climbing

Alex Honnold is history’s greatest ever climber in the free solo style, meaning he ascends without a rope or protective equipment of any kind.

Above about 50 feet, any fall would likely be lethal, which means that, on epic days of soloing, he might spend 12 or more hours in the Death Zone. 

On the hardest parts of some climbing routes, his fingers will have no more contact with the rock than most people have with the touchscreens of their phones, while his toes press down on edges as thin as sticks of gum. 

Just watching a video of Honnold climbing will trigger some degree of vertigo, heart palpitations, or nausea in most people, and that’s if they can watch them at all. Even Honnold has said that his palms sweat when he watches himself on film.

In this episode, Alex shares the unique mindset he brings to some of the most incredible human feats ever accomplished. We chat about his family life, how he receives love, and what it was like for Free Solo to win an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film – you won’t want to miss this episode!

His new show on Nat Geo launched February 4th, 2024 on Disney+ - Arctic Ascent: With Alex Honnold

Listen to Alex’s podcast - Climbing Gold

In this episode you will learn

• How to prepare mentally and physically for life’s toughest challenges, such as climbing a 3,000+ foot wall without a rope.
• The importance of navigating fear and maintaining a clear mindset in high-stress situations.
• The impact of mentorship and community in achieving your goals.
• The role of visualization and goal-setting in achieving seemingly impossible feats.
• The benefits of embracing a minimalist lifestyle and focusing on what truly matters in life.

For more information go to www.lewishowes.com/1581

For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960

More SOG episodes we think you’ll love:

Nick Lavery – https://link.chtbl.com/1359-pod

Dean Karnazes – https://link.chtbl.com/1280-pod

Brigitte Muir's dream to climb the seven highest mountains on each of the seven continents took much longer and cost her more than she expected, but she also discovered more about herself than she could have imagined

Adventure Travel, Ecuador, Climbing

Karl Egloff
International Mountain Guide / Professional Mountain Athlete
Cumbre Tours Ecuador

I was born and raised in Ecuador, studied business administration in Switzerland, dedicated myself to guiding all over the world (Switzerland, Ecuador, Venezuela, Turkey, Egypt) and decided to return to Ecuador to train professionally as a guide and open my own mountain agency.

Since 2014 I started to set speed records in important mountains such as the local ones, Cotopaxi-Cayambe-Chimborazo-Ilinizas as the emblematic 7summits Kilimanjaro - Aconcagua- Elbrus, Denali. In 2022 together with my partner we were able to set a speed record on the fifth highest mountain on the planet, Makalu 8482m without the use of oxygen and climb/descend the entire mountain from base camp in a single push without sleeping in any camp.

I am a father of two children and happily married to my Ecuadorian wife and between elite sport, projects, guiding and family I try to have a healthy and ambitious balance but above all fair for everyone. My project is called FKT 7 and it is about setting a world record in speed on the highest mountain of each continent but above all to continue guiding, receiving people from all over the world in Ecuador and with my agency all over the world, helping to fulfill the dream of many and to be part of it.

Summary

In this episode, Karl Egloff, a mountain guide and speed climber, shares his journey from early exposure to mountaineering to becoming a professional athlete. He discusses his passion for speed climbing and the challenges he has faced in pushing his limits. Karl also highlights the rewarding experiences he has had as a guide, including guiding a blind client to the summit of Aconcagua. Overall, Karl's story emphasizes the importance of connection and the transformative power of the mountains. In this conversation, Jason Elkins speaks with Karl Egglov, a mountaineer and founder of Cumbre Tours. They discuss Karl's passion for climbing and his experiences in the mountains. Karl shares his insights on climbing gear, training, and the beauty of the natural world. He also talks about the services offered by Cumbre Tours, including trekking tours and cultural experiences. The conversation concludes with Jason highlighting Karl's positive impact on others in the climbing community.

