Florida is the last place one would think of when thinking about mountain climbing but Florida is just where we found Jimmy Moran. We had the pleasure of being able to meet up with Jimmy for a glimpse into his life and mountaineering career.
Jimmy Moran training for a climb
Q: So Jimmy, what inspired you to become a mountain climber?
A: A good friend of mine Roger Bell introduced me to mountain climbing. At the time I never even considered it since I was born and raised in flat Florida. But the more I thought about it the more I wanted to do it. The most important reason I wanted to do it was because I was terrified of heights and I was tired of letting the fear of what could happen in life prevent me from living life. Up to that point I had been existing, and not living. I knew if I could conquer my biggest fear then there was nothing that could ever stand in my way.
Q: What mountains have you climbed so far and what one was the most challenging:
A: I have been lucky enough to experience such mountains as Rainier 2x, Hood, St. Helens, La Malinche, and Orizaba. When people ask me which mountain was the hardest to climb I have a hard time answering that. If it was based on size I would have to say Orizaba by far. But each mountain has its own personality which changes from minute to minute. Climbing is an experience where the stakes are as high as it gets. It is a place where rewards last a lifetime, and mistakes may cost you your life. You learn to respect the mountain. Because ultimately the mountain decides whether it will allow you to reach its summit. If you are to aggressive or arrogant the mountain will remove you. If you are to timid or to weak, then the challenge will over power you.
Q: What do you do to train for your climbs?
A: The most frequent question I get asked is about training for mountaineering in Florida. The answer is, it can be done. Obviously without any elevation it is hard to work on skills associated with alpine style climbing. But with indoor walls at least you can work on your rope skills as much as possible. You have to adapt. In life there’s never a perfect scenario. I am a big mountain bike fan. I ride as much as possible. I think the interval effect that a bike has helps build up your VO2 max. The moments of anaerobic bursts with slowed down active recovery is great for building up endurance. I suffer from alot of hip problems so running is out for me. You will find me religiously in the Treasure Coast CrossFit gym 6x a week. Obviously lighter is better. So carrying alot of extra muscle on the mountain means you have to oxygenate that extra muscle which is a waste. I climb a little heavier than most. I am 6′-1″ 190lbs when I climb. It works for me, but everyone is different.
Q: What does your diet consist of when you climb?
A: Diet is probably one of the hardest things to figure out on the mountain. Everyone has their own way of doing things. Some guys like to dehydrate things. Some are Ramen noodle freaks. Some pack light . Some go heavy. No matter how you pack I think every climber will agree that food at altitude taste horrible. For whatever reason a piece of chocolate cake at 15,000′ tastes like dirt. Every bit of food is forced down it seems. So if weight is an issue, as well as performance and taste then choosing the right diet is critical. I use a combination of things. I use many different Greens+ products in my training and I carry them over to the climbs as well. I like to use the bars along the way. They are light, fast, and effective as well as Chia Seed and Resveratrol. The Chia is a good choice for endurance activities. It’s light and helps with hydration. The Resveratrol seems to really help keep muscle soreness under control. I’m sure no matter what combo you choose you will almost always be running a calorie deficit while climbing. All you can do is experiment and network with other climbers. If you find something you like go with it. Personally I like to pack a few grapes for the way down. Its a nice reward for a climb well done. You can’t imagine how good a grape tastes at altitude plus snacks like that are like money up there. You can barter with other climbers for something they have. No climber with any common sense would ever pass up a trade for some Greens+ Energy Bars!
Q: How has mountain climbing changed your life?
A: Mountain climbing is the most selfish journey you can take. You may climb for a cause or you may climb with a group but ultimately you climb for yourself. Once you have felt the freedom of climbing, the spirit of the moment will never leave you. It’s in your blood. If you close your eyes at night you can still hear the roar of the winds or at the same time the deafening silence of the mountain. It’s a mixture of extreme chaos and calming beauty. Being up there is the ultimate reset button on your life. It is a physical and emotional rush that will last a life time. No drug on this earth will ever capture the feeling you bring back down with you. That feeling is different for each climber. To some it is just another mountain under the belt. To others it is a culmination of years of training and preparation. Or maybe it’s conquering a fear that has held you back from the experience of a life time. The mountain is a symbol of Earth’s power and grace but your mountain might not be a physical creation. Mountains are in all of our lives. Maybe they are in the form of relationships, sickness, finance, or even fear. We are faced with mountains everyday. And it’s how we climb those mountains that defines us, not the mountains themselves.
If you would like to find out more about Jimmy or have any questions for him,
please visit him on his Facebook page here
