Have you seen the masked man in class lately? If so, I bet you're wondering why he wears a mask during class. Well we decided to have a Q & A with this masked man. His name is Rob Nelson and he has a fascinating story...A prologue to our Q&A: Rob is a former tennis pro and is training to trek Mt. Kilamanjaro on a bicycle, together with ironman, James Lawrence and amateur MMA fighter Tate Nelson. The trio want to be the first to mountain bike up and down Mt. Kilamanjaro. The "Cycle Kilamanjaro" adventure will take place in March of this year and it's purpose is to raise money ($1.9 million) for TOA (Treasures of Africa Children's Home), a ministry that cares for orphans and abandoned children at the base of the mountain.Rob wears an elevation training mask while he is in class, which will prepare him for his adventure in the high altitudes of Mt. Kilamanjaro. We wish him and his buddies so much luck in this bold, adventurous and incredibly charitable journey! We hope you will join POPcycle 2.0 and Rob in our upcoming Charity Ride for TOA! Stay tuned.POP: For how long have you been cycling? How did you get into it?RN: 20 Years. I have a mixed history in athletics. I started as an alpine ski racer, turned tennis player, then marathoner and was introduced to cycling in my 30's through one of my doubles partners from the pro tennis tour. I joined a team and raced criterium and road races. Cycling was the first sport I ever experienced where you go anaerobic every time . . . on purpose! I obviously like pushing myself.POP: Would this be your first time cycling in high elevation?RN: To this elevation of 19,341', yes, but I love to climb. Highest ride to date is to the top of Mammoth, 11,053'. Longest climb was the equivalent of Mt. Everest, 29,029' achieved by 30 consecutive round trips on a road bike from PCH to the Top of the World here in Laguna.POP: How does POPcycle 2.0 help you with your training?RN: Pure gains in cardio for sure. I find POPcycle 2.0 workouts to be the most effective and concentrated workout where I can gain the most in a short period of time. Also, POPcycle 2.0 offers a unique community of instructors whose classes are very well choreographed, intense, but most importantly, infused with encouragement and optimism. I leave with the confidence that 'I CAN mountain bike Kilimanjaro! Plus, at 6'6" 215 lbs, it's always motivating for 5'4" 110 to get in my grill and demand more! Thank you Jenan!POP: Do you have a playlist for your challenge? If Yes, what are your top 5 favorite tracks?RN: Breath by Stick Figure, No Other Way by Jack Johnson, 300 Violin Orchestra by Jorge Quintero, Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Intro by The XXPOP: What keeps you motivated when you feel too tired to train?RN: Developing as an athlete is pain management. Fatigue hurts, there's no other way to pretty it up. I know out of my most painful moments, I realized my greatest experiences. When I'm tired, my desire for great experiences motivates me to push through.POP: At this point in your journey, what have you learned about yourself? RN: God's given me resilience. What I've learned about some people is 'those that doubt, don't pursue.' Those that don't pursue, scream from the shadows on how your pursuit will fail. The naysayers are out in force on how this venture is crazy, how it's foolish, how it can't be done, how I can die...! I've re-learned how this pushes me to achieve, all the more.POP: In addition to reaching your fundraising goal and helping TOA further its mission, what message would you like to give to those who are following your journey? RN: The message is twofold: 1) "Be Better" - wherever you are, whatever you're doing, pursue 'better.' 2) "Act Now" - there's a difference-maker in every one of us. Find a way to make a difference in someone's life and act on it. Don't qualify, justify, or quantify...just act. POP: How can people help? Can people join you on your journey?RN: Four ways: 1) Write a $1.9M check! 2) Donate any amount you can; 3) Donate air mileage towards our flights; and, 4) Volunteer your time, personal network and resources to help us succeed.Yes, you can join. In addition to our cycling contingent there is a 2nd group that will trek (hike) Kilimanjaro on this expedition. We end up in the same camp each stage, summit together, and celebrate together at the victory dinner following our descent. A memory-maker for sure!