http://www.cumbretours.com/

Takeaways

• Early exposure to mountaineering shaped Karl's passion for the mountains and desire to become a mountain guide.
• Karl's speed climbing career has allowed him to push his limits and achieve world records, while also balancing his responsibilities as a father and guide.
• Guiding clients, especially those with unique challenges, has been a rewarding experience for Karl, emphasizing the importance of connection and the transformative power of the mountains.
• Karl's story highlights the need for balance and proper preparation when pursuing extreme sports, as well as the importance of having a plan B and prioritizing safety. Karl Egglov is a passionate mountaineer and founder of Cumbre Tours.
• Cumbre Tours offers a wide range of services, including climbing tours, trekking tours, and cultural experiences.
• Karl is knowledgeable about climbing gear and training and is always available to answer questions and provide advice.
• Karl has had a positive impact on others in the climbing community, mentoring and inspiring fellow climbers.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Recently, while in Colorado to see family, I climbed the iconic Manitou Springs Incline–which is a very steep 1-mile trail. I climbed in the dark so I could see the stunning sunrise from the top.

Hi, this is Allen Burris from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with today’s Minute Message.

The sunrise did not disappoint. It was a reward for climbing the dark. To climb in the dark, I had a little headlamp that illuminated just a few steps at a time; that’s all I needed to see–that’s really all I wanted to see.

Psalm 119:105 came to mind during the climb: Your word is a lamp to guide my feet.

God sometimes only illuminates a few steps at a time because that’s all we need. Informed by His Word, we walk by faith, trusting Him with the unknown and unseeable, believing in the end, beauty awaits.

Let me encourage you to simply keep moving forward with God one step at a time. It will be worth it all!

Professional climbing, new motherhood, and personal hardship.

Colorado based Rab athlete Heather Weidner shares the journey and philosophy behind her elite level sport and trad climbing achievements, and the meaning behind the routes she climbs.

A former ballet dancer and veterinary surgeon, Heather recently became a mother. In this podcast episode, she discusses the challenges and joys of climbing throughout pregnancy, and her approach to getting back on the wall after birth.

Balancing bikepacking expeditions to remote wilderness with corporate and family life.

Rab ambassador Nat Williams shares the highs and lows of biking in remote regions, from traversing Iceland on two-wheels to the 1900KM Silk Road Mountain Race through Kyrgyzstan.

What are the unique challenges of cycling at altitude? How do you prepare for the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions? What are Natt’s top tips for planning journeys through some of the world’s most challenging cycling terrain?

And, how do you balance all of this with ‘a proper grown-up job in London’ and a young family?

Managing the mindset for adventure after a life-changing climbing accident.

Paralysed in a climbing accident as a young woman, Karen Darke explores the mindset needed to approach extreme adventure, and shares her mantra that ‘ability is a state of mind’.

Karen’s curious and creative nature has led her to live a life full of thrills, from traversing Greenland on skis, climbing El Cap, Himalayan hand biking, and even competing in two Paralympic Games.

Studious and inquisitive, Karen continues to inspire others and challenge the status quo through her books, talks, and workshops.

After avoiding Patagonia for 20 years, blind adventurer, Erik Weihenmayer recounts his inaugural trip to El Valle de Silencio with his friend, Chilean climber and photographer, Felipe Tapia Nordenflycht.

Although from Chile, Felipe has never had the opportunity to visit the climbers' paradise that sits in his home country. They discuss their aim to make Erik the first blind person to stand atop Torre Norte, and to fulfill a lifelong dream of Felipe's.

How do you seek out quality new routes? And, how to adapt your beta and approach to accommodate disability? 

Born with limb difference in one hand, Scottish new route pioneer Kev Shields discusses how a sense of community and trust in those around him help him achieve his climbing goals, as he embarks on a quest to send his first E8 trad route. 

In this episode, Kev shares how he has learnt to work with the unique challenges of his disability in climbing and training, and explores the positive impact of climbing on his mental health, self-respect, and sense of purpose.

After losing her lower leg in an avalanche in the Alps, Jo Newton shares her journey through trauma to the international paraclimbing competition stage.

A story so powerful it compels you to listen, Jo’s responses to trauma pay testament to the best of the human spirit, courage, friendship and determination.

A single mum and Engineering Director working on cutting-edge plastics recycling solutions, Jo's company, Reventas, are unwavering in their support for her paraclimbing career.

