Thursday, November 21, 2013
Simian 5.13b/c
Monday, November 18, 2013
MY HEAVEN... DRY TOOLING!!
I told myself that if I was going to write a blog about climbing, it would be about the ebb and flow of my experiences – something other climbers can relate to. And as we all know, there is definitely a huge separation between good days and bad days.
But I try to approach every new climb with an open mind. I can typically look at a line and be able to tell if it's going to be something that stumps me the second I leave the ground, or if I'm I going to be able to on-site it.
When I hear others talk about routes, I’m always listening closely for my favorite words: "It's impossible!" Within a few days I will be standing at said impossible route sussing it out. Playing the sequence out in my mind. Wondering, and feeling nervous that this just might be it. This could be the one that shuts me down.
I have faced two routes in my career that one hundred percent took me down. I often wonder if it's at that point that others pack up and run for the hills. To me, being shut down is a huge smack in the face, and man do I love a good challenge.
My worst shutdown happened during a free solo. I accidently went off my predetermined line by a few feet into a section of unclean, extremely thin flakes of limestone. I stood on those tiny exfoliating pieces of rock for what seemed like a month. I was truly petrified and was unable to finish the solo. I cursed myself out the entire time I down-climbed. But, a few weeks later, hell bent on finishing, I went back and purposely climbed in the bad section just to prove to myself it could be done. I guess for me, I don't like the idea that fear can stop me from doing the things I love. So I work very hard at controlling it.
Back to those winter adventures. While some might be getting ready to hibernate for the season, or climb indoors, I’m excited for what nature has in store. I hope with the help of a few cameras I’ll be able to take you all on some amazing adventures to remote places and show you some breathtaking dry tooling lines, perhaps a solo or two in the desert – and who knows, maybe inspire you to join me!
Stay psyched,
Nathan Williamson.
Trango Athlete
www.trango.com
The photo: Trango Raptor.
www.trango.com/ice_gear
Monday, November 4, 2013
LOVE OF PAIN.
For over a week I've had both of my ring fingers taped up tightly so that I don't crimp down too hard.
My right middle finger pad is split completely open and a chunk of the nail is missing. I have to sleep lying on my forearms to stop them from throbbing in pain all night. A simple task such as putting on my coat has now turned into an Olympic-sized event.
Daily, I get asked what it takes to climb past the 5.13 level… I would have to say for myself it was learning how to move past what I thought was my max level of pain and discomfort.
These days, my whole back from the top of my neck to my lower back is one huge knot. Headaches, stiff knees, broken fingers, jammed wrists, black eyes, cramped feet and tons of scars on my face are the norm.
But still, after all this, I sit on a rock, strap on my Oasi and rope up to work on my projects. Masochistic? Possibly.
I find myself being drawn to very thin, vertical limestone routes. I also now judge what I'm about to climb in levels of pain, and if I can handle the repercussions of what I'm about to do to my body. I've climbed over eighteen 5.13s and a handful of 5.14s. Each took me weeks to recover from.
I didn't wake up one day able to jump on hard routes. I have trained hard and dragged myself on the ground for years to finally be at this level. I climb 4-6 days a week outside and the rest indoors to maintain my strength. I have nearly no time in my life to maintain friendships. My life is climbing.
Some days I crawl, but hey, I figure even if I'm crawling to the route, at least I'm still doing what I love. And hopefully, I will be trying new rugged routes even when I'm an old man!!
Is this how climbing is for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Stay psyched,
Nathan Williamson.
Trango Athlete
Friday, November 1, 2013
"Psyched"
I'm lucky to have such a great mentor. And what I'm learning is... Be the climber that inspires others to finish their projects. Also, find friends that drive you to surpass your limits as a climber and as a human.
Nathan Williamson