The sun sets over the hills northwest of the city. Where I’m staying.
A darkening sky fades into a dusty crimson. Mojave red and carnation pink simmers at the edge of the light, before settling below the tree-less mounds. I watch from the steps at the Plaza de la Alhondiga, as has been the case the past few days.
I get sick of being cooped up. Walking sets my mind free and clears the day’s mental cache. It’s the simple movements, I think. Like molasses spilling over the edge of the kitchen counter and pooling on the floor.
Yesterday, the trees across from the OXXO shone brilliant in blooms of robin egg blues. It’s an indication that spring is here. Or on the way.
Already the flowers are falling. Perhaps one-quarter of all that have blossomed have fled. They sit on the grey sidewalk, browning.
The grass, too, is starting to green. Interspersed as it is among the low stalky chaff, the color stands out. Again, spring is here. Or on the way.
Yesterday, they mowed the young grass. You know the smell.
Anyways, through the park with the fresh cut you eventually get to the grandstand where I watch the sun downing and people milling. Some are smoking, none are social distancing. Twenty steps up, or so, I sit.
The plaza opens below, and a young boy is dancing. Or rather, he’s half-running and half-whirling dervish. His mad cavorting is a public display of irreverence and imagination. He’s wholly smiling in ecstasy.
Part of me wants to join him, and then I see his mother (or is that his sister?) eyeing me. She’s far, and you can’t really make out the details, but something says she’s cute, and probably too young.
I go back to watching the sun slowly smolder behind the hills. The shadows grow long, and the boy keeps twirling. Keeps smiling.
I think, spring is here. Yes. And with it, fresh air, flowers, color, hope. I pause, get up and go on my way.
Tag: walking
Thoughts from the Streets of Querétaro
The night air was crisp with a faint crackling like someone was ripping a head of lettuce behind a closed kitchen door. I often walk these streets morning, afternoon, and night because I need a breather from screen time. Plus I’m still in winter mode since I left Boston and it feels like a necessity to savor the sun and warm days.
In Querétaro, the streets are laid out in quadrants like graph paper. Downtown is cinched in by a belt, perhaps reminiscent of the edges of Lake Texcoco. The cobbled stones of the calles through the Centro Historico are neatly arranged like the raised beds that once supported a floating city in brackish waters.
The pavers are old with uneven tops. People with precarious standing wobble as they walk them. The stones were laid sometime between the 1500s and today. I don’t know when exactly because I haven’t fact checked. But I do know that sound carries well down the narrow alleys.
Materially, the belt around the center is comprised of main avenues. These high-throughput traffic zones emanate noise which creeps inward like it was a valley and the sputtering engines, horns, and mechanical grumbling was a raging fog. Which isn’t so far off. The exhaust, after all, is thick and clogs the nostrils. Perhaps noise is viscous too, draining in to fill the reservoir.
Hmm. If sounds move in waves, is there a tide?
Tenochtitlan was built atop of Lake Texcoco on stilts. The Aztecs raised platforms to raise life, all of which was eventually left for dead. The lake later became a basin, the city dried out and was buried under what is now Mexico City. History ripples too.
It’s this march of time and the lines of life that are interesting.
The Mesoamerican Venice had canals that ran between the plots like streets between homes. Did they have sidewalks for smaller, fleeter passerbys?
Speaking of which, don’t you think the term “sidewalk” is an odd word? Maybe it was shortened from “onthesideoftheroadwalkway.” In which case, good call. Still, “walkway” makes more sense, as does “driveway” as it applies to the area cars motor on. But these are modern terms compared to “road” and “street,” and it seems common words have longevity. Yet, following that thread backwards, why don’t we drive on “horsewalks” or “treadfoots?”
In any case, we were talking about lines. Structurally, the canals of Tenochtitlan or the streets of Querétaro are like words, no?
They are created, defined and hard to change. Their form carries onwards in a continuous line. That is, until the society is toppled, or enough time passes for common usage to evolve the meaning, or the landscape to (f)alter. Then the line takes a new course.
Thus Tenochtitlan is now Mexico City.
Graves are often laid out in plots with narrow walkways as well. Is there a form for the burial grounds of dead words?
…
Feature photo from Wikimedia Commons.
Training Journal – 8/19/19 – 8/25/19
The big shift is re-focusing on training indoors and reducing time outside. I’ve been prioritizing writing and heading outdoors during the week simply takes too much time.
With that, my workouts center around 1) Endurance 2) Power Endurance 3) Strength + Power, and include specific climbing workouts, lifting exercises, and hangboarding. The cadence is two days of climbing, one day off.
