She Fell 50 Feet On El Cap… and KEPT CLIMBING
Rich Roll
Oct 6, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Incorporate red light face mask for enhanced skin health
The host uses a Bon Charge red light face mask as a simple, science-backed daily routine to improve skin health.
Innovate with creative solutions to overcome physical challenges
To overcome a crack that was too wide for her small feet, the climber put her partner's larger shoes on over her own to create a functional wedge.
Use electrolytes and salty foods to prevent hand cramping during climbs
During long climbs, hand cramping is a significant issue that can be managed by consuming salty foods and electrolytes.
Leverage vulnerability as a performance strength
Expressing emotions and vulnerability, often seen as a weakness in elite performance, can be a source of strength and is more energy-efficient than suppressing them.
Accelerate acclimatization with hypoxic training
By sleeping in an altitude tent (hypoxic training), climbers can significantly shorten the time needed for high-altitude expeditions like Everest from months to around 35 days.
Embrace discomfort to achieve a meaningful life
Echoing psychologist Susan David, the climber's experience proves that discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.
Recognize red flags to regain control and improve outcomes
After a major fall, the climber recognized that the incident resulted from ignoring red flags that were fully within her control, giving her agency to try again differently.
Validate feelings to transform your relationship with fear and self-doubt
Working with a mental health coach involves validating feelings of fear or self-doubt and then shifting your relationship to them, rather than trying to eliminate them.
Train for endurance and power to conquer El Capitan
Training for El Capitan is like preparing for an ultra-marathon where you must perform your best mile splits at the very end, requiring a difficult balance of endurance and power.
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