Just thought I drop a note to all regarding training and climbing in general. Hope I don't sound too much like a wet blanket; just a little worried that we loose our focus during this busy period of training, school and competitions.
1) Please exercise caution when you guys train. We have about 6 good weeks to competitions; while we're busy chasing grades and trying to improve, please do remember to GET ENOUGH REST. You will improve more quickly if you push hard and rest well, instead of taking longer breaks when you have finger or joint pains.
2) After 3 years in climbing, I've learnt a few things about our bodies -- improvement takes time. Sow the seeds now to reap the benefits later. No point rushing it and risk injury. If you wanna do campusing exercises upstairs but your fingers feel wonky, don't risk it by rushing it. Finger injuries have been known to delay and disable progress. Besides, there's plenty that you can do to climb better. Knowing how to is already one way in itself.
3) Plan your training progress well. Avoid frustrations and burn-out by spending some time thinking about your climbing or discussing with other climbers. 6 weeks is a long time.
Sport climbing is an extreme sport nonetheless because of its risks. Sometimes, I think that the greatest risks in this competitive sport is our overwhelming desire to evolve from mattress-grub to chalk-pro. It all takes time. So stay alive to see yourselves fly, ok?
JKLM
