The Struggle Climbing Show

Latest Episodes:

Kevin Cowell: Climbing Identity and How to Keep Getting Better (Even When You Can't Get Stronger) Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Founder of The Climb Clinic, Kevin Cowell, joins to discuss:

Starting the Climb Clinic in his garage
Treating elite athletes and weekend warriors
What happens to our identify as climbers when we become injured
How to keep climbing and training while managing an injury
Work, school, family… and other things that can affect our climbing identity
What to do when pushing grades is important
What to do after we’ve “peaked”
How to get better when we can’t get stronger

Follow Kevin https://www.instagram.com/theclimbclinic/?hl=en

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
Intentional Climber: Stop spinning your wheels. Start making real progress. Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Plateaus And Shifting Focus

00:56 Meet Kevin Kowal

03:44 Squamish Academy Stories

04:42 Kevin’s Climbing Origin

06:12 Building The Climb Clinic

08:23 Treating Pro Athletes

10:23 When Expectations Collapse

12:43 Injury And Identity

14:39 Reframing Rehab And Training

19:13 Beyond Injury Life Changes

22:56 Sponsors And Gear Break

25:48 Kevin’s Own Setbacks

31:47 Progression Obsession

34:14 Can You Still Progress

36:03 Plateau And Tweaks

36:46 Low Hanging Fruit

38:50 Elite Habits Beyond Hangboarding

40:55 Training Shift Rope To Board

45:36 Injury As Performance Gift

46:51 Life After The Peak

51:38 Humbling Trips And New Beta

57:14 Long Term Climbing Relationship

01:00:39 Work With Kevin And His Course

01:04:12 Bonus Episode And Season Updates

Shoutout to Kent Olmstead, Michael Martin, and Sam Hancock for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.

And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!

Before The Red was Famous: The OGs Who Built and Protected the RRG Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

OG climbers and advocates Shannon Stuart-Smith, Hugh Loeffler, and Paul Vidal, join for a live discussion at iconic Miguel's Pizza during Rocktoberfest to explore:

The hilarious stories behind the naming of the classic routes “Two Women Alone” and “Mercy the Huff”
Early days of bolting routes at the Red
The forest service bolting ban that prompted Shannon, Hugh, and others to take action to protect the Red
How to fake your way into becoming an organization
The discovery, development, and purchase of the Motherlode
The discovery of The Dark Side
The Hominy Hole incident
Petzl RocTrip and Rocktoberfest

PLEASE SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE RRGCC IF YOU CAN, ALONG WITH THESE RAD BRANDS WHO SUPPORT THE COALITION:

Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition: Freedom to climb is not free. If you climb at the Red, become a member!
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com . SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Petzl: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com
Rhino Skin Solutions: Take care of your skin, send harder! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Shoutout to Kent Olmstead, Michael Martin, and Sam Hancock for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

To Hell and Back: How I Survived 24 Hours of Climbing (ft. Chris Kalous and Annette Guo) Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Chris Kalous of the Enormocast, along with weekend warrior (and Hell coach) Annette Guo, join me to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of our recent 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell epic, including:

My mind blowing COROS metrics
Coach Annette and her support plan
Using legs more than arms
Funniest moment
Darkest moment
Having a good cry
My epic bonk and how we adjusted
The song that lifted me out of the depths
75 routes, 100 routes

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS WHO GOT ME THROUGH HELL AND BACK:

COROS: Track your workouts, HR, HRV, Sleep, Recovery, and Climbs with the best wearable tech for serious climbers. Use code STRUGGLE at COROS.com to score a free watch band with the purchase of a COROS Apex 4.
SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com . SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Petzl: The best and most reliable helmets, harnesses, draws, and gear that'll help you to Access the Inaccessible. Find Petzl at your local gear shop, and learn more at Petzl.com
Rhino Skin Solutions: Take care of your skin, send harder! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Shoutout to Kent Olmstead, Michael Martin, and Sam Hancock for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

Coach Joy Black: Groundbreaking Study on Climbing While Pregnant, Busy Climber Tips, and My Pelvic Floor Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Join the email list to get a FREE private finger training clinic with Dr. Tyler Nelson
(normally $15)
www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/strong

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Climbing Coach Joy Black joins to discuss:

How to make a 30-min session count
Removing friction to start workouts faster
Being strong doesn’t mean being good
Her groundbreaking study on climbing while pregnant
How dangerous is falling while pregnant?
Helpful signs to know when to end a session
Postpartum training and climbing
I HAVE A PELVIC FLOOR (and so do you)
Listener Q&A

