https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-12-17 https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/choosing-a-climbing-coach-with-intention monthly 0.5 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1765493506047-7V1W6U2TGZZT5ATT25I3/DSC09499.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ca3c6c5f-006d-4058-8ce7-c45acdf8416c/DSC01903.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ce503cc9-42ab-4b68-aa51-518e6733aab1/DSC08374.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/60be5f41-84bf-48ba-8554-b3f710bf5b3a/DSC08665+%281%29.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/863de638-7a6d-4205-91e7-289299948dd7/IMG_9693-preview.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/9e529d9b-83f3-4242-971f-d283f1fdbd68/DSC07938.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/6e554f05-e636-4d31-ae1d-bff403b638d9/DSC09436.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ccccfea4-0c8a-498b-83a7-8a0e751055e0/DSC08440+%281%29.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ecb7a7b2-1ff8-4bd3-b4d8-f0e81009f0b5/DSC07960.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/5e3e14a5-2e1a-4e03-88c2-d604aa885ab7/DSC08139+%281%29.jpg Blog - Choosing a Climbing Coach with Intention - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/dolomites-mixed-climbing-teufelsgeige-pat-cooke monthly 0.5 2025-12-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/07772f9b-6857-40ff-8768-7c655b6b1da7/ice+climbing+coaching-2.jpg Blog - Inside the Ascent: Training and decision making for Teufelsgeige (WI5+/M6) in the dolomites - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/4d4ae2b8-79c7-4fb8-be06-c54f45bc8596/ice+climbing+coaching-1.jpg Blog - Inside the Ascent: Training and decision making for Teufelsgeige (WI5+/M6) in the dolomites - It can be challenging to separate objective reasons from the emotional/irrational. With the fickle nature of conditions in winter climbing, and especially the reality that gear options are often less than ideal (frozen cracks, thin ice, delaminated ice, etc. don’t always afford bomber gear options), there are considerably more objective hazards inherent in winter climbing. This adds more variables to our analysis of objective hazards, and potentially increases the number of subjective, or even perceived hazards. While fear is good - it keeps us safe - without pushing comfort zones, there is no growth, and this is the delicate line I try to walk. Having to specifically name the reason for turning around (or lack there of) is one way I can separate true risk from discomfort. Write down your intentions/goals – doing so makes it feel more real and more tangible. It’s no longer nebulous. I posted in a group forum about the objective the day before tackling it. Making it public created more accountability in my own mind. I can always back off/away because I don’t owe anything to anyone else but putting it out there sparks that external pressure/drive that, to be honest, helps push me (yes, I have internal goals/motivations, but I’d be lying if I said part of me doesn’t at least notice others’ opinions. The real trick is pushing these down and focusing on the internal elements). I want to be a better mixed climber, and this route made sense to push in that direction. External motivation and accountability are amazing tools if used with some self-awareness. Engage with your partners about your goals/objectives, both on the front end, and then afterwards – I told my partner what I wanted to try. He’s game for anything, and doing so made it real in my mind. Getting it out of my head and into a conversation brought me closer to the reality of the goal and also build accountability and support for my pursuit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/5af581c7-e507-45e6-8c2a-e24107371c83/c3b66f93-6e90-4e93-98ec-11a15f7ed2a6.jpg Blog - Inside the Ascent: Training and decision making for Teufelsgeige (WI5+/M6) in the dolomites - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/079219b7-9f30-45f8-b178-d00fde89a8dd/IMG_1052.JPG Blog - Inside the Ascent: Training and decision making for Teufelsgeige (WI5+/M6) in the dolomites - Make it stand out Pat’s home training setup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/08b17299-b17b-4502-a556-f682eb64f89c/ice+climbing+coaching-3.jpg Blog - Inside the Ascent: Training and decision making for Teufelsgeige (WI5+/M6) in the dolomites - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/if-you-need-it-you-cant-have-it monthly 0.5 2025-10-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/4e4a6150-3a04-493e-af06-7a8d48f5e4e6/2024_2_21_ElSalto-54.jpg Blog - If You Need It, you Can’t Have it - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/db17b802-19f8-4c51-a1b8-7ec07742d0f4/IMG_1486.JPG Blog - If You Need It, you Can’t Have it - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/31d322b5-6bd3-4252-ac94-58dc4926bdd4/IMG_1485.JPG Blog - If You Need It, you Can’t Have it - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/c1dad5b6-d152-474c-8de3-b4c272e7d90f/IMG_1484.jpg Blog - If You Need It, you Can’t Have it - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2d844b22-65b7-4b85-a45b-f7f5c7abd0d1/image5.png Blog - If You Need It, you Can’t Have it - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/figher-and-dancer monthly 0.5 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0c824357-98db-4bfc-b44b-5185732f1ebd/2025_6_25_StarWall-21.jpg Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Coach Casey Elliott at Star Wall, California https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/f5a3c0a7-665e-4dd0-bf19-5f302f0da558/unnamed.jpg Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/3acf70e4-82e5-4809-a701-87e1ca5a54e1/2025_6_25_StarWall-27.jpg Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/f243ef76-1073-43bd-835e-dca4fee8082e/unnamed.png Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Photo: Ben Neilson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/b70c0de6-f2e3-4716-b5d8-2f173ddec765/unnamed+%281%29.jpg Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0858ec25-b260-4c07-a23f-64e8c699962f/unnamed+%281%29.png Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Photo: Clayton Herrmann https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/08646c31-899c-415e-8d44-0c0160fdf3c9/unnamed+%282%29.jpg Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/70e2244d-e5a8-4e10-ae68-fc5bfbffb044/Casey+Elliott_Photo+Credit+Dan+Krauss+.JPG Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/f26db644-e591-4246-b4e1-177aafe1afda/2025_6_25_StarWall-14.jpg Blog - The Ego, the Fighter, and the Dancer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/sports-psychology-for-climbers monthly 0.5 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8825ba8f-4918-4aec-8614-fe8c55593502/DSC01178.jpg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/18ddcbb9-47bc-48b2-ad0f-abb57f4073b4/values.JPG Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/5ba98b6b-70c8-445d-81d4-5a5eaa6b83cb/20250522_Sasha_If6was9_116.jpg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/3953bb6d-cf7c-4aa3-8563-03939c5cf42f/42F6EADD-F31F-45FE-9A80-C1813FC10F31.jpeg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8a6181a4-38eb-4d2b-976e-a363264b6499/Snake+Eyes+1+large2.jpg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/82020aa4-0b6f-4a2c-9167-6b338538e6b7/%40travperk_photo_Rab_GuerrerasFFA-220.jpg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/5f917366-268f-48bb-abf7-68269a64f4ff/MVIMG_20191014_145733_Original.jpeg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/c4a7b084-e341-47ab-9bfe-40531b60cd00/Karly_LowerGorge-3.jpg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/e516569f-f695-4a13-8169-9b8a8bb1e48d/20250522_Sasha_If6was9_3.jpg Blog - Sports Psychology for Climbers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/thelongerroad monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ae539059-0434-4d7b-a7f7-908a102f1066/%40travperk_photo_Rab_GuerrerasFFA-186.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/c6682438-e31f-4b43-9c9e-85cb9fac24a6/Approach+photo.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further Topping out at dusk after 18 bolted pitches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/146b3e12-5465-4305-8074-3c676a42d347/%40travperk_photo_Rab_ElSalto-ProductFocus-30.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/23f2a66c-187b-44b1-8f43-6e5994c9b584/%40travperk_photo_Rab_GuerrerasFFA-68.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further My first trad lead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/4fe3db04-4bd0-4198-a3b1-e2b661d381dd/%40travperk_photo_ElSaltoFilm-Trango-26.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further It’s easier for someone to sell you what you already think you need, whether or not it will be what helps you in the long run. “The newest hangboard design will take your climbing to the next level.” — Someone selling hangboards “3 easy steps to overcome your fear of falling forever.” — Someone who sells headgame coaching but doesn’t make time for real conversations with the people they coach “Learn the ONE THING you need to do to send 13a.” — Someone who started climbing when they were six years old You’ve seen it. I’ve seen it. It belches bullshit into an already bloated echo chamber—like the latest “get-your-sexy-summer-abs” program in Cosmopolitan or the newest “get-rich-quick” stock market hack. It boils down to… “Do this, then you’ll get that. Simple.” One second while I unroll my eyeballs from their fully-cocked position. Look, I get it. Our human brains love simple solutions when they help but a checkmark by the task—complete, adequate, done. But humans excel as a species (in the Darwinian manner, anyway) because we can engage in critical thinking and self-referential thought—before, during, and after action. Our ability to engage with and master complexity is just as innate to our humanness as valuing simplicity. Intentional action, followed by identifying lessons learned, will get you further down the road of climbing progression. That road doesn’t go as far when our efforts are focused on shortening it instead of understanding it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/73eb0c8b-679e-437c-977b-41c09a0f5630/%40travperk_photo_Rab_GuerrerasFFA-151+%282%29.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further - Make it stand out **I realize I also sell things—Project Direct is a business, after all. But I’m not going to let you into a program that isn’t going to address what you truly need, regardless of how much you’re willing to pay. To date, I’ve turned down four people wanting training plans because they didn’t want to work on their debilitating headgame. I lost income for that—and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. You can pay a lot of money to hear what you want to hear, but we’re not going to be that person for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/e767bdca-127f-4deb-976d-a46dd0edcb59/%40travperk_photo_Rab_ElSalto-LaBocaCrag-108.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further Once again, you can pay a lot of money to have someone tell you that you’re right all the time. I’m not that coach. And honestly, I wouldn’t want that from my coach either. Your individual strengths and blindspots need to be understood before we can map out any path from where you are now to the mythical pot-of-gold at the end of a new-grade rainbow. Anyone selling that straight line from A to B is taking advantage of a lack of knowledge, a dopamine response to marketing, or both. That straight-line story you see on reels is profitable, but the people who fill out my waitlist form every week tell me they’ve tried $100-$300 “custom training” plans that didn’t give them movement feedback and.. you know what? It didn’t help them climb harder. True coaching requires far more effort than can be served up in an Excel spreadsheet, a ChatGPT prompt, or the latest training toy. It takes a deeper appreciation of nuance and guided practice to master ideas to the point that they become intuitive. That’s what’s actually going to make a lasting change in your climbing. The manifestation of this process will look different for everyone. A tough thing to market, right? Well, that’s why I’m writing this blog. Because I believe the people who follow, interact with, and are coached by Project Direct are genuinely interested in nuance and deeper understanding. I honor and respect their intelligence by not over-simplifying things for the sake of a quick dopamine hit or a “like”. More time (yes, I know—no one likes this part, we want things faster, easier, more obvious) to master and understand fundamental movement first… is required. You need to be an artist before you can be a beast. So many programs skip that crucial first step. Once you’ve become an artist, we’re stoked to help you become an artful beast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/3ef8dff3-e76a-4e67-a9da-6dc4469bd35c/%40travperk_photo_Rab_ElSalto-LaBocaCrag-4+%281%29.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8895da4e-5019-4b5d-9c85-4afab1899280/%40travperk_photo_Rab_GuerrerasFFA-3.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/40e846e8-fa1f-4b0d-92ee-1d762d38731a/IMG_6268.JPG Blog - the longer road will take you further The approach to the crag https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/42624335-1cb8-486b-976c-64f7e396d36b/%40travperk_photo_ElSaltoFilm-Trango-25+%281%29.jpg Blog - the longer road will take you further - Want to create that version of you? Fill out our New Athlete Intake / Waitlist form to have a conversation with a Project Direct Coach! We will reach out within a week to set up a time to chat. (Average waitlist time: 2 months) https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/fromboltstocams monthly 0.5 2025-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/027b66a8-9b85-4bc6-8d21-139d66bf7582/RRD.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing I didn’t need trad. I used to say that trad climbing really just seemed like a more expensive way to do the same thing as sport climbing. We’re all just trying to climb rocks, right?! I lived in the Midwest and had everything I needed in sport climbing at the Red River Gorge. I loved the mental and physical challenge this place afforded me. I could throw myself around, fall into nothing but air, and occasionally, stick a few moves. The Red was a fantastic playground, but I was starting to wonder if climbing could take me farther. On a late summer day in Chicago, my climbing partner and I hatched a somewhat reckless idea to climb an 18-pitch bolted route in Mazama, Washington, called Flyboys. I had never so much as climbed a two-pitch route and I found the idea slightly terrifying. But the photos on Mountain Project captivated me. Looking at climbers high above the wilderness below, I couldn’t help but wonder what that would feel like. I imagined myself moving above tree lines, above fellow peaks, up and over the limits I had fallen into. Something about becoming that tiny speck of a climber in a sea of rock called to me. So, with only three weeks of planning, we flew out for the weekend... and left ourselves a generous weather window of one possible day to complete the climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/b54d4f18-cb4b-4877-86ee-dbf5bec0dc64/IMG_20191006_111301.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing Miraculously, it worked. We had this glorious, well-bolted, 1800-foot climb completely to ourselves. This was the first time I’d felt real exposure on a climb. The Red River Gorge is beautiful, but it's a river gorge. You’re hiking down into it to climb out of it. Flyboys was the first time I’d felt so much air beneath my feet. The ground started to feel distant by pitch 4; my movement became more calculated, like moving through water. As the ground faded, my connection to the rock grew. At every belay, my partner and I would look down at our white rental car parked at the trailhead, getting smaller and smaller as the day went on. It was the first time I’d experienced the type of objective you can’t just walk away from in the middle of it. It was a committing, freeing experience. Long after we completed the climb and got back into our rental car, we were still completely stoked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/6aa35384-65f2-41d4-9d93-4c3128d0a5fc/IMG_6534.jpeg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Make it stand out Topping out at dusk after 18 bolted pitches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2f096e00-fe9b-4aef-b978-f26a85c4dab2/IMG_5593.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Make it stand out The endless sandstone of Wadi Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8cf653ab-cca0-4e75-a0e9-d9c51238ce65/20211111_134930.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Make it stand out My first trad lead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/50b209c1-d200-406a-9a5f-2d1338ceaadb/IMG_0527%2B%281%29.