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September 21st, 2018

Yesterday, I made it to camp 1 at 21,000/6,400m! We touched camp 1 and went back to abc to sleep. Tomorrow, we will head up to sleep at camp 1 and then go higher to prepare for the summit attempt. One week ago, there was no way I imagined I would be back up on the mountain, especially not at these altitudes. I was so sick, all I could think about was going home. Sometimes, those setbacks along the way make the accomplishments even sweeter. There is no such thing as an easy 8000m peak. I’m taking it one day at a time and breaking it into manageable pieces, but hot damn, I am so grateful to be here, surrounded by the most stunning mountains and glaciers I’ve ever seen. #MountainsAreForEveryone #chofosho

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September 20th, 2018

Someone I have always been inspired by is fellow @clifbar ambassador @hilareenelson. Right now, she and @jimwmorrison and team are on a neighboring peak, Lhotse, to ski one of the most beautiful unskied couloirs in the world. Follow them on their journey through their handles or hashtag #lhotseski18.Before I went on my first high altitude ski mountaineering trip five years ago, I asked Hilaree about her favorite things to eat at altitude. She told me, @clifbar gels and Pringles. I took her advice and climbed and skied my first 6000m peak. I love gels because they are easy to consume at altitude when you are not producing much saliva, and the sugars are easily absorbed. Thanks for the tip Hilaree! Photo: @nickkalisz

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September 18th, 2018

Back up at advanced base camp! If we feel good tomorrow, we might go to touch camp 1. This trip has been one of the most physically and mentally challenging trips of my life. And that’s why we chose it. Thanks for all the kind words and supportive comments. I’m glad to be feeling ok again. #MountainsAreForEveryone #chofosho @keen #keenambassador Photo: @rob.lea

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September 16th, 2018

After four days at advanced base camp, my cough got worse and worse. I was losing strength. It became difficult to do simple tasks like walk to the bathroom. I almost stopped peeing all together. My oxygen saturation was low, and after a really rough night, we knew it was time for me to descend. I was so weak, @rob.lea did all the packing while @solitude66 and @topomena organized logistics, and I went on supplemental oxygen. I felt so embarrassed walking out of camp, but sometimes you have to hold your head up high and let go of your pride. We are only human. I even made up an alter ego for my oxygen mask face: baby Darth Vader. It helped me feel more badass in that low moment, and gave me strength for the hike back down to basecamp. When I got down, @adrianballinger reminded me that sometimes, altitude sickness just happens. It has nothing to do with fitness, preparation or experience. I’m trying not to be too hard on myself during this time. I’ve been resting now for a few days at basecamp. Tomorrow, I’m going to go back up to abc. I’m a little scared from what happened, but I’m going to give it another go and take it one step at a time. Huge thanks to Rob and the team for taking such good care of me while I was sick!

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September 12th, 2018

Expectations are not always a good thing to have, especially when climbing a big mountain. I came here to the Himalayas to find a challenge, and I am finding it. Adjusting to life at advanced base camp on Cho Oyu at 18,500’/5700m has been extremely difficult for me. I had an expectation that I would perform well on this trip, but I am feeling poorly, with headaches, nausea and a hacking cough. It’s a good reminder to take it one moment at time and not get discouraged. Part of the team went to camp 1 today and I stayed at advanced base camp to rest. Luckily, I am surrounded by a supportive team from @alpenglowexpeditions and we are taking good care of each other. Hopefully my condition will continue to improve with another day or two of rest! #adventuredoneright #chofosho

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