Follow joy on IG, @climbingwithjoy, and email her for a copy of the study: joy@trainedbyjoy.com

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Train harder, recover faster, and feel better than ever. I love all their stuff! Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
Intentional Climber: Stop spinning your wheels. Start making real progress. Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Why This Paper Matters
00:48 Meet Joy Black
05:01 Small Talk and Cold Plunges
08:07 Parenting and Training Consistency
13:08 Beating Perfectionism
16:56 Joy’s Current Struggle
21:12 Coaching Pregnant Climbers
24:52 Sponsor Break
27:45 Replacing Opinion With Data
33:14 Study Methods and Fall Risk
36:24 Risk Rates In Context
37:29 Talking With Providers
40:01 Bouldering Falls Breakdown
41:38 How Climbers Self Modify
44:03 Misconceptions About Falling
45:50 Miscarriage And Birth Outcomes
46:48 Natural Taper And Guardrails
50:45 Pregnancy Not Performance Season
54:12 Intentional Climber Ad Break
56:04 Mental Health Benefits
58:18 Relaxin And Finger Training
01:03:21 Defining Postpartum Timeline
01:06:13 Breastfeeding Vs Recovery
01:08:11 Pelvic Floor Explained
01:12:55 Postpartum Pelvic Floor Rehab
01:16:04 Pelvic Floor Progression
01:17:04 Coaching Lessons for All
01:19:41 Consistency and Intentional Training
01:20:55 Finger Training Focus
01:22:31 Overcoming Iso Repeaters Setup
01:25:52 Overhead vs Ground Repeaters
01:28:32 Stacking Sessions and Block Pulls
01:30:22 Rapid Fire Listener Q&A
01:30:36 Kids at the Gym Tips
01:32:53 Caffeine During Pregnancy
01:34:05 Two Years Postpartum Rebuild
01:37:41 Where to Find Joy
01:39:06 Wrap Up and Next Pro Clinic
01:41:11 Host Updates and Upcoming Events
01:47:48 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Shoutout to Kent Olmstead, Michael Martin, and Sam Hancock for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow

Eddie Taylor: How to Go On an Epic Climbing Trip as a Weekend Warrior, Mentorship, Big Walls, and Strength Training Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Weekend Warrior and badass adventurer Eddie Taylor explores:

How to plan a first expedition as a weekend warrior
What to do when the plan goes sideways
Dealing with killer mosquitoes
Trundling while climbing
Training hard on a busy schedule
Participating in the SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative
How he raised funds for his Everest expedition
Why onsighting is the way

Learn more about the SAMI program here: https://us.scarpa.com/pages/scarpa-athlete-mentorship-initiative-sami

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Train harder, recover faster, and feel better than ever. I love all their stuff! Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
SCARPA: The best climbing shoes, trail runners, and hikers in the game! Score yourself a free SCARPA x STRUGGLE hat when you use code STRUGGLE at checkout at SCARPA.com . SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Shoutout to Kent Olmstead, Michael Martin, and Sam Hancock for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Midnight Pre Climb Panic
00:23 Sendtember Welcome
01:10 Meet Eddie Taylor
02:38 Weekend Warrior Resume
04:55 Catching Up Dad Life
06:03 Family Climbing Trip Beta
07:17 Why The Cirque
08:30 Getting There Logistics
09:43 What Makes It Unique
11:59 Endless Daylight Window
12:58 Training And Prep Reality
14:22 The Expedition Team
15:32 Goals And Route Wish List
17:22 Parenting Time Tradeoffs
18:54 Sponsor Break Scarpa
20:19 Sponsor Break Physiovantage
22:30 Trip Length Breakdown
23:24 Planning And Packing Lessons
27:29 The Brutal Mosquito Hike
29:16 Fairy Meadows Vibe
30:39 Right Into The Storm Warmup
31:43 Lotus Flower Tower Push
35:17 Summit Glow And Rappel
36:10 Rest Days and Forecast
37:46 Goals Shift After Storms
38:26 Power of Silence Attempt
40:29 Bailing and Regrets
41:43 Arc'teryx Gear Break
43:08 Hawaiian Shirts and Meaning
45:30 Parenting and Next Trips
47:46 Training Split and Simul Mileage
49:12 Freerider Boulder and Board Power
53:22 Scarpa SAMI Mentorship
58:13 Funding Everest Lessons
01:03:57 Fall Goals and Yosemite Plans
01:07:13 Ground Up Adventure Ethic
01:09:01 Wrap Up and Listener Takeaways
01:10:44 SAMI Links and Bonus Episode
01:13:05 Host Training and Horseshoe Hell
01:17:33 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

