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The Psychology of Climbing a Mountain
Published in collaboration with Performance Edge.
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Last autumn our own, Kim Keegan (a Clinical Psychologist), was part of a 14-member group that set out on a 30-day trip into the Himalayas. The itinerary included an attempt to summit Mera Peak (6,476m), a cross over the Amphu Labtsa pass (5,780m), and final summit of Island Peak (6,189m). This two-part article captures Kim’s observations of the traits and techniques that characterised this group’s journey. These ideas are applicable to all aspects of endurance sport and may be applied to your performance-related goals.
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1) Focus on the journey not the summit. Beginning our mountain expedition with an acclimatisation trek through a dark and damp forest seemed to challenge our group; we longed to leave the leeches and rush to the glory of the glacier. However, this was the journey and just as important as the time spent climbing higher up. Unbeknown to us, this time was our training and an important time to rehearse the psychological skills that would condition us for summit day. Patience, perseverance, and positivity were needed to survive both ends of the physical spectrum from a monotonous rest day to a strenuous summit push.
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2) Keep your mind in the present. Long days spent walking in silence can give your mind the opportunity to jump ahead of itself. This was most evident when thoughts became preoccupied with summit day. How cold would it be? Would the weather allow us access? Did we each have the strength? We had a long way to go and we could not know what lay ahead waiting for us. It seemed most helpful for our group to break things down and focus on one task at a time. This way objectives could be overcome hour-by-hour, day-by-day, and with small victories came greater confidence.
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3) Be a team player. At times, it was difficult for us to stay connected as a team; individuals had their own ideas about how we should be progressing which led to a wish to separate from the shared needs of the team. However, it was vital to remember that we were part of a bigger picture. This consisted of the UK-based expedition team who had meticulously planned our itinerary and acclimatisation; our mountain leader; and the Sherpas, porters and kitchen staff who made it possible for us to even spend one night on the mountain. Although it was necessary for each of us at times to withdraw inwards and find the personal resources to withstand the hard times, we existed within a network and were stronger because of it. It takes courage to let your team and your leader truly know you, and for you to come to know them; but in doing so, the connection you build will give you a deeper understanding of what the other needs from you.
4) Keep an open mind. It became an emerging pattern that predetermined expectations, rituals and routines could interfere with flexible adaptation to the situation at hand. The weather will not always conform to forecasts, favourite socks will not always dry, and available food may not always be to your taste. Be prepared, but also be prepared for those plans to change.
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5) Allow yourself to be vulnerable. It was taken for granted that on a trip of this nature each of us would face daily personal battles however we did not predict how differently these would manifest in each of us. While some doubted their fitness, others struggled with the distance from loved ones. Physical strength, motivation and resilience will naturally ebb and flow. Personally, I learnt that in the times you need help - take it. Similarly, if someone needs your support - help them.
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6) Detach (somewhat) from home. For the first three weeks, team members were focused on the task at hand. However, there came a time for each of us when we seemed to allow our thoughts to become preoccupied with the family, home comforts, work or troubles we had left behind. This shift was clear to see, it was as though people had physically turned around in their mind and started their journey towards home. Try to ensure this happens at the moment of your choice. Before this point allow home comforts - music, pictures, family – to provide enough meaning to carry on but not too much to change your mind!
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7) Accept discomfort. To resist something will only give it more power to eat away at you. This may be physical fatigue, a frustrating team mate, or an indefinite wait. Our daily personal limits fluctuated depending on a range of different factors. However, it seemed that those amongst us who expected a certain level of discomfort could more effectively embrace it when it occurred.
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8) Find humour and capitalise on it. One thing this experience showed me is that suffering and happiness can occur in close proximity to one another and may even rely on one another. The extent of the oppressive bitter cold could be fully appreciated with the contrast of the warm dancing sunlight. In a situation where risk and hardship were dominant it helped to compliment the serious with the silly.
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9) Be willing to learn. It is through testing ourselves that we can learn to fully know and trust ourselves. However, with every test comes the risk of defeat. Perceived failure can bring up difficult emotions and reactions in all of us. The month was a rare opportunity for each of us to dedicate a significant amount of time to look towards ourselves and ask important questions. Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself about the things you find challenging. Exposing yourself to failure is an admirable endeavour and one that can grant you access to untapped potential.
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