cardio dump,” with four routines done two to four sets of explosive exercises right after each other for three reps. Once a week, I would also do yoga, plyometrics and stretching.

5. How did you fuel your body during the climb? Which Vega products came along? How did you use them?
I took Whole Food Health Optimizer: which I took every day at and on my way to base camp. This helped me make sure I was getting proper nutrition. Sport Performance Protein: I used this after a travel day and any time we moved up or carried on the mountain. It helped my muscles repair and be ready to work again. Sport Performance Optimizer: this product went with me in my water bottles any time I moved on the mountain. It is great for electrolyte replacement as well as increasing stamina, mental focus and adding in recovery time.

6. What was the feeling you had being at the summit and to have conquered Mt. Everest?
I was happy I was there. Happy it was almost over. But all I could think of was how tired I was and I wanted to start my way down to be safe and make it home to my loved ones.

7. Tell us about the journey. How long did it take? What were the hardest moments?
We were on the mountain for 75 days. The Ice Fall was always very scary but never too hard. Four days in the Death Zone took a toll on my body and mind, and the last 50 meters trying to find air and move the body was very hard.

8. How does Crohn's disease affect you while you're climbing?
I live without my large Intestine so hydration, nutrition and absorption of electrolytes is very hard. Since these functions play a big role in acclimation, it is a lot harder on my body to get accustomed to the altitude and the thin air.

9. How do you overcome any symptoms you might experience while at altitude?
I bring all the drugs you would need if you got sick and hope I never have to use them. Plus, diet is a big deal for me. Working with our Nepalese cooks and bringing my Vega products to make sure I have proper nutrition.

10. What's the most surprising effect of climbing at high altitude or what is something you didn't expect?
It always surprises me how much weight I lose. Even though this trip I always had an appétit and ate well, the impact on your body being so high and then working hard you are always burning so many calories.

11. What are your climbing and mountaineering plans now that you’ve climbed the big one?
Well if I can get sponsors on bored I would like to try to ski to the North and South Poles. I am also hoping to climb the highest peak in each of Canada’s provinces.

To read more about Rob and to get a play-by-play of his Everest climb, visit his website: www.nogutsknowglory.com