Grab a cuppa, sit back. This is Jo’s remarkable story.

What does it take to become the youngest woman to cycle around the world? 

Setting out at just 19 years old, Rab athlete Vedangi Kulkarni became the youngest woman to cycle the 29,000km across 15 countries around the globe. 

Vedangi discovered her passion for bikes on a Brighton to London cycle during her university studies. In fact, she loved the experience so much that she carried on to northern Scotland. 

On route, she read a book about cycling solo around the world, that sparked her next adventure. 

Host Andy Cave caught up with Vedangi part way through her recent mission in Ladakh. 

Environmental education: it’s our responsibility. 

In this special edition of The Mountain People Podcast, Debbie Read, our Head of Corporate Communications and CSR, talks with Science Presenter Huw James about why industries should be leading the charge on environmental education and passing on their knowledge to consumers.

Can high-performance outdoor gear ever be completely sustainable?

In this special edition episode of The Mountain People Podcast, Science Presenter Huw James and Rab Design Director Tim Fish delve into the challenges and limitations we face when creating more sustainable gear. 

How to source more sustainable outdoor gear: challenges and informed choices.

In this special edition episode of The Mountain People Podcast, Science Presenter Huw James joins host Andy Cave to discuss the challenges of buying sustainable gear, understanding what makes it sustainable, and how we can help our customers make informed choices.

Navigating identity, the importance of community, and new motherhood in the outdoors.
 

Having recently become a new mother to twins, Rab athlete Hetty Kingston shares her journey of gravel biking throughout pregnancy.

Hetty gives insight into her lived experiences of pregnancy in the outdoors, and debunks the myths and conflicting advice she encountered along the way.

Discover the transformative power of skill sharing at Climbing Life Kenya, in collaboration with the Global Climbing Initiative.

In this episode, Rab athlete and coach Marcus Garcia, Liz Ndindi and Dani Dobrot join host Andy Cave as they reflect on their journey of growth, empowerment, safety and inclusivity as they guide an emerging climbing community on the road to self-discovery. 

Join Kelli as she explores Rainbow Valley, a place in the death zone of Mount Everest, high up above 8,000 meters (over 26,000 feet), where your body slowly dies off, cell by cell, because of the extreme cold and lack of oxygen. The Rainbow Valley is made colorful by the jackets of the dead climbers that you'll have to climb over on your way to the peak of our world, the summit of Mount Everest.

Oh, also, many other disgusting things litter the mountain other than body parts and corpses - TONS of trash and piles of human feces. And it only has one way to go from the top - down to the people living below.

Intro and Outro music credit: Nedric
Find him on all streaming services and YouTube, and check out his debut EP, Yello Kake!

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Click this link to get set up with Buzzsprout and you'll get a $20 credit to sign up! 

Buster has been climbing since childhood. He competed for his country as a junior competitor where he made European Championship finals, World Cup semi finals and numerous domestic comp victories. Buster's main focus now is rock climbing. He's the second brit to climb 9a+/36 with his ascent of First Ley in Margalef. Buster has also climbed countless routes in the 8c+-9a 34-35 range including the historic test pieces Hubble and Action Directe.

In this chat, we dig into Buster's preparation for Action Directe, the worlds first 9a/35. His pocket training, finger injury recovery and just a bit of froth about the route overall. We also talk about his coaching business, his approach to coaching and how it all works. When we spoke with Buster, he was preparing for a trip to Spain to try a crazy 9b/37 called First Round First Minute, put up by Chris Sharma in 2011.

Buster started Kaizen Climbing, his coaching business, to share his knowledge and psyche for training with as many people as he could. If you're interested in connecting with Kaizen, head to their website and give them a follow on instagram. There really is some awesome information in there.

Video of Buster on Action Directe

Video of Buster on Hubble

Buster's instagram

Baffle Days' favourite training books can be found here

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Adventurers and extreme athletes, who jump off bridges and walk across deserts, have a reputation for being fearless daredevils who take unnecessary risks. But sport psychologist Dr Eric Brymer says feeling fear is vital to the mind of the adventurer