In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host Lisa Thompson discusses the impact of mindfulness and mindset on performance for mountain athletes. She shares how practices like meditation, intention-setting, visualization, and breathwork can transform both climbing ability and overall wellbeing. Key Discussion Points The connection between mindset and performance, initially noticed when a seemingly capable climber turned around early on Mt. Rainier due to mental barriers (00:01:00) Research showing meditation physically changes the brain to improve focus and decrease reactivity/fear (00:07:00) Tips for building a meditation practice, starting with just 5 minutes a day (00:21:41) Using mantras and intention-setting to override negative self-talk and reframe challenges (00:29:15) Leveraging visualization to pre-experience difficult sections of a climbing route (00:35:59)  Not ignoring fear but categorizing it and reframing it before moving forward (00:33:24) Community and Engagement Links Studies: NIH study Purdue study Your brain doesn’t know the difference between what you think and experience  Meditation Apps: Calm Headspace Insight timer Book: The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford

In this episode of the podcast, mountaineer Lisa Thompson shares tips and insights on climbing Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley), the highest peak in North America. Listeners can expect to learn about the history of the mountain, what makes it challenging to climb, best practices for training, fitness and gear preparation, and managing life after returning from a big mountain expedition.  Key Discussion Points: History and meaning behind the name "Denali" (00:00:33) Geological features like the steep relief add to the challenge (00:02:02)  Typical timing of the climbing season and conditions that impact summit success rates (00:04:15) Physical demands like carrying heavy loads on sleds and tips for self-care (00:05:46) Required mountaineering skills like crevasse rescue and efficient movement in crampons (00:47:01) Mental preparation strategies and training in bad weather (00:44:51)  Gear considerations like having a backup plan if heated accessories fail (00:52:17) Coming home after weeks in harsh conditions and feeling disconnected (00:57:38) Community and Engagement Links https://www.alpineathletics.net/webinar  Minus 148 Degrees: https://amzn.to/47J1lB9   Desire and Ice: https://amzn.to/47K3hJC  The Last of His Kind: https://amzn.to/3Swb6hW  In the Shadow of Denali: https://amzn.to/3Std1nl   

In this inspiring podcast episode, join mountaineer, coach, and author Lisa Thompson as she shares her incredible journey from being an unathletic kid in Illinois to becoming a seasoned mountaineer in Seattle. Discover how defiance led her into the world of mountaineering and how she found her true purpose along the way. Lisa's story will ignite your own passion for adventure and inspire you to uncover your 'why' in pursuit of your passions. Learn why understanding your motivation is crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving your mountain climbing goals. Let Coach Lisa Thompson guide you in harnessing your 'why' to enrich your experiences, push through difficulties, and make every climb an elevation of your life. Key topics Lisa covers include: [00:00:40] Choosing Your Why: The Defiant Path to Mountaineering [00:03:01] Finding My Why in the Mountains [00:06:57] Understanding your why: The importance of digging into your motivations for adventurous pursuits [00:20:53] Finding Your Why in Mountain Climbing Resources Mental Training for Ultrarunning  by Addie Bracy  Community and Engagement Links lisaclimbs.com alpineathletics.net  

Are you adventurous at heart and ready to take on a big goal but not sure how to prepare, or what to expect when you get there? Join mountaineer, seven summiter, and founder of Alpine Athletics Lisa Thompson each month as she shares strategies and tips that have worked for her and her clients.  Each episode contains powerful insight and guidance to help you, the eager mountain athlete build the confidence you need to elevate your life through the outdoors.