7 Ways to Not Get Burned Out on Rock Climbing

By: Ryan Coisson

Do you find yourself getting burned out on rock climbing? Year after year I see all kinds of people join our climbing community and become completely addicted to rock climbing. It doesnt take long though for a lot of these climbers to get burned out.

It is kinda strange they become so psyched and all of a sudden you stop seeing them around the gym and at the crag.

Well have much contemplation and application I have finally figured out how to stay totally psyched on climbing without ever getting burned out.

First what is it that burns rock climbers out?

The two biggest reasons that climbers get burned out are a lack of variety in their climbing and the fact that they never take a break from rock climbing.

So now that we understand that let me give you the 7 ways to not get burned out on rock climbing.

1. Climb with rock climbers that are motivating you and that you have fun with. It is essential that those you climb with motivate you and make climbing fun for you. Nothing is worse than climbing with someone that is constantly complaining and killing your psyche. I also find that I like to climb with people that like to joke around a lot. It makes it a lot more fun for me.

2. Get out of the darn gym. I know gym is great you have the project in there but a lot of people become burned out because they are gym rats. Get your butt out of the gym, get out in nature and climb outside. I do not care how far from the crag you are I used to have to drive 6+ hours one way to go climbing outside. Trust me just do it.

3. Take a road trip. Getting out to new areas can not only be motivating but a great time to meet new climbers from all over. One of the best things about road trips is the experience. When I lived in Florida road trips are what kept me sane as a climber. Oh and by the way you do not need to go to a different area every time but I recommend mixing it up.

4. Try different styles of climbing. A lot of the climbers that I see who are not psyched on climbing anymore were just boulderers or sport climbers. Mix up the styles of climbing try trad climbing, go bouldering, or go clip some bolts on a few sport routes. Whatever you do mix things up that way when you are not to psyched on bouldering you can just go trad climbing. Or if you need a change from trad climbing go sport climbing. I promise this will help a ton and that is why I do everything from bouldering, trad, sport, soloing, rope jumping and even buildering. It always gives me something to stay psyched on.

5. Take a break from climbing. I honestly think it is a really good idea to take at least 2-4 weeks of from climbing every year. Just take a break and do something else. This gives you a chance to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your body. I like to keep my body in shape by still working out 3 days a week and running 2-3 days a week as well, but stop climbing.

6. Keep yourself motivated by setting goals for yourself. Find routes or boulder problems that inspire you and that you want to climb. Make sure the line and the movement inspires you as you will most likely be on it a lot and if you are not inspired you will not enjoy yourself. Having these goals give you great motivation and an awesome sense of accomplishment that can’t be put in words.

7. Finally just have fun with your rock climbing. Rock climbing is meant to be fun dont be all serious about it. Remember why you climb and stay with that.
So the next time you start to feel like you’re getting burned out on rock climbing put any of these 7 tips into practice and I promise you will get more motivated on climbing almost instantly.

About the Author

Ryan Coisson is the publisher of the Pull Harder Training Course, a free mini-course full of information for rock climbers of all skill levels. For your free subscription, drop by Rock Climbing For Life today.

(ArticlesBase SC #598282)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - 7 Ways to Not Get Burned Out on Rock Climbing

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Lightweight Hiking - an Example

By: Steve Gillman

Is lightweight hiking and backpacking viable in cold weather? I think so. Last Fall I was in four feet of snow at 13,000 feet - in my running shoes and with just 11 pounds on my back for an overnighter. Crazy? I don't think so. Anyhow, I have been going lightweight for too many years to want to go back to a heavy pack and hiking boots.

Heading For Crestone Peak

It was September 2006. I was in the Sangre De Christo Mountains in Colorado, hiking up the trail to South Colony Lakes. I just surprised a large buck, who snorted and ran off. I started to see more patches of snow as I went higher. I poked at the frozen puddles with my walking stick.

I had hoped to climb Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle earlier in the month, but was rained out. Then it snowed heavily in the high country on September 18. I started checking the online forums to see if anyone was still climbing these "fourteeners" (mountains higher than 14,000 feet). Someone did mentioned climbing Crestone through the snow - which I didn't want to do.

However, by the 28th there had been several warm days, so maybe the snow melted. It had where I parked the car. But by the time I hiked to South Colony Lakes a few hours later, I was almost knee-deep in it. Then, up above the lakes and beyond the last of the trees, the snow was even deeper.

My shoes and socks were soaked, but the sun and the climb kept me warm. I continued because it really looked like there was bare rock up near the peaks. Eventually I adjusted my goal to just getting to Broken-Hand Pass, where I could look down into the San Luis Valley. I made it to within 100 yards.

It was so steep and the snow so deep, that I slid back at least as far as I stepped each time. Then I slipped and needed to self-arrest with my walking stick to keep from sliding down a few hundred feet. It was clear that I was under-equipped for climbing any further.

Lightweight Backpacking

Hiking down was worse (it often is). I sunk into the snow and hit my shins against rocks hidden there. I walked on top of the snow crust at times, until I suddenly broke through - which I did when I stopped to look at some bobcat tracks. At least I didn't have much weight on my back.

I had 11 pounds, to be exact. The pack itself weighed a pound or so. My down sleeping bag weighed 17 ounces, and the tarp 16 ounces. I also had food and water and dry socks. Going lightweight meant I hardly even noticed the pack - even after 13 miles of hiking.

