(replying to a post from the "Friday Night" thread)

Frog, nice avatar. Is that you at the massive Scotland climbing center? Or is that in some other country?

Man, I really have to get climbing again. Last time I was at the gym, I realized that I was so pathetically weak that I'd do better training in the gym before bothing to try and climb.

Does anyone know of reliable info on training for rock climbing? My legs are so weak that they honestly don't do anything I tell them. And my abs are so weak that I'm like jelly stuck to the wall. Might be nice to take winter to prepare for Spring, at which point I'll be ready to learn lead climbing.

But I'm just rambling......

[Edit: Some day I'll learn how to properly use vowels and double letters]

Argh. No such thing at avitar! It's avatar okay? avAtar!!!

Anyway, back on topic. I'd say just going to gym generally and using the weights and the various machines should be enough. I generally use the weights and the rowing machines. You can get small spring things to get stronger fingers as well if you need that.

Yup - the Adventure centre is brilliant. I've been taking the family there for 11 months now - my 4 year old has taken to it like a ... erm ... limpet to rocks:-) And my 2 year old is better than him, just not quite tall enough to get some of the moves.
We go along with about 6 other mates every Saturday morning and stay for 4 hours or so, followed by lunch in their superb 5th floor restaurant which looks over the arena.

My avatar pic is from a nice 6B vertical climb with a nasty overhang which if I can do it fast is fine, otherwise I get knackered and fall (bad power to weight ratio...well, bad weight really)

I agree with the training - I used to go to the gym 3 times a week, now I just climb and run, and I would give up the running if it wasn't for the fact I get a strange pleasure in causing myself pain by running marathons. The upside of marathon foot damage - climbing boots are more comfy with no toenails

Now that thread takes me back - remember the Yz33d/D33zy days? In amongst all the drekk there were moments of complete amusement.

I wouldn't post photo's - not that pleasant at all, and next year will be more fun...planning on 2 or 3 marathons just for a laugh (well, and to raise money for charidee, folks)

Just thought - some more photos in my gallery linked from this thread. I have a stack more I'll need to pop up there.

Once I get time....