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing A correctly deployed cam will exhibit a certain shape, so you’ll want to get a good angle to be able to see what’s happening. You’ll also want to give it a tug to make sure it doesn’t move (definitely don’t think about how fall forces are a hundred times greater than what that little tug is doing). Sometimes you choose the wrong fighter and you’ll have to start again. Sometimes you don’t have the fighter you need for that crack and you’ll have to look around for a new crack. While this is all happening, sometimes you’re chillin’ in a comfy and stable position, but sometimes, you’re holding it together with careful breathing while your toes balance on a credit card and three mangled fingers are wishing for bigger knuckles in an awkward crack. This is insane. Why would anyone do this? And so, with two whole pitches of 5.8 trad climbing under my belt, I flew to the other side of the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/941176f2-84a2-4933-930e-21293baa3130/wadi%2Brum%2B2.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Make it stand out Driving across Jordan to meet up with my climbing crew https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/13d9a432-59fb-443a-97da-5fdc79a49542/IMG_5427.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Make it stand out The approach to the crag https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/6564a9bf-03ac-44e4-8f22-67ca972428bf/_DSC7473%2B%281%29.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Make it stand out Climbing a 5-pitch route just outside of town in Wadi Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8203376a-8013-4f55-8340-c6d3912f062c/unnamed%2B%2810%29.jpg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Make it stand out Getting more trad experience, shortly after moving to Yosemite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/5b85fde3-a135-4c8f-a307-912998d95daa/IMG_7941.jpeg Blog - From bolts to cams: My journey to trad climbing - Want to work with Dana? Fill out our New Athlete Intake form an select Dana Taylor at the end of the form. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/whatmetricsmatter monthly 0.5 2025-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/b145729f-7722-49f1-aaf1-f0ba12715ea9/photo+1+for+blog.jpg Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? We are on the cusp of a new era in climbing. Historically, climbers have relied on testimonial training plans and the “secrets to success” endorsed by elite climbers. In this way, the climbing world is far behind other sports that use hard, quantifiable data to influence training plans, draft choices, player values, and more. Let’s discuss Major League Baseball as a prime example. This sport has more quantifiable metrics than almost any other. Therefore, it has seen the use of statistics and multivariate analysis to evaluate players and the odds of success in the major leagues. One historical, statistics-driven change in baseball scouting was to recruit players by their “on-base-percentage” rather than using physiological attributes like speed and strength. Through this method, abstract attributes like mental toughness, intelligence, and patience can be assessed. The theory is that baseball players can develop speed, strength, and power much faster and more reliably than mental toughness or patience. This alternative scouting method worked with high reliability because it focused on the main aspect of the game: to win, a team must score more runs than the other team. In the end, stacking a team with players that have high batting averages doesn’t directly translate to scoring runs. The moral of the story is to scout or train the variables that actually correlate with winning (or in our case, sending) rather than metrics that may seem important at first but prove to have less value than others, like speed and strength. So what does this baseball analogy have to do with changing eras in climbing? Let’s go back to the testimonial training theory. Up until recently, coaches and advice columns have focused on what elite climbers did to see success, which at the end of the day, is a very limited, specific data set of few. We could start a podcast and talk to all the strong climbers (which has been done) and then try to find the similarities between what has shown success for them and distill that down. Generally, the climbing community has had relatively good success with that. Without proper statistical analysis we cannot say for certain that the variables the community sees as important truly cause improvement, or are just correlated with improvement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/35e8f714-24fa-4054-9962-21ef643ef39b/photo+1+for+blog+%282%29.jpg Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? For example, if every climber from the dawn of sport climbing has said that having stronger fingers is the most important key to success, then everyone trains fingers heavily and sees improvement in their climbing grade, are we actually able to say that finger strength was their biggest key to improving? Could it be that these climbers also climbed more, learned movement skills, acquired redpoint tactics, got stronger upper bodies, started deadlifting, and ultimately could have climbed as hard without training fingers as much or even progressed faster if they focused on other attributes more? Is this socially accepted and universally trained attribute something that we all do or something that we all need to do? And if so, how much? But times are changing. Companies like Project Direct Coaching, The Power Company Climbing, and Lattice Training are working to create more data-driven answers to these questions. This is where multivariate analysis comes into play. We can survey climbers and test quantifiable metrics, utilize dozens of variables even if they have statistical collinearity (ex: “maximum finger strength” and “maximum number of 7:3 repeaters in a set” will have some physiological overlap) and ask our analysis tool which of these variables demonstrate real influence on the output of climbing harder grades. We can then create a model that weighs the importance of each variable appropriately and outputs a predicted response. If the predicted response is fairly accurate, it means the variables that show importance are truly important. In short, we could test a climber’s metrics and with a good model, we can predict how hard they “should” sport climb or boulder and what variables played key roles in that output. Pretty neat! And it's something that other sports industries have been performing for years to evaluate how much to pay for players or how likely they are to succeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/f29e84f0-d4b5-4d32-a905-feb17ce90f60/Correlation+Table.jpg Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677983075731-I5BG3007W9TFEV5IUIPB/Single+Var%2C+Sport+Grade%2C+Bar+Chart+of+Correlation.png Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677983099811-DW1JGFSIWD6TLKVTZY3X/Single+Var%2C+Boulder+Grade%2C+Bar+Chart+of+Correlation.png Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677983337246-OXSZLIPAEC5NTTLSEAQN/PD+Trendline+%28Sport%29.png Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677983428843-ZH6UJ9R6KX9KV612QBOE/PD+Trendline+%28Boulder%29.png Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8bc0aedc-e381-4ff4-9b3c-8d0529c50f02/Variable+Importance+Factor.png Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? So what are the most important variables based on the regression? For the full spray, check out the graph and the bullet points below, as we have gone through each variable individually to talk about their significance and effect on maximum climbing grades! The variables that fall under the red-dashed line are not statistically significant and the variables that rise above the line influence the outputs (maximum grades climbed) in a statistically significant way. Hopefully this can be the final word in every height and ape index debate. Here you have it folks! Height, gender, weight, wingspan, and ape index showed no significance in predicting sport climbing grade. How cool is that? We are terribly sorry to take away the topics everyone loves to complain about and sure, there are absolutely times where it pays to be taller or smaller or have longer arms, but in terms of a climber’s glass ceiling, their ape index isn’t playing a factor in shattering it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677982865266-9LK63CK3R2AHMKIKPFPA/Single+Var%2C+Sport+Grade%2C+Bar+Chart+of+Correlation+and+PD+Trendline+Correlation.png Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677983613811-8R0ZPKR8WZ3H6TE1NMHU/Single+Var%2C+Boulder+Grade%2C+Bar+Chart+of+Correlation+and+PD+Trendline+Correlation.png Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/e877f57c-4b89-486c-88e9-2c884893632a/20210407-DSC03924.jpg Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? If there are two conclusions we can leave you with to increase your outdoor climbing grade, it is to maximize improvement in the significant variables discussed above and prioritize time on rock. Two great avenues for this is to have a coaching mindset and seek out on-the-wall training ideas. That could mean being a self-taught student or hiring a coach, both are great! There are many insightful, free resources as well as paid skills coaching and on-the-wall training from a variety of incredibly talented coaches. At Project Direct Coaching, we have and will continue to focus on skill development, on-the-wall workouts, and data-driven analysis in all of our plans. We also want to give a huge shoutout to Power Company Climbing for taking the time and energy to collect this data and for working with us to get to the bottom of it. If you want to see how well the regression model fits you, head to our climbing predictor and input all the variables we wrote about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677987092898-2YRT6GIQDY888WKJKACA/Karly+Rager_Photo+Credit+Austin+Schmitz.jpg Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1677987107630-6XW7D7DFJI9D4W8KB6PL/Casey+Elliott.jpg Blog - Are max hangs all they are cracked up to be? What metrics really matter? aNd how much? https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/rockandicegoals monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/d79ef424-88fd-449d-b83c-23672568dd58/IMG_4942.JPG Blog - managing rock and winter climbing goals PD head Coach karly rager keeping her head in the game on the final moves of valkyrie, 13 a/b in lander, wyoming photo by alton richardson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0727fe8e-cf90-41a3-b9ec-469fe14b5f78/IMG_3567+%281%29.jpg Blog - managing rock and winter climbing goals I’ve never been the first up the Black Dike in a season. I’ve turned around at the base, opting not to climb it one October morning, only for another party to do it later that day. I’ve shown up 30 minutes behind another party that nabbed the season’s first ascent. For me though, that’s not the goal. I want to climb it early in the season because it’s FUN to climb it in scrappy conditions, and I feel I learn so much more about myself, the medium, movement, protection, and tapping into flow when it requires ALL of my attention. Ultimately, I want to feel mentally and physically prepared for even steeper, rare lines if/when they come in. I’ll likely venture up to Cannon earlier than most to get some early season climbing done, but I don’t need to be the first to climb the Black Dike. As far as winter climbing goals go, I’m more interested in being ready to be the first up harder, rarer lines when they form, like I was on Call of the Wild last year, or just having the skills and confidence to tackle harder mixed climbing in an alpine setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/77bb7eee-be4d-4761-b2f9-4006af33a29c/IMG_3680.JPG Blog - managing rock and winter climbing goals As October moves into November, the questions that will guide my decisions on whether I get out on rock, head to the drytooling crag, or hit up early forming ice are going to have to be “what will I learn the most from?” and “what do I need the most right now to achieve my goals?”. I’ve found that keeping these questions in mind keeps me focused and allows me to approach my objectives with purpose, even if there’s always that nagging feeling of FOMO when you choose one pursuit over the other. Right now the draw of potentially sending a project and enjoying some prime rock climbing conditions are winning out. I’ll be out on the rock (sans tools) this weekend, but the weather here in the northeast is fickle, and I can’t really guarantee that will be the case for much longer! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/a13bf599-4078-4953-93dd-f68b2e758fb2/IMG_4317+%282%29.JPG Blog - managing rock and winter climbing goals Patrick Cooke is the project direct coach for the dark arts of winter climbing. Learn more about him on our Coaches page + read about his experience sending Call of the wild, WI6 last year. You can take a listen to his take on the sport (over 1000 ice leads in the last 18 years) by listening to his podcast interview on first ascent podcast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - managing rock and winter climbing goals - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/feedbackloop monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/300ce864-2094-4581-91e5-c662636ae6bf/AGR_4223.JPG Blog - The most simple and powerful tool - feedback loop size management PD Head Coach Karly Rager keeping her head in the game on the final moves of Valkyrie, 5.13a/b in Lander, Wyoming photo by Alton Richardson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/a2fe1272-7102-4c17-a9d2-13fd46e4a85e/20210407-DSC03885.jpg Blog - The most simple and powerful tool - feedback loop size management Alright then, let’s get into it. This is the Leatherman of navigating your mental landscape. (You will always use it; the application will constantly vary). You are in control of your feedback loop size. In every moment. Everyday. Every climb. Every trip. Every training session. Every alpine route. Every life decision. Every gear placement. I will get into specific examples tomorrow, but I have worked with athletes on this that are: Struggling with burnout Struggling with doubt/fear Struggling with commitment Struggling with self-conscious thought patterns Struggling to redpoint routes, they know they are physically capable of but keep one hanging… Struggling with how intimidated they are by certain grades/places/mountains + where risk assessment stops and unhelpful intimidation begins Struggling with the comparison trap they face with others’ performance The list goes on and on and on. But here is the general takeaway that I have deduced from working with upwards of 35 athletes on this. When seeking expansion + achievement, you are well served by finding ways to reduce your feedback loop size. When you reflect, confront ‘failure,’ setbacks, injuries, and learn new skills, you are well served by increasing your feedback loop size. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/975283cf-829f-469e-904e-bef30d895012/20210407-DSC03210.jpg Blog - The most simple and powerful tool - feedback loop size management and… when it will be helpful for you to decrease your feedback loop size: When you are tying in for a Redpoint burn. Instead of thinking about the send, you really gotta practice being able to focus on fixing the last mistake and/or the move you are currently making. (*insert shameless plug for Headpoint training where we develop these skills) When you are staring up at an alpine route, the mountain and all the consequences it holds are intimidating to you. Can you focus on one pitch / anchor / placement / move / rap at a time? When you are sick and tired of all this training and just want to send. Can you reward yourself after one more completed session? I hear that naps, tea, and time with loved ones are lovely treats https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - The most simple and powerful tool - feedback loop size management - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/sporttotrad monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/b43a1672-fbd8-4ea4-8de0-93bfb2078510/WhatsApp+Image+2022-08-20+at+11.34.54+AM.jpeg Blog - Sport to trad - Close the logical loop PD Coach Casey Elliott working ring that bell, 5.13b R/X - photo by Ben Neilson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/17eb18eb-521b-47a5-85ec-6e5951e542ea/WhatsApp+Image+2022-08-20+at+11.34.54+AM+%281%29.jpeg Blog - Sport to trad - Close the logical loop The biggest mistake I see with athletes is that they never take the last step of weighting their gear. Without this, your brain can't truly close the logical loop of deciding if it was a safe piece or not. I've coached numerous people that have climbed trad for years, can't figure out why they are scared and at a plateau, and have only weighted or fallen on 5 pieces ever. Once you have this very logical, tangible step dialed, then you can move onto the headspace piece of trying routes that require more physical attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/bd38d247-1e9a-4186-ae87-1fb7bdfebc79/WhatsApp+Image+2022-08-20+at+11.32.33+AM.jpeg Blog - Sport to trad - Close the logical loop - Make it stand out PD Coach Casey Elliot sending Desert Gold, 5.13a in Red Rocks - Photo by Irene Yee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - Sport to trad - Close the logical loop - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/halfdome monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0a5a7a65-ceee-4cac-b9e6-d15e11bf4871/IMG_2926.jpg Blog - half dome: MOre than 1 way to climb fast our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ff50ff9c-bcf1-42db-93cd-a884bebc72d0/IMG_2901.JPG Blog - half dome: MOre than 1 way to climb fast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0de7c16e-5312-426c-bc39-b6c023ae56e0/IMG_2930.JPG Blog - half dome: MOre than 1 way to climb fast If you want to go as fast as possible and don’t climb as hard as Alex and Tommy, the fastest style usually involves the second person jugging the most difficult pitches, or maybe even all the pitches. Unless the pitch is heavily traversing or very very easy, then 9 times out of 10 it will be faster for the follower to jug a fixed line. Unless this hurts your ego or you regularly free climb Yosemite 5.11 with relative ease and comfort, you will be psyched to leave your approach shoes on and comfortably let the leader do the heavy lifting. For the sections that the follower is jugging, the leader will have pulled up as much rope as possible (unless there is a lower out) and fixed the line (tied a knot to the anchor) so that the follower can ascend the rope using jumars and aiders. So you are sitting there at the belay not having to top rope belay, wow so nice! Actually, you don’t get to relax, because you are trying to climb fast right? Unless you are out of gear, then you can make some headway on the next pitch by short fixing either using your gri-gri or a variety of other rope solo devices. Even if you make it 30 feet up and lower a loop back down to the gear exchange when your partner arrives, you will have saved time. This may save 10-15 minutes each pitch, when multiplied by 23 gives a WHOPPING 5 hours and 45 minutes! WOAH! Now we can see how important efficiency is on a wall like half dome, that has a two hours approach and three hour descent. Looking back, if you want to climb the route in 12 hours of available daylight in late springtime, that means you get about 30 minutes per pitch for both the leader and the follower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/308c8133-0a91-4f1b-a00e-f59f75f8e5d7/67572673146__C22330D1-10EE-4E08-BC94-14F40828A878.JPG Blog - half dome: MOre than 1 way to climb fast - Make it stand out Project Direct Coach, Casey Elliott, offers a thoughtful belay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/7201a003-6086-434a-a43b-642ed6384b54/IMG_2921.JPG Blog - half dome: MOre than 1 way to climb fast - Here is the rack we brought that felt light enough but certainly was not minimal: Double rack .1-3”, 1 #4 if you are less comfortable with wide stuff Offsets .2-.5” 6 lockers (for fixing several pitches without a resupply) 4 lightweight draws 5 medium runners 5 long runners 1 cam hook, small 1 set of nuts (although we did not place any) - they are not great if you are trying to french free quickly, and the places you might want them generally have lots of fixed gear) You can read more about Casey’s experience in this realm in Rock + Ice and Evening Sends. Casey is also is the go-to coach at Project Direct for trad head game! you can reach out to casey by sending an email to casey@projectdirectcoaching.com! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - half dome: MOre than 1 way to climb fast - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/rainbowwall monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/250d32a3-5637-423a-ae7d-279d32810eb0/20210407-DSC04026-2.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/155d4352-4564-41d3-969e-2d376b2cbae7/IMG-9696.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/a42a2983-507f-4154-8182-b17d236d716e/IMG-9700.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall - Make it stand out The Original Route on The Rainbow Wall, Juniper Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2be93fb6-1ff2-4cea-ba3a-449ff2c98598/IMG_1315+%282%29.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall - Casey has significant trad climbing and big wall experience. I was happy to climb this route with him. watching him climb taught me a lot. You can read more about Casey’s experience in this realm in Rock + Ice and Evening Sends. He also is the go-to coach at Project Direct for trad head game! you can reach out to casey by sending an email to casey@projectdirectcoaching.com! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/dfb71e40-397f-4659-96a0-2f7664f9a4c6/IMG-9704.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall we climbed the next 3 pitches without much trouble, and I turned my focus to onsighting as many of the remaining pitches as possible and supporting Casey. Pitches 7-10 were generally traversing and perched you right under the money pitches in the dihedral. We paused for a moment, ate snickers and almond joys, and let a party pass us that was attempting a rowdy link up of their own accord. I led up P11, figuring I’d at least get the draws on the crux for Casey to onsight if I didn’t solve it right away. Smeared on divets I could barely see, my middle finger in the sloping-half-pad-mono-shenanigans, I tensed my core for what was feeling like the most tensiony move I’d pulled in a while… and my other foot popped. I lowered and Casey went up, I remember feeling happy that I had gotten the draws on for him. I really, really wanted him to get the onsight and gave him a first bump as he started to climb. Utilizing a palm smear that I didn’t use, he popped up to the hand-sized ledge above the crux. I smiled a real big one, we knew he had just one more hard pitch to go to bring it home. I headed back up and found myself starfished in the dihedral again, but this time I used the palm-smear. This made my foot move much more manageable, but still grunt-worthy. A deep grunt turned to a “oh, yay!” when I caught the ledge (a dyno for me) above the crux and smiled my way up the rest of the pitch. No onsight, but I was stoked I could make the adjustment quickly and send it on the second go. It meant I was learning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/79e05232-63d7-4a3a-a0a6-f87bc27d49dc/IMG-9706.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall Both full of stoke at this point, Casey raged up P12. After insecure moves off of the belay, he was back in what looked very much like his comfort zone of powerful locks and pods with smeared feet in the notations of the dihedral. He certainly sent it. He sent the fuck out of it. We were both amped! I was ready to give it too, still full of energy from sending the pitch below. Starting up P12 was the most energetic I felt all day. mental momentum is a real thing. After I was through the first cruxy bit, I paused and looked up to the next pod in the crack system. Again, unsure of how to move my feet around as well in this terrain, I looked and looked. I felt the pump building and estimated I had about 20-30 seconds to pick something and just go for it. I hit the pod, engaged my right shoulder as fucking hard as I could, but was a little too low in it and I felt my finger lock slipping out… But fuck man, I was screaming for it. I was psyched. I gave it everything in that moment and my smile wasn’t going anywhere. I rested for a few seconds and hit it pretty quickly after I pulled back on. I moved up the rest of the climb and decided to give myself a treat - a deadpoint to a crimp (I had to get in a comfort-zone-move of my own, right? =D) near the top of the pitch when it wasn’t necessary. I did it just because I knew it would be fun to latch a crimp and feel strong enough to do so after 12 pitches of climbing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/9b8d1ee3-8ab4-4e14-8e70-16d6942f9af0/IMG-9707.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall - Make it stand out Summit for a moment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - the Original route on the rainbow wall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/patrickcooke monthly 0.5 2025-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8cd7b68f-2af7-42a0-bfaa-605af23d000b/IMG_3065.jpg Blog - patrick cooke sends call of the wild (wi6) at lake willoughby! - “The route is Call of the Wild (wi6), which is a variation of Mindbender at Lake Willoughby, and branches off of MindBender to carve a path through some hanging daggers and curtains to the top. Some years it forms as hanging daggers, while this year it formed as a hanging curtain, the hardest part of which was unlocking how to gain the face of it. No one had done it yet this year, so I had to find the best viable path. The climbing is steep, even before you gain the hanging curtain. It requires 170 or so feet of WI5+ just to set up for the traverse left, which my partner led in 2 pitches to allow me to be fresh for the Call of the wild exit. Then, just getting out to the curtain is still wi5+ climbing and required swinging into dinner-plating ice while not nailing hanging daggers above you on the back swing. I definitely got pumped at times on call of the wild, especially in the section getting over to the curtain because of the awkward swinging positions and dinner-plating ice. What I noticed though, is even if I got pumped and tired, I would relax into positions where I could get on my feet and found that I could get almost everything back. Once I swung onto the face of the curtain itself, which was the steepest ice on the route, I honestly felt super solid and not physically worked. It's steep ice and super exposed, but the strength work I've done over the course of the last year, and the focus on steep work on my tools through the winter, including focusing more on steep mixed climbing, really gave me the confidence to know I could relax in that final stretch to the trees. While the physical training definitely paid off, the most noticeable training effects were from the mental training and applying those lessons.” our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/a03c913c-e279-4a5e-a85e-c30c6c1aba6d/IMG_5497.jpg Blog - patrick cooke sends call of the wild (wi6) at lake willoughby! - Make it stand out Call of the Wild, WI6, Lake Willoughby, Vermont, USA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - patrick cooke sends call of the wild (wi6) at lake willoughby! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/hayleymckinney monthly 0.5 2025-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ea97ea03-f01a-464c-817e-8b6d9f97bd89/A7_02476m.jpg Blog - headpoint training graduate: hayley mckinney - Hayley Mckinney - Headpoint Training graduate, writer, side-shave rocker our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/6eb851c1-685f-471e-bd2c-afd0e38add72/A7_02383.jpg Blog - headpoint training graduate: hayley mckinney - Hayley Cckinney surfing some steeps! initial sketches by nic manship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/5254057b-3149-4e34-9d8b-757a6fb9f6ca/Prep+H.png Blog - headpoint training graduate: hayley mckinney - Let's talk about your time in the New River Gorge this fall, what were you most proud of? You know, I sent some Preparation H, a super insecure 12a Preparation H and I was hitting dynos on lead. But the sends weren’t the most exciting part. I was the most proud of myself when I realized I was able to just walk up to an 11c and go for the onsight with 100% commitment. That was unheard of for me before Headpoint Training and that was a really, really special day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ff4a99c4-bd39-4a1c-8457-6a808ada1fe4/A7_02311.jpg Blog - headpoint training graduate: hayley mckinney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - headpoint training graduate: hayley mckinney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/nicmanshiplogo monthly 0.5 2025-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/36f20c50-2d7e-429f-b42f-61b1660053f8/IMG-5440.jpg Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Nic Manship - Nic Manship - designer, climber, pit-viper model our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/febd93aa-f7fa-4059-8fa4-461ff23ccc34/IMG-5443.jpg Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Nic Manship - Initial logo sketches by Nic Manship initial sketches by nic manship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/c4b8e752-5c02-4b3f-8f82-7da7850af8a7/Project+Direct+Logo-13.png Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Nic Manship - jenny walters photography thanks for being a part of project direct, jenny! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/289debcf-06a4-482f-8352-37454729dc6c/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Nic Manship - Make it stand out Project Direct logo. created by Nic Manship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/54438dd3-3092-4bac-bf26-95b258a6f0c5/IMG-5441.jpg Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Nic Manship - So thankful for your time and talent Nic! https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/jennywaltersphotography monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/8a95148f-4d22-4e70-a7f5-bd83b3272ecf/IMG-5403.JPG Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Jenny walters - Jenny Walters - photographer, climber, thoughtful human our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/87a320a2-426b-4486-85e3-b4fcc4bf3da6/DSC00686+copy.jpg Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Jenny walters - Roll of the dice Roll of the Dice, 5.12a, Gallatin Canyon, MT - Redpoint captured by Jenny Walters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/50d5de10-fa8d-48f1-95c1-cf787eddda20/DSC00594_2.jpg Blog - Project Direct Contributor - Jenny walters - jenny walters photography thanks for being a part of project direct, jenny! https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/katieinterview-whenagoalbecomesasteppingstone monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1622404977750-54MAEL0QLN6TO5X3TUWV/unnamed+%281%29.jpg Blog - When the Goal becomes a Stepping StonE - Project Direct athlete Katie Mckinstry sending scepter (WI5), hyalite canyon, MT our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1622405608924-FLG0XPH2UW9J50H107PE/2021-01-03+11.33.32.jpg Blog - When the Goal becomes a Stepping StonE - drifting, 5.11c pg13 - onsight pine creek canyon, nevada nearing the top of pitch 4! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1622405931360-X0WRTYLH6ZHPWP3ISJY5/unnamed.jpg Blog - When the Goal becomes a Stepping StonE - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1622406196481-AAYZD6DAXA719H2HVNFS/unnamed+%282%29.jpg Blog - When the Goal becomes a Stepping StonE - Make it stand out Katie turned this possibility into reality this year! So proud of you! Much love Katie! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ec5fb769-e30a-4759-aae8-d17cabd5acd0/IMG-2095.jpg Blog - When the Goal becomes a Stepping StonE - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/onsightclimbing-tips monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619978162331-Z846FQBODK48BOVJIQE0/unnamed+%281%29.jpg Blog - tips for sinlge- and multi-pitch onsighting - The Delicate Sound of Thunder 5.11b/c PG13, mixed, onsight our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619978603821-Y4Q15HHJENQ4H50T650I/unnamed.jpg Blog - tips for sinlge- and multi-pitch onsighting - Drifting, 5.11c PG13 - onsight intermission! with a lovely look at mescalito at sunset! https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/drfitingroutereportgearbeta monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619978908829-R62QSIVZJKZ6BS2PTTJO/20210407-DSC04245.jpg Blog - red rock canyon - drifting - Our Father, 5.10+R, onsight I spotted this crack during our day on an adjacent route. ‘What is that?!?” I remember saying… I gotta touch it! Pictured is the third pitch of Our Father. #2 jams lead into a 0.5/0.4 crack full of locks and laybacks. You find some more face features near the top (pictured here). and one last bomber finger lock! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619979255501-QF99J3PEGPI67RLB4U1L/unnamed+%282%29.jpg Blog - red rock canyon - drifting - Approach for Drifting - lots of boulder hopping in the wash! Admiring the spring blooms and sandstone rocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619979454204-FPLXB5YMBXTVVIY9Z0CM/Picture1.png Blog - red rock canyon - drifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619979724618-A9NT3ML3C0HW18NIAOT1/nate+and+karly.jpg Blog - red rock canyon - drifting Nothing like a team onsight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619979747096-9B011WB0N0ROBXX9JCI6/Picture2.jpg Blog - red rock canyon - drifting - My face when you pack out your shit! These canyons are used by a wide-variety of recreationalists. As climbers, we want to make our mark by … not making a mark! Lead by example y’all! https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/blog/onsightclimbing monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619976638573-HA41H7LISX4Y8Q6M5WV1/20210407-DSC03924.jpg Blog - onsighting - jargon defined! - Our father 5.10+R on gear, onsight our father, 5.10+r, black velvet canyon - onsight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1619976997391-9UTOZZAJVYDVDDQXLCLR/unnamed+%285%29.jpg Blog - onsighting - jargon defined! 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ad12ce42-91c9-46a2-997e-b7fca673f0f6/8312ddf2-9710-4e8d-8247-87e06332efee+%282%29.