Lessons from the CWIF

I was really excited about taking part in the CWIF this weekend. And I man really excited, like can't sleep, Disneyland excited. It would be my first international comp for nearly 10 years, And I was feeling quite strong, so hoped I might do OK. This is what I leant...

1) It's OK to tank

And I really tanked. To say I wasn't close to qualifying is a minor understatement. Qualifying and I weren't even on speaking terms. Still, I had a brilliant time, questing round with a great team, and today I got to go to the plantation and climb in the sun with a great group of people (and Will).




2) Never give up.




Part of the reason for the aforementioned tanking is that I threw in the towel far too early. Almost straight away I had a shocker on two reachy problems which totally shut me down. Two fat zeros, lurking on my scoresheet like toads. After that, I thought I had no chance, and lost my focus and aggression. I started having lots of fun, but making tons of mistakes and not trying nearly as hard as I should have. In fact, looking back, if I'd kept my shit together I'd still not have qualified. But, if I'd kept my shit together and been less short, inflexible and technically inept I probably would have.

3) We are so lucky in the UK...




...to have some of the best routesetters in the world. The qualifiers consisted of thirty problems which had to provide enough fun for those who came down for a laugh, and challenge some of the best in the world. They are set on the main circuit section of the Works, so the potential for disgusting "dirt vert" is high. All 30 problems were great, requiring a potent mix of brains and brawn for success. I don't think I've ever competed on problems of such consistently high quality. Chapeau, route setting team!

4) Legs.

Strong legs are useful, as are butt-cheeks, shoulders and (a distant fourth) fingers. As I write this my legs are in agony, and don't even ask about my backside.

5) What good climbers look like...

The display of bendiness, determination and strength I saw from Ned and Barrans today was awe-inspiring. Watching those guys contort their way up the groove of despair in the finals, all I could think was how good they must be in the sack...

6) The Brits are "quite good"

Finally - the Brits won the CWIF! An inspiring effort from Shauna, who dominated the women's field, and brute strength on a stick from Dave Barrans, who squeeked it in the men's. It all came down to the final problem; Dave had climbed three problems, and Guilliane Glarion-Mondet, the French Sideshow Bob lookalike, had to top out on the final problem to win it. It was one of those situations where you're screaming support, but at the same time praying he won't make it. Guillane fought his way to the last move of the last problem, but could only wave at the finishing hold as he flew past it. Barrans Wins!!!