Michaela Kiersch: Her Latest 5.15a (9a+) Ascent, Grade Debates, Power Endurance Training, and Reel Rock Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Michaela Kiersch: Her Latest 5.15a (9a+) Ascent, Grade Debates, Power Endurance Training, and Reel Rock

The story behind her FA of Mad Lib (9a / 5.14d)
Sending Dolby Surround (9a+ / 5.15a) after a hold broke
Trading beta with Will Bosi
Taking her strength and power endurance to a new level
Handling send pressure on a limit project
The challenge of grading the hardest climbs
A case for doing easier volume
The most efficient way to build endurance
Being featured in Reel Rock

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Train harder, recover faster, and feel better than ever. I love all their stuff! Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
Intentional Climber: Stop spinning your wheels. Start making real progress. Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Shoutout to Aiden Schlatter, Michael Martin, and Kent Olmstead for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Pressure at the Limit
00:24 Mikaela Returns
01:27 Big Sends Preview
04:03 Lyme Disease Detour
07:10 Catching Up and Moving
08:50 Vermont Bouldering Tear
09:53 Madlib First Ascent
15:22 Jaws and Size Beta
16:25 Dolby Surround Backstory
19:04 Two Months on Dolby
21:44 Sponsor Break
24:41 Training for Dolby
27:08 Send Day Mindset
32:50 Grading and Consensus
35:50 Grades Versus Inspiration
39:20 Breakthrough Grades Memories
42:21 Colorado Plans And Technique
44:58 Tactics And Smart Volume
45:55 Intentional Climber App
47:47 Anti Style And Beta Sharing
50:34 Training For Route Season
51:48 Endurance Sessions Explained
55:22 Madness Cave Prep Tips
58:32 Mindset Journaling Progress
01:02:13 Real Rock Feature Reveal
01:06:46 Bonus Episode And Patreon
01:11:00 Host Red Session Update
01:16:18 Thanks Sponsors And Wrap

Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

The August Plog: New Training, How I'm Doing 18% More, Squamish Recap, and Performance Hacks Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Casually reflecting on my training, performance, and experimentation for the month, including:

Recap of August goals (hits and misses)
Struggling like crazy with the new training load
How I achieved 18% more completed workouts
Squamish recap
Getting on the fall 12c projie for the first time
Technology I'm using to hack my training
Can a vegetarian use collagen?
September goals

Shoutout to Aiden Schlatter, Michael Martin, and Kent Olmstead for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Intentional Climber: Stop spinning your wheels. Start making real progress. Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program.

I hope your training and climbing are going great!

The Future of Hard Sport Climbing and Gear Design with Jonathan Siegrist, Alannah Yip, Mike Foley, and Tyler Thompson (LIVE from the Arc'teryx Academy) Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Jonathan Siegrist, Alannah Yip, Mike Foley, and Tyler Thompson sit down at the Arc'teryx Academy to explore:

Memorable climbing experiences (and epics) in Squamish
The process of athlete-designer collaboration for gear design
The future of hard sport climbing
When will we see a 5.15d (9c) repeat or 5.16a (9c+) FA
Why America is falling behind on hard sport climbing
What went into Arc'teryx's brand new sport harness, the Lithos SL
Gates in or out

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

Arc’teryx: Check out the new Lithos SL harness; the lightest and most comfortable harness I've ever tied into. Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
Intentional Climber: Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for busy climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Shoutout to Aiden Schlatter, Michael Martin, and Kent Olmstead for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right):

00:00 Intro

00:24 Ryan Returns From Squamish

01:10 Meet The Panel

02:18 Puppy Distraction

04:47 Live Show Kickoff

04:59 Enormocast Origins

06:23 Old School Harnesses

10:03 Suffering And Progress

11:41 Alannah First Gear Story

13:53 Mike Foley Squamish Intro

15:34 Designing Lithos SL

19:31 Mike Path To Arc'teryx

21:34 Harness Giveaway Moment

22:41 Future Of Sport Climbing

25:13 Non Gendered Fit System

29:31 Bring Out Tyler And J Star

31:00 Clinic And First Leads

32:11 Squamish Memories Grand Wall

35:41 Squamish Epic Stories

37:49 Harness Design Testing

41:57 Minimalist Sport Rack

46:06 Future of Hard Climbing

52:15 Route Development Debate

54:07 Audience Q and Harnesses

59:22 Squamish Trip Recap

01:00:46 Bouldering and Slab Lessons

01:05:10 Multi Pitch Humble Pie

01:09:23 Sport Day and Film Night

01:12:04 Fun Over Grades

01:13:46 Thanks and Wrap Up

Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

Hazel Findlay: Her Hardest Climb Since Becoming a Mom (and How She Pushed Herself Close to the Edge but Didn't Go Too Far) Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Join the email list to get a FREE private finger training clinic with Dr. Tyler Nelson
(normally $15)
www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/strong