Over the past few weeks I’ve been lazy and haven’t updated the Training Journal (oh well). But, I had started hangboarding a few weeks back and concurrently didn’t reduce the intensity of my other workouts. It severely negatively impacted my climbing (for example, I went to Rumney and was unable to do climbs I would normally be able to do; my strength was depleted). All of this to say, these are the reasons I’ve altered my approach.
So far so good.
Monday
Rest day.
Tuesday
Power Endurance: 4x4s (climb up, climb down, climb up, climb down)
7 sets, up to a peak set of a V4/V5 and a V2. Focus was on overhanging routes in the V2-V4 range. Arms got quite pumped by the end (they are supposed to).
Core:
- Weighted sit-ups: 15(35), 15(35), 15(35), 15(35)
- Hanging, raised legs, lateral: 4, 5, 5, 5
Wednesday
Strength + Power: Projecting. Mostly worked V4-V6 at Cambridge (known to grade harder). Focus on crimps, pinches. 13 problems total, multiple tries each. Did well sending up to V5. V6s require more work. Will push the grades more next time.
Lift:
1)
- Lunges (dumbells): 10(30#, 60# total), 10(45), 5,(60)
- Flies: 10(15), 10(25), 5(35)
- Shoulder Press: 10(40), 5(50), 2(55)
- T2B: 10, 10, 10
2)
- Weighted dips: 12(45), 10(70), 10(70)
- 1-Leg DL: 10(10), 5(20), 5(20)
- Back extensions: 10(25), 10(25), 10(25)
Thursday
Rest day. Foam roller.
Friday
Endurance: 20 minutes of climbing (2:12 min. on, 2:12 min. rest) on a circuit. 9 reps. Had to work in with someone else so halfway through ended up doing 2:30 reps going around the circuit twice for 60 moves, and longer rests.
Hangboard pull-ups:
- 4 finger deep edge (4FD): 1rep(10s), 2(10), 3(10)
- Pointer-Middle-Ring deep (PMRD): 1(10), 2(10), 3(10)
- Middle-Ring-Pinky deep (MRPD): 1(10), 2(10), 3(10)
- 4F Lockoffs medium (up to chest, 90 degrees, 120 degrees): 1(5,5,5s), 2 (5,5,5), 3(5,5,5)
- 4F Lockoffs small: 1(5,5,5s), 2 (5,5,5) 3(5,5,5)
Lift:
1)
- Bench: 5(135#), 5(165), 5(185), 5(195)
- Deadlift: 5(135), 5(165), 5(155), 3(215)
- Toes-2-bar: 10, 10, 10, 10
2)
- Weighted pull-ups: 5(45#), 3(70), 3(70)
- Front and lateral shoulder raises: 5(15), 5(20), 5(20)
- Weighted sit-ups: 10(35), 10(35), 10(35)
Saturday
9 mile hike, 3,800+ ft. of elevation: Mount Lafayette loop.
Sunday
Rest day. Foam rolling and stretching.
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for August:
- Days outside: 8
- Sport leads: 10
- Trad leads: 10
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+ sport, 5.7-5.8 trad, multi-pitch 5.7
- Focus: Lead more trad routes, easy multi-pitch routes, bouldering
- Stretch goal: Send V6 outside
Progress on July Goals as of 8/25:
- Days outside: 3
- Sport leads: 0
- Trad leads: 4
- Multi-pitch: 0
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Send a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 8/25:
- Lead 5.10+ comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~34/100 days of climbing outside
- ~46/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
El Penon de Ifac photo source: La Marina Plaza
Feature photo source: The author
Training Journal – Really Just Gym Bouldering: 7/22/19 – 7/28/19
Wow. I didn’t sport climb at all this month. I spent one day trad climbing, and several days outside bouldering.
The past two weeks I’ve gone back to gym climbing because it’s just much more convenient. I need to figure out a balance between going outside and training indoors.
Monday
Gym bouldering at Worcester. Hangboard session with slopers, 2-pad crimps, 1.5 pad crimps, 3-fingers, etc.
Tuesday
Rest day (felt sick).
Wednesday
Rest day (felt sick).
Thursday
Rest day (felt sick).
Friday
Gym bouldering at Waltham. Emphasized climbing more aggressively (with bigger throws, less pauses to consider moves). This was a direct result of watching and talking with a strong climber (former comp climber, 16+ years experience).
I noticed that he was both aggressive and smoothish (not the most beautiful style, but controlled and dynamic). I’ve noticed that by going too controlled, I can waste momentum and tire out. Part of this is to figure out when to power through and when to rest.
Campus board: 1-4, 1-5, and seeing if I could touch rung 6 (1-6). A few hangboard sets.
