I met up with Scott (Heather’s boyfriend) and his friend James at Earth Treks last night to give them a couple belays and encourage them to climb since it was their first time in years, so obviously I had to try working on the 5.11 project I mentioned in my last post. Of course, on my first go I sent it. I felt so strong that after they were worn out on the ropes we went over and bouldered a bit, where I ended up seeing this tricky new v6 with a very hidden mantle start (that I didn’t see, some dude had to show me). After being shown the start, I climbed the thing clean until the very last move, which was a bump onto a tiny tiny hold where you then had to go all the way to the top of the wall. I fell right at the top on my flash attempt! Still, considering I was to my limit, I can’t complain about a near-flash. Next try I cleaned that right up. A 5.11 and a v6 right after complaining how I’ve hit a wall. Writing must be a motivator or something!
Sweet! Congrats, what the next goal?
I’ll keep working on the 5.12 from last week and probably begin trying a few v7′s. I’d imagine it will take me another month or longer to get beyond that challenge and complete one of them. Training-wise, I think what you said below is probably true, in that at some point or another I’m going to have to start actually training my body in other ways than simply climbing a couple times a week. Maybe some cardio work or some weight lifting — or a little of both. I’m not sure I want to be that serious… at least not yet.