And still, this summer’s unremitting heat persists, making every small hold that much more painful, and every day that much more swilly and slimy than I’m used to. I’ve been spoiled by summers’ past, that’s for certain. I struggle with staying psyched as I near the top of Doomsday, feeling like I’m climbing in a sauna every time I reach the final challenge, which I have yet to put together in sequence.
On day three of one-hanging yesterday, I felt awful from the get-go. Nights and nights of not sleeping well or through the night had built up to leave me feeling not recovered or particularly motivated, along with the sweltering and steamy conditions. I still managed to put in two strong efforts, but I felt thoroughly drained on the top holds. However, this led me to work out an even more efficient sequence for the finish. I always think that the days you’re not feeling strong on a project tend to lead toward the best beta revisions, because you work out smarter ways to climb when tired. Such was yesterday (and a tactic I recommend in How to Stay Psyched on Working a Long-Term Sport-Climbing Project, this week’s article).
Last night, I finally, finally slept through the night, and I got out of bed at 9 this morning feeling better and more relaxed and refreshed than I have in probably more than a week. I rest today, and then climb tomorrow. And while I have a sneaking suspicion that I could really use a two-day rest period, I look forward to tomorrow’s lesson on the rocks, whatever it might be, knowing full well that I will enjoy an awesome climbing training session after climbing tomorrow, too.
