Wigwam Blog Post: "It Is What It Is"

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October 23, 2009

Posted by: Gordon McArthur

Category: Tales From The Trail, Outdoor

"It Is What It Is"

The term "It is what it is" relates to pretty much everything in life. It's simple, yet deep. To find the mental position of accepting this term for what it is, it can prove to be a great challenge. Allowing such a term to dominate any given situation that would normally cause frustration and dismay, it takes time and effort. The term offers relief. It presents opportunity. You just need to be willing and focused.

Ok, so quick update on the traveling front. I spent a week in the Red River Gorge, Kentucky-simply put...amazing. This place has to be the raddest climbing i've ever seen and got on. The conditions weren't ideal, however luckily pretty much every area you go to, it's all overhung. The rock was a touch moist but that didn't stop anyone and everyone from still climbing everything in site. Some routes were too wet, but still a wonderous site. We "housed" ourselves at Miguels pizza joint/camping. Due to the copious amounts of rain, it was kinda like living in a swamp. We were in constant battle trying to keep ourselves and gear/clothing/sleeping bags dry. But the atmosphere of this place, the people...it made for a great experience. I suggest checking it all out! Thanks to Ali-shabizzle for being our "tour guide" as it would have been a tough trip without such wonderful help.

On a different note: I've been thinking a lot about the term, "It is what it is". This phrase pretty much sums up everything and all things. Take a hold on a route. Whether it be a foot hold or a hand hold. I've learned (from my coach) to treat every hold in the sense of, or mind frame of, "It is what it is". So often, when we fall off a hold, or can't hold onto a certain hold we call it stupid, or that it sucks. Well, I have news for you...rarely does it suck, or that the hold is stupid. As it was put to me...It is what it is. Typically when we say a hold sucks, it's because we can't hold on to it, because it's a hard hold, or that it's above our ability. We end up blaming the hold because our pride is unwilling to admit that really it comes down to our inability to perform such a move/task. When we can't do something we blame something/someone else when really it comes down to us...not the "stupid hold". Mentally it's a battle but trust me, if you can overcome the need to blame the holds and realize you're just not quite there yet (ability wise), you'll progress a lot faster than trying to pride your way through it.

I've begun my training for mixed climbing. I have big plans for this season and am super psyched. I'm also a little extra nervous about this season as my aspirations have grown with my goals being set higher. The competitions i'm going to, I'd like to do well. Now, i know that my mind set need not be on how well i place (as you can't control certain elements) but being fit enough to place well. This is good...but challenging to hold on to this mental focus. Just the other night i was readind a friends blog about how he's begun his mixed training - well within minutes i was in my backyard, on my rest day, pulling hard on my tools in the gym. Just like that i lost my mental focus and was straining my body due to lack of confidence. Other people train, other people push....but what i can't let myself do is get sucked into what other people are doing.

When i was younger, and used to race downhill mountain biking, I used to get intimidated by other riders and their big fancy bikes. Well let me tell you, more so than not the owners of those big fancy bikes...they weren't very good...that it was all in my head. Once you've got your training regim down...you need to stick with it...because it works for you. When you let other people get in your head, you end up trying to do what they're doing, what works for their bodies, leading to injuring yourself and your confidence level. I enjoy reading other peoples blogs or whatever as it's motivating and also because i'm stoked for them. But i need to be careful that i don't let my mind trail off.

At any comp, or with any climb...it is what it is. What happens happens. People will always have fancy gear and people will always train and push. That's cool, but focus is key. Reaching that mental state where nothing bothers you, that's hard...but a must. Find it, hold onto it, and then unleash the lion. If you fall off a hold, don't blame the hold...get back on it and figure out why you fell the first time...then send the move. Every hold is there...treat it right and you won't fall off it.

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