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0949622a-1a38-4eb7-a2fc-9d23cdec9f9a/Emily+Liu.jpeg https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/karlyrager daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/f1cea0d3-cdb2-4922-905d-e189023a161a/A7_02311m.jpg Karly Rager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/003fffbe-e532-4b29-9ad6-4a857cec26fd/46-_DSC7547.jpg Karly Rager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0f980262-9667-4495-b742-4d390bb3ea78/20210406-DSC027041med.jpg Karly Rager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/267c4fb8-4209-45fc-9827-a2c486028ae8/IMG-0717.jpg Karly Rager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/47f5e9e9-4148-463f-9258-b8f32fa6865a/DSC_9590.jpg Karly Rager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/cee23c14-46c1-48d1-a2c9-794db17b1a38/D95B1B4E-27A7-4800-B294-DE45774ED7B1.jpg Karly Rager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/49ab901a-ef62-4c77-89eb-765d6f734bdb/108-_DSC7683.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/13dc5f36-f9d1-41fd-97cb-d3ebe8d3b1c1/rrg+clinic.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/c4a7b084-e341-47ab-9bfe-40531b60cd00/Karly_LowerGorge-3.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/037657fa-09fc-46a7-a8c8-d0bf37b3dfb3/%40travperk_photo_Rab_GuerrerasFFA-47.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/e4795598-d682-4d6a-81b7-377848b04e28/PC-+%40natekenneyvt.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/44fa0634-d22d-4e52-ae23-89651a4ac4c3/DSC00686+copy.jpg Karly Rager - Karly Rager - Founder & Head coach Karly (she/her) founded Project Direct Coaching in 2020. since then she has coached 250+ athletes from 25 states and 6 countries on training, movement, and head game. She is passionate about the role our mental landscape plays in climbing performance. Email: karly@projectdirectcoaching.com IG: @karly_rager Proud sends 5.13+ (8a+/b) - La Guitarra de Lolo - Mexico 5.13c (8a+) - Turkish Airways - Turkey 5.13c (8a+) - Infierno del Dante - Mexico 5.13c (8a+) - Asi hablo Zaratustra - Colombia 5.13b/c (8a/+) - Later Creators - Colorado First Free Ascent - Guerreras - 5.12c, 13 pitches - Mexico 5.13b (8a) - Snake Eyes - Montana 5.13b (8a) - Ayotzinapa 43 - Mexico 5.13b (8a) - Super Tuscan - Colorado 5.13b (8a) - Between Heaven and Hell - Montana 20+ 5.13a sport routes on all rock types 300+ 5.12 sport routes on all rock types Roll of the dice, 5.12a (7a+) - Trad - Montana (pictured) Other work Athlete for Rab Equipment https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/caseyelliott daily 0.75 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/aa7c59f5-4ff5-4c3e-a1f9-0f1dfd2378bf/IMG_2926.JPG Casey Elliott https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/b387bd99-4c28-44db-b476-43469788fade/JLV08107.jpg Casey Elliott https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/7199fc00-9bf5-4bde-a8f0-300998c5ba83/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-07+at+5.07.47+PM.jpeg Casey Elliott https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/42f8ccf1-e45e-407e-9237-f1527d7c84c9/2025_6_25_StarWall-21.jpg Casey Elliott https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/01eab01c-99d3-49e7-91ba-f1b312039135/IMG_0020.JPG Casey Elliott - casey elliott - coach Casey (he/him) joined Project Direct in early 2022. he has extensive climbing and coaching experience in all disciplines of the sport. he is currently based in Reno, Nevada and specializes in outdoor bouldering and head game for trad climbing. email: casey@projectdirectcoaching.com IG: @_caseyelliott Proud Sends v11 - Smoking the Tree Stand - Wyoming v11 - Drawing of the Three - California 5.13c - Taste the Pain - Sport - California 5.13c - Pumped Puppets - Sport - California 5.13bR - Sundevil Chimney - Trad - Utah Second Free Ascent - Read more in Rock and Ice! 5.13 - Desert Gold - Trad - Nevada 5.12 - Coffin Roof - Trad - Utah (pictured) 5.12c - Moonlight Buttress - 10 pitches - Trad - Utah Other Work Athlete for Gnarly nutrition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/f7d35e82-9743-4c04-98e0-105a96895e9a/transition+%284+of+11%29.jpg Casey Elliott - coaching experience + education Coaching Experience University of Utah climbing team - Founder Momentum Gyms - Youth Competition Team Coach The Climbing Academy - Head Coach (2019-2021) Education NASM - Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) University of Utah - BS of Metallurgical Engineering University of Nevada Reno - MS in Materials Science Engineering https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2f096e00-fe9b-4aef-b978-f26a85c4dab2/IMG_5593.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/70e2244d-e5a8-4e10-ae68-fc5bfbffb044/Casey+Elliott_Photo+Credit+Dan+Krauss+.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/007c7df8-7e49-41a9-a789-c37cec7341c2/casey.jpg https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/patrickcooke daily 0.75 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ff05cdae-c593-4209-b678-77e2f718d7fd/IMG_6986.jpg Patrick Cooke https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/6f5c68c1-b9b8-4ab9-b5e0-bd75bb5d5754/IMG_3567+%282%29.jpg Patrick Cooke https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/7caf8e93-7320-48af-b8c1-a2f88c613c05/IMG_3090.jpg Patrick Cooke https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/822713aa-29dc-4fc4-8747-acdb0872513e/IMG_2467.jpg Patrick Cooke https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/4da987c6-ff48-4e66-9393-5a0ced2592f1/IMG_3438.JPG Patrick Cooke - Patrick cooke - coach Patrick (he/him) climbs both trad and sport, but primarily identifies as an ice and mixed climber. An aficionado of scrappy mixed and steep ice, he is based in the northeast and specializes in ice/mixed climbing - and head game strategies for those mediums. Email: patrick@projectdirectcoaching.com IG: @pgcooke Proud sends WI6 - Le Mulot - St Marguerite Headwall, QC WI6 - Speedy Gonzalez - St Marguerite Headwall, QC WI6 - Valhalla - Goback Mountain, NH WI6 - Call of the Wild - Lake Willoughby, VT WI5+ - Omega - Cannon Cliff, NH 5.12c - Half Premium - Rumney, NH Part of FFA Party: M8 - Across the Great Divide - Trad (5 pitches) Cannon Cliff, NH M10 - The Resistance - Trad (5 pitches) Mount Washington, NH Other work Program Director - Central Rock Gym Stoneham Youth Climbing Coach - Team CRG Stoneham https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/9f92adb6-b00d-4560-b6e5-8ec4184b0504/IMG_5457.jpg Patrick Cooke - coaching experience + education Previous coaching experience Program Director - Central Rock Gym Stoneham Youth Climbing Coach - Team CRG Stoneham Education NASM - Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) BA in History - Hamilton College https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/d1791b55-2331-49ad-9cb3-a7abb7793d46/IMG_3065.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/632fc1aa-85fa-445a-a2bb-d2c8ef37b1f5/Copy+of+IMG_4942.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/454a9133-94a8-4e7b-b1a7-3b412f80c5e3/IMG_4317.JPG https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/coachesoverview daily 0.75 2025-12-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/cf902b9e-feea-46cb-b7ca-21ceb8ad9bea/DSC00686+copy.jpg Coaches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/d8a60790-0bcb-4657-a472-51df385bb8ce/JLV08177.jpg Coaches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/07d031b1-3c68-4ca4-af28-917f901c027a/IMG_8908+%285%29.jpg Coaches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1ab802a7-f01c-46b8-91d4-34a4a594856d/SepReal.jpg Coaches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1ebdfc75-bce6-45c0-a68f-a6c4b7cd4ac8/IMG_4182+%281%29.JPG Coaches https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/physicaltraining daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/cf902b9e-feea-46cb-b7ca-21ceb8ad9bea/DSC00686+copy.jpg Tier II: Custom Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/d8a60790-0bcb-4657-a472-51df385bb8ce/JLV08177.jpg Tier II: Custom Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/07d031b1-3c68-4ca4-af28-917f901c027a/IMG_8908+%285%29.jpg Tier II: Custom Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1ab802a7-f01c-46b8-91d4-34a4a594856d/SepReal.jpg Tier II: Custom Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1598229080303-LXN98KLK7GJQ56A9SFIZ/IMG-4479.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/ea97ea03-f01a-464c-817e-8b6d9f97bd89/A7_02476m.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/55bb635c-ed94-4137-9727-ac4b80cf1020/Project-Direct-Training-TrueCoach_2.png https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/programsoverview daily 0.75 2025-12-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/54b0e91e-c6ea-4852-9cbd-0fd2f49b9012/Lower+Gorge%2C+%40karly_Rager.