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Neely Quinn interviews pro rock climbers, climbing trainers, and other insightful members of the climbing community about how we can get a little better at rock climbing. Subjects include how to train for certain aspects of the sport, how to rehab injuries, the best diet for climbing, and personal stories about climbing.

Oct 14, 2021

TBP 182 :: How Brian Lichtenheld Climbs Outside 4 Days a Week With a Demanding Job

Brian Lichtenheld is one of my close friends and one of my favorite climbing partners. I asked him to be on the show because I don’t know another non-professional climber who is more psyched on climbing, and I wanted to share his infectious positive attitude with you.

No matter what season it is, Brian climbs outside a LOT. During the spring, summer, and fall, he’s basically outside 4 days per week, and that is on top of having a very demanding 50 hour-a-week job as a Certified Financial Planner. He’s also devoted to spending quality time with his girlfriend, as well as having regular volunteer commitments, among other interests.

Despite having time commitments and life stressors like the rest of us, Brian just makes it work all the time, rain or shine, and I’m constantly inspired by him.

In our conversation, we talk about why climbing is so important to him and how he manages his schedule to accommodate everything. We talk about his level-headed approach to long-term projects and how he never tosses wobblers or seemingly ever even gets upset when he fails.

Over the years, Brian has only gotten stronger and better at climbing, and at the age of 36 he has climbed 182 routes between 5.13a and 5.14a. He’s a solid climber, and we can all learn something from him about making it work, no matter what.

Brian Lichtenheld Interview Details

  • Who Brian is: his work, other activities, relationships, volunteering
  • How he climbs 4 days a week outside
  • How he balances his relationship with his girlfriend with climbing (she’s not a climber)
  • How he injects his core value of sustainability into his job as a certified financial planner
  • How he structures his days to fit it all in
  • What he loves about climbing soooo much
  • What he’s learned about his vegan diet and recovery/fueling
  • How resting more actually helped him
  • What training he does and how he fits it in
 

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