#242 Stoic, Solo Adventuring with Juraj Koreň

Juraj Koreň is an expert alpine climber and pilot from Slovakia who has been chasing some very extreme (often solo) adventures around the world for the last decade, including his 7 “virgin summits” attempt to climb and fly off the world’s highest peaks. We begin this conversation discussing his experience in the 2019 Red Bull X-Alps and how mistakes in his first race have guided his last five years of preparations for his second race this June, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in extreme sports. They discuss the challenges of solo climbing, the importance of understanding mortality in adventure sports, and how weather can impact performance. Juraj shares his reflections on his experiences, including a harrowing solo climb of the north face of the Eiger and the mental battles faced during the Red Bull X-Alps race. We discuss the addictive nature of extreme sports, the lessons learned from past experiences, and the importance and intrigue of solo missions for personal growth and reflection. Juraj shares his experiences flying tandem in Pakistan and the dynamics of working with Aaron Durogati, emphasizing the balance between risk and decision-making. The conversation also delves into Juraj’s recent solo 1200km bivouac in New Zealand, highlighting the beauty of solitude and the mental challenges faced during such adventures.Juraj has some great short films from his expeditions on his YouTube Channel. Fun write-up in XCMag about Juraj’s expedition in India that we briefly discuss in the show. Watch Juraj’s incredible solo vol-biv across New Zealand we discuss in the show: Takeaways* Juraj has been flying since he was 18, with a strong focus on cross-country flying. * The 2019 X-Alps race was a significant mental challenge for Juraj, leading to weight loss and poor mental health. * Juraj emphasizes the importance of understanding valley winds for successful flying in the Alps. * His solo climbing experiences have greatly influenced his approach to adventure sports. * The Eiger experience was both terrifying and exhilarating, teaching him valuable lessons about risk and preparation. * Juraj’s philosophy of stoicism helps him accept the risks associated with climbing and flying. * He has a project called the Seven Virgin Summits, aiming to climb and fly down from virgin peaks on each continent. * Weather conditions during the 2019 X-Alps were particularly challenging, affecting many participants. * Juraj’s experiences have taught him that not all experiences need to be positive; they can be strong and impactful. * He looks forward to future adventures, despite the physical toll they take. Adventure sports create an addictive cocktail of adrenaline and fear. * Learning from past experiences is crucial for improvement. * Tandem flying in extreme conditions requires strong teamwork and communication. * Working with experienced partners can enhance decision-making in risky situations. * Solo missions provide a unique opportunity for self-discovery and mental clarity. * The beauty of nature can be a powerful motivator during challenging adventures. * Effective planning and preparation are key to successful expeditions. * Understanding weather patterns is essential for safe flying. * The mental game of decision-making is as important as physical skills in adventure sports. * Sharing experiences can inspire the next generation of adventur...