Gym project SENT ✓

Progress feels good :) ... especially a week removed from a silly lumbar back strain, and a few months shy of my 40th birthday... last gym 7C+ was in my 20s.

Eco-Friendly Climbing: How to Minimize Your Environmental Impact

As rock climbing and bouldering continue to grow in popularity, it's essential for climbers to consider the environmental impact of their outdoor pursuits. Climbing can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and delicate rock formations if not approached responsibly. In this blog post, we will explore practical ways for climbers to minimize their environmental footprint and promote sustainability in the sport.

1. Choose Sustainable Gear

Invest in eco-friendly climbing gear made from sustainable materials or recycled sources. Many brands are now offering products with a reduced environmental impact, such as ropes made from repurposed materials, harnesses made from recycled materials, chalk bags made from organic cotton, biodegradable tape, and magnesium carbonate chalk alternatives . Supporting these companies not only helps protect the environment but also encourages innovation in sustainable gear production

2. Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles when climbing outdoors. These guidelines include:

• Plan ahead and prepare: Research the area, know the rules and regulations, and avoid climbing during nesting season for birds or other sensitive times.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stick to established trails and campgrounds to minimize damage to vegetation and soil.
• Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Use designated bathroom facilities or pack out human waste.
• Leave what you find: Don't pick plants, move rocks, or disturb wildlife. Avoid damaging rock faces by using removable protection or clean climbing techniques.
• Minimize campfire impact: Use a camp stove instead of making a fire, or utilize established fire rings if fires are allowed.
• Respect wildlife: Observe from a distance, avoid feeding animals, and store food and trash securely.
• Be considerate of other visitors: Keep noise levels down and follow the established climbing ethics of the area.

3. Carpool or Use Public Transportation

Reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling with fellow climbers or using public transportation when possible. Not only does this save on fuel and emissions, but it also helps minimize the impact on local resources and parking areas at popular climbing destinations.

4. Participate in Clean-up Events

Join or organize clean-up events at your local climbing areas to help maintain the environment and promote responsible climbing practices. Collecting trash, removing graffiti, and repairing damaged trails are just a few ways you can give back to the outdoor spaces you love.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

Stay informed about local climbing access issues, conservation efforts, and best practices. Share this knowledge with fellow climbers to raise awareness and foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the climbing community.

As climbers, we have a responsibility to protect the natural landscapes that provide us with endless opportunities for adventure and personal growth. By adopting eco-friendly practices and encouraging others to do the same, we can minimize our environmental impact and preserve these incredible outdoor spaces for future generations. Let's work together to make climbing a sustainable sport that respects and cherishes our planet.

Sincerely, guest post writer,

ChatGPT4

power work

 sometimes it’s about letting go …

of pride in a stubborn project

of weight of expectation, pessimism

… and gravity

shalom

NM

Strength Phase #1 Complete

After three (3) weeks of strength work in gym, it’s time for 1st deload week of 2023 (50% of volume, more yoga). I’d initially intended to do four (4) weeks but I prioritize based on how my body responds to training and pushing in a progressive meticulous manner. Good PRs set, metric data to incorporate, and feeling fit ! Satisfied with gains and excited what’s to come; I’m looking forward to weather window/time afforded to test the fitness outside soon! Next week onward to Phase 2: 

P O W E R 💥

7C send today @ gym

Phase 1 : time 2 build

strength 

Couple quick thoughts:

I.

source: i forgot (sorry... in advance of whomever checks my ass)

The STRENGTH to maintain contact on the FINGER holds and the ability to transfer as much tension as needed cephalocaudal chiefly through the CORE all the way down through the toes (unless if it's a dynamic move, I guess, which even then involves aspects of the POSTERIOR CHAIN)

This is the reason for why strength comes first... but is closely followed in order to work (I'd argue even is shadowed symbiotically) with power (i.e. what's the point of holding holds that you can't connect A to B?) and mobility (i.e. to access the range of a strength in a sustainable way). Just to repeat: 

strength comes first closely followed, in order to work, with power and mobility.

II.

"Ultimately grading is ... meant to make a climbing feat relatable" 

Aidan

I can honestly care less and less about grading. The asterix to this statement is that I find I care more and more about whether I can pull all the moves on a given project (or said in a different way, it bothers me more why I can't do a given move than what its grade is). Is it V7 or V9/10? Should grades be consistent indoors/outdoors? Do I even count the same footholds on a given climb that for someone else is a proud accomplishment they felt worthy to post as a reel on social media. Perhaps I'm just getting old, but what I know for sure is my passion for climbing continues building faster than any senile-ness, or sense of righteousness; Who am I to dictate what your climbing experience is in relation to mine? and vice versa. 

This isn't why I climb. Even though, yes climbing grades can be social fare, climbing can be far more complex, multifaceted and involve a range of motivations and emotions than just a number ascribed to a given perceived difficulty level. I do yearn to make climbing relatable as Aidan put it, because I find it satisfying. I'd probably not even bother posting this otherwise, and just jot my notes analog journal style (which I still do as well, and strongly encourage You to try as well). What I've found is more satisfying than grades, accolades, or even rewards. 

A hard stop for me in climbing has less to do with climbing feats and more to do with stewardship and preserving climbing as an experience for everyone...including those that come after Us.

