Paying The Price

I've spent the last three days recovering from a monster hangover by training down the Ice Factor. The reason for my drinking binge was getting the news from the foot specialist that they have to fuse my ankle which will have a fairly major impact on all aspects of my life. I always knew there would be a cost for the things I've gotten from climbing and gotten away with. I just figured the price I had paid in giving up financial security and walking away from those I cared for was enough.

The Doctors told me a while back that life wouldn't be the same for me again, the pain would get extremely bad with arthritis and I wouldn't climb at the same level again. I reckon they are wrong though, I may have to accept that I'll be limited in volume of climbing, hill days etc but if can work it right there's no reason I cant climb harder than I did before, I just need to train harder and get out on good quality days , simple...............

This picture typifies what it is like inside my head most days at the moment

I simply need to get through the next year or two between operations, recovery etc and squeeze as much life as I can out of the time that I have on my feet. It's almost a good thing to feel on such limited time as I'm really pushing my training and hoping to reap the benefits soon.............

Training etc

Recently it's became very apparent that everytime I get on the hill my ankle is getting worse so I've been trying to limit myself to good weather days to get on winter lines and to still leave enough to hopefully get up the Mournes a few times before the foot totally packs in. I've never been one for training for rock climbing but now I'm looking at trying my first E8 that has all changed, I've started to get really into my training at the Ice Factor and really enjoying seeing progress.

Bouldering at my wall.......Pic- Suzy Devey

I Have an appointment in Glasgow this Thursday with an ankle specialist who will hopefully let me know what's happening, patience is growing a bit thin after 13 months! Other news is that Mammut have given me support for my clothing for the time being, I've already received some kit and I'm well pleased with it................

Ochils MC Talk

For anyone in the area I'm doing a talk for the Ochils Mountaineering Club on Feb 10th. It's free entry ,details below............... I'll be talking about life since moving up to Fort William, soloing E7 and a bit about Fast & Furious, my fall and some other stuff!!

http://www.ochils.com/