Big climbs energize me. It's all the other aspects of being a pro-climber that wear me down. The travel and expeditions and training can become pretty tiring. But the actual big climbs - that's what I live for. Alex Honnold actualaspectbig share on social
I love the feeling of touching the rock, the feeling of my body going up the rock. Alex Honnold bodyfeltlove Change image and share on social
Anything called the Teflon Corner is not sweet for free-soloing. Alex Honnold callcornerfree Change image and share on social
The simple facts of Chadian life - what it takes to survive in that kind of climate with nothing but a hut and some animals - stunned me. And this made me realize, perhaps for the first time, how easy my life was compared to those of people in less privileged societies. Alex Honnold animalchadianclimate share on social
The diet for climbing all the time isn't really different from the diet for living. It's not like cardio sports where you're burning a bajillion calories every day. Alex Honnold bajillionburncalorie Change image and share on social
To be clear, I normally climb with a rope and partner. Free-soloing makes up only a small percentage of my total climbing. But when I do solo, I manage the risk through careful preparation. I don't solo anything unless I'm sure I can do it. Alex Honnold carefulclearclimb share on social
Music can be useful during training to help get you psyched, and I still listen to music on easy climbs or in the gym. But during cutting-edge solos or really hard climbs, I unplug. There shouldn't be a need for extra motivation on big days, be it music or anything else. It should come from within. Alex Honnold bigclimbcut share on social
Filming typically takes a bit away from the climbing experience, since you have to stop all the time and shoot. Alex Honnold biteclimbexperience Change image and share on social
My sister does all this community-service type stuff in Portland that makes the world a much better place. And I make as much in a two-day commercial shoot as she does in five years, which is ridiculous. Alex Honnold commercialcommunityday share on social
I know that when I'm standing alone below a thousand-foot wall, looking up and considering a climb, my sponsors are the furthest thing from my mind. If I'm going to take risks, they are going to be for myself - not for any company. Alex Honnold climbcompanyfar share on social