Annoyingly Simple Basics

Me, not implementing the basics very well….

The longer I climb, the more I am reminded that the basics are not just important, but perhaps the only things that really matter when it comes to training, performance, and fun.  Sure, a fine-tuned fingerboard routine, surgically crafted route pyramid, or monster strength cycle might accelerate progress, but those are not the most important ingredients for success. 

Climbing success actually boils down to some fairly simple concepts.  In fact, the list below may even seem annoyingly simple to most people reading it.  Of course, the catch is that most simple concepts are incredibly challenging to implement well.  However, I can almost guarantee that if you keep these three simple ideas at the center of your climbing experience, you will improve faster, perform better, and discover far more joy along the way.

Rule #0:  Drink Coffee

This is the rule that exists before all other rules.  Coffee is a requirement.  Just ask anyone who drinks coffee and climbs really well. :) 

Joking (mostly) here, as this was really just an excuse to get out ahead of some criticism from some of my best climbing friends.  Short side story:  The garage that I trained in some 25 year ago had some house rules posted and yes, the first one was “drink coffee”.  

I won’t waste any more words blathering on about the wonders of coffee, but I will say that coffee most certainly will help with Rule #1.

Rule #1:  Follow Your Bliss

Passion is the most effective supplement on the market.  Literally any training or climbing will be far more effective if you are actually psyched on the game at hand.  On the flipside, even the most brilliant plan can have little or no results if engaged with no enthusiasm. 

Even more obvious, but oddly forgotten by many, is that climbing should be fun.  That’s the point!  If you’re not psyched on your routine, goals, training, or anything else about your climbing experience, stop what you’re doing and recalibrate.  

I’ve seen climbers become incredibly talented via just about every path you can imagine.  Some train their faces off using incredibly fine tuned analytics.  Some just try REALLY hard on projects all year.  Some mix it up.  Some stay obsessively focused.  Some spend all their time on a small woody in their garage.  Some climb all over the world.   What they all - literally every single one of them - have in common is that they are incredibly psyched on what and how they climb.  

Rule #2:  Set Specific Goals

Training without a goal is just exercise.  Of course, There’s nothing wrong with exercise, but understanding the difference is essential for anyone looking to up their game.  

Goals do not have to be massive headline earning accomplishments.  In fact, a totally relevant goal for any climber is to enjoy their climbing experience more.  BUT… if that’s your goal, be clear about it and decide on what you mean by “more” and then tailor your climbing experience such that you are able to achieve it.  

That being said, just about all of us have something else we are looking for and with a bit of internal work often discover more specific goals. Perhaps you want to climb certain routes?  Or certain grades?  Goals can be serious or they can be silly.  Goals can be short term or long term.  They all have merit.  The content of the goal is far less important than having something to aim for.  

What’s your current climbing goal(s)?  If you don’t have an immediate answer to this question, your next “climbing session” is to sit down and figure this out.  You’ll be blown away how much more effective all of your training becomes and how much more fun you have performing.  

Rule #3:  Stay Healthy

Nothing sabotages success better than injury, illness or emotional distress.  We all know this, yet most of us also neglect some element of our basic wellness in exchange for doubling down on some aspect of our climbing.  More often than not, this is a mistake - especially if it's a chronic imbalance.  

Beyond the fact that you simply deserve to be happy and healthy, a lack in either one can severely impact your ability to thrive both on and off the wall.  This is a tricky balancing act for all humans.  Most folks are usually dealing with some combination of lingering injuries, poor sleep, confused nutrition, bad relationships, and negative self image.  This is the hard stuff to fix, but likely far more important than fine tuning your training routine.  

Climbing well, pushing limits, and experiencing deep feelings of joy requires a solid foundation of basic health.  Yes, it can be very challenging to solve some of these issues, but that’s a poor excuse for ignoring them and “just carrying on”.  If you need help figuring it out, find an experienced friend or professional to help you get started.  Dial in those basics and you’ll be blown away by the results.