Finding Elevation: Conversations Beyond the Mountain

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host and guest Sora Rhee discuss her journey from a corporate career to becoming an avid mountaineer. Sora shares her experiences climbing iconic peaks, the shift in her values towards nature and simplicity, and the technical skills she has developed over time. The conversation also touches on cultural insights from climbing in South America and the preparations for her upcoming climbs, including an 8,000-meter peak in Nepal. In this conversation, Sorah shares her journey in mountaineering, discussing the challenges of strength training, the importance of mindset, and the strategies she employs to prepare for climbs. She emphasizes the significance of mental resilience, recovery, and the unique challenges posed by crowds and oxygen use at high altitudes. Sorah reflects on her memorable climbs, the lessons learned from setbacks, and the joy of adventure in the mountains. Engagement Link https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Ice-Axes/GULLY https://mountainmadness.com/trips/ama-dablam#overview https://mountainmadness.com/trips/bolivia-huayna-potosi-and-illimani#overview

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Lisa Thompson explores the majestic Ama Dablam, a mountain renowned for its beauty and technical climbing challenges. The discussion covers the unique aspects of climbing Ama Dablam, including the necessary skills, the route taken, and the importance of acclimatization. Lisa emphasizes the cultural experience of climbing in the Khumbu region and the significance of being well-prepared for the challenges that Ama Dablam presents. The episode serves as a guide for climbers considering this iconic peak, highlighting the blend of technical skill, physical fitness, and cultural immersion required for a successful expedition. This conversation delves into the essential aspects of preparing for a climb of Ama Dablam, focusing on the importance of time, physical and mental preparation, necessary gear, and the logistics involved in a successful expedition. The speaker emphasizes the need for adequate acclimatization, technical climbing fitness, and the right equipment, while also addressing the mental challenges climbers face, such as exposure and patience. The discussion concludes with insights on the significance of team dynamics and support structures during the climb. Engagement Link https://mountainmadness.com/trips/ama-dablam#overview https://www.alpineathletics.net/ https://www.recal.training/

In this episode, Eric Riddleberger shares his transformative experience trekking the Snowman Trek in Bhutan. He discusses the initial decision to switch from a planned K2 Base Camp trek to Bhutan, the daily routines and challenges faced on the trail, and the rich cultural experiences encountered along the way. Eric emphasizes the importance of physical and mental preparation for such an arduous journey, highlighting how training enabled him to fully immerse himself in the experience. The conversation also touches on the unique cultural aspects of Bhutan, making it a destination worth exploring for adventure travelers. In this conversation, Eric Riddleberger shares his experiences in Bhutan, focusing on the importance of education, cultural sensitivity, and the challenges faced by local communities. He discusses his adventures in the wild, including encounters with snow leopards, and reflects on personal growth through travel. Eric emphasizes the transformative power of travel and encourages others to pursue their adventurous aspirations while providing practical advice for aspiring trekkers.

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host Lisa reflects on her six-month hiatus and shares significant changes in her life, including her recent acquisition of Mountain Madness, a renowned guiding company. She discusses the challenges and excitement of stepping into this new role, emphasizing her commitment to making climbing accessible and supportive for everyone, not just elite climbers. Lisa expresses her desire to create transformative experiences in the mountains while respecting the communities and environments they engage with. Looking ahead, Lisa reveals a new format for the podcast, focusing on sharing stories from mountain athletes and adventurers. She aims to extract valuable lessons from their experiences, fostering a sense of community and connection among listeners.

In this episode, Emma Schwerin shares her inspiring journey as the youngest American woman to complete the seven summits. From her early aspirations and the spark of inspiration that led her to mountaineering to the challenges she faced on Denali and Everest, Emma discusses the importance of grit, resilience, and support from her family and team. She offers practical tips for aspiring climbers, reflects on the emotional challenges of her climbs, and emphasizes the significance of self-belief and dreaming big. Engagement Link Round house boot fitters in Bozeman: https://roundhouse-sports.com/boot-fitting Rebecca Dent nutritionist: https://www.rebeccadent.co.uk/ Altitude Center in London: https://altitudecentre.com/for-mountaineering/ Summit Scholarship Calendar: https://www.summitscholarship.org/store/p/2025-women-of-mountaineering-wall-calendar

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Lisa Thompson discusses the critical role of decision-making in climbing. She emphasizes the cognitive challenges faced at high altitudes, the importance of frameworks for effective decision-making, and the common traps climbers fall into, such as summit fever and commitment bias. Leadership and communication within teams are highlighted as essential for safety, along with the value of regular check-ins and debriefing after climbs to improve future decision-making skills. Ultimately, Lisa stresses that while perfection is not required, preparation is key to navigating the challenges of climbing.

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Lisa Thompson delves into the essential preparations for climbing Everest and other high-altitude expeditions. She emphasizes the importance of tactical gear preparation, mental resilience, emotional support, and the logistics involved in such challenging endeavors. The conversation covers practical tips for gear maintenance, the psychological aspects of waiting at base camp, and strategies for mental and emotional fortitude during climbs. Lisa also discusses the significance of communication with loved ones and the need for a thoughtful reentry into everyday life after an expedition. Engagement Link How to Sharpen Crampons: https://youtu.be/WsbxEGSkUcA?si=D8BssDZqBg2mywzg After the Summit (Letdown Effect): https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/after-the-summit/id1726223273?i=1000662533544

In this episode, Tracee Metcalfe shares her incredible journey of climbing all 14 of the world's highest peaks, reflecting on the challenges, logistics, and emotional significance of her climbs. She discusses the hardest climb, Annapurna, and the meaningful experience of summiting Shisha Pangma after a tragic avalanche. Tracee emphasizes the importance of teamwork with Sherpas, mental resilience, and the role of connectivity during her expeditions. She also opens up about her fear of heights and the techniques she used to manage it throughout her climbing career. In this conversation, Tracee Metcalfe shares her insights on climbing, focusing on the mental and physical preparation required for high-altitude expeditions. She discusses the importance of acknowledging fear, using mantras, and the role of meditation in managing anxiety. Tracee also reflects on her physical training regimen, the challenges of reintegrating into everyday life after expeditions, and the personal growth she has experienced through her climbing journey. She emphasizes the need to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue climbing and shares practical tips for first-time climbers. Takeaways Tracee became the first US woman to complete climbing all 14 peaks. Annapurna was one of her most challenging climbs due to various issues. The emotional significance of summiting Shisha Pangma was profound for Tracee. She emphasizes the importance of letting Sherpas make safety decisions. Climbing rejuvenates her and provides a sense of purpose. She learned to manage her fear of heights through therapy techniques. Tracee reflects on the ethics of climbing and Sherpa safety. She acknowledges the challenges of logistics and planning for climbs. The journey of climbing has strengthened her relationships with family. Fear is a natural part of climbing that must be acknowledged. Using mantras can help calm the mind during climbs. Meditation can be beneficial for mental preparation. Physical training should be tailored to individual needs and limitations. Reintegration after an expedition can be challenging and requires self-compassion. Setting new goals can help with the transition back to everyday life. It's important to inspire others through personal climbing stories. Climbing is a journey of personal growth and self-acceptance. Engagement Link Tracee's website: https://traceelmetcalfe.com EMDR therapy: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/ Overview of 8,000 meter peaks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-thousander 5280: https://www.5280.com/tracee-metcalfe-pursues-the-worlds-highest-mountains/ Ascend Athletics: https://www.ascendathletics.org

In this conversation, Dave Taylor shares his journey of summiting Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, focusing on the lessons learned from his first attempt and the extensive preparation for his successful second attempt. The discussion covers the importance of team dynamics, personal reflection, training strategies, acclimatization, and the role of breath work in enhancing performance at high altitudes. Dave emphasizes the significance of self-assessment and adapting one's approach to achieve goals in mountaineering. In this conversation, Dave Taylor reflects on his recent climbing experience on Aconcagua, discussing the mental and physical preparation required for such an endeavor. He shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the emotional journey to the summit, and the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. The discussion also highlights the parallels between mountaineering and leadership, emphasizing the significance of training and mental resilience. Dave concludes with key takeaways for aspiring climbers, stressing the need for thorough preparation and a positive mindset. Takeaways There are no failures, only lessons learned. Team dynamics play a crucial role in climbing success. Self-reflection is key to improvement. Preparation involves both physical and mental aspects. Acclimatization is essential for high-altitude climbing. Using guides can enhance the climbing experience. Breath work can significantly improve performance. Trusting the training process is vital. Personal accountability is important in team settings. Every climber has their own approach to summiting. Stay in your bubble and avoid negative comparisons. Preparation is key; train thoroughly for your goals. Mental strength is as important as physical fitness. The emotional journey to the summit can be complex. Summiting is just halfway; the descent is equally challenging. Stay focused on what you can control, especially in uncertain situations. Lessons from climbing can translate to leadership and teamwork. Process over outcome is crucial in achieving goals. Limit outside distractions to stay present in the moment. Understand the unique challenges of each mountain you climb. Engagement Link LinkedIn: LDR Leadership, www.ldrleadership.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/livefast_playhard/ Dave's LinkedIn post about his Aconcagua summit: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidtaylor72_outdoors-climbing-process-activity-7280630851652968448-5Zwa?utm_source=combined_share_message&utm_medium=member_desktop_web