Got a free beer! (For flashing the V5 boulder problem of the day).
Saturday
Gym bouldering at Boston. Focused on skipping holds, dynamic moves.
Sunday
Gym bouldering. Arms and fingers felt weak, so this was a lower volume, easier day.
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for July:
- Days outside: 15
- Sport leads: 30
- Trad leads: 10
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+/5.11- sport, 5.6-5.8+ trad, multi-pitch 5.8-5.9 range
- Focus: Lead more routes, push grades (project a few 5.12s), easy multi-pitch routes, bouldering
- Stretch goal: Send V6 outside
Progress on July Goals as of 7/28:
- Days outside: 8
- Sport leads: 0
- Trad leads: 3
- Multi-pitch: 1
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Send a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 7/28:
- Lead 5.10+ comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~31/100 days of climbing outside
- ~42/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
El Penon de Ifac photo source: La Marina Plaza
Feature photo source: centralrockgym.com
Training Journal – Gym Bouldering: 7/15/19 – 7/21/19
I started my gym membership back up as it was getting annoying/ repetitive to have to drive to different bouldering spots.
With that, I’ve begun doing hangboard exercises (for finger strength), in conjunction with hanging on holds (to emulate hanging for trad).
Monday
Gym bouldering. I looked like a goober wearing harness and pro, but the point was to do mock placements and train hanging and finding good stances. Someone made an incredulous comment, but who cares. This is about emulating the positions and actions required for trad, because The Diagonal showed me my endurance/ hanging time can be improved upon.
Tuesday
Rest day.
Wednesday
Gym bouldering. Focused on endurance, doing up-and-downs, and repeats (2 up and 2 down, sometimes more). I ended with a few routes where I hung for 5 seconds at each move, going up-and-down. Finished on the hangboard.
Thursday
Gym bouldering (~ 2hrs.) + shoulder exercises and core.
Friday
Gym bouldering (~ 2hrs.).
Saturday
Rest day.
Sunday
Rest day.
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for July:
- Days outside: 15
- Sport leads: 30
- Trad leads: 10
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+/5.11- sport, 5.6-5.8+ trad, multi-pitch 5.8-5.9 range
- Focus: Lead more routes, push grades (project a few 5.12s), easy multi-pitch routes, bouldering
- Stretch goal: Send V6 outside
Progress on July Goals as of 7/21:
- Days outside: 8
- Sport leads: 0
- Trad leads: 3
- Multi-pitch: 1
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Send a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 7/21:
- Lead 5.10+ comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~31/100 days of climbing outside
- ~42/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
El Penon de Ifac photo source: La Marina Plaza
Feature photo source: centralrockgym.com
Training Journal – Bouldering, Trad: 7/8/19 – 7/14/19
Lower key than last week. Felt tired earlier on and wanted to make sure I got more work done for writing, as I didn’t do much during the trip to Vermont.
Monday
Rest day.
Tuesday
Pull up workout.
Wednesday
Arms, shoulders, chest workout.
Thursday
Bouldering at Berlin Boulder. Did some easier stuff.
Friday
Rest day.
Saturday
Bouldering at Rose Ledge. Sent two V2s and a V3. Worked a V5 and made up my own V3 (a variation of the V5).
Sunday
Trad at Crow Hill. Led my hardest grade, The Diagonal, 5.8+ (but according to commenters on Mountain Project is closer to 5.9/+).
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for July:
- Days outside: 15
- Sport leads: 30
- Trad leads: 10
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+/5.11- sport, 5.6-5.8+ trad, multi-pitch 5.8-5.9 range
- Focus: Lead more routes, push grades (project a few 5.12s), easy multi-pitch routes, bouldering
- Stretch goal: Send V6 outside
Progress on July Goals as of 7/14:
- Days outside: 8
- Sport leads: 0
- Trad leads: 3
- Multi-pitch: 1
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Send a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 7/14:
- Lead 5.10+ comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~31/100 days of climbing outside
- ~42/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
Photo sources: La Marina Plaza
Training Journal – Bouldering, Trail Run, Hike: 7/1/19 – 7/7/19
This was a really fun week as I spent most of it traveling and bouldering through Vermont. Included was a stay at a new campground where several impressive boulders are just now being cleaned and developed.
I enjoy bouldering for the solitude/ space it confers, but am also aware that it is not the most direct way to improve at leading sport. I may try to be more intentional about the ratio of climbing, maybe aiming for a 2:1, bouldering:sport balance. My main concern is I’m not able to work on endurance on outdoor boulders as easily as I can through other means.
