If you’re a connoisseur of steep routes, this episode is for you! We’ve assembled a “Red River Pump” roundtable that reveals the training methods, tactics, and insider strategies for climbing your best on the overhanging walls of the Red — or any steep sport crag you love.

Kris Hampton, Ryan Devlin, and Eric Hörst dive into Red-specific pre-trip and offseason training, mental strategies for embracing the pump, steep redpoint tactics, on-route resting, fueling and recovery, and how to “protect the send.”

This is a power-packed, actionable conversation you can apply today to climb stronger, last longer, and send harder on any endurance-style route.

Podcast Rundown

0:15 – Intro to T4C podcast

1:05 - Overview of the training and tactical topics covered in this episode. Listen to the full two-hour conversation of ALL things RRG at The Struggle Podcast >>

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4:20 - Introducing the Red River Pump Roundtable!

4:45 - [KH] General training prep in the weeks ahead of a trip to the RRG.

8:32 - [EH] The secret(s) to dominating on steep, pumpy routes.

10:30 - The importance of becoming a more aerobic-powered climber.

17:40 - [EH] Energy system training and the short- and long-term adaptations to climbing-specific aerobic training. And learn why doing a moderate amount of running can support your route-climbing performance.

21:30 - Learning to climb through the pump

25:10 - [KH] Tips for easing into an extended trip to the Red.

28:30 - [EH] Tactical tips for performing your best.

32:20 - [RD] Nutritional support of climbing performance and recovery between days of climbing.

34:00 - [EH] The benefits of SENDURE-X, a climber's pre-workout/performance drink that boosts circulation, endurance, and recovery ability.

36:08 - [RD] The value of the "low point" projecting tactic.

37:45 - [KH] "Protecting the send"

39:20 - [EH] Over-learning (practicing) the "anchor run"

41:00 - [RD] Low pointing defined.

42:10 - Final comments, and where to find more free training information.

43:00 - Wrap-Up and request to PLEASE WRITE A REVIEW! Pease share this podcast on your socials and/or with your friends!

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Thank yous: La Sportiva, Maxim Ropes, DMM Climbing, Friction Labs, Organic Climbing.

Music by Misty Murphy

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#120 - Conquer the Pump! Training and Tactics to Climb Your Best at the Red River Gorge (and elsewhere)

Eric Hörst's Training For Climbing Podcast