Ask a Badass: Alex Honnold

Are you a cat person or a dog dude if you had to share your sweet van with a furry companion? 

Dear Alex,

Is there any vegetarian substitute for kippered snacks?

Sincerely,

A loving admirer and concerned citizen.

Hey Alex, 

Let's just say you had a chance to ask a badass a question, who would the badass be and what question would you ask him/her?

Mr Honnold,

Soloing requires/gifts complete detachment from everything that is not NOW. With so much time spent in this zone, do you fear becoming emotionaly numb?

Kind regards,

Joe

Hi Alex,

I've been climbing for a few years, piecing together a rack. Just wanted to drop in and say thanks, you've had a prolific impact on my development through the films you've been in and climbs that have been reported on 

I think often about speed climbing, perfecting systems, moving confidently and efficiently over all manner of terrain. When thinking back on feats you've accomplished, speed ascents, linkups, traverses etc do they all stand apart as their own unique journey, or do you see everything as training for Freerider? Or that too as training for who Alex is now?

One last thing, you always project a fantastic positivity. Regardless of the situation you always have a big smile and seem to see a good outcome. Any tips?

Alex,

Your feats as a climber are unbelievable and inspiring, but your willingness to engage in political and environmental discourse and take action to make the world a better place are what make you a real leader in the climbing community.

Have there been many times where you backed down from a bold lead or solo you had decided to do? Alternately, has there been a time when you finished a climb and felt that it crossed the line of acceptable risk for you?

Alex,

I stopped eating meat after reading Alone on the Wall. I had never thought about diet in an environmental context before reading your thoughts on it. I now eat an entirely plant-based diet. So firstly, I would like to say thank you for opening my eyes. 

Secondly, a recent study published in Environmental Research Letters says that one of the best things an individual can do is to eat a plant-based diet.(I actually think they low-balled the impact, but that's a little besides the point)

So, to my question. Do you see the Honnold Foundation adding plant-based diets to the environmental causes it supports? Do you have any thoughts on what that would look like?

Thanks!

Hey Alex,

It's fantastic that you are able to put a chunk of your income towards development work through your foundation!

How do you make sure that the Honnold Foundation does is leading to sustainable, long-lasting change instead of fostering the unhealthy dependencies that result from the "business as usual" aid model? How do you define success for the foundation's projects?

Alex,

Since this is a Q&A for people who love not only climbing but a bunch of other mountain based activities as well. What other mountain activities are you intrigued or fascinated by? Do you ever participate in those or plan to?

Alex,

    What was your progression on controlling the negative physiological consequences of fear while climbing like?  I imagine you innately had a greater ability than most to control your fear but I imagine it wasn't always as strong as it is currently.  Were there any mental games or thoughts you focus on when you do feel fear?  I'm breaking into trad and getting more comfortable above gear but still notice how negatively it affects my physical performance when I'm doubting a move or placement.

Best Regards,

Jason

What are your fears as a person? You seem to have a different outlook on things than most people, so what ARE you scared of?  I am afraid of being in open water personally.

do you like lucky charms cereal?

Thanks for being a constant inspiration!

DRusso wrote:

In Maple Canyon my friends offered you a piece of pie, you turned it down and replied "nothing tastes as good as sending feels."

Alex,

If the above story is true, and your reply sincere, you've obviously never tried my wife's Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter and Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Would you like for me to send some to you?  Or if you're ever in the neighborhood, we can whip some up.  The dough must be chilled for at least two hours though, so please give me some advance notice.

--Dan

Hi Alex,

Would you rather eat at a restaurant where all the wait staff are raccoons and all the cooking staff are sloths or vice versa? 

...Remember; sloths may be slow, but raccoons are sneaky.

Hi, Alex!

What would be your tips/advice for someone envisioning to one day climb the NIAD or the classic Astroman?

Hope to get to chat with you one day! 

Cheers!

Hey Alex,

I was curious as to what you believe to be the cleanest energy solution(that we have access to). As an environmentalist, vegetarian/vegan, and engineer in the field, I know that each type of green energy comes with its baggage. I know you use solar for your projects, as do I, and I usually consider it as the upper echelon of green energy, but what are your thoughts? I'd love to continue to work with green energy, and am working on making it, and the world, cleaner. 

Thanks, 

Luc

I have him on speed dial, I'll just text him my question.

edit to add, I don't have that guy on speed dial, just joking. 

A Good Goat wrote:

Hi Alex,

Would you rather eat at a restaurant where all the wait staff are raccoons and all the cooking staff are sloths or vice versa? 

...Remember; sloths may be slow, but raccoons are sneaky.

That was hilarious! Some great questions so far.

Hello Alex,

How has Trump's presidency and administration in general impacted you personally, if at all? Would you go to the White House to meet the president if invited?

What type of climber would you have been had you not grown up in the shadow of Yosemite?