Pyramid Completion (sort-of)

Today I set out to complete a pyramid workout. However, instead of peaking at v4, I chose to jump up to v5. I had a couple great workouts after my last pyramid. Along with going in the gym to climb sport several times, I also completed a 4 x 4 workout with a combination of v2s and v3s, and a volume workout with all v3s (completing 14 routes!). Overall, the workout went very well. I managed to complete all but two problems: a descending v4 and v3. The rest I got within two tries. With this completion I've asserted myself at about the same level I was at this time last year. My goal is to continue with this progression: climb a v8 by April. The next time I'm fully recovered at the gym I'm hoping to project for a v7 (probably next week sometime).
*I'm also very excited that Lauren and I have gotten certified in lead climbing at Stone Gardens--now both of us can start doing more intense workouts when we climb together!

Back in the Game

I just read my last post and it brought both hope and disparity to me. It's tough to read my last post and remember how successful I had been prior to pulling my hamstring and taking time off for school and work. The v8 which I'd hoped to film was the culprit of my hamstring pull. I was unable to walk for a couple days, so I tried to give it a month's rest before I got back on the wall. Rest wasn't enough. At that point I started a post-bac in Speech and Hearing Science at UW. It had been over a year since I had attended school, so I wanted to try to give it my full attention--putting climbing on the back burner. I took a large class load and worked 30 hrs. There was no time for climbing, but looking back, I should have made the time. Without physical activity--especially one that I'm so passionate about--I became a different person: unmotivated, often grumpy or depressed, just hanging onto the need to complete the quarter for completion sake. No more. This quarter I've made climbing a priority, taken a smaller class load and cut down on my work schedule. Although my experience without climbing was a bit tragic, I believe it was necessary for me to appreciate other aspects of climbing besides route grades. I still hope to improve, but I now know the importance of the sport--improvement or not--to my well being. I started back again about 3 weeks ago. I've gotten a couple 6s, but nothing spectacular or particularly hard. Today I tried my first workout: a pyramid workout starting at *sigh* v1s and working my way up to a v4. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete a v4 or any v3s after attempting the v4. I felt frustrated for sure, but I have high hopes for the future. I want to direct my focus toward sport climbing outdoors. I've tried bouldering outside a few times, but it's just not my thing. However, I've sport climbed outside more than I can count and I absolutely love it. I'm not very comfortable leading anything past a 5.11, so my goal is to improve this fall and winter in the gym for a stellar outdoor season, leading a high 5.12, or a low 5.13!