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.

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.