In this episode, host Lisa Thompson provides a wealth of tips and advice for preparing to climb Mount Everest. She shares insights on physical training, mental preparation, gear selection, nutrition, teammates, and more based on her own experience climbing the mountain as well as coaching other climbers.

Key Discussion Points

• Overview of Everest history, including the first confirmed and controversial first summits (00:02:12)
• Primary routes—north/Tibet side vs south/Nepal side - and their pros and cons (00:06:45)
• Physical training tips: building cardio capacity, mountain-specific strength, and endurance (00:13:31)
• Importance of mental toughness above 23,000 ft (00:20:30)
• Practical preparation tips: inform loved ones, watch route videos, set nutrition plan, and assemble gear early (00:21:50)
• Strategies during climb - boundaries, positive self-talk, anticipating worries (00:25:38)
• Motivational tools - voice memos from friends, letter to self (00:45:50)

Key Quotes

"I just think that there is so much that you learn when you're on a Himalayan expedition about coping and being away from home and living in an inhospitable environment and, you know, working with an environment and, you know, working with a diverse team of people you may not know." (00:11:35)

"It's up to each of us to be a little more considerate and a little more adaptable and a little more accommodating." (00:36:38) on team dynamics

"I want if I'm coaching you, I want everything that you're carrying to be functional so that it's gonna help you get up and down the mountain and putting on extra fat before you go isn't going to do that." (00:44:38) on gaining weight before the climb

Community and Engagement Links

The Third Pole by Mark Synnott

Lisa's Everest blog

The Altitude Center