Weeks 14 & 15: first 7c!

What I did:

I sent my first 7c (Apocalypse in Berdorf) on the last attempt of the last day of my climbing trip! Very happy with the progress: 9 weeks to go from 7a to 7b, and 6 weeks to go from 7b to 7c. The main goal was to practise tactics and strategy: cleaning the route, working the route while saving energy, precision tick marks, extended a quick draw, crack climbing gloves for a hand jam, and I even skipped a bolt! 

On other routes over the last few weeks I experimented with different shaking strategies and different climbing speeds, so that I learn in which situation what strategy works best for me.

Furthermore, I was feeling really low in terms of energy, so in the second week (after sending the project) I decided to stop and rest. I visited the doctor to figure out what's going on, waiting on things to become better now.

Reflecting:

Tactics make huge difference! I also think it fits the way my bain works, because I enjoy looking for creative ways to get an advantage.

I was a bit sick during the climbing trip and low on energy. But the ability to psych myself up really helped, especially because there was a crowd to cheer me on. I was doubting myself when working the route, but by psyching myself up and the cheering crowd I managed to get back into the zone and try hard.

What will I do next time:

Fun stuff! Whatever I feel like. No pressure for the next 2 weeks; just enjoy movement again and climbing with friends.

After this, I will switch to 4 week taining cycles (including 1 deload week) with a bigger emphasis on physical attributes rather than the "just climb" approach with intentional process goals.

Statistics:

Climbed 150 meters on real rock.

Climbed 0 meters of aerobic endurance laps (while doing movement drills).

Taken 5 falls while committing to the next move.

Eric Hörst self assessment after sending the 7b:

Eric Hörst self assessment after sending the 7c: