Welcome back to About That Life, a newsletter about the outdoors, mental health, food, and music.
I recently interviewed Chiara Herlemann, a mountaineer and a lover of the outdoors. She's also studying at the Hult Business School.
Being in nature makes me feel great. Fresh air, sunshine, rain, animals, and plants. Pause and take in the beauty around you. Isn't it amazing? Here’s a summary of the interview.
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Where are you from?
I’m from Konstanz in Germany but I currently live in London.
How, and why did you get started outdoors?
I grew up next to the mountains but never went. I only got started after I moved away at 18. It started being my meditation and I enjoyed the silence and just being alone in nature.
What is your morning routine like?
I love to wake up very early at 5:30 and I will have my coconut latte coffee, meditate and check my to-do list for the day. Then I go for a run, shower, and get ready for the day.
How many hikes/ climbs have you done?
I did many hikes but I started climbing really only this year. I did around 10 peaks in Switzerland, and Mont Blanc and now just finished 2 in Nepal.
Who do you look up to in the outdoors?
Adriana Brownlee was one of the first female Mountaineers that caught my attention and inspired me
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Mountaineering
What’s your favorite outdoors brand and why?
On my Nepal Trip, I had mostly North Face and I was very happy with it. Especially the Inferno -40 C sleeping bag really kept me warm. Usually, I have a big problem with cold weather so I was worried about being able to sleep. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a women’s summit suit which I found disappointing. Only Kailas seems to have one.
What else do you enjoy apart from the outdoors?
When I am not outdoors I enjoy being indoors, cooking, and decorating my apartment.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a grandma and love to go to bed at 10 pm the latest.
What’s one trait that is important for hiking/climbing?
Mental focus.
What’s something that you were fearful of but turned out not to be as bad as you feared?
I was just climbing Ama Dablam in Nepal and the most difficult part was said to be the Yellow Tower. In the end, it was no problem at all and it was actually the most fun part.
Work can sometimes consume our lives, and many of us tend to drop our hobbies. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
If climbing can somehow become a career for me that would be my dream. Otherwise, I am working to have my own small business to support my hobby and have my own schedule.
What’s one snack you got to have on a 6000 ft. peak?
Chocolate! My favorite is the swiss brand Ovomaltine.
How has the outdoors changed your life?
I have suffered from Depression before and with Mountaineering I found my passion and it simply makes me happy. I think it is so important to be able to face yourself and develop acceptance.
In nature, I am usually alone or if I go on an expedition I also go alone and meet new people. It boosted my confidence immensely.
What advice would you give someone who’s not sure what they want to do with their life?
Try everything and regret nothing.
What’s your favorite time of the year?
Summer is for Mountaineering and Climbing, and Winter is for Skiing and Ice Climbing ;)
Coffee or tea?
Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I always have my Kindle with me because it is lighter and I can read several books at a time. I generally read one fiction book, one business-related book, and one self-development book at the same time.
What’s the biggest challenge on your outdoors bucket list?
My dream is to climb Annapurna, but after every climb, I have new things added to my list. By meeting all these interesting people there is just endless inspiration.
And that’s a wrap.
This interview is a reminder to all of us to live and do what we love. We have the power to design the life that we dream of, so let’s do it.
I'd love to interview Chiara again, diving deeper into the topic of mental health. Want to see her latest posts from some of the most interesting places in the world? Follow her on Instagram at Chiara.nova.
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