In 2006 Sophia became the first African American and first Black woman to climb Mount Everest in the Himalayas.
Sophia first major climb was at Mt Rainier in Washington State in 2002. Over the next two years she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt Baker, and Mt Kenya.
In 2005 she scaled five peaks: Grand Teton, Mount Katahdin, Mount Denali, Mount Tasman, and Ama Dablam.
During this episode Sophia shares more about her passion for mountaineering and how her climbing evolved. Sophia talks about her Mt. Everest experience and what it was like on the mountain for summit day. She shares advice and top tips to help you achieve your goals.
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Show notes
Having an unusual childhood and growing up between Japan and the USA
Not being sporty but spending time in the outdoors
Not growing up with indoor plumbing
Moving to Chicago in the middle of winter at age 6
The culture shock of moving countries
Going back to visit Japan after college and living there for 4 years
Her passion for the mountains
Learning to climb outdoors
Being inspired by her friend to go and climb Mt. Rainier in Washington State
Using all her holidays to climb
Why she loves spending time in the mountains
4 years before climbing Mt. Everest
Feeling free to fail
The challenges faced while climbing
Going to climb Cho Oyo (sixth-highest mountain in the world at 8,188 metres (26,864 ft) above sea level)
How the Mt. Everest climb came about
Making the decision to climb…
Giving herself permission to fail
The reactions of friends and family
Dealing with the paperwork for Mt, Everest
The Body Disposal Form
What happens if you die on the mountain
Fears….. or feeling scared?
What summit night was like
Reaching the summit of Mt. Everest!
Moving at pace on the mountain and using the smaller oxygen tanks
Breaking trail through the snow
Climbing with International Mountain Guides (IMG) - https://www.mountainguides.com/about.shtml
Doing yoga and meditation
Dealing with a few back problems
Advice for women and girls who want to get into mountain climbing
Social Media
Website www.danenberg.org
Instagram @sophiaclimbs
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