EP 257: Sol Wertkin — Surviving Cancer, a Richer Life After Climbing, and Saying Goodbye to Johnny G.

Sol Wertkin is a former rock climber, cancer survivor, nurse, and avid mountain biker. We talked about new routing in the PNW, the “Golden Era” of Leavenworth climbing, the passing of Johnny Goicoechea, Sol’s cancer diagnosis in 2020, the long and difficult road to recovery, how e-biking saved his life, sailing, why life feels richer now that he doesn’t climb, and nuggets to help your own health journey.Feel free to message Sol on Instagram if you have any questions about cancer diagnosis or long covid. AG1:drinkAG1.com/NUGGETUse this link to get a free year's supply of vitamin D + 5 travel packs.Arc’teryx:Women’s climbing clothingMen’s climbing clothingCheck out the Psiphon and Serratus Alpine Kits launching January 15th.Rúngne:rungne.info/nugget👆 Win a year supply of Chalk from RúngneUse code “NUGGET” to get 15% off storewide.Crimpd:crimpd.comOr download the Crimpd app. Become a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbingWe are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Michael Roy, Mark and Julie Calhoun, and Yinan LiuShow Notes:  thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/sol-wertkinNuggets:(00:00:00) – Intro(00:00:57) – How I met Sol(00:03:56) – Depression & climbing roots(00:09:02) – New routing in the PNW(00:12:02) – The “Golden Era” in Leavenworth(00:23:37) – Johnny Goicoechea(00:28:37) – Training & sport climbing(00:31:27) – Smith Rock & Spain(00:35:40) – Getting diagnosed with cancer(00:49:07) – Lifetimes, surgery 1, & do the things(00:54:43) – Short of breath(00:59:12) – Systematic diaphragm paralysis, & surgery 2(01:03:33) – E-bikes(01:10:20) – Diaphragm plication(01:21:54) – Chylothorax(01:25:15) – The early stages of dying(01:28:39) – Surgery 3(01:32:31) – Planning for the worst, & getting discharged(01:36:40) – Bonus life(01:41:55) – A final hurdle(01:52:32) – Every day is a gift(01:54:14) – Sailing(02:01:06) – Replacing climbing(02:08:48) – Goals(02:13:59) – E-biking & ableism(02:19:07) – Why Sol doesn’t climb anymore(02:22:33) – A richer life after climbing(02:29:58) – Trail clearing & volunteering(02:34:38) – What’s next(02:37:44) – Healthcare & nursing(02:40:46) – Sol’s nuggets(03:06:19) – Let’s go!