Pre-dawn start from South Fork Trailhead, weaving through forest and alpine meadows toward San Gorgonio’s 11,503 ft summit. This was my fifth ascent — longer than Vivian Creek but smoother, steadier, ideal for endurance work. Fasted state, 3 LMNTs, coconut butter at the top, tuna packet at the car. Rolled my ankle on descent — small reminder that focus belongs to every step. Each climb teaches something new, but the mountain’s question never changes: How much of yourself will you give today? (See → The Loop We Chose )
This wasn’t just another San G climb — it was proof of long-term endurance growth. Coming off Whitney, my body handled the distance and gain with more ease than ever before.
It reinforced why I train the way I do: to feel stronger each time, not just to repeat the same effort.
It also reminded me that the mountains aren’t conquered — they’re earned, one step at a time, no matter how many times you’ve stood on the summit.
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