Another visit to Portugal, this time to check out the governance of a training programme endorsed by the federation FCMP. Inter-federation rivalries make the politics a little delicate in Portugal (so what's new?!) but the training team are clearly doing a great job.
Whilst out there I was shown around some of the local attractions: the world-class aquarium and the excellent, though more esoteric Fenda. This delightful crag is a mini-canyon with a side so steep that it remains sheltered during rainfall - which was just as well as it rained almost continuously for the weekend.
This weekend was also a significant milestone for my climbing, because this season has been dogged by minor injuries, starting with a badly sprained ankle and finishing with severe tendonitis in my left hand. I've been losing weight with a less sedentary lifestyle, and gradually built up the fingers without completely stopping climbing and it seems to have worked. On the second day at Fenda I managed 9 clean leads of pitches from 6b+ to 7b and this continued afterwards with 3 clean leads in a row at 7a at our local indoor climbing wall, the Beacon, Caernarfon. It shows that periodisation works, but also surrounding yourself by strong climbers can help build a "can do" mentality. No big deal by modern standards but hopefully a step forward towards my ultimate goal of leading 8a as well as some return matches at Gogarth.
Whilst out there I was shown around some of the local attractions: the world-class aquarium and the excellent, though more esoteric Fenda. This delightful crag is a mini-canyon with a side so steep that it remains sheltered during rainfall - which was just as well as it rained almost continuously for the weekend.
This weekend was also a significant milestone for my climbing, because this season has been dogged by minor injuries, starting with a badly sprained ankle and finishing with severe tendonitis in my left hand. I've been losing weight with a less sedentary lifestyle, and gradually built up the fingers without completely stopping climbing and it seems to have worked. On the second day at Fenda I managed 9 clean leads of pitches from 6b+ to 7b and this continued afterwards with 3 clean leads in a row at 7a at our local indoor climbing wall, the Beacon, Caernarfon. It shows that periodisation works, but also surrounding yourself by strong climbers can help build a "can do" mentality. No big deal by modern standards but hopefully a step forward towards my ultimate goal of leading 8a as well as some return matches at Gogarth.
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