Losing the will... Attempt c100! Magic Bus 7B Photo: Jen Randall
The more I tried to analyse the siruation the worse it got. I'd just achieved a dream PB onsight, busted out one of the most inspiring 8c's I've done to date and I was in one of the World's greatest bouldering areas with a great bunch of people. So what bites? I was dissapointed, yes, to not climb as hard as I had wanted to in Font but there were a number of factors going against top performance on the trip to excuse this (at least a little). My general dissatisfaction ran deeper. I guess that in looking forward, in to 2011 and beyond, I just couldn't see where so many of the other things in life were going and climbing ceased to seem all that important.
You'd think an 8c climber could climb Rubis Sur L'Ongle 7B+ (aye right!) Photo: Tom Mills
I've given a lot to pursuing my goals, yet in a way that is not self sustaining. I gave up the "regular" career path in pursuit of hard climbing, yet not worked hard enough at creating the lifestyle that makes it last. My "ostrich" approach has stretched my grades quite far, but athletically I know I have more in me, (I'm not exactly puritanical when it comes to diet and training). But what hopes of bigger numbers, when you can't pay for the necessary trips or everyday life for that matter?
Success!!! ? 7a Buthiers Photo: Jen Randall
January and February's climbing has just been about "ticking over" because I know I should. I've slipped away a bit, but I needed to. Although I'm still not sure about what I'm working towards beyond Metalcore, the 1st of March has been a milestone to get back on the training bandwagon. Enough pontificating, more action required. There is, afterall, unfinished business at the Anvil!
Cool Alan... In my view there are a couple of Team Scotland's climbers who are recognizing that they have much more to give in their climbing this year, and these words you write are perhaps the true start of that journey for you.
ReplyDeleteI watched you climb on a few occasions at Ratho and your endurance is phenomenal...
As we know 'we always want more' and with bouldering, you dont get the 'cake' you seek because you dont really want it.. so do what you really want and climb the 9a enduro fest in the place you love to climb this year... (after Metalcore of course!)
You have shit loads more to get from your climbing dude and look less to others now and more to you for that next big awesome pure iron brew step! Good luck young man.
Me llamo ...Mark! :-)
Alan,
ReplyDeleteMy name's Derek Stuart. I'm a Development Producer for STV working on a new series which celebrates Scotland's great outdoors, especially the Highlands. We're looking to cast a presenter for this series who is currently unknown, but is Scottish, young, extremely outgoing, and has a strong connection with the great outdoors - hillwalking / climbing / mountain biking / etc. We're looking to audition people next week, and would appreciate it if you can put the word out, and/or think about auditioning yourself.
My contact details are below.
Cheers,
Derek
Derek Stuart | Development Producer| Tel: 0141 300 3593
email: derek.stuart@stv.tv | website: www.stv.tv
stv | Pacific Quay | Glasgow | G51 1PQ | switchboard: 0141 300 3000
Alan, would you or any of your fellow climbers be interested in auditioning for a new series that celebrates Scotland's great outdoors? We're looking for somone Scottish, in their 20s or early 30s, who either climbs, mounatin bikes, or hillwalks, and who has a great personaility. Can you get in touch with me on derek.stuart@stv.tv and I'll tell you more.
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