“When you’re climbing well the fear is not there. You’re doing something that you know you can do, something that should pose you no apparent difficulties. Yes, there are moments when you question yourself, moments when you have to pull yourself together. Doubts can creep in anywhere, but you can also stop and pause and recover yourself. That’s a normal part of climbing. Climbing is a process that requires you to constantly make the move, to travel upwards. It’s different than other gravity-assisted sports like snowboarding or skydiving. With those the impulse to stop is removed by the speed of your descent. With climbing it’s a process that requires you to constantly make the move, to travel upwards. Climbing requires a deeper commitment. Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t really a point of no return. Most ascents can be descended. There isn’t a point when you have to keep on going no matter what. You can always retrace your steps. It is just that downward climbing isn’t something that I usually do.”