Climbing tall peaks will expose your limits — physically and mentally. In this solo recap, I break down my Ecuador expedition: the culture, the summits, what altitude really feels like, and why training for mountains leads to peak fitness.
Dr. Huff recaps his 12-day mountaineering expedition in Ecuador — from acclimatization climbs to summiting Cotopaxi (19,347 ft) and pushing to 19,000 feet on Chimborazo before turning back due to avalanche risk.
Dr. Huff shares why he transitioned from a traditional W2 cardiology role to locums work, how that decision created space for both family and adventure, and what climbing at altitude reveals about physiology, discipline, and restraint.
He breaks down the realities of performing above 19,000 feet — pacing in zone two, managing fueling despite nausea, muscular endurance under load, and why summit success is never guaranteed. He also outlines the exact training framework he used: VO₂ max development, progressive strength work, and long-duration loaded efforts.
Your preparation gives you the opportunity for success, but ultimately the mountain decides who may pass.
Next on the horizon: Aconcagua (22,841 ft) — the gateway to 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks.
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1️⃣ High VO₂ Max
2️⃣ Strength
3️⃣ Muscular Endurance
Episode 37 dives deeper into muscular endurance.
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