Hey everyone!
Thanks Stephanie for creating this to connect all of us! My name is Joshua Smilk and I live at the HIGH elevation of 39′ in Philadelphia, PA (technically higher because I am on the 3rd floor in my building). I am 4 years married and live with what my wife thinks is a child but most would say he’s a black Pug. I own a company which specializes in Snow Removal on commercial properties. I talk about snow every single day of my life. Most of my team thinks there is something wrong with me that in the summer I want to go freeze on a mountain after long winters….but everyone in this group understands! When entering into this a few years ago I started with a coach who resides in Colorado. He has guided me but not with the actual physical training. Anyone can go to the gym or do cardio, but is it actually helping your body prepare to summit a mountain? That’s what brings me to Uphill Athlete. After listening to Training for the New Alpinism I knew these coaches were the real deal and I wanted in! I have Summited Mt Washington, various 14ers in CO and made a summit attempt on Rainier last August but was unsuccessful after bad weather set in. I have a schedule for the next 5 years including a variety of peaks both domestic and international leading up to what I hope will be Everest in 2027. As most of you know life gets in the way to many of our dreams and ambitions! With the hopes to start a family (with actual children who don’t lick their butt) and a plan to sell my business in 5 years climbing may be more difficult than I imagined. I am so excited to be apart of this group and even more excited to see some fellow East Coast people also living at sea level! Please feel free to reach out to me for some weekend hiking plans! Let’s rock this!!!!!!