Last weekend I competed in the British Lead Climbing Championships at EICA Ratho. The few days before the competition I was feeling strong and phyched for the comp, but the morning of the comp when I was warming up I was phyched but not feeling my strongest.
I got warmed up and started to climb my first climb, I was just over half way up the route and I got a sudden flash pump, I fought on and managed to climb into a good no hands rest. I managed to recover a bit before climbing through a crimpy section before getting to the last hold but couldn't hold on any longer to clip.
After feeling down about the first route I phyched my self up for the second climb and got the same flash pump about half way up the new competition wall, I tried to fight on but could not clip the clip on the steep overhanging section and jumped and touched the next hold. After this climb I was sure I wasn't going to climb in the finals, but I was shocked to look at my score to be placed 6th going into the finals in last place.
In isolation I proper phyched my self up to climb. I ran out to the route preview and read over the route several times. I knew being first out to climb was good having the route fresh in my mind. I went out to climb and did not get that horrible flash pump again, I managed to get about half way up my final route went to the next hold and missed it and fell. I was devastated with my self because most of the moves were easy and I should have managed them.
I finished the competition in 5th position not too pleased with my self!
Here is a fantastic video that Ruaridh Mackenzie put together!