Back down near the lakes it was time to put my lightweight hiking and backpacking skills and equipment to the test. It would be about 24 degrees Fahrenheit that night.

I found a nice grassy area where the snow had melted away. The sun was still bright and warm, so I laid out my wet socks and shoes to dry on a large log while I ate mixed nuts, wrote some notes, and then took a nap. Several deer walked by an hour later. I woke up gripping my walking stick like a weapon.

Everything was dry, so I put on my shoes and got busy. It took about 20 minutes to collect dry grass and old thistle stalks to make a thick mattress. This was for comfort as well as for insulation to keep me warm. I set a piece of plastic over this, and strung the tarp overhead. Then I laid out the sleeping bag to fluff it up.

I collected some dry wood and tinder and laid a fire, just in case I needed it later (I never did). I covered this with a few pieces of bark to keep frost, snow or rain off of it. I ate some wild currants and rose hips. I saved my corn chips for a bedtime meal. The fat would heat me up as it digested. I used my walking stick to lift the bag with the rest of the food up to a high branch where it would hang for the night.

I put on my thermal underwear, hat and gloves. I used my shoes with the backpack on top of them for a pillow. The wind started blowing, so I lowered one side of the tarp before going to sleep.

The frost was heavy and the ice was thick on the puddles in the morning, but I had managed to sleep well. I packed up, scattered the mattress materials so they wouldn't smother the plants underneath, and I ate some crackers. The sun was just rising as I hit the trail.

I probably had just 9 pounds total on my back by now. That may seem very lightweight for backpacking, but I had everything I needed. I even had a camera with me. I stopped hiking long enough to take a photo of Crestone Needle in the morning sun. I'll be on top of it this summer.

About the Author

Copyright Steve Gillman. To get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

(ArticlesBase SC #156812)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Lightweight Hiking - an Example

Top Ten Views on a Trek to Everest

By: Jude Limburn Turner

Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is also one of the most amazing areas of natural power and beauty on earth. As you travel up the mountain towards the Everest base camp, the sights become more poignant and awe inspiring. We count down the top ten.

10. Kathmandu

While not strictly on the route, Kathmandu is the city from which you base your Everest Trek Kathmandu urbar square is a work of ancient architectural genius, the people of the Kathmandu valley are warm and welcoming, and a brief immersion into the Nepalese way of life is as irresistible as the views from the city's highest buildings.

9. Lukla

The start of your Everest Trek proper, this small town and airport are the jump-off point for everyone trekking toward Everest and Everest Base Camp. Stepping off the plane, you look up, then up, then up, realising for the first time the scale and majesty of the mountain range you are about to take on.

8. Local wildlife and animals

Turning a corner and finding a Sherpa with his herd of yaks coming the other way is an 'interesting' experience - be sure to stand uphill as these large be-ribboned animals are somewhat unpredictable and have been know to knock Everest trekkers off the path! These lumbering beasts of burden are milk, meat, transport, heat and a myriad of other uses to the people of the Everest region. You may also come across the brilliant blue Impeyen Pheasant,
Himalayan Thar or if you are very lucky a Himalayan Red Panda.

7. The Hillary Bridge

This sturdy but rustic-looking suspension bridge was erected by Edmund Hillary's (the first man to trek and climb Everest) charity. It provides a link for everyone walking up from Lukla towards Everest Base Camp.

6. Namche Bazaar

One of the villages on the journey into the high Himalayas, Namche Bazaar is stepped across the slopes in Solukhumbu District. It seems incredible to see this expanded market clinging on the sides of the mountain, and the village has a practical use too. Used to help acclimatise walkers to the altitude, it is also important in gathering supplies for your trek to Everest base camp.

5. The peak of Amadablam.

Climb just above Namche Bazaar and you see The first real unspoiled view of the Himalayan mountain peaks on your trek to Everest. It's also at this point that the scenery becomes almost otherworldly - serene, powerful and unlike anything you have ever experienced before.

4. - Dingboche and the valley towards Chukhing.

Everest treks will usually lay over for two nights in Dingboche for acclimati sation. The view down the valley to Chukhing is not to be missed, and highlights your achievement so far. Almost two thirds of your way through the trek, and with Everest almost in sight, experiencing this sight is an accomplishment in and of itself.

3. Looking up the valley towards Pumori and Nuptse.

Similarly, the twin peaks of Pumori and Nuptse are a sight you won't forget as long as you live. "Everest's Daughter" and "West Peak" (as they are respectively known) are the gateway to Everest itself, a prelude to the final destination on your trip.

2. Views of Everest and the Khumbu glacier from Kala Pattar

If you have the time and the energy it is well worth ascending Kala Pattar, an eight-hour trek from Lobuche. Whilst Everest Base Camp may be the ultimate objective of your trek, the views are undoubtedly better from the rocky summit of Kala Pattar (5,545m) where you look across to Everest, and a host of other peaks, and down onto the vast, impressive Kuhumbu glacier where Base Camp is located in season.

1. Everest and Everest base camp

The finale to your Everest Base Camp trek. The terrifying Khumbu ice-fall obstructs views of the summit of Everest from Base Camp but the mighty mountain still makes its presence felt. In climbing season Everest Base Camp will be alive with adrenalin of mountaineering expeditions, but out of season there is little to be seen bar ice, rock and snow.
About the Author
Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have run Everest treks for over 20 years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.
(ArticlesBase SC #672090)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Top Ten Views on a Trek to Everest