climbing indoors

I have a vague plan this winter for climbing indoors.  Those of you who follow this blog will know that I dont particularly enjoy being indoors under any circumstances, and indeed as I never really physically train for climbing (preferring to keep it as enjoyable as possible!), I dont usually find it makes much difference to my outdoor climbing in the summer.

However, this year I am trying an experiment.  Rather than taking the winter off climbing and just running, stretching and biking, with a bit of winter stuff thrown in, I am actually going to try climbing indoors regularly, and am aiming for one routes session and one bouldering session a week. Now I know this is hardly training, but for me, its quite a revolution!  Am going to keep up with the things I normally do over winter for variety, and certainly wont be forcing myself to do anything I dont feel like doing (especially being mindful of my bursting finger blood vessels!).  However, I would just like to see what it feels like to come out of winter onto rock feeling relatively fit.  When I look back over the last 5 years of climbing, I think I have managed to improve a little every year, mainly through better technique and better psychological tactics, and probably in spite of my lack of training.  So I wonder what might happen if I did train a little?

For me, its important not to put pressure on myself, so I certainly wont be setting any goals or putting bets on improvement.  The mindfulness approach suggests an open and curious attitude, so that is what I am trying to cultivate towards my little experiment.

Smart Climbing, Painting, Stretching, etc etc!

Its been a good month since I last posted, and a lot has been happening. Firstly, Smart Climbing has outgrown the kitchen table from where I normally operate, so sorting out an office has become a priority.  Pictures to follow soon, but suffice to say I have been making a workstation, putting up shelves and painting, and am almost finished.  Its hard being a perfectionist!

Secondly, as I previously posted, I have taken up a new job in my 9-5 as Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and there has been a lot of new things to get my head around.  Its good to have a new challenge, but also tiring, and it has taught me a lot so far about not having too many expectation of myself, but trying to be open to whatever opportunities arise.

Thirdly, I have been sneaking outside to climb in the short weather windows we have had, going back to my favourite bouldering haunts, and trying to establish a stretching/ meditating routine as well.  Saturday evening saw me teaming up with someone new, and was a great way to get me out of my usual wall routine.  I have also been working with some families, and teaching kids how to climb is always great fun.  

So a lot has been happening, and tonight, in about 10 minutes I will be taking my own advice for once and relaxing!  Given the relentless demands of modern life, its hard sometimes to think about what we truly need for ourselves, rather than what needs doing.  But tonight, I am absolutely sure I need to curl up with a good book and get an early night, so that is exactly what I shall be doing :)