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.

Climbing Kilimanjaro taught me that some clichés are true for a reason. Here’s how four well-worn sayings came to life on Africa’s tallest peak—and how they can apply to everyday life.