Thursday 31 October 2013

Training for the New Alpinism

In Training for the New Alpinism, Steve House, world-class climber and Scott Johnston, coach of U.S. National Champions and World Cup Nordic Skiers, translate training theory into practice to allow you to coach yourself to any mountaineering goal.

Applying training practices from other endurance sports, House and Johnston demonstrate that following a carefully designed regimen is as effective for alpinism as it is for any other endurance sport and leads to better performance.

They deliver detailed instruction on how to plan and execute training tailored to your individual circumstances. Whether you work as a banker or a mountain guide, live in the city or the country, are an ice climber, a mountaineer heading to Denali, or a veteran of 8,000-meter peaks, your understanding of how to achieve your goals grows exponentially as you work with this book.

Chapters cover endurance and strength training theory and methodology, application and planning, nutrition, altitude, mental fitness, and assessing your goals and your strengths. Chapters are augmented with inspiring essays by world-renowned climbers, including Ueli Steck, Mark Twight, Peter Habeler, Voytek Kurtyka, and Will Gadd. Filled with photos, graphs, and illustrations.

Personally I can't wait to order my copy - http://www.amazon.com/Training-New-Alpinism-Climber-Athlete/dp/193834023X.

 

Wednesday 30 October 2013

K2 - The Summit

Told through interviews, audio footage and reenactments that feel too realistic, this documentary features gorgeous cinematography to capture the essence of majesty, grandeur and danger of this mystical landscape. The interviews of the climbers that survive are remarkable, inspiring and incredible that these individuals would embark on such a life threatening adventure. This is a film that should be experienced on the big screen so be sure to catch “The Summit”

Movie Review for The Summit | Phoenix Film Festival

 

365 days and counting!

It is exactly one year before I step back into Himalayan climbing. So what are my plans for the next 365 days?

Simple, I'm going to get uber fit (well 'fitter'). A lot of urban training, a few ultra marathons, one ironman, some freeltics, some gym work, and overall conditioning!

I intend to improve my skills and learn some new ones! I shall be off to the Alps with my mate and guide Mark Walker (see Mark Walker Mountaineering) for some progressive climbing; I've decided to take some rope work qualifications; get down the wall a little more; and improve my bivi cooking skills!

Overall I'm looking forward to it immensely! I'll keep you posted.