Getting into the Zone

In my last blog I refer to being in “The Zone”.

This is not a Tony-ism, its real and we found ourselves in it a few times on our recent trip to the Dolomites. I came across this article which explains the Zone. It’s from Ellen Miller, a high-altitude training specialist and endurance coach on preparing for getting to a success in the mountains.

“Even the most experienced alpinists head into the mountains with a healthy mix of reverence and fear. But the secret to a successful climb is focusing on the task at hand. ‘You can’t be climbing serious mountains, scrambling over rocks, ice climbing and thinking about your schedule for next week or the grocery list,’ said Miller. ‘It is really important to get in the zone and enjoy being so incredibly focused. Often times, life depends on that focus, that ability to reign in your brain.’

Dick is in the Zone. Concentrating on the move around the edge.

Dick, Mike and Steve, in the Zone. On Sentiero Bocchette Alte.

Focusing on a project at work is different from focusing on fixing a pitch in 30mph winds. The more you practise this kind of focus while training, the more disciplined you’ll be when it’s time to wake up just after midnight and push for the summit. ‘You’ve got to summon the restraint to rewire your thought pattern,’ said Miller, relaying a dizzying array of things that go through a climber’s mind. ‘Don’t rush, stay in eyesight of each other. You’re at the top when you’re at the top, not a moment before so stay focused on vitals, weather, supplies and other elements.’