The back of the pack: My experience mountaineering in Peru
I didn't get a summit in Peru, but I walked away with something far more valuable than a peak. From chaotic baggage packing to a 75% pulse ox reading at high camp, this is a radically honest summary of my recent expedition, the reality of hitting a physical limit, and lessons learned along the way.
Developing my mountaineering process goals
The summit is a bonus; the process is the job. Learn why shifting from outcome goals to process goals is the key to high-altitude success. I’m stripping my mountaineering strategy down to three rules to train my brain for the big peaks.
Mistakes I made on Kilimanjaro (And what I’d do differently)
I summited Kilimanjaro, but I did it wrong. From the 'gym-bro' nutrition trap to training for the wrong terrain, here is the raw, non-aspirational post-mortem of my mistakes on the mountain—and the mechanical reality of what it actually takes to reach 19,341 feet.
Pre-expedition therapy: A sneak peek into my session
Mountaineering is more than just summiting. I’m dealing with the 'what if' shadow, high-altitude mindset and why failing isn't the end of the road.
Ecuador vs. Peru for a beginner mountaineer
When my mountaineering expedition to Ecuador was canceled, I had a choice: wait or pivot. After getting advice from Steve House and the Alpenglow team, I’m trading the glaciated "walk-ups" of Chimborazo for the technical Cordillera Blanca of Peru. Here’s why the shift to Tocllaraju is actually better preparation for my ultimate goal of climbing Mount Everest.
Midwest mountaineering: Finding community at Michigan Ice Fest
Can you train for a 6,000m peak in the Midwest? Following advice from my coach, Steve House, I headed to Munising to find out. I went for the crampons, but I stayed for the community.
The higher the altitude, the quieter the mind
I used to think my ADHD made me scattered, lazy and unfocused. It turns out my "random" jobs and hobbies were just training for the mountain. Read how mountaineering helped me found my focus.
The $1,000 boot problem: Are my feet worth the financial pain?
$1,000 for boots? My Ecuador company offers free rentals, but I'm terrified of frostbite and training with strange gear. Here’s a candid analysis of where the side-hustle budget should really go. Help me decide!
Data doesn’t climb mountains
I obsess over training data, but a hike up Brushy Mountain reminded me that confidence can’t always be quantified. The mountain measures progress differently.