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Pro climber, mindset coach, and badass mom, Hazel Findlay, is back to discuss:

Her recent 5.14R trad ascent
How to care about a goal without losing oneself in the process
Pushing to the edge of what was healthy
Is projecting “fun”?
Her emotional low point and what turned it around
How her friends helped her to send
The highs, lows, and "what's nexts" after the send

Sign up for the Strong Mind newsletter and check out their other free resources at https://www.strongmindclimbing.com/ Check out the Strong Mind YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongMindClimbing

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Train harder, recover faster, and feel better than ever. I love all their stuff! Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
Intentional Climber: Stop spinning your wheels. Start making real progress. Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Shoutout to Aiden Schlatter, Michael Martin, and Kent Olmstead for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Hazel Returns and Big Send

03:51 Tea Talk Warmup

06:38 Route Name and Welsh Roots

11:38 E Grades and Risk Explained

14:23 Postpartum Performance Context

18:23 Motivation and Finding Your Why

24:18 Sponsors and App Updates

28:08 Goals Without Obsession

32:48 Costs Boundaries and Motherhood

36:56 Project Life Balance

39:18 Progress And Pressure

41:48 Training App Break

43:40 Projecting Fun Debate

47:09 Weather And Low Points

49:47 Route Beta Breakdown

54:04 Send Day Story

58:39 Mindset And Trying Hard

01:02:37 After The Send

01:09:45 Strong Mind Resources

01:11:20 Bonus Episode Pitch

01:14:02 Host Training Update

01:17:30 Final Thanks And Wrap

Follow along on Instagram @thestruggleclimbingshow and YouTube /@thestruggleclimbingshow

The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.

The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.

A Noob's Guide to Horseshoe Hell Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.

https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional

Support the Show on Patreon
Get access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow

Ari Grode and Rob Liberatore from The Ground Up podcast (along with special guest Chris Kalous) share pro insights from Horseshoe Hell:

What is Horseshoe Hell
12, 24, and 36 hours of Hell
Why aren't there more injries
How to qualify in different areas
Biggest mistakes noobs make at Hell
What Chris and I need to do to survive
Pro tactics to save skin, energy, and sanity
What to expect before, during, and after the event
The most important thing: choosing the right costume

Check out The Ground Up Podcast wherever you get your pods, and follow their adventures on IG https://www.instagram.com/listentogroundup/

BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:

PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com
Rhino Skin Solutions: Take care of your skin, send harder! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
Intentional Climber: Stop spinning your wheels. Start making real progress. Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program.

And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals

Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)

00:00 Why Hell Feels Grim

00:51 Meet The Guests

08:52 Event Basics Explained

10:17 Vibe Costumes And Culture

14:16 Rules Points And Qualifying

18:33 The Ranch Layout And Rock

28:10 Prep Mindset And Goals

33:44 Training Systems And Stashes

38:39 Old Man Strength Training

40:19 Tactics Over Training

41:08 Shoes for 24 Hours

43:58 Prewalk and Partner Sync

46:54 Fast Transitions No Retie

49:43 Safety and Code Words

54:02 Sponsor Break Skin App

57:11 Route Difficulty Strategy

01:02:47 Rack and Permadraw Beta

01:05:49 Lead Swap and Efficiency

01:08:47 Pacing Bonks and Howls

01:10:58 Food Water Caffeine Plan

01:13:51 Food Stash Strategy

01:15:19 Dialed Systems and Ropes

01:16:40 Stashing Timing and Labels

01:18:59 Darkest Hours and Bonks

01:22:31 Night Gear and Headlamps

01:24:59 Logging Routes and Weather

01:26:56 Crowds Etiquette and Waiting

01:29:22 Taping Fingers and Gloves

01:31:21 Support Crew Rules

01:32:52 Final Hour Sprint

01:35:39 Post Finish Recovery Party

01:39:46 Wrap Up Sponsors and Training

Shoutout to Aiden Schlatter, Michael Martin, and Kent Olmstead for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega!

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