Mind Games

Post by **Yasmeen** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:38 pm

What are some of the mind games in your bag of climbing tricks? While it's not exactly a unique one, the first one that comes to mind for me is one that I used recently, where I finally stick the crux of a route I've one-hanged in the past, and I convince myself that I'm as rested as I was on the one-hang goes, so there's no reason I should fall during the rest of the route.

Post by **endercore** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:44 pm

the simple and classic climb till you fall

Post by **Yasmeen** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:47 pm

Isn't that a physical game rather than a mental one?

Post by **mike_a_lafontaine** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:54 pm

Give up or keep going? Just ask myself a simple question WWBMD.
(What would Batman Do?)

Post by **Clevis Hitch** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:10 am

There are two techniques that I am currently employing. One is I tell myself that I'm only hanging the draws and just seeing how far I can go. No pressure to send cause I'm only hanging the draws. The last time I did this I got way further than I usually do because of overgripping/anxiety attack. The second thing I'm doing is Doing it to death on T.R. and then getting so peed off at myself for being a P! that I don't give a * if I fall or not.

Post by **Gregory** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:17 am

I look into the mirror each morning and give myself words of affirmation, gosh darnit!

Post by **Green3** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:05 am

My most common is when Iâ€™m working a route and having a tough time with the crux, and even still fall after the 1st or 2nd try off the bolt, I convince myself that despite coming right off the hang, Iâ€™m already far more tired/pumped/worked than I would be on the redpoint go due to the always surprising way you donâ€™t get tired when you have something relentlessly wired no matter how hard the moves.

Post by **Josephine** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:23 am

i talk to myself out loud. usually saying encouraging things to myself but sometimes just talking to talk. it's really silly - but it forces me to breathe if i'm talking, and one of my biggest problems is holding my breath when it gets tough. it also has a side benefit of entertaining my belayer.

Post by **krampus** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:32 am

I will let you know when I figure one out. I have wired the fall into so many routs right now.

Post by **TankAzz** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:49 am

when i'm trying to send, i take my shirt off. or, remove layer by layer until i send, which can be problematic if it doesn't work out in the first few goes.