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, join me and Jacque as we discuss various aspects of mountaineering, including personal journeys, getting started in the sport, exploring lesser-known peaks, affordability, sun protection, the impact of cold therapy on strength training, and the importance of mindset in climbing. We share valuable tips and insights for both beginners and experienced climbers, emphasizing the significance of preparation, practice, and mental resilience in outdoor adventures. Takeaways Everyone's journey in mountaineering is unique. Starting with simple hikes can build confidence. Joining local mountain clubs can enhance learning. Courses and guides provide valuable skills and knowledge. Practice skills regularly to ensure readiness. Seek affordable local options for climbing trips. Sunscreen and lip protection are crucial in high altitudes. Cold therapy can hinder muscle growth if not timed correctly. Mental preparation is as important as physical training. Visualization and positive self-talk can enhance performance. Engagement Link Cold therapy research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518606/ Outer U: https://outeru.com/ – face glove Dermatone https://www.dermatone.com/ Guide Companies: Khangri Experience : https://www.khangriexperience.com/about Madison Mountaineering: https://madisonmountaineering.com/ Mountain Madness: https://mountainmadness.com/ Climbing the Seven Summits: https://climbingthesevensummits.com/ Summit Climb: https://www.summitclimb.com/ (I did my mountaineering course with Dan Mazur) Colorado Mountain Club: https://www.cmc.org/ Wasatch Mountain Guides: https://wasatchmountainguides.com/ Utah Mountain Adventures: https://www.utahmountainadventures.com/ San Juan Colorado Mountain Guides: https://mtnguide.net/ Nepal: https://www.thirdrockadventures.com/ (Gadul Tamang was my guide and he was AMAZING) https://www.himalayanglacier.com/ Kilimanjaro: https://eco-africaclimbing.com/ (they have an all women's climb) Avalanche training: FREE Avalanche intro course: https://www.kbyg.org/ Utah Avalanche Center (Avy education): https://utahavalanchecenter.org/ Colorado Avalanche Info Center (avy education): https://avalanche.state.co.us/ Facebook hiking/mountaineering groups: Wasatch Peak Baggers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/639286149434063 Wasatch Mountain Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/92268557972 Utah Women on the Ascent: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2671281463103052 Utah Backcountry Ski Touring: https://www.facebook.com/groups/999509393504378 Colorado 14ers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/82338447841 CO 14er Ladies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618505908320639 CO 14er Sloth Ladies (slower hikers group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/185321063068648 PNW Mountaineers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/507746076069464 Women of Mountaineering: https://www.facebook.com/groups/282106230188273/ Jacque's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@highelevationadventure Jacque's insta: https://www.instagram.com/jacque.tietjen/

