Saturday 22 June 2013

ReAch Training Program starting soon...

We are looking to recruit 10 members for our online training program based around 3 blocks of 6 week training periods beginning soon.

The program will focus on a periodized peak for an Autumn sport climbing project. The plan will be to run 3 separate 6 week training blocks based around MAXIMAL STRENGTH to POWER to POWER ENDURANCE.


If you are interested in joining the team then contact markmcgowan01@gmail.com before the end of  July to allow us to design your interactive online program.

Each 6 week block is priced at £75 and 1:1 training sessions at the Beacon Climbing Centre in North Wales are also available at £50 for 90 minute training session. The focus of the 1:1 will be to guide you through the training processes and motivate to maximize the session.

If you climb between 6a to 7c and are looking to work for a marked improvement then email Mark McGowan to begin.



Malcolm on Blood Diamond (8c+) Anvil, Scotland (Video Still,)

Bouldering in Ariege 



 Gozo Island (Video Still,)

Systems Training

Tuesday 18 June 2013

Recovery Part 2...


Stepped Recovery...

Since returning back to the UK from Spain/France in December and moving back to Wales in January, I have been just ticking over really and concentrating on more personal well being than driving any training objectives. With the addition of the new Routing Roof it seems some new psyche has been sparked to train more consistently. Getting back to full fitness usually takes about 3 cycles of 6 week training blocks, so that takes me to around October, which is cool... Literally...cooler!

Integrating sports massage into my training is part of my plan to try and avoid injury and speed recovery...


"Combining sport massage as part of your training can significantly reduce the risks of overuse injuries and also aids recovery by reducing muscle fatigue. For climbers really looking to optimize performance, resting for appropriate lengths of time between climbing sessions and body conditioning, are incredibly important (and often overlooked) aspects of any training schedule.  If you are already suffering from muscle fatigue or specific climbing related injuries such as sore shoulders, sports massage is an incredibly effective method of relieving fatigue and injuries, allowing you to achieve a high level of performance". 



Massaging forearm flexors (Photo C. Molloy)

Professional, effective sports and remedial massage for relief from stress and tension, muscle and joint pain, injury rehabilitation and prevention, improved flexibility and recovery.

Consultation and treatment £40
Clinic at the Beacon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and appointments available at other times.
Call Cordelia on 07951 448 669 to book an appointment




Saturday 15 June 2013

Roof routes.... Getting Grotty at The Beacon!



Beacon Climbing Walls new 'routing roof'

Awaiