In the mountains, fatigue is the biggest controllable limitation that will come between you and success.

Climbers are a universal tribe: we share the knowledge that things are not important. Experience is important. Feeling is important.

On big routes in big mountains, speed equals safety.

Alpinism places unique demands on its practitioners.

The simpler we make things, the richer the experiences become.

Within alpinism's narrow framework we seek transcendence and relentlessly pursue what remains hidden from us on flat ground: our true selves.

In no organized sport do the participants have to endure days of struggle just to get to the starting line of their event. The option to drop out of a race that is going badly does not exist for a climber halfway up a big route, and may entail more risk than pushing on. A team of volunteers will not be waiting with warm blankets and hot food at the next bivy ledge. When you reach the summit, having overcome the challenges that inspired you for months or years, you are not at the finish line. The race is not over. You can't relax and let your guard down like a normal athlete.