I've just returned from a weekend trip to Yosemite National Park. A few friends, very little internet, and lots of tasty (somewhat unhealthy) food. We packed the car with water and snacks and hit the trails Saturday morning. By noon, we began to climb.

The 4.6 mile hike took us to the top of Glacier Point (7,214 ft). I consider myself in relatively descent physical shape, but I must admit climbing for nearly three hours was exhausting. By the time we reached the top, we consumed nearly all our water and food. We still had to hike down.

Thankfully, at the top of Glacier Point, there's a rest area (the destination is also accessible by car). We refilled our water and sat, looking out over breath-taking views. As we descended--now at a much speedier pace--I remember feeling so impressed at our ability to climb so high. How did I just do that?

Summary

Step by step. When you're climbing to an altitude over a mile, you don't think of it as one giant problem, you just walk. Slowly (and I mean very slowly) you make progress. Just one foot in front of the other, trying not to slip. Do that 28,000 times (data courteous of my roommate's Fitbit) and you will literally climb a mountain.