By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
If you live in Aroostook County you have surely seen someone wearing a CPT T-shirt or CPT ‘Boot Camp’ T-shirt somewhere. In order to receive the CPT T-shirt one would have had to have successfully completed physical or occupational therapy at one of the five County Physical Therapy locations in Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Kent or Madawaska.
Contributed photo
In the case of Pete McCorison his CPT Boot Camp T-shirt brought him 20,305 feet to the summit of Imja Tse or Island Peak, the eighth highest peak of Nepal found in the Mt. Everest region.
In order to receive a CPT ‘Boot Camp’ T-shirt, individuals would have had to participate in a grueling 8 or 12-week fitness program, challenging one’s strength and endurance.
“These T-shirts are earned,” stated Adam Simoes, a therapist and Boot Camp leader at CPT in Presque Isle.
According to Simoes, there is most likely a story behind each shirt. In the case of Pete McCorison his CPT Boot Camp T-shirt brought him 20,305 feet to the summit of Imja Tse or Island Peak, the eighth highest peak of Nepal found in the Mt. Everest region.
As part of his training McCorison participated in one of CPT’s rigorous ‘Boot Camps’ in Caribou, led by Robbie Krul and Mark Rossignol. During the 12-week program he readied his body for the task ahead with cardiovascular training, body weight exercises, weight training and core strengthening exercises.
According to Himalayan Expeditions, “to climb Island Peak you need a high level of fitness.” Alpine Ascents recommends “one needs to be in excellent physical condition to be able to carry on average a 20-pound pack.” They also warn cardiovascular fitness is not enough. Plenty of people who have the endurance to run a marathon fail to [reach the] summit due to limited overall strength.”
Hiking Dude offers information “for every 1,000 feet you climb a person loses about 3 percent available oxygen. For example at 12,000 feet every breath brings only two-thirds the amount of oxygen you would get at sea level.”
So where has your CPT or CPT Boot Camp T-shirt brought you? County PT wants to know. Send a story and picture of yourself in your CPT or CPT Boot Camp T-shirt doing something you would not have done if you had not come to County P.T.
Did your doctor say you would never walk again but you ran a 5K? Has the CPT Boot Camp given you the strength and confidence to enjoy life in a new way or participate in an activity that you would not have before?
In appreciation for your stories, County P.T. will review the stories and photos over the next six months. One CPT T-shirt and one CPT Boot Camp T-shirt winner will be selected and become eligible for a free full-year membership, free Boot Camp membership or a free CPT sweatshirt.
Information and photos should be sent to: Adam Simoes at adam.simoes@countypt.com or mailed to 5 North Street, Presque Isle, Maine.
