Opportunity cost

Everything in climbing performance comes down to opportunity cost. Genetically speaking, we all have different starting points, and different rates of improvement, so our potential is always specific to us. But given enough time, almost anyone can achieve a very high level relative to their own potential. Whether or not you can climb a certainContinue reading “Opportunity cost”

Client spotlight: Chelsea Murn on a fall 2024 sending spree

Chelsea had a killer season, sending a ton of V8s and V9s – several of them notoriously difficult for shorties. I caught up with her to ask a few questions about her training and mindset for this sending spree! A lot of tactics probably contributed to your success this season, but what were some ofContinue reading “Client spotlight: Chelsea Murn on a fall 2024 sending spree”

Living in the panopticon: self-talk and climbing’s social media nightmare

Panopticon: a vantage from which you can see everything; all-seeing. From Ancient Greek pân, “all” + optikós, “visible”. Words have power. In our self-talk before we even begin climbing, in the things we say to each other on the hike in, in the things overheard at the crag, and in the vast quantity of mediaContinue reading “Living in the panopticon: self-talk and climbing’s social media nightmare”

Going deeper than moves & missing the forest for the trees

When we think about climbing, we usually break it down into moves. Even climbing media about cutting-edge routes like DNA, or B.I.G. breaks them down into a series of moves. And it makes sense. Moves are the obvious way of interacting with the wall. Moves are eminently visible, as they often come with dramatic shiftsContinue reading “Going deeper than moves & missing the forest for the trees”

Thoughts on frustration & a brief update

If you’re having a frustrating climbing session, here’s a thought: Get pissed all you want, but that session is going to go by. And guess what? The same is true of your day, your week and your life. It’s not all that surprising that the biggest tools for becoming a more focused & effective climberContinue reading “Thoughts on frustration & a brief update”