The Balancing Act

Well, well, where to start? My climbing life dipped to an all time low over the last few weeks with poor days out at Brimham, Burberage and St Bees. These three venues shut me down lie never before and I left each without a single problem above the reporting threshold and as such, I am not going to report my efforts. Suffice to say that the day out to St Bees, where I was unable to get involved with the activities of the boys left me feeling pretty down. The whole point of bouldering is for everyone to work the same problems, testing themselves against the rock, being spurred on by your friends. When I had to go off by myself to find something easy and leave them to it, I felt fairly pathetic. This seems crazy compared to the trip to Portlethen where the Prow was sent second go (second session). The root cause was obvious. A lack of training over the last couple of months due to a general fatigue resulting from work, commuting, selling flats and maintaining relationships. Climbing slips away as, unfortunately, the lowest priority. Sat in the bath after that day at St Bees, I was ready just to pack it in, but on waking the next morning I felt filled with a new determination to try again and make a go of it. Climbing has been the most positive thing in my life for nearly seven years now. The personal challenges, the places and adventures but more importantly, the lasting and enriching friendships have been a source of great inspiration for me. I could never give that up. I may not ever be Sharma but I am climbing and climbing is me. 

This sense of determination paid off with a weeks solid training, marked strength gains and a quick ascent of Cave LH 6b at Bowden Doors on Sunday. This problem has been denied to me on my two previous visits. It felt fairly easy this time. In addtion, I flashed Manta RH (6b in the book but really 6a) and Y-Front 6a+. Y-Front is a problem I have made half hearted attempts at over a few years. It was nice to finally tick it and move on. Also, I was pretty psyched to climb Three Pockets 6a as a static mantle. I can still climb after all. It is clear what I need to do. I do not have natural reserves of strength, I need to train hard and consistently. Motivation is the the key for me. Getting on the board for even half an hour at home when I can't get to the wall will make a huge difference. I just have to remind myself how much I want it.