Can Everyone Climb 5.14?

[512OW]

I haven't climbed 14a, but I will. It's not an if, it's a when. I have yet to find a plateau that doesn't have a somewhat obvious bypass. But the first step is always going to be believing. If you don't have that, forget it.

As far as not having enough time to commit to training, I'm gonna call bullshit on 99% of people. Training smart is far better than training more hours, and training smart can happen in as little as 3 or 4 hours a week, which is at least what most of you spend on here. I'm 37, didn't start sport climbing until 32, and that was after a nearly 5 year break from climbing. I only get outside 4-6 days a month, but I've been able to see progression every year for the last 5. In my case age is hardly a limiting factor. I feel I have plenty of time to get to 14a. I train on average 6-8 hours a week, spread over 3 or 4 days. I have a full time career, a daughter, and too many hobbies to mention that take up an immense amount of time. Even while building a house for the last 6 months I've been able to maintain my fitness. Saying that you just don't have the time is bullshit. You don't have the desire.

[pigsteak]

spot on kris...for me, there is no desire for that grade. but I do root for those who desire it and actually do something to get there.

as dustin posits, I indeed reek of elderly ball sweat. and that is just my feet.

[climb2core]

I agree.

Truly "climbing" whatever grade means onsighting it... everything else reeks of elderly ball sweat and desperation. And if you must train to excel or give climbing some semblance of meaning, please do so quietly and in private. The rest of us are trying to have fun & you're making us look like a bunch of uptight jock types.

The beauty of climbing is that we can all take away from it what we want.

If it is training and climbing to a personal best (ie chasing grades), great.
Maybe it is doing as many beautiful lines as possible.
For others, it is the fun of just being outside with friends.

Whatever, it is all good. What I don't get is why people get this attitude that what ever "their reason" for climbing is, is the better one. No need to go around putting other people's motives for climbing down, unless you are insecure about yours.

[kafish2]

I don't think anyone is arguing that the merits of climbing 5.14 are greater. It was a simple question, is it possible to achieve the 5.14 grade for those that are not genetically gifted. The answer to that is yes. It is on all of us personally to decide whether or not it is worth the effort. All I am saying is lets be honest here and admit that if we are not climbing that level, or at least continually progressing at whatever level we are at, then that is a personal choice or a training failure that could be fixed. Nothing is wrong with not climbing 5.14 or even shooting for that goal. Just be honest with yourself and stand by the decision you make that prevent you from getting there. That could be the joy of route development (way harder than any climb I have done), the joy of keeping climbing as loose and free flowing as you need it to be for you, the joy other activities give you, or if you are like me, the joy you get from flapping your chops at the gym more than training at the gym. Unless you are seriously injured or handicapped it is a choice, not genetics.

[SCIN]

Definitely not putting it down here Climb2Core. Just thinking too deeply I guess.

[dustonian]

Whatever, it is all good. What I don't get is why people get this attitude that what ever "their reason" for climbing is, is the better one. No need to go around putting other people's motives for climbing down, unless you are insecure about yours.

dude that is like, so deep.

[climb2core]

Whatever, it is all good. What I don't get is why people get this attitude that what ever "their reason" for climbing is, is the better one. No need to go around putting other people's motives for climbing down, unless you are insecure about yours.

dude that is like, so deep.

Just keepin' it real.

[dustonian]

right on, "brah"

[tbwilsonky]

my mind just exploded.

[dustonian]

That was just a few neurons farting at the same time.