+PC+%40felipesh.jpg Programs Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0168f56b-37c0-4d7c-b27a-45f20a232fa2/PXL_20240117_004727618%7E2.jpg Programs Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2527b38c-82ef-40a9-8c13-1fc3895ce171/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-07+at+5.00.59+PM+%283%29.jpeg Programs Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/d00e2e30-2554-45d3-9452-74ae3ee4739f/20210105-DSC01970.jpg Programs Overview https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/headpoint-training daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2cb2a87c-6f1c-4c55-8dae-838d6d4ca964/108-_DSC7683.jpg Headpoint Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/f1cea0d3-cdb2-4922-905d-e189023a161a/A7_02311m.jpg Headpoint Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/e6a9f08a-894b-4f62-bc65-d04ab232d668/D95B1B4E-27A7-4800-B294-DE45774ED7B1.jpg Headpoint Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0bc7656c-cd3a-490b-ba70-4e8afceb1537/IMG_8126+2.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/5c4203c0-f525-48a8-9815-beeb1379143e/5-_DSC7447.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/9923d096-4708-484d-a82f-feea2d5247d3/%40travperk_photo_Rab_GuerrerasFFA-83.jpg https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/danataylor daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0c50709c-97aa-4790-ae2a-27ee4d532f06/IMG_1703.jpg Dana Taylor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/458a480c-a8d4-45fa-80b9-2ce29acd2351/Untitled+design.jpg Dana Taylor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/d8fc2c8b-478c-4cdb-b066-2a623d5b839f/IMG_1930.jpg Dana Taylor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/6759cec6-49f7-4140-abc7-9256305fc5db/D95B1B4E-27A7-4800-B294-DE45774ED7B1.jpg Dana Taylor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/73746deb-d460-452f-8ad2-bab68c17521a/Dana+podcast+cover.jpg Dana Taylor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/7175b422-f954-4852-8369-d54e282e6838/IMG_7941.jpg Dana Taylor - Dana Taylor - Coach While Dana (she/her) loves all forms of climbing - she has a specific love for trad climbing and helping trad climbers with strength training and movement coaching. “I believe most people don't know what they're truly capable of. I help climbers come face-to-face with their perceived limitations while giving them physical and mental tools to go further. I am passionate about helping climbers meaningfully engage with the complexities of climbing as a way to learn more about themselves.” Email: dana@projectdirectcoaching.com Proud sends Separate Reality - 5.12a Trad - California (pictured) More Monkey than Funky - 5.11c Trad - California Cookie Mix - 5.12a Sport - California Echando Raises - 5.12b Sport - Mexico Cara Cortada - 5.12a Sport - Mexico Trucutrulove - 5.12a Sport - Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/70917c07-3124-446e-8744-fc4f41fafb66/IMG_1413.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2f7e3077-48b7-403b-9441-6adc451e1366/IMG_3796.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/78c69cf0-c7ee-4a16-a49a-08102acc14ac/IMG_6890.jpeg Dana Taylor - coaching experience + education Certifications + Education Currently pursuing a Masters in Counseling Psychology NASM - Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) B.S. Architectural Studies - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign M. Arch - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/270e79bf-917f-40cc-9190-3c1184a3d8fb/Sarah+Macleod.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1bb5199c-ba5f-4d7c-92a1-532bbb0367ad/Dana+podcast+cover.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/82a12023-292d-4bc8-9538-3072ffdeee0b/IMG_7941+%281%29.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/bda0bc06-b42f-4f52-bc7a-af55f06b4039/dana-norcal-campsite-85.jpg https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/join-our-roster daily 0.75 2026-01-19 https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/inpersonclimbingcoaching daily 0.75 2025-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/0168f56b-37c0-4d7c-b27a-45f20a232fa2/PXL_20240117_004727618%7E2.jpg https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/connorrunge daily 0.75 2025-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/2789ec40-99fb-43fb-94d8-2399532a6ce6/IMG_2731.jpg Connor Runge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/daf3c8a7-4ee4-48a7-8e77-2ebf22d94fca/DSC01612+%281%29.png Connor Runge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/fb389cde-0a34-4a5e-b223-363d41ec2e4e/IMG_4182+%281%29.png Connor Runge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/d8a1ac2d-742b-46fc-ae46-b375de708536/IMG_0039.JPG Connor Runge - Connor Runge - Coach Connor (he/him) joined Project Direct Coaching in 2025, bringing a passion for climbing and a deep focus on movement and skill development. Hailing from Canada, he’s currently on the road chasing ideal weather and establishing new hard routes wherever possible. Connor believes that understanding movement is one of the keys to climbing better, and he loves helping climbers unlock their potential on the rock. “I coach because I want climbers to experience the joy of movement on rock. Whether it’s refining technique, pushing grades, or preparing for big objectives, I enjoy helping athletes develop both the physical and movement tools they need to excel.” Email: connor@projectdirectcoaching.com IG: @connor.runge Proud sends Spirit Quest — 5.14d / 9a Banana Man — 5.14d / 9a (First Ascent) Specter Del Norte — 5.14c / 8c+ (First Ascent) Young King Dave — 5.14c / 8c+ Bluebell Direct — 600m 5.13d (First Ascent) El Banyo de Homero — 5.13c onsight 100+ 5.13 sends, 20+ 5.13 onsights and flashes Other Work Athlete for Rab Equipment, Edelrid, and Deadpoint Climbing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/90646a7b-d690-4a39-bad3-afd27fd8b819/WhatsApp+Image+2025-10-08+at+8.28.12+AM.jpeg Connor Runge - coaching experience + education Certifications + Education NASM Certified Personal Trainer AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (no longer guiding) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/88b56038-a3d5-4d97-b799-feb37b25aad7/IMG_6287.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/4cc303e3-9200-4f97-a290-019ac7a7c9e6/WhatsApp+Image+2025-10-08+at+8.28.11+AM+%281%29.jpeg https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store daily 0.75 2025-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/aaeb418d-a121-414e-9e09-1fa4f203582c/sweatshirt.jpg Store Black sweatshirt with a logo that says "PROJECT DIRECT" in white and yellow text, with a stylized graphic of two circular saw blades, one yellow and one white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/00c4da3f-46a9-43c3-86e5-dffe55c637d9/download+a.jpg Store Gray sleeveless tank top with a black logo and the text "PROJECT DIRECT" printed on the front https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/7d90607a-c4ef-4bc7-8864-288b4381585a/tank+b.jpg Store Black sleeveless shirt with the logo and text "Project Direct" in white and yellow, featuring a stylized graphic of interconnected circles and lines. https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store/merch monthly 0.5 2022-01-06 https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store/programs monthly 0.5 2024-11-03 https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store/p/powerhour monthly 0.5 2025-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1645188489215-KTUDNOTMLP0GWSZR6GF6/IMG_3561.JPG Store - 60-min Coaching Call https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store/p/1on1coaching monthly 0.5 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1645187922523-IK6FIFCSVLC5L62ASEGP/IMG_0020+%282%29.JPG Store - Tier I: 1 on 1 coaching https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store/p/headpoint monthly 0.5 2025-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1651069107906-HVGM79WOSRVSQ0Q0OHBG/20210407-DSC03924.jpg Store - Tier II: Headpoint Training https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store/p/headpoint-4x268 monthly 0.5 2025-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1703353964562-QEL45XS75PDN9HV9WMY5/%40karly_rager+PC+by+%40jordi.llauvi.jpg Store - Tier II: Custom Training & Movement https://www.projectdirectcoaching.com/store/p/headpoint-csl2e-ww75n monthly 0.5 2026-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f347ae6f3f3956a94dc4792/1686264814058-5TT59T1P6S6N5Z6VGRWZ/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-07+at+5.00.59+PM+%283%29.jpeg Store - Coaching Deposit Test