Most of us feel like we try hard in our climbing. But how hard do you try? Are you really giving 100% or are you staying somewhere in your comfort zone?
Questioning how hard you try isn’t a comfortable thing. However, how hard you try is something that is completely in your control and can have a huge impact on your performance both in the short and long term.
To highlight just how important trying your hardest is, here’s an article by Steve Bechtel of Climb Strong. Think of it as a public service announcement or a not so gentle reminder that if you really want to improve your climbing you’re going to have to put the work in.
“There are no shortcuts. There is no easy way. If you want to get better, you’re going to have to bleed for it.” – Steve Bechtel
How Hard Do You Try?
Now, this makes it sounds simple right? Just go to the crag and the gym and give 100% effort and you’ll improve.
Learning to try hard when you’re climbing and training is definitely critical, but it’s just one side of the coin. Part of the reason we are re-posting Bechtel’s article is that he talks about the less fun side of trying hard. Do you “try hard” at following your training program even when it’s your least favorite type of training. What about your recovery? Do you take that seriously? Trying hard isn’t just about giving everything you have. It’s also about being disciplined enough to stay the course and do whatever it takes to get more out of yourself. This means giving 100% when it’s time to, but it also means backing off when your body needs a break.
Click through below to read the full article. It’s a great reminder that improving our climbing isn’t just about training more, but about doing better and trying harder across the board. Put the work in and you’ll earn your progression.
Full Article: Climb Strong – How Hard Do You Try?
(photo courtesy of climbstrong.com)
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I used to climb a lot more when I was younger, but I don’t seem to have the time or patience for it anymore. It is important to keep a balance. I don’t know if I’ve burned out or just moved on to new things, but I sometimes regret going at it so hard.
I love this! I find myself going back and forth a lot with training. I want to push myself with a training program but I also don’t want to burn out and loose the integrity of why I climb. “This means giving 100% when it’s time to, but it also means backing off when your body needs a break.” I respect and stand behind this! Thanks for the article!