The Dirtbag Diaries Good Good Bad: Taipei 101
Feb 6, 2026
Alex Honnold, professional rock climber famed for free soloing, walks through his live solo of Taipei 101. He recounts improvising moves on the facade and managing slick, windy conditions. He talks about using the spectacle to pace himself, handling media attention, and how the climb fit into a larger week of training and family time.
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Spontaneous Style During The Climb
- Alex Honnold improvised a no-hands rest and flashy moves during the Taipei 101 climb to add style and enjoyment.
- He had practiced campusing and was proud of spontaneous, expressive moves despite the stakes.
Embrace The Spectacle
- Alex shifted mindset from treating the climb like normal climbing to embracing the spectacle and crowd energy.
- He used the cheering audience to pace himself slower, turning pressure into motivation and making it easier.
Use Crowd Energy To Pace Yourself
- If a high-pressure event has a crowd, slow your pace and engage with the audience to reduce stress.
- Use the crowd's energy as motivation to enjoy the task rather than fight the conditions.
