Effort and pain may not be avoided. Physical and psychological breakdowns occur. The support of a like-minded group, dedicated to The Art of Suffering, provides a safety net. An individual will push harder and risk more in the company of trustworthy peers.

Ultimately, I wanted to own a big truck, exercise my second Amendment rights, listen to hardcore music, and let my congressman know how poorly he represents me. None of this could occur in France.

Crested Butte is for spectators; Chamonix is for participants.

Punish the body to perfect the soul.

I don't actually care what I climb, only how it affects me. Which means the summit doesn't matter as much as the emotional process.

Sometimes you must sacrifice yourself on the altar of effort to be reminded of what and who you could become if you applied yourself.

It doesn't have to be fun to be fun.