It took me 661 days to get this || Road to 7a Episode 3

Head to altitudeclimbi... to sign up for a free mini-training that Hazel and Altitude have put together that dispels some of the biggest myths and faulty advice when it comes to overcoming fear of falling.
In this episode I attempt to complete my long term goal of leading a 7a route.
Videography:
Kieran Duncan: / kieranjduncan
@Kim_Norrie
Thumbnails and photography:
@Kim_Norrie

[@LordFunzo]

Enjoyed your 'post-send blues', it's quite amusing to see you articulate the climbing cycle, it's not a goal you need, it's inspiration and I think that came across well.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Thanks. I'm glad it came across clearly.

[@user-dg9ti5gq4e]

7a outside after only 2 years is legit dude. 7b next I'd come up with bigger goals, not grade based, aim for routes that are inspiring to you and look cool. You could even begin to think about first ascents, trips that you want to go on etc

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Cheers. It was a journey!

[@timmynastics]

@@MikeBoydClimbsbest life advise I’ve figured out for myself and I actually hate it…..if you’re bad at something, do it more” find the worst 7a style for you and get to suffering

[@niconiconii4561]

​@@timmynastics I would do the worst slab around my grade and keep failing and failing. But if you succeed you feel so good

[@wheuler_6969]

@@MikeBoydClimbs maybe a road to free solo series is next! That would be an EPIC capstone to this journey.

[@TheUnknownFactor]

Ignore grades. Make your project whatever route you like. Whether thats 6a or 7c. You might never get a certain grade, you might injure a knee or ankle and drop down a few grades and never repeat what you just did. Set your goal to any fun route/boulder and ignore the measuring stick. Comparison if the thief of joy, that also applies when you're comparing against a measuring stick

[@benl8962]

Thats different for every person, this guy was clearly motivated to get 7a, which is fine....

[@largeformatlandscape]

Road to onsight E1, 7a and flash V6! And then road to onsight most E1, 7a and flashing most V6!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

That's actually an interesting goal. Never thought of that

[@largeformatlandscape]

​@@MikeBoydClimbs With this year marking my VS, HVS and E1 leads, I'm going back to severes and trying to onsight as much as possible. Rocking up to random climbs is intimidating (I just repeated a Diff on the three sisters and had to have a talk to myself despite seconding E2's and E3's this year). Climbing is weird!

[@stoo2k]

Absolutely this. Chasing grades can get quite demoralising. I've never managed to get v7, but I'm slowly ticking off more v6 problems after working them for a few sessions and getting comfortable flashing v5... I've found that I'm happy getting more comfortable at my worked grade and not worrying too much about that next grade level, and it took me a long time to realise that...

[@fastasasloth]

Exactly, and the V6 should be outdoors not indoors (unless I missed the outdoor V6 vid..?) Plus, for me at least, placing the quickdraws myself too and not having them pre-placed often makes a route feel half a grade harder.... And to quote the cycling phrase from Greg Lemond, it never gets easier you just get faster.... Similar situation in climbing when you're training at your limits...

[@largeformatlandscape]

@@fastasasloth Not sure placing quickdraws is the challenge of sport climbing - it does make things a bit harder but it's only a part of sport climbing because there aren't permadraws on everything. I've yet to see a 'name' sport climb online where they placed draws while climbing for instance.

[@conradconrad8598]

Sorry to say this so harsh but i've personally seen what can go wrong: you belayer is not using the ergo properly. Keeping the breaking habd above the device and even double gripping the ropes. Please be safe

[@WyCV567]

Hey Mike, I follow your Channel for many years now. This is the first time I write a comment. I started climbing when I was fifty years old, together with my sons. They needed a car and a driver…okay, I climbed my first 7a at the age of fifty three (I am seventy now). It took me like thirty tries, steep, overhanging and partly pretty slippery. Typical Frankenjura climb. When I finally got it, I was soooo proud and the photos my friend and belayer took showed a happy man. Your success brings up these emotions again, after all these years…

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

That's awesome to hear that you got so good after starting in your 50s! I was always worried I'd missed the boat as I'd started when I was 31! Inspiring words

[@WyCV567]

Still climbing, okay, it's 6a or maybe 6b nowadays, but it makes me believe that (sometimes...) age is just a number 😂

[@adamlagerqvist8111]

​@@WyCV567Holy fuck if this is true you're the coolest 70 year old ever

[@ianmaclure5902]

In the videogame industry, we spent years working towards launching a game. It's the ultimate climax of everything dozens of people have spent years of their life working towards. And then... And then.... It's just. The next day. It's called post-release depression and it's almost universal. It happens with players who finish a game they spent months playing, and with any big creative project really. The cure is underwhelming - Simply being able to enjoy the process, find the fun, have pride in your craft, however it applies. And Mike, you can be proud. as. fuck. Well done, 7A BAYBEE!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

I can't even begin to imagine how devs of games like Concord feel. THanks for the input!

[@tomocici]

Nice one! But watch out for your belayer. 7:55 - he needs to hold his break hand down, come on.

[@josephprice5872]

That's certainly a new technique. More shown around 8:30.

[@yoavravid7893]

At where you are right now I think you should set smaller goals before setting a new big goal. You obviously aren't ready yet to do 7b so your next goal should be another 7a and then another, until they aren't big enough to be considered goals, and then you'll be ready for 7b.

[@coolloafofbread6462]

I'd say those are the small victories that'll lead him to his new "ultimate" goal of 8a

[@yoavravid7893]

​@@coolloafofbread6462100% agree. Just wanted to emphasize the importance of the small wins.

[@lenseofclarity9997]

After 50 years of dedicated climbing on all types of routes up to E6, I have to say how impressed and stunned I am by your mindset, approach and results. There's so much that decades of experience can provide, but it can also make us blind and deaf to so much that you've had to learn and develop. So much that can be taken for granted. Thank you for the reminder and the vital lessons.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

thanks for the input. I've always wondered how experienced climbers would view these videos.

[@aaronhauptmann869]

You are a fantastic story teller, I love your climbing content. Its so much harder to do what you have in such a short amount of time and then add the pressure amd faff of recording it all. When tou started your climbing channel i never thought it would become one of my favorite in the climbing space, but I'm so stoked whenever a new video drops. Congrats on your accomplishments, and I look forward to following your journey!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Very kind words! It is a faff to film 😂

[@KieranJDuncan]

Superb edit... It's been a real pleasure to help film your progress over the past couple of years man, time flies! I definitely understand the post climb blues, but I think there's a LOT of joy to be had in consolidating those harder grades until they don't feel so intimidating. Then the harder project will naturally present themselves. Imagine being able to rock up in Kalymnos and climb any 7a? So many incredible routes just waiting to be ticked... looking forward to the trip this season. I reckon you'll be my rope gun this time!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

cheers Kieran. Its been awesome having you by my side the whole way!

[@JorgePacker]

7a is a magical grade! It took me ages to get the first one. But it's like a secret code, once you've done one, you'll start doing many more really quick! Built up your pyramid, and keep going!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Thanks for the info!

[@Anza2700]

I think iys the confidence boost, it takes so long to achieve that you decide you'll calm down after it but then when it happens you can't stop going

[@tobytee7883]

Hey Mike. It’s been great watching Kim and yourself getting to grips with climbing. You’ve both come on so well in such a short amount of time! I’ve really enjoyed helping you achieve your 1st 7a lead. I’m learning to climb better from you now. Best of all we’ve got a cool wee group of friends we regularly climb with, most of whom I might not have even spoken to if not for yourself. Thanks :)

[@Charlie_Finnie]

This is one of the most beautiful climbing videos on KZbin! Outstanding storytelling, congrats mate!

[@callumw5]

I don't understand how an experienced climber can belay like that. Either they are inexperience or extremely lazy. It's not that hard to put the brake rope down!! The Pilot is an assisted braking ATC device and if the brake rope is up it will have a very hard time braking. This video is also being seen by tens of thousands of people who might be learning bad technique or lowering their safety expectations by seeing this.

[@Ben-ew3hv]

final speech had me grinning ear to ear. (doesnt apply to me of course, when I send 7a it will complete my life and cure all my ailments)

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

😆

[@chaozzah]

My favourite part of projecting is that micro beta, but if you did it that quickly, 7a is definitely not your limit. I did my first ultra project, took me over a year to send, trying it 2-6x a week. I could dream that route, I could do all the individual moves a month in (but improved them over time, or changed them) and when I finally sent it, I had energy left in the tank... The thing is, I learned to enjoy the process, more than the send. Up to 8a!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

The micro beta makes all the difference!

[@hugosavy939]

Congrats Mike ! Really good job I also done my first 7a last week, achieving this transe state. Being able to climb so freely, with so much focus was clearly one of my best climbing memory !

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Nice! That memory will stick with you forever!

[@aaronfleming7746]

12 year climber here, iv trained and climbed 2-4 days per week since starting and I'll say this, once you reach 7a that won't be it, that'll be just the beginning lol. You'll then make a goal or 20 7as. Then 7a+ and so on

[@eskillokke]

What a journey! Love the openness bout the feelings after that send. I have related a lot in various acomplishments where you always go, what now? and the journey restarts.

[@perplexedon9834]

"it wasnt even hard" hell yeah man I know that feeling. At about that level the difference between sending and not is whether you just do the correct move one after another. If you do, and your technique is right and you know the beta, you'll just fly up. If its not, then you'll lose energy and confidence early on and the crux will be desperate.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

totally. Anything out of sequence and I was off!

[@SamHeaton-z3t]

love how you cummunicated this feeling at the end!

[@jorgwei8590]

I loved your content before you discovered climbing, which you did shortly after me (I'm way less focussed on progressing to harder stuff though). Love it, keep going! Edit; oh..and congrats on the achievement. Both the 7a and, like, having an epiphany.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Thanks for being a long term supporter 💪

[@SimonLAylett1]

Dude. This was excellent. You and this channel was the tipping point that took me from watching climbing videos on YT to actually doing it IRL, and I'm hooked. Congrats on the send, can't wait to see the next one :D

[@Skuxkz]

I believe in the 8a

[@blenderrendered8089]

Awesome stuff mike, got into climbing cause of your first video and i currently climb at 6b+ !!!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Nice! Keep it up. It's really great to hear you got into climbing because of the channel

[@chrissellers4519]

Good effort lad. One thing I'd say is consolidate the grade. My friends and I go with 10 of the grade. Then you have 7a+, then 7b. Enjoy the journey, but don't let your ego lead you.

[@johntheguru]

Post send blues is your own way of realising you're better than you understood, and your goals weren't big enough! Absolutely epic mate. Like you said, there is no end, just millions of mini learnings and fun! Our true sport is learning, and climbing is the inlet for that!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Well said! Thanks for watching

[@lenardvandermaas6893]

I've climbed for a while now and every time I break a new monumental feeling grade, I do feel an incredible rush of satisfaction that lasts for about an hour, and then it's just right back to the grind. Especially the days after when people ask me about my new hardest ascent, I feel disproportionately emotionless about it. In those moments I realize that I should be happy and proud, but all I can think is that some people grade it 7c+ instead of 8a, and that I need to do more to be satisfied. I've come to terms with the fact that I will never be satisfied, but I keep trying :)

[@fenixhouse9416]

I've really enjoyed this episode, keep up the good work, you are an ispiration for many!

[@k3kkus0]

Congrats on 7a! Might as well go for 7a+/5.12a :) Agree with you, there is no "end," as long as you enjoy the sport of climbing. However, my personal goal is to one day climb 8a/5.13b. Adam Ondra surmised that any normal, non-genetically superior climber can achieve 8a if they work hard enough and long enough.

[@rossmahon467]

Hi mike spoke to you in ratho a few weeks back. Massive Well done for getting that 7a outdoors. What a great achievement. 🙌 loving the climbing videos and I really can relate to the struggles. Keep them coming

[@mikelarin8037]

You need to come try deep water solo now.

[@nirrepunkt123]

Been following up for years and will keep watching for years to come.. love the way you frame your climbing journey, got a similar feeling from climbing 7B to completely ripping my wrist apart like minced meat and then working my way back for 7 years from 5b. I'm at 6c+ now. Rehab is the way, not quitting. The journey is to valuable. Plz keep inspiring people dude

[@Nonny1992]

The nice thing about your channel is that I can relate in so many points. I started to climb (more active) 2 years ago and did my first 6b outdoor and 6c+ indoors view days ago. To me, climbing higher grades just gives you more options when you´re at the craig, I hate beeing there and not able at least to try a lot of the nice looking routes...

[@allyusjaeger9145]

I have a lifetime goal of climbing a SINGLE V11 outdoors and while i am a few months away from climbing for 2 years and getting old (36 here soon😅) i am always hopeful i'll see myself sneding it even if I am in my 40s when i get there.

[@DunkelBrauer]

Thank you so much for sharing this - especially including the aftermath. I am bouldering for 14 years and still chasing that magical FB 7A. It is a completely arbitrary goal as a 11 years younger climber told me I should be able to reach it. Came pretty close (6C+). Sent 7A+ only to be "informed" a week later that it propably is only 6C (and - honestly - it felt like 6C). But after that send I also had a little of that "and now what" moment. Didn't want to project hard, didn't know what to focus on. But then - well climbing is just so much fun, I just cannot not climb. And I love to have goals. It will go on forever. After finger injury trying to reach that grade again, but in a much more relaxed way tbh. If I make it or not doesn't really matter as I will still be the same person who has had so much fun climbing. It's actually about the journey, and it's actually so enjoyable. That's where all the successes are, and they are actually available every day - in case we don't overlook them ;-)

[@Voidload]

So when you send a project you should just go: "what next?". :D and that means more like "what project should I bump my head against now?" Look at Pete Whiteaker Crown Royale video ending... That wraps it up for me and what I enjoy on projects. Congratulations man!

[@LeeroyJenkinz13]

wtf why am I crying. Great video. I've been loving everything you've put on this channel, keep up the great work.

[@colourofsounduk]

As many others have said, I think your approach is top notch and I've really enjoyed this journey. But I think its an interesting look at the pitfalls of goal-orientated thinking. For me, if my goal was a 7a; doing just one wouldn't be enough; I'd really want to consolidate that grade with multiple, different 7as before I feel like I'd 'completed' it. Then, as you've done...I'd just adjust the goal. When it comes to sport and exercise though, I actually find that goals don't do you any favours. I climb and mountain bike for the enjoyment of doing it; if I put myself under pressure to achieve a goal, it can really sap the joy out of it.

[@superpecan3413]

The problem for me is I got 7a but now I want 8a luckily I'm 16 so got a long time to my Prime lol 😂

[@BelayzedClimbing]

Your dedication is inspiring! Ive only climbed 6c myself and im hoping to get a 7a on my next outdoor trip

[@cameronford6149]

Well done, crazy achievement! Just curious, don't people usually start with the quickdraws on their harness rather than already clipped?

[@christianschlegel1059]

The post achievement emptiness is super real! It's a thing I've seen and experienced with all sorts of projects in climbing and ultra cycling for example - elite athletes get it as well. A lot of Olympians were talking about it after the Olympics. The good thing about climbing is.. there is always another route. A harder one, in different terrain, in a different style, a steeper one, a sketchy one.. it never has to end if you don't want. Having done one 7a is good.. having done one in each style is great.. having done multiple even better.. flashing one, onsighting one.. the way to "really" calling yourself an 7a climber is kind of long..

[@nsiepmann]

Beautifully said. And yeah, a big drop and feeling lost after completing a big goal is SUCH a familiar feeling to me - it's taken me years but I've actually started to get it into my head that that's part of the rhythm of things, and that actually having some time where I don't have a goal is kind of good for me for a little while.

[@poolkrooni]

I'm really proud of you and so glad you've taken all of us on this journey with you. From one beginner climber to another, we did it lad!! Edit: for the blues, I think you don't need a goal or project right now, just dreams. Musings of what you'd ideally want to start tackling one day.

[@thecoolclimbingchannel1405]

Great stuff dude. There's a sign in a gym somewhere, i forget where.. it says 'The best climber is the one having the most fun'.. I think about this a lot. Hopefully catch you in a gym or at a crag sometime!

[@reyals474]

Man good for you, that's actually so sick. So good to see you loving the experience so much

[@bentucker5009]

Well done. An excellent climb, and another excellent video. Time to consolidate, and do a few more 7a's?

[@wellbornyouth]

I've been bouldering nearly 5 years and I'm still plateaued at 6c+ so this is majorly impressive to me! Well done!

[@Drummondtheman]

First of all, congrats on the completion of your goals! That feeling of depression and emptiness is a universal feeling that I think everyone who has set a seemingly insurmountable goal for themselves (be it physical, financial, or whatever) feels upon completion. Talk to Olympians that have won gold and you'll realize that they also catch a case of depression in the months following. I think that the issue stems from putting too much weight in the outside validation of your accomplishments and not enough in the enjoyment of the process. You can't tell yourself that you'll be a "real" climber when you climb x, or that you'll finally be enough once you win the Olympics, Nationals, or Regionals. All these goals should only exist to provide you a direction in which to aim, not a finish line. Take pride in the fact that you are able to push yourself daily to be a better version of yourself whether it be in the field of rock climbing, or learning how to toss an umbrella in a fun way.

[@ercle88]

I totally get it, you work so hard for something, and it feels like achieving this goal is going to be a huge moment (especially after all the hard work and disappointment in getting there) but when your hand hits that last hold..... nothing. No rush of endorphins, no excitement - just a sensation of "oh...that wasn't it?" almost as if you cheated or didn't deserve to succeed. It was built up into such a big thing, in reality it feels unrewarding. Despite how hard it felt when you were failing on it, when it finally goes, it just feels easy and undeserving of celebration. I've personally had to reassess how and why climbing is fun for me, since chasing these big wins doesn't always pay off how I expect (sometimes it still does, but not reliably). It is the grind itself that is fun, the little micro progress, while the milestones can easily pass unmomentusly.

[@dannygrout92]

The thing with projecting, on the send it's gotten so refined that it basically feels easy. That makes you feel like there's more in the tank every time you compete a goal. I imagine only the best of the best Ste Mac for example says they did everything perfectly but still were red lining. Get some on sight goals. It's less commitment and more commitment simultaneously. When it all comes together on those rare on sights, when you feel like you climbed well, read well and are completely wasted having left it all on the wall. It's not better or worse than a big project goal, it just hits very very different.

[@gyateste6191]

amazing feat! Good Job! You've come a very long way!

[@ArrampicataGolden]

The first time I started climbing in the 1998 it takes me about two year to redpoint my first 7a... no go for the jurney to 8a .. Yu are good !!

[@DonatRC]

Stop working your hard grades on TR man. May as well work it on lead (unless it’s actually sketchy) and get used to the falls while you’re at it.

[@ConDale1Music]

It’s a case of the Arrival Fallacy! Dangerous thing if your don’t get yourself out of it but very common!

[@unvexis]

I find satisfaction in the climbing itself. That I also improve gradually over time is nice because, so far, sending harder problems requires more and more from me, which is more interesting to me, and I continue to be amazed at what my body can do when alternately worked hard and rested.

[@soejrd24978]

We must imagine Sisyphus happy. The emptiness is an interesting phenomenon on achieving some goal that you attributed meaning to. Attempting it which gave you meaning but it was ultimately absurd and therefore inherently meaningless. Very recognizable.

[@Shaun742]

I definitely get it. I ran my first marathon beginning of April, and I can count on my hands the number of times I've been running since. Without a big goal to aim for I feel lost, but it's hard to start a new big project because you know first hand what a time commitment it is.

[@BrumbleJumble]

our capabilities are almost always higher than we expect. Remember this the next time something feels "impossible" the first or second time you try it. I promise to whoever is reading this that you can climb much harder than you think, you just need to give it some time.

[@johnbaker3608]

How about V6 outdoor boulder next💪

[@aaronfleming7746]

8a is a completely different beast. But u could if you stick with climbing and training and stay injury free might take a few more years at least

[@MrDrunkenAstronaut]

Well done 👊 My post-send blues after achieving a grade or a route that takes me a long time usually leaves me feeling "free" rather, because at that point I feel free to not focus on anything in particular for a while 😅

[@Alienazor3]

You should hop on more 7a!!! There's plenty to try and they will all be good projects for you

[@cheesecake6696]

I listen to the blindboy podcast. Among the many things he does one of his favourite things is writing short stories. He says that his favourite part of the process is finding flow in his writing/storytelling. And that he often feels the same flatness when the story is finished/published. So he learned to base his happiness and enjoyment on finding that flow. And that the end of the story isnt the full stop on the process. Its the comma intersecting the times inbetween.

[@AJR-hz3cz]

Mike, you need to do a video with magnus!!! pleaseee

[@ryoma4904]

But... 7a is quite a big range depends on the style location indoor/outdoor.

[@stinkyutah7433]

cant wait for 8a, keep grinding mike, you got this!

[@razzinijj5465]

What grades do you lead climb indoors?

[@maxitotolo8549]

Its absolute cinema

[@georgealexanderp]

"I completed climbing" like it's a sidequest in gta 6

[@danbsmith]

The journey is the destination. Congrats Mike!

[@theflaggeddragon9472]

Now for 8a!!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

❤️

[@DMz8323]

Shame man your lady is so awesome and supportive!

[@namelastname2449]

I have discovered your channel and I like what you do. What you are going thru is … completely normal. I think something clicked now on your brain and you are ready to move on from 7a being a barrier. Congratulations. Enjoy ALL of this. Cheers.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

thanks. I think you're right. I'm enjoying the process!

[@tvdw4055]

7a font next Then start dreaming about 8a sport

[@benmatthews2041]

It's about the journey, not the destination.

[@arnaudjouanin7561]

can relate to that post send blues, it is a weird feeling

[@sabouma]

The real 7a is the friends we make along the way

[@csapeti]

This has become my favorite climbing channel, surpassing all the classic ones. The cinematography, storytelling, honesty... so good!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

that's really nice to hear ❤️

[@Arunnn241]

When I started climbing at my gym, I saw these really awful purple holds. I still remember them today. They looked so small it looked like you could only get the tips of your fingers on it. I watched people climb them and to me - a beginner struggling on V0 and failing on V1s - I thought "wow these people are so incredibly strong". It was then that I made it my goal to stick with climbing until I reached that level of climbing. Back then, those problems were graded V4. Today, I can flash most V4s and mostly struggle on V5s. Even though I've likely surpassed the grade of those first problems, they still seem so hard in my mind that I wonder if I'd be able to do them today. But the day I did my first crimpy V4, I felt happy...and also empty. So I tried other V4s even a few V5s. All the V4s felt easy, all the V5s insanely hard. This went on for a few months, where I couldnt do anything other than V4s. It felt like I had hit a wall as if my body was like "I achieved the goal I set. There's no reason to continue". I took a long break from climbing although it was likely only a month or two in actuality. I think it was good for my mental. The emptiness I felt from accomplishing V4 was only amplified by my disappointment at how V5 seemed as far from V4 as V4 did from V0. I hope the emptiness you feel lets you take a short break to recharge and reset your goals healthily. But also I hope its not a months long hiatus. I quite enjoy these videos you post.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

you're story sounds familiar... I'll be taking a month off hard projecting and working on smaller niggles like some injuries and my footwork!

[@jerbil9353]

Humans derive more pleasure and satisfaction from working towards goals, than they do from achieving those goals. Bear that in mind with your training. Having multiple overlapping goals can be useful.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

definitely. I've got a bunch of smaller overlapping goals right now. Thanks for watching!

[@AnnaNibbs]

Awesome send, Mike! Love watching your journey. I think I've said it before, but you're such a great storyteller. Although my climbing goals are more modest and a bit less defined than yours (I'm also a fair bit older than you are, I'm only just over a year into it, and I have a few life challenges which get in the way), I've come to the realisation that always having more to learn/try/do is actually one of the reasons WHY I love climbing so much (besides it being loads of fun, great for body and mind, great socially etc). I'm a novelty seeker, and I feel like there's always going to be more to discover.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

great stuff, Anna. Always chase novelty! Enjoy your journey.

[@gamingforeverpl2148]

Well done Mike on the 7a!!!! It's lovely to see how supportive your wife is, y'all are great!!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

She's a keeper! Thanks for watching.

[@horaciovinuesa]

Oh man, I've been climbing for a year and half and I'm battling with the 6B grade, also aiming to be able to do 7As You are inspiring, keep it up dude!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

6b-7a is a very fast progression! Good luck!

[@JakoTheWacko]

Would love to see you aim for a 7A boulder too.

[@eheath23]

Congrats Mike! Really impressive work, espeically in such a short time! Loved following this journey! I'd been following your main channel for years, and as a climber with lots of similar interests, always thought it'd be ace to see you try some form of climbing. I was so excited when you did, and was thrilled that you fell in love with it like you did. Over the last couple of years it's been amazing seeing you progress and apply all those skills you've learned over the years of challenges. All the battles, mentally and physically, and the vulnerability with which you share them. To say that the collabs have just been a wishlist of all of my favourite climbing KZbinrs would also be an understatement too. (The only collab left on my wishlist would be you and Toby Segar for some climbing and parkour, even better with the full Storror team). I'm definitely feeling inspired to take my climbing and training more seriously, and as someone who climbed their first outdoor 7a in last year, I wanna be along for the ride too! Road to 8a!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Thanks for the kind words. They mean a lot. Join me on my journey to 8a!

[@cheesecake6696]

Though im glad you put a (relatively) happy conclusion to this video, i gotta say you made a truly beautiful piece of life/art/storytelling even without it. Thank you.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

thanks a lot for the kind words. I really worked on the script for this.

[@Jcupzor]

Big congratz! Definitely super fast to climb 7a in two years when you're not a genetic freak. I did my first 7a earlier this year on a trip totally unexpected. Last day, last go. Can totally relate to the melancholy - still feeling it now 8 months later, tho I try to relish and enjoy it. Only got me more psyched for climbing :-) Ty for great content - best of luck!!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Well done. Epic to get something last day too.

[@SineMetuFreedom]

Mike, i do not usually comment but i would like to say this. I quit alcohol 2 days before you upload the video sharing that you will try to quit alcohol. Still i am doing fine. Before I was drinking daily one or two beers or two three glasses of wine with the food or while relaxing after work. I travel a lot with work and i meet people, join them in dinners and lunches but all respect my personal challenge (even though i am from Balkans...-if you do not drink you cannot be trusted- culture). I feel good, i do not miss it and i will continue try to improve. BTW after 10 months i can lead some 5c and my plan is to access the 6a before end of the year. Let's see. Just for you to know, your video inspired me and boosted my effort. I am not alone, you are not alone. keep climbing

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

I'm still sober too 💪

[@edhowtingg]

mike, i'm currently restarting climbing and having watched your previous video, was pretty set on buying some of the wild-country gear, as opposed to the black-diamond kit i had previously set my eyes on, since the wild-country was cheaper (with your code), and i much preferred the colour options, however wild-country don't ship to the UK, don't suppose you know anything about that or have any reasonable solution with which i can still use your code and support your channel??

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

I'm really sorry about this. I spoke to them and they are working on it! I'll provide an update on the channel community tab if they sort it out!

[@guitarplaya1990]

I'm currently in the middle of projecting my first 5.12a and have done 3 sessions on it so far. The parallels I've experienced match so close to what you depicted in this video. It was extremely encouraging to hear your experience of feeling like you just aren't fit enough to get through it all from the ground up, to suddenly finding moves way easier. My last session had me feeling like even though I have done all the individual moves on the climb, there's no way I could do it all in one go. They are so hard and pumpy from start to finish, and the crux is in the second half. But now I have hope that if I just keep at it, things will start locking in with better movement. I have not felt the post-send blues you speak of yet, but I hope that being aware of it because of this video will serve as a vaccine against it. Can't wait to see what comes next for you!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

good luck with the project! If you do experience the blues, know that it will pass with some rest and some easy climbing!

[@gr.4380]

I feel like a really applicable video to this is Exurbia's When the Next Comes. It really goes over the topic of feeling lost and like you've done everything quite well and poetically. Every time I watch it I get something new out of it

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

I'll check it out. I love Exurbia

[@davidhealy7171]

Dude. I started climbing 3 months ago at 44 years old. It has been one of the single greatest journeys I have embarked on outside of learning Spanish. I too have discovered the maze of conglomerate rock. Yuo continue and will continue to inspire me, so keep going and lead the way for me to 7b! My highest on-site thus far was a 6a... I've yet to get beyond it. 7a seems like a long way away. Let's go!

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

You've got this 💪💪good luck!

[@RothBraun]

Congrats Mike!! I think everyone knows the feelings you articulated here after achieving a long term goal. It can be difficult to transition after your entire focus was clipping the chains of a certain route or grade; the moment of clipping the chains is amazing, but it's only a moment. If you don't feel like taking on a new project of a higher grade (or same/lower grade in a style you're less comfortable with), I think trying to up your consistent onsight grade is a great way to become a better outdoor climber; onsighting 7a is a few steps before sending 8a I think.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

A couple of people have mentioned on-sighting. This is something I particularly suck at. I'm still at 6b or so.

[@nickcranham2006]

Love it, I've enjoyed watching your progress with enthusiasm, trepidation and dare I say it with a bit of envy it is a mark of the climber you have become to see the legend that is Tom Randall so enthused about your trad ascent. You should be very proud of yourself for what you have achieved and inspiring very average climbers like myself to get their fingers out their proverbial and take a leaf out of your book. Well done mate, I look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve next.

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

I'm glad you've got some inspiration for the content! thanks for watching

[@ConnorHoak]

Great video man! I’ll agree with someone else in the comments: when you’re mentally ready to set a big goal, maybe look for a specific route that really inspires you for whatever reason (location, looks sick, flowy movement) instead of a tick mark for a grade. It could be a bit overwhelming to want to send 7b and then spend months searching for “the right 7b” whereas you could just keep your eye out for the sickest line possible, that also happens to be hard… if that makes sense lmao

[@MikeBoydClimbs]

Makes total sense. Got some awesome 6bs and 6cs in Kalymnos I'm eyeing up!

[@sebarrow663]

8a ey? What about 7b 😉 Good vid!