RRC Archives

Saxman wrote:Genetics is a cop out. It's time commitment for most, not genetics.

If only that were true. No one has commited more time and energy than me. I sacrificed more than a care to admit for climbing and to climb harder. In the process I destroyed both my shoulders, suffered with elbow and finger injuries, broke my leg bouldering, and badly sprained both ankles. I don't have the most ideal genetics for hard rock climbing. No regrets, I think I did pretty good considering.

age is what you make of it. if you think to yourself, "oh i can't do this because i'm this old" then you've lost. i'd rather be crippled at 65 trying to do something i haven't done than live a half life.
i agree that one most be careful and take calculated risks with "down the road" being in the mind; but remember this is rockclimbing/life and you should be able to learn from both and apply where needed.

The hardest thing about being an over 40 climber is the relative shortage of other over 40 climbers. I wish you kids would hurry up and get old. Just kidding, I'm like 11, for serious.

lol half life, isn't that a video game. I often find myself saying, "why can't I do that, I am only 38". Speaking of video games. I find it interesting that the ones on this thread arguing that age is only in your head or what you make of it, are still in their 20's. LOL so naive, let's revisit this thread 10 years from now.

you old fart rhunt.....

I am in better shape than 90% of other 40 year olds, but I am only concerned with me....

anti, I had the exactly same mentality you did in my younger days..part of it was stubbornness, part wishful thinking, part not wanting to take on responsibilty as I got older, part not wanting to admit I was indeed getting older. For me, embracing my age instead of pretending to be younger has been awesome. I have been 25...I don't want to do it again.

i just turned 29 and i'll admit that i view things a little differently then i did at say, 14. but certain things will always hold true. you mean as a kid you never felt that you could do what your adult counterparts said you couldn't?? maybe it's the kids/family/erictile dysfunction that makes you veiw life through new goggles. but that's just it, why can't they be glasses and not blinders to the abilities.

like i've said earlier. compared to the general population i think most of us here are in better shape and therefore won't be worn the hell out at 40. hell you should see the fat, out-of-shape "kids" at my school. i got most 18 year olds beat and THAT is sad.

why do you think Lance Armstrong retired at 34? because he knew his peak athletic potential was behind him. not an excuse..jusr reality..I know it sucks. I don't have kids, so I don't play that game as an excuse. Ask my wife..there is no one more selfish with their personal time than I...I climb 50 weeks a year..I am training for another fall marathon (ran two last fall)...I hate taking vacations or visiting family if it doesn't have climbing involved, etc....I am YOU...just a decade older.

There has gotta be some studies that climber Phd students have done on this subject. I know there is ton of research on the peak for other athletes and sports. If I'm remembering right, male distance runners peak between 26-28 and women a bit later.
My guess for climbing is it would depend how quick you got good (aka genetics). Nobody can argue that genetics does not play a HUGE role. Of course there are those training freaks that do take it to another level but lets face it, at the 'elite' end of the spectrum it's 80% genetic and probably 20% or less how you train.

pigsteak wrote:....I am YOU...just a decade older.

and 8 inches shorter.


i don't want to relive childhood either. i was fat, goofy, and awkward. two out of three now ain't bad. i do embrace my age but because of being surrounded by so many different people(of all ages) i don't look at the numbers(in life or climbing) but i refuse to let a number pidgeon-hole me.

i also see how comparied to everyone I work with 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, I am in better shape than everyone at my work between the 25 and 40. And I feel that right now I am in the worst shape of my life.

I will add that branching out when you get older helps. I was so obsessed with climbing that I never did anything else. Now I am discovering mt biking, paddling, adventure racing, ultimate frisbee, etc. Mrs. Pigsteak and I did an adventure race last weekend and are doing another one next month...super fun! Ultimate frisbee summer league starts up in a few weeks! And the mt bike trails are drying out! LOL who needs climbing...sucks in the summer anyways!

Oh and I am looking into getting a kayak...anyone got one for sale?