This last week, our Zappos team went to Southern California and competed in the 8000 meter challenge. It is an event put on by Jansport each year for employees of outdoor retailers. It is a grueling event that has you hike almost 40 miles, as you summit the three tallest peaks in Southern California (Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto)in a 24 hour period.

The event not only challenges your overall physical conditioning, but for many people, it also mentally challenges your ability to push through and finish the event. You start the event at 5a.m. when it is still dark, and for those who finish, will most likely finish their hike that night in the dark.

It is really not a race, so for most people it’s mainly about competing against yourself to get through and complete the event. It also allows you to bond with your team, not only during the event, but also the training leading up to the big hike. Everyone enjoyed hiking together and constantly encouraging each other to better themselves.

It’s been said, that for a lot people, this event is the hardest event they will do in their life. While this event is definitely not easy, for those who participate in the challenge, it’s certainly worth all the hard work.