Eanna McGowan

In a few days, the journey changes. For the past number of months, Everest has been a constant presence in the background of everyday life — early mornings, late evenings, training blocks fitted around work, logistics, setbacks, decisions, and the steady awareness that the margin for error becomes smaller the closer you get. Soon, the preparation phase ends and the real test begins. This will likely be the final post before the expedition. With a bit of luck, I’ll return in May or June with...

The closer Everest gets, the more obvious it becomes that decisions rarely come with perfect information. There’s always something you don’t know. Weather forecasts change. Training weeks don’t land exactly how you imagined. Logistics shift. Plans evolve. Work isn’t much different. Priorities move, information arrives late, and decisions still need to be made. At some point you realise that waiting for everything to feel certain usually means waiting too long. Preparation Gives You Enough...

When you say a big goal out loud, it sticks. “You’re the Everest guy now.” It’s meant well. Sometimes it’s even motivating. But I’ve been thinking about the difference between what you’re chasing and who you are. Everest is something I’m attempting.It isn’t my identity. That line matters more than I expected. Outcomes Aren’t Fully Yours You can train properly.Prepare well.Make disciplined decisions for months. And still not summit. Weather changes. Conditions shift. Sometimes the right...