This week was another incremental step in my inquiry into climbing performance and strength training. This week there was no breakthroughs, however I worked quite hard at a V5 boulder and saw some noticeable changes in my endurance.
Climbing Progress
I completed two sessions of climbing this past week, both were bouldering sessions. They followed the regular pattern of Tuesday-Thursday, however I climbed at a different gym on Tuesday than I normally do, and so the grading was a bit off. I was able to climb at my baseline, but I noticed that I was able to do a 2 hour session quite easily this time, rather than the usual 1.5 hours. I made some more progress on V5 boulders, but have yet to complete one.
After noticing my poor technique last week, I decided to work on a specific boulder that worked on my footwork, this is letting me practice my weaker areas specifically, and should hopefully improve my overall performance.
The gym I went to this Tuesday is called Boulderhouse. It is a bouldering only gym where several world class athletes climb regularly.
PC: Boulderhouse.ca
Strength Training
This week I was only able to complete 1 session of strength training rather than the 2 I had set out as my goal.
My program was:
- Squat: 10×3 – 165lbs
- Bench Press: 8×4 – 120lbs
- Deadlift: 5×6 – 265lbs
I saw a steady increase over my last week’s training program even though I only went once this week, which was good to see, but I need to hold myself more accountable to missing the programs. My finger issues have slightly been fixed, but I believe that this is more likely due to the time off during reading break.
All my lifts were fine, and I think that my progress is okay, but could still be more on track. Next week I will focus on getting myself out there twice instead of once.
Reflection
This week the thing to work on is consistency, I need to hold myself accountable to going as many times as I said I would. Climbing is not an issue on this front, but for the strength training it really will make a difference.
