Randy Soler’s ambition to successfully complete the difficult climb up Mount Everest was born from something that a lot of people have in common: a New Year’s resolution.

Soler has already had the chance to climb the highest mountain in the world. His first trek began on May 3. Soler, who arrived in Puerto Rican soil last weekend, is barely suffering from any jet lag after his journey, where he reached 30% of the total climb up Mount Everest.

‘The experience was beautiful, gratifying, and very difficult. There were moments of frustration and exhaustion, but it’s exhilarating to know you’re working on yourself. It was very emotional; there was a lot of personal growth,’ the triathlete, with over 15 years of experience, acknowledged in a phone interview.

Dehydration, migraines, and even personal situations that affected him emotionally were part of the factors threatening to cut his passage short. However, his mental strength was able to vanquish all of these obstacles.

‘I was able to overcome, and that is how you grow. You need to have mental strength and stay positive. About 75% is in your mind. During my journey, thinking about my Puerto Rico filled me with fortitude. It gave me the inner strength to carry out this adventure,’ Soler confessed.

In his first trek, the Puerto Rican was able to climb up to an elevation of 19,500 feet. He did not carry on because of cardiorespiratory limitations and insufficient time to acclimatize. But his dream will not stop there. Soler has already received the go-ahead to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which is at an elevation of approximately 29,000 feet.

Soler can complete this feat, and because of the experience garnered and the messages sent by his guides, he is positive that he can plant his flag at the top. For him, the most important part of his training, which will be carried out in Puerto Rico and Colorado, will be working on the mountains.

‘You need to work on the mountains, (outline) a good climbing process. You need to spend some valuable time training. (This) is like any other sport, maybe even more difficult,’ he asserted.

Soler hopes to resume his climb in 2018, and it should take him about 3 months, since he needs to acclimatize again. He will only have 15 days to reach the top, since weather conditions need to be perfect. The window to complete his climb to the top is from May 15 to May 31.

‘Now that I went on this adventure, and because of the way I did it, I am qualified to reach the summit next year. That is my personal goal; those are my next plans,’ he concluded.