Who we are.

We are capable of achieving incredible and often unbelievable feats. The question is; what gives us the drive to do so? When you’re in a shitstorm ascending some monstrosity, sweating like a beaver, short of breath, hearing your own incessant heartbeat. Or pushing hard in training, applying the principle of overload, praying for that extra rep or a faster time; what keeps you going? Is it just pure masochism? Is it ego-fuelling? Is it just because you can? Or is there a more fundamental reason…

We choose to place ourselves on the edge, exposed to the extremes; forced to ace that move, survive the heat, brave the cold, and overcome the obstacle.

- - - ENDORPHINS *

The adrenaline hit, the release of endorphins, the physical and mental progression; all logical and natural reasoning for our adventurephilia. But there’s more than just the temporary fix; the adventure bug bites hard and it doesn’t let go. It’s infectious. It’s often difficult not to be inspired by someone else’s drive and achievements, whether you’re part of a group training session or watching a world record solo ascent of the Eiger.

Complexities aside, it all boils down to the simple fact that as living beings, the act of progression is hardwired into our brains. Whatever our interests, we push to achieve greatness in order to evolve and master our ability to survive. If you do something enough you will get good at it, whether it’s sitting on your arse or running an ultra-marathon. It’s what you do that defines you; we have this drive because it makes us who we are.

Psyche-binge.

G.