Anthony Lorubbio shares his journey from aspiring professional athlete to breathwork coach. He discusses how he got into breathwork and the power it has to change our state of mind and body. He emphasizes the importance of breathing through the nose, breathing slowly, and breathing low into the diaphragm for optimal breath efficiency. Anthony also introduces his high altitude breathwork training program, which helps mountain athletes acclimate and perform better at high altitudes. In this conversation, Anthony Lorubbio discusses the high altitude simulation breathwork training program and its benefits for improving performance at high altitudes. The program focuses on two key areas: training carbon dioxide tolerance and increasing hemoglobin concentration. By manually changing chemoreceptor sensitivity to carbon dioxide, individuals can feel less breathless and breathe more optimally through the nose. Increasing hemoglobin concentration leads to a higher VO2 max and improved oxygen uptake. The five-week training program includes exercises for proper breathing mechanics, high altitude simulation breathwork protocols, and respiratory muscle training. Maintenance recommendations include regular breath assessments and the practice of breathe light exercises. Takeaways Breathing through the nose, breathing slowly, and breathing low into the diaphragm are key for optimal breath efficiency. There is a mismatch between our bodies' adaptation to natural environments and the modern world we live in. Anthony's high altitude breathwork training program is a pre-acclimatization addition to mountain athletes' training, helping them improve their breath efficiency and respiratory muscle strength. Proper breathing mechanics, acclimatization time, and training are all important for mountain athletes to perform better at high altitudes. High altitude simulation breathwork training can improve performance at high altitudes by training carbon dioxide tolerance and increasing hemoglobin concentration. Feeling breathless at high altitudes is often due to increased carbon dioxide levels, not lack of oxygen. The five-week training program includes exercises for proper breathing mechanics, high altitude simulation breathwork protocols, and respiratory muscle training. Maintenance recommendations include regular breath assessments and the practice of breathe light exercises. Breathing through the nose, breathing slow, and breathing low are key principles for optimal breathing. Engagement Link The Story of the Human Body by Daniel E. Lieberman Oxygen Advantage Buckle Up with Simon and Brian: An Ultrarunning Conversation (Ep. #20 with Anthony Lorubbio from Recal) Learn How to Train for Altitude with Breathwork Instagram: Recal Travel Instagram: Anthony Lorubbio

Aconcagua is the highest peak in the southern and western hemispheres, located on the border between Argentina and Chile. It is a popular mountain for climbers who want to summit all seven summits or challenge themselves at high elevation. There are two main routes: the normal route and the 360 route. The normal route is straightforward but still challenging, taking about three weeks to complete. The 360 route is longer and less popular, but offers a more solitary and scenic experience. Climbers should be prepared for harsh weather, heavy packs, and rocky terrain. Training and acclimatization are key to success on Aconcagua. Takeaways Aconcagua is the highest peak in the southern and western hemispheres, located on the border between Argentina and Chile. There are two main routes to climb Aconcagua: the normal route and the 360 route. Climbers should be prepared for harsh weather, heavy packs, and rocky terrain. Training and acclimatization are important for success on Aconcagua. Engagement Link Aconcagua: A Climbing Guide by Ralph Lee Hopkins with this hyperlink: https://amzn.to/4g3wogw Aconcagua Training Guide: https://www.alpineathletics.net/multiweek-expedition

Rebecca Dent, a dietitian specializing in sports nutrition, shares her journey into working with endurance sports and mountain athletes. She emphasizes the importance of planning and practicing a nutrition strategy for optimal performance. Some common mistakes athletes make include not planning and practicing their nutrition and hydration strategy, forgetting to eat and drink during activity, and starting to eat and drink too late. Dent recommends creating a nutrition strategy per hour of moving time and focusing on carbohydrates as the primary fuel source. She also discusses the importance of recovery nutrition and how to recover from bonking. In this conversation, Rebecca Dent discusses hydration and nutrition strategies for endurance athletes. She emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated during training and provides tips for maintaining optimal hydration levels. Rebecca also addresses the topic of intermittent fasting and explains why it is not recommended for athletes. She highlights the natural increase in fat oxidation that occurs through endurance training and advises against the need for fasting training. Overall, Rebecca provides valuable insights into the role of hydration and nutrition in optimizing performance for endurance athletes. Takeaways Plan and practice a nutrition strategy for optimal performance in endurance sports and mountain activities. Common mistakes include not planning and practicing nutrition, forgetting to eat and drink, and starting to eat and drink too late. Focus on carbohydrates as the primary fuel source during activity. Recovery nutrition is important for replenishing energy and supporting muscle repair. If you experience bonking, consume fast-acting carbohydrates and back it up with more substantial food. Staying hydrated during training is crucial for optimal performance and energy levels. Carrying a sports drink and regularly sipping on it can help maintain energy levels and offset dehydration. Intermittent fasting is not recommended for endurance athletes as it can lead to negative health and performance consequences. Endurance training naturally increases fat oxidation rates, eliminating the need for fasting training. Focus on fueling your training and giving your body time to adapt and improve. Engagement Link https://www.rebeccadent.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/high_performance_dietitian/ Sweat Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHZPWGHHh20