Group Of Tulsans Hike To Mount Everest Base Camp

A group of Tulsans is back from trekking to Mount Everest’s base camp. One of them, Laura Chaney, said she had never hiked before and that the trip changed her life.

Chaney and five other Tulsans spent a week and a half on Mount Everest, which they said gave them more appreciation for their mental and physical strengths.

Chaney feels on top of the world after spending a month in Nepal and climbing to base camp.

"My biggest takeaway is that the human body can really do anything if you're focused enough and I really can overcome any obstacle or challenge,” said Chaney.

Chaney was so inspired after seeing her friend, Elizabeth, hike Mount Everest last year that she decided to join her and four other Tulsans on the next trek to 17,000 feet above sea level.

Last September, Chaney made hiking friends and started training at places like Turkey Mountain.

"I'd never hiked before, ever,” said Chaney. “I met a group called the Hiker Babes. They taught me how to hike. I hiked with 40 pounds in my bag three times a week."

Chaney also worked out at different gyms, including Vasa, where she prepared mentally and physically with personal trainer, Gyllian Cunningham.

"If anybody dares to do base camp Everest, they have to be a strong-willed individual. But when she started, she was unsure, she was nervous,” said Cunningham. “Now, she knows without the shadow of a doubt. Literally, she can do anything she puts her mind to."

At 56 years old, Chaney said if she can hike in blizzard conditions and sub-zero temps, she can do anything.

"Any obstacle in my mind I know 100 percent, I'll look at it and then look down just like I did on the trek and just do it," said Chaney.

Chaney also said she appreciates the hard work of porters, who are paid to carry supplies up the mountains.

She said she will never forget seeing a man carry 200 pounds while listening to music with the words "keep going."