Short and goblin legs
Sticking to a strict training plan and maintaining a steady, healthy diet has felt amazing. I’m not talking about the stereotypical “healthy” with broccoli and spinach, but rather my overall relationship with food. I feel stronger than ever and mostly satiated. However, one thing I’ve sacrificed is my cardiovascular fitness. My legs and endurance have definitely taken a hit, though it’s not like I was ever a big “leg day” guy. I never prioritized leg workouts in my fitness routine, but they did manage to pack on some decent size and muscle—especially for someone short and, let's be honest, goblin-like—so I’m proud of that.
I don’t see myself training for a triathlon anytime soon. Maybe someday, once my knees have had some proper rest and therapy. I respect triathlons; they’re admirable, but in my opinion, they’re a pretty square way to achieve a fitness goal. Unless you’re competing at a professional level, most of us are just shmucls who picked up a road bike and a pair of running goggles and now want to boast about finishing a 70.3. Sure, you can call yourself a half Ironman now. Thats not to say doing an ironman is out the question but it’s not my focus or goal at the moment. For me, though, it would just be another thing to check off the list. Either way any athletic achievement or personal goal set you set out should always be about you and what you get out of it. In some peoples case doing an ironman proves to them certain things and if thats the case, kudos to you.
The volume and rigor of my climbing training have paid off, albeit in small increments. I’ve noticed progress, though it’s slow and almost imperceptible at times. When you reach a certain physical level in climbing—or any sport, really—improvement becomes gradual and harder to track. When you first start climbing, most people begin with VB, the easiest grade in a gym, and improvement is usually rapid if you’re consistent. After a few gym visits, you might find yourself climbing V3, and eventually, when your technique improves and the initial shakiness fades, you hit V4.
There’s a general consensus that after V4, climbing becomes more technical and demands a level of strength you probably don’t have unless you’ve been climbing for a while or actively train for it. I’ve never been a naturally gifted climber. Everything I’ve achieved in climbing has come from being obsessively meticulous and dedicated to the sport.
As I mentioned, my climbing training has led to improvements, even if they’re small. But progress is progress, and it’s been incredible to see and feel those gains. That’s what I love about climbing—it’s all about you. There’s no one to compete with but yourself and the rock (or, in my case, the plastic holds).