Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1488820
PalletCentral • November-December 2022 29 T his year's virtual race for the Pallet Foundation from October 15-31 became more than just a friendly competition. For some of our 70 participants, the race helped them discover that they could accomplish something that seemed impossible. It was physically challenging yet mentally empowering. All of our racers excelled in their activity, but more. Hearing their stories inspired us to do more, move more, and learn about building teamwork and collaboration. We celebrate some notable accomplishments. Climbing to the Top Samuel Podlipsky, director of Tarimera El Rayo, had only planned on running in the virtual race. Taking it a step further, he climbed a mountain, literally. e Pico de Orizaba, an inactive volcano, is the highest peak in Mexico at 5,635 m (18,490 ft) and the third highest in North America. Podlipsky had always loved the stories of the first people on Mt. Everest and how they battled the elements to reach the unknown. After struggling with obesity throughout his life, he wanted a change but didn't know where to start, describing it as the most challenging part of the journey. He was determined to battle the elements and reach that unknown. However, with success comes trials and tribulations. Even after doing all the homework and cardio training, Podlipsky said he "failed horribly on the first hike." He didn't finish a quarter of his plan; however, the experience was marvelous. "I felt surrounded by nature and in a place that I never imagined visiting," he said. Choosing mountain climbing as your sport is not for the faint of heart; a small error can be fatal to you or your team members in certain situations. If you push yourself too far up, there may not be anyone who can help you down. Training is essential and lifesaving, yet Podlipsky still found the drive to be prepared. With a midnight wake-up call and 18,000 feet to go, Samuel was ready. And he did it. Podlipsky said he wanted to be more involved with the association after attending NWPCA's Mexico Wooden Packaging Conference in Monterrey. e Pallet Foundation's virtual race would be a fun way to help the foundation and the industry. "I decided to do something different than running, walking, or Samuel Podlipsky, director of Tarimera El Rayo, shows off a "Moving the World" t-shirt at the top of his climb of Pico de Orizaba, an inactive volcano.