RRC Archives

Sandy,

Get an enthusiastic training partner. It is like motivation in a bottle. Ask yourself this though. Do you want to enter this climbing season as strong as you left the last one? If so, you might not have to do any training until you are about 3 wks out from the new season. If you want to start the new season stronger than you were the last, then (and only then) would I worry about training. Listen to your body though. Sometimes lack of motivation is the body's (or mind's) way of saying it needs a break.

Sandy, I'm like you with "pulling on plastic." Still, I do it. One-Fall's idea of getting an enthusiastic training partner helps. I am convinced that I continue to go to the gym because of the fantastic friends that I have there. Bouldering indoors stinks poopie. It's boring and hard on your joints. If you go with friends though, it's fun and challenging. I'm just not the best self-motivator in the world. Also, I'm a novice climber and it's better for me to climb with more experienced people who say, "slow down, your body isn't ready for this intensity yet." It's very helpful b/c I'm pretty stupid about myself.

I wish I had a gym nearby. I'm with RM too; running on a treadmill is sooooooo boring, but not as boring as indoor track! At least my new fitness center has big tv. I thought I had gone a mile during the UK/UT game last week, but I had actually gone 2 when I looked. I can't wait to run outside. Hope you get your mot back, Sandy.

Sandy, do you think that your motivation issues may be inrelation to your decreased ankle mobility. When I was not-up-to-par b/c of my ankle I got really depressed for 2 days and then said, "Fudge it!" So, you climb with only one foot. Flagging has never been easier.

Anyway, the one-foot climbing is a fun challenge, a way to spice up the plastic (even it if it was forced). The thing about indoor climbing that makes me laugh is how people will learn about who set a route according to their climbing style. It is like reading a book inside someone else's head. Anyway, good luck chiquita!

PMA!!!

Virginia, I'm sure it has a lot to do with the ankle, among other things. I tried sticking to overhanging sport routes (the climbing I suck the most at) but still managed to make my ankle worse. So I took (yet more) time off from climbing. Since I can also no longer trail run, both of the things I am passionate about are off limits. I think that is the key right there. I need to find a new passion. Somehow I don't think gym climbing is going to do it for me, unless maybe I can find a motivated and dedicated training partner as it has been suggested. Still, I prefer to be in the great outdoors.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Especially about how to look at gym 'climbing.' That totally makes sense of course.

Outdoor fill in the blank is usually better than indoors....when possible.

So, unless you have the option to move to more temperate climates (or at least take a week vacation to one), act like you enjoy the season changes here. Although it is more fun to climb outside--I think it is more fun to climb in a gym than lift dumbells in a gym.

You have to make it a routine. Once you break the routine you will never go back... if that is your case you just have to get back into training. It doesn't matter what the damn weather is. Go climb, go lift weights. After you do it you will feel better about yourself. When the next day comes you might or might not try to put it off... just push yourself to go no matter what. Training has to become a priority over everything else, just like brushing your teeth.

I hear ya Sandy, sounds like you've got a bit of the "i've been injured to long" and "I'm ready for spring" blues. I've certainly been there myself. At first it was kind of a vacation and I enjoyed it - I had time do different stuff like yoga instead of run and climb. But, after repeated injuries the positive outlook is hard to maintain and motivation wears thin.

I guess the only advice I have is that when your hurt your hurt. It is time to heal, eat well, rest, and think positively. Excercising, for me, helps in maintaining a positive outlook. Unfortunately, if your hurt, your options are limited. But, just bite the bullet, do what is safe for your ankle (nothing more). . . Like swim, walk, or do yoga each day. When your ankle starts feeling strong - broaden your activites.

You got till spring time to mend - I'd like to climb with you soon- so don't eff it up!