Hello Seattle,

My name is David Weed. I’m the investigative videographer here at KIRO-TV and I’m climbing Mount Rainier. I guess I could go on and on about why I decided to take on this quest, but I’m more of a jump-in-with-both-feet kind of guy. So let’s get right to it.

On January 1, 2010, I made “the resolution”; the one that so many of us make each year and then break in a week or two. You know the one, it starts like I’m going to get in shape this year or I’m going to lose some weight or exercise more. That’s right! I made that resolution. Now -- five months later and nearly 40 pounds lighter -- I decided to do something constructive with my new body, so I’m climbing Mount Rainier. I guess since moving here eight years ago Mount Rainier had become sort of a bucket list line item for me, although it wasn’t one that I had given much thought.

Then one day, out of the blue, an opportunity presented itself that would take me on a summit attempt. Needless to say I jumped on it, literally.

Over the next month I will share with all of you my challenge to make it to the top. However, since I do work in TV, I decided to try developing this blog into an informational tool to help each of you in your future climbs. With the help of my new friends at Marmot Mountain Works in Bellevue, we will work to give all you aspiring climbers some advice on the Mountain, tips on training for a big climb, and expert analysis of the latest gear. [More on Climbing And Equipment Expert David May]

Glacier Climbing Checklist

Now that I’m in full blown mid-life crisis mode, (I just turned 44) I was looking for something I could do to try and make a difference in someone else’s life. So I decided to pick a charity to climb for in hopes that I could steer some attention, and if all goes well, some donations their way. I chose Gilda’s Club. They are a cancer support charity that does their work right here in the Puget Sound. Please check on their link and help those who do so much to ease the pain and suffering of others.

So let’s get started. If you have any questions - ask. If you have any advice for others - give. And always remember that you get back what you give 10 fold, so always give your best!

Blog 1: My Inspiration For The Climb