Performance dip after strength phase

[dc]

Hi, I'm just coming to the end of a 4 week strength phase and seen some good gains in weighted hangs. I went back out on rock today and thought my power / standard of bouldering seemed to have taken a dip. Is this usual for everyone else and would you normally expect to improve above last seasons high point?

[MarkAnderson]

Was today your first day on rock in 4 weeks (or more)? I usually struggle on my first day back on the rock. However, once I knock the cobwebs off I'm noticeably stronger (assuming my Strength Phase went well).

Consider reading this post for more discussion on this topic: rockclimberstrainingmanual.com/2014/03/27/designing-a-transition-phase/

[dc]

Thanks, it was my first day on rock as I decided to mix limit bouldering outdoors with indoors and campusing for power phase. I was actually stronger on some individual moves but just a bit worse overall but think it was probably a timing and contact strength thing.

[Michael Hall]

I just finished up my strength phase as well and put a strength transition session between my first power session, with a focus on more "strength" level boulders vs. short dynamic power problems...i noticed a similar dip. Couldn't even do a problem I flashed prior to the beginning of my cycle...bummed. I had noticed a nice progression of gains in my HB sessions, but am perplexed by this dip. I had planned a limit bouldering workout for my first power session...same issue again on day two now - crappy performance. I ran a 10K the day before so I am hoping it is just related fatigue, but man these two opening days have been hard on the psyche.

[slimshaky]

i think this is very normal. it takes a day or 2 out on the rock to get back in sync with the rock and the overall body movement. i also have similar dips when i am transitioniong from one area to another. for example, i climbed on limestone all winter (vertical, pockets, sharp edges, etc). i just transitioned over to granite and climbed kind of a vertical slabby deal the first day. my first go it felt really weird. second go felt better. third go felt pretty good.

one thing that i have found, and i think this is a key thing to remember, the more times you go through these transitions the smoother/quicker they will be. i think some of this comes from familiarity - after a few times you realize it will happen, it will pass, and you start being more relaxed and less worried about the process.

if i ran a a 10k the day before i don't know if i would have enough energy to velcro my shoes, much less boulder!

[Michael Hall]

yea the 10k took a toll, but i got a PR! happy to report nice gains sending some problems and on the campus board in last night's session...psyched!