June 2006
The outdoor climbing season is here at last! It has been a good winter of pulling down on plastic and x-country skiing, but I am glad to see the summer sun. The competition season didn’t finish the way I wanted it to but they say we learn from our mistakes…so I will put this one in my back pocket and carry on. I want to give an ENORMOUS thanks to Luigi and his efforts in making the Tour de Bloc a successful competition circuit. I love climbing at different gyms, on fantastic problems, with super people! Another BIG thanks goes to all those gyms that host our competitions. I think it’s great that you are supporting the climbing community and the sport of climbing…your involvement and support is greatly appreciated!
I have been resting up this last month in preparation for another big summer of climbing…this time we’re off to South Africa. We are completely psyched to check out climbing areas in the Western Cape of SA, such as Rocklands, Montagu and Outdshoorn. We will miss our Ontario crags and all of our friend’s silly shenanigans. This month I am adding a TIP: Read The Rock Warrior’s Way by Arno Ilgner. I think it encouraged me to send my hardest routes to date.
Feb 06
Hey there climbing fans! I know you are eagerly waiting for Spring to arrive but I hope you are using the winter season well to improve your climbing potential.
I often find it hard to get motivated to climb inside during the winter months. The competitions throughout the season help me to keep fit and motivated to perform well. I like to climb inside about 2-3 times a week and I usually focus on bouldering. At home, I frequently stretch infront of the tele and complete some reps of sit ups and postures that focus on the core. I also “cross train”, “have fun” outside by cross country skiing and recently playing road hockey.
I am a little disappointed with my most recent efforts in a Mammut Competition in Boston. I believe that I have reached my potential with the diet and exercise I am doing. It is a struggle to make the next move to improve my climbing potential. A struggle to improve my diet, train in the gym more (with a weight belt), and maintain the training at home. At times I feel I am losing the fun out of it…other times I want to do better.
On the brighter side of things my hubby and I are still psyched on climbing outdoors. Our vacations and summers are a climbers dream. For the March Break we will be hopefully heading to Kentucky to check out all the new crags. If weather does not cooperate with our plans we know other great destinations in Tennessee and Alabama.
I am excited for whatever is in store…places, climbing (in all forms), and comps.
Until next time…enjoy life!july 8, 05
I am on a road trip and loving every minute of it. We have turned our Dodge Caravan (Sylvia) into an excellent road machine with a bed, and room for storage above and below. Sylvia has not let us down yet. Dave and I are cruising through Wyoming to hit Wild Iris and Sinks Canyon. So far we have enjoyed climbing Devil’s Tower and viewing America’s finest National Parks and Monuments. Later this month we plan to hit some of Sierra’s classic long routes and eventually make our way to Squamish. If you have any suggestions on routes please drop us a line. My goals this summer are to begin leading more traditional routes, become better at class four scrambling (hee, hee), add to my list of 5.13 sport routes and boulder superb problems. A big hello to the family if you’re reading this…we love you!
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may 05
Spring has been a success! I enjoyed climbing in Joshua Tree, CA for a week, bouldering at Niagara Glen, competing in the Tour de Blocs, and getting outside mountain biking as the bugs subside at the Ontario cliffs. All of these activities are highly recommended!
I am getting psyched for the Canadian Nationals, Tour de Bloc, at Allez Up in one week. I can’t wait to defend my title and hopefully keep first in Toronto (girls, you should just stay home)!
Thank you to Blurr, Joe Rockhead’s Climbing Gym, and Madrock for sponsoring me to attend local and national competitions.
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march 05
I have been training for some competitions a little more than usual. I have added daily stretching, situps and push ups to the regime, and at least 3 days of climbing per week. I have also been working on my diet by trying to avoid the junk food. I feel I have been climbing stronger, placing 10th at The Spot in Colorado (US National comp), and placing 1st in the Tour de Bloc Series. I have been resting lately as I catch up on the career end of things. For March Break I am headed to J-Tree for some funk! Until next time, keep having fun!
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january 05
This past couple of weeks have been super! I had two weeks off from my very busy profession. Instead of going south on a climbing trip this time, friends and I went snowboarding to Mt. St. Anne in Quebec, a destination worth checking out. I have been trying to get into the climbing gym to train for the upcoming comps. Some extra Christmas weight has had me down, but I am ready! This is Erin Ford signing off!
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