I care more about You and I practicing the 7th generation principle than whether You match me surpassing the 7th grade of roped climbing. Can someone relate to the space You're in? To the space you hold for them? To the passion You feel? To the awareness You practice?

 

I wanted to clarify these aspects because I AM very goal and progression oriented on this blog and in general as a person...climbing 8a+/8B+/8c+ are very real actionable bucket list items to me, but those are personal decisions in terms of my own life trajectory and life satisfaction...

Insofar as my VIPs (values, interests, principles) intersect and interact with other climbers (and folk in general), I don't place much capital in how hard you climb in relation to me, nor whether we conceive of climbing (or a climb) in the same way. Simple as that. 

Yes guidebooks and consensus is important, but so is not being an asshole. I don't go to the climbing gym to work my ego or outside to be xenophobic of other user groups.

I utilize what I can 

responsibly to make 

my body mind and spirit 

better at scaling obstacles . 

                                          NM

2023... ChatGPT wrote this.

 Cold therapy is the practice of exposing the body to cold temperatures, usually through cold showers or ice baths, to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery from exercise.

cold therapy can be beneficial for:

• Boosting metabolism and burning fat
• Relieving pain and muscle soreness
• Improving sleep quality
• Strengthening the immune system
• Enhancing recovery from exercise
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving skin complexion

Tim Ferriss, in his book 4 Hour Body, suggests incorporating cold therapy into one's routine, starting with short exposure times and gradually increasing the duration as the body becomes acclimated to the cold. He also provides tips for making cold therapy more tolerable, such as taking cold showers with lukewarm water first and gradually reducing the temperature.

 

 

session before work.

Pleased with how training is progressing; feeling the flow return…

one of several big fish to grill this season  . 

ASÉ 

 

Week 5 of 7

 There are approximately three (3) weeks left in 2021. With this in mind, I'm finna make results happen.

Tension Board ™ V10

Dirty Ernies Rampage V9

Dirty Ernie's Revenge V9 ✓ ✔ ☑ ✅ ✕ ✖ ✗ ✘ :)

Dirty Ernie's Full Traverse V10

12/14: Since last update, NWB wise not much new to report besides unlocking exit beta on Dirty Ernie’s Traverse (aka DErT)~ training has been focused albeit not the volume I’d prefer, but I’m feeling rested, strong, and gains are being made. 30mm one arm hangs, back to being able to do one arm pull ups and I made a trip out to Catoctin and sent No Expectations V8 !!! Feels bittersweet to be done with this beautiful cliff band. Perhaps time to look for my own addition in that sector? Linking DErT V10 and a climb at Cunningham Falls Never Let Me Go V8 are big on my mind at present.

Here’s send footage of No Expectation and best go yet on Don’t Let Me Go:

11/24: Yesterday marked 1 year anniversary of my first V10 , to celebrate (in unexpected fashion) I sent Dirty Ernies Revenge! Conditions were surprisingly good... Thomas met me at Northwest Branch for a short session together at Nice Slot boulder; he had to leave early so I decided to go take a look and see how DE felt down by the river... I improbably moved a HUGE log that'd drifted in the way of the wall. Everything clicked... footwork was precise, all the holds felt 10% larger, beta felt successively more solid each go til it got DONE. Memorable,  focused, meaningful send.

11/19: @ EarthTreks Columbia x10 min ARC on splash board, 30 min bouldering flashed 7, sent 7 second go (one from last session) got close on cool volumes V8, V10 project taken down :(, figured out Tension Board ™ app connectivity~ found  new V10 project :), did campus board (1/4/6, coordination drills x3 reps on criss cross/alternate hands, ladders, evens alternating ladders), 7/3 x1min 20mm crimp with 35lbs added weight on, core/lower back work, HIT kettlebell drill (8reps each leg), TRX drills 

11/15: @ EarthTreks Columbia x10 min ARC on splash board, 30 min bouldering including new V10 project and V7 in a session (1st since way back), campus board (1/4/6, coordination drills x3 reps on criss cross/alternate hands, ladders, match ladders), x4 7/3 min on slope, crimp, pinch, 20mm crimp with 35lbs added weight on, core/lower back work, HIT kettlebell drill (8reps each leg); body stats: 70kg/153lbs 182.88cm/6’0

11/14: Seam Nightmares V6 @ NWBranch

Goal is minimum two sessions per week for a total of 14. This will be good primer for '22, and hopefully will bear a few more gems this year.

Be well,

Nicholas

November 7th | Catoctin + Cunningham Falls

Thanks and shout outs to:

Shane (& Sierra), Mark, Jenna, Seth, Silas, Riley, Laura, JD, Wren (& Kiki), etc I bouldered with

 

Status Post

Having a baby changes your life… as does climbing. I am finding time the past few weeks to begin light training which feels wonderful to reconnect with my physical body. So much of fitness is a feel thing…it takes familiarity and yes time

But not as much as we think…

eg

10 minutes meditation here

5 minutes stretching there

25 push-ups anywhere  

Short term is 

smaller goals

have fun.

Minimal distraction = maximal experience.

Clarity, calmness, control

Long term goals (like the rocks) are still there … I can imagine them which makes them possible, however reticent a part of the narrative at present  

ASÉ 

nicholas

P.S. 🥓 

Tension Board ™ is “almost as good as the real thing” …gym goal is by end of year V10.  Here’s Turkey Bacon V7 I did yesterday :