A summer of growth

This summer has been a learning curve on all fronts. After many months of rock climbing, pushing hard, hurting, and then pushing further...the season has come to an end with confidence building. My goals for rock were to be climbing at a higher level then ever before. I got there and am totally stoked. Some projects i stomped on and some, of course, kicked my ass! I love it.

Learning about training, the dedication it takes, the focus it involves...i don't think i've ever been this motivated. All i want to do is train harder and climb stronger. I've begun to realize how deep it really goes in order to climb harder and stronger. You can't just will your way into being a strong climber. You need to be constantly thinking it, moving it, and doing it. What a feeling!

Over the summer i worked on my masterpiece (which was only supposed to take 1 month). I build my new climbing facility in the backyard. It took me 5 months. Wow, my wife was really "impressed". Um no. In the end though, my new training ground is amazing. I'm out there almost every day pulling down on it. As i have said before, when in doubt...build your own.

Recently i experienced something very foreign to me. A good friend of mind, and a solid climber, passed away. He fell whilst lowering off a mountain. Something went wrong. There has been no solid conclusion to how or what went wrong, however perhaps that's how it should be. The mountains are safe and unsafe. I guess it just depends on the "greater plan". I will miss my friend Anton and his encouragement, his strength and sense of humor. I had a hard time dealing with his death. Hearing about your friend dying whilst climbing, it isn't easy being a climber myself. My head space seems to be coming back, but it's taking time. But, time i have.

The days are now getting colder. The brisk air foreshadows the ice that is coming. Infact, ice is already taking shape in the canmore/banff/louise area. I've begun my training for ice and mixed. It's an intense program, but i'm keen to stick with it. I've come to a place where my focus is dedicated and locked in. A friend of mine has been good to get me on the right track with what works best for training...so...i'm stoked. My program basically consists of four days a week at the gym and three days a week of climbing (backyard and "out there") with one day of rest. Ahhhh fridays. I love fridays (now).

I'm super pumped for the season of ice and mixed. I'm pumped about competing.

Never stop doing whatever it is you love doing.