I have begun mixing days with a run/ hike and bouldering and finding that the muscle and energy systems don’t really overlap, so I can do both without noticeable negative effects to either activity.
Monday
Stretching, foam rolling. Pull up work out.
Tuesday
Bouldering at Rumney. Sent The Whale’s Tail (V4+) and Ahab Calling (V3).
Wednesday
3 mile trail run around Kettle Pond in Groton State Forest.
Bouldering afterwards on The Gem boulder. Worked a few V2s and V3s.
Thursday
Bouldering in Bolton, VT. Worked a V6, some overhanging stuff.
Friday
Hellbrook Trail up Mt. Mansfield, a 3.7 mile hike with 2,683 feet of elevation gain.
Bouldering at Smuggler’s Notch in the afternoon. Sent Primate (V3), Workout Traverse (V3), among other easier ones.
Saturday
Rest day. Stretched and foam roller.
Sunday
Bouldering at Lynn Woods. Worked Dean’s Problem (V6), Phat Lip (V4).
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for July:
- Days outside: 15
- Sport leads: 30
- Trad leads: 10
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+/5.11- sport, 5.6-5.8+ trad, multi-pitch 5.8-5.9 range
- Focus: Lead more routes, push grades (project a few 5.12s), easy multi-pitch routes, bouldering
- Stretch goal: Send V6, send 5.12
Progress on June Goals as of 7/7:
- Days outside: 5
- Sport leads: 0
- Trad leads: 0
- Multi-pitch: 0
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Climb a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 6/16:
- Lead 5.10+ comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~28/100 days of climbing outside
- ~39/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
Photo sources: La Marina Plaza
Training Journal – Bouldering (Hammond Pond, Gloucester), Trail Run: 6/24/19 – 6/30/19
Lower key week. Bouldering, a trail run.
Monday
Foam rolling + pull-up routine.
Tuesday
Walk with the dogs + chest, shoulders, arms, core.
Wednesday
Hammond Pond bouldering.
Thursday
Bouldering at Thee Boulder (V4/V5), big ol’ crack. New skillset (hand/ fist jamming), hard on the body. Left bruised and bloodied.
Friday
Rest day.
Saturday
Trail run with hill repeats (hiking).
Sunday
Bouldering at Thee Boulder (V4/V5), big ol’ crack. Really did a number on my body, as a carry over from Thursday.
Feature photo by @smellybagofdirt
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for June:
- Days outside: 10
- Sport leads: 40
- Trad leads: 5
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+/5.11- sport, 5.6-5.8+ trad, multi-pitch 5.8-5.9 range
- Focus: Increase experience with leading, push grades a bit (try a few 5.11s), easy multi-pitch routes
- Stretch goal: Send The Buttermilker (V7)
Progress on June Goals as of 6/30:
- Days outside: 11
- Sport leads: 22
- Trad leads: 2
- Multi-pitch: 0
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Climb a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 6/30:
- Lead 5.10+ comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~23/100 days of climbing outside
- ~39/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
Photo sources: La Marina Plaza
Training Journal – Bouldering (Hammond Pond), Sport Climbing (Rumney), Trail run: 6/17/19 – 6/23/19
Had a lot of fun climbing at Rumney, then a big hiking day (out-and-back to Mt. Washington via the Crawford Path). I’m doing more projecting on hard sport climbs, and beginning to see what my limits are, where I need to focus time and attention in order to improve my climbing.
Monday
Bouldering @ Hammond Pond. This is the closest bouldering to home, so it will probably be my main jam for awhile.
Worked a handful of problems in the V2-V3 range, and easier stuff including some traverses. The puddingstone is a mixture of slick cobblestones which polish easily and sharper crimps. Odd amalgamation.
Tuesday
AM: Trail run.
PM: Chest, shoulders, core exercises.
Wednesday
Bouldering and some easy free solo/ high balls @ Hammond Pond. Fingers weren’t feeling great so the problems I came to do weren’t working out. Moved to easier problems and some 5.3-5.6 crack climbs.
Thursday
Rest day.
Friday
Stretching and foam roller.
Saturday
Climbing @ Rumney.
7 leads: Arugala Arugala (5.9+), The Maltese Falcon (5.8), Oby-Won Ryobi (5.9+), Yoda (5.9), Milktoast (5.10d), The 5.8 Crack by the Road (5.7, trad), Hippos on Parade (5.8+)
Project: The Caged (5.12d). Was able to get through the first four bolts pretty smoothly, then the crux… Tried 5-6x, wasn’t able to figure it out.
Sunday
Craword Path, out and back up to Mt. Washington. ~16 miles and ~5,000 ft. of elevation. Did it in 9 hours and 20 minutes (with rests), closer to 8 hours of moving time.
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for June:
- Days outside: 10
- Sport leads: 40
- Trad leads: 5
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+/5.11- sport, 5.6-5.8+ trad, multi-pitch 5.8-5.9 range
- Focus: Increase experience with leading, push grades a bit (try a few 5.11s), easy multi-pitch routes
- Stretch goal: Send The Buttermilker (V7)
Progress on June Goals as of 6/23:
- Days outside: 9
- Sport leads: 17
- Trad leads: 2
- Multi-pitch: 0
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Climb a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 6/23:
- Lead 5.10+ comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~21/100 days of climbing outside
- ~34/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
Photo sources: La Marina Plaza, Rumney photos via @ryan_rezendes
Training Journal – Bouldering (Hammond Pond), Indoor Climbing (BKB, CRG), Trail Run: 6/10/19 – 6/16/19
Only got outside for climbing one day last week (mainly to climb indoors with friends, but I did run one day. It’s too easy for me to slouch in that category. Oh well. The aim is to run 2x per week, climb 3-4x a week going forward.
Monday
Chest, shoulders, core exercises.
Tuesday
Bouldering indoors @ Brooklyn Boulders with a friend who was visiting from China. As we reflected, we realized that we hadn’t seen each other since Nov. of 2017 (yikes)!
1.5h. Worked on a variety of grades mostly in the V4-V6 range. Mainly crimps and overhanging jug hauls.
Wednesday
Top-roping indoors @ Central Rock Watertown.
2h. Range of routes from 5.9-5.12. I noticed/ forgot that much of the route-setting is predicated on reachy moves and odd hand angles (especially in 5.9-5.10- range); felt odd. Props to JK (if I recall correctly), really good setter.
Thursday
Chest, shoulders, core exercises.
Friday
Bouldering @ Webster Conservation Area (Hammond Pond).
Mainly projecting an uber fun problem, the Hermit’s Cave (V4). Starts deep in a cave on big jugs and toe hooks, moves out over a lip and a ledge, throw to a seam, and up to a tricky mantle. I was able to work the moves but couldn’t link it by the end.
Saturday
Trail run and hill repeats (hiking). I’ve been slacking on cardio and running. The aim is to run/ hike 2x/ week, focusing on building leg strength and endurance for elevation.
Sunday
AM: Pull up routine and core exercises.
PM: Chest, shoulders, core exercises.
…
What I’m working towards: My objective is to climb the Diedra UBSA in Costa Blanca, Spain in November, an 8 pitch, 5.10a PG13 mostly sport route. This trip and objective is sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club + The North Face’s Live Your Dream grant.
I first came across the Penon d’Ifach, the massive limestone block that emerges from the Balearic Sea, while researching climbing in Spain last year. The striking outcropping has stayed on my mind since.
The grant is designed to help you “level up” your skills in a specific and measurable way. For context, I started climbing more seriously in 2018, and had only done about 30 lead climbs (in the 5.10 range) when I applied. I chose this route because it combines skills I’m keen to develop: Multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, and endurance (suggested time is 6-9 hours). The goal date allows for six months to incrementally develop my technique and know-how.
So far this year, I’ve: Begun leading on trad, increased time on rock (as opposed to the gym) bouldering/ sport/ trad, practiced anchor building, did one multi-pitch (albeit a short one) and practiced belaying from top.
The longer-term dream is to do big alpine climbs in the Wind River Range.
Goals for June:
- Days outside: 10
- Sport leads: 40
- Trad leads: 5
- Multi-pitch: 1
- Grade aim: 5.10+/5.11- sport, 5.6-5.8+ trad, multi-pitch 5.8-5.9 range
- Focus: Increase experience with leading, push grades a bit (try a few 5.11s), easy multi-pitch routes
- Stretch goal: Send The Buttermilker (V7)
Progress on June Goals as of 6/16:
- Days outside: 6
- Sport leads: 10
- Trad leads: 1
- Multi-pitch: 0
Goals for 2019:
- Lead 5.11c/5.11d comfortably (sport)
- Climb a 5.12a (sport)
- Lead 5.8-5.9 trad comfortably
- Send a V7 outside
- 100 days of climbing outside
- Lead 300 routes on real rock
Progress on Year Goals as of 6/16:
- Lead 5.10a-c comfortably (sport)
- Lead 5.6-5.7 trad comfortably
- Send V4/V5 outside
- ~18/100 days of climbing outside
- ~22/300 lead climbs on real rock
…
Photo sources: La Marina Plaza (El Penon de Ifac), the author
Aaron Gerry 