From one season to the next

It's the end of March, no snow left, ice has melted and the rock is warm. I just got back from climbing in Vegas (at the Red Rock Rendezvous - climbing and teaching), sweltering heat, sun burns, and now pretty psyched to start the rock season locally. Before I left i was working on my project, Musashi - M12. I had traveled to its location several times but each time coming up short. My last time there i came within 2 moves of sending the route. It's 60ft of overhanging roof to a dagger of ice then chains. It was so flippin' close. As I left that last time I was really struggling with the fact that I hadn't sent the route. So much to the point that for a week after I would find myself drifting off (in my head) and resiting the routes beta over and over (in my head).

For some reason i always have a hard time letting go of a particular season. It's weird because when i start a new season of rock or mixed/ice i'm not always 100% stoked. But as the season progresses, as i get deeper into it i don't want to let go at the end. Especially when i'm super close to sending my long awaited project.

This season of mixed/ice climbing was intense on many levels. At the beginning, back in Sept./Oct. I had set out a lot of goals. Big goals. I wanted to attend several comps all over the world, I wanted to send certain routes, etc. etc. And now i sit here, wishing there was more time, wishing that i could still get out there and finish off what i had set out at the start to do. But i guess that's all part of it...being able to let go, taking some time off (from that discipline) and then getting fired up to crush the following season.

I learned a lot about myself this past season of climbing. Working with my coach (Gadd) I had the opportunity to really push in my climbing. Whether physically or mentally, I went deep and it was wild. I learned a lot about physical training, how to push, when not to push, and if i was pushing too hard or not enough. I learned about my weaknesses, my strengths, things that were holding me back, and how to focus on what mattered. I never knew something like climbing could offer so much towards things that don't actually have anything to do with climbing.

Mental toughness has played a huge role in my climbing...especially this year. I've read a few books now on this subject and have now confirmed that it plays an integral part in succeeding at what it is you're pushing in. For me, my climbing needs mental toughness. Whether a fight with my wife, if my kids are screaming, if i fall off a route during a comp (which did happen and it sucked), late flights en route to a comp, any of these things pertain to mental toughness, and without mental toughness any of these things will hinder your ability to perform at your best level.

It's funny, letting go of a season, letting go of a route, walking away...it takes huge mental toughness. I found myself obsessing over Musashi to the point where i would thing about the route all night and day. I knew i could do the route, I knew i could send, but i didn't and the season was coming to a close. The route was pretty much at my limit. But here's the cool thing: after talking with my coach, i realized that yeah, sure, i could go back and send the route, but it would take everything in me, and would that satisfy me? I'm not really sure...but i know what would satisfy me: walking away from the route, coming home, training my ass off, working on weaknesses, focusing on how to get stronger, then...going back and slaying the route with ease. That gets me fired up.

I've come to the end of my mixed/ice season feeling good. Gadd taught me so much that i have years ahead of me, focusing on what i've learned and putting it to good use. Musashi is just 8 months away. For me, that's 8 months of time to get stronger, working on what i've learned from Gadd, and to simply build up the "psyche level" with the anticipation of getting back there and crushing.

It's rock season now and i'm totally stoked to give'er. Mixed season is just around the corner, awaiting big things. Yes, big things indeed...certain routes to get sent, world cups to attend, and a little ol' ice fest called Ouray to win. See, i'm already stoked about the next mixed season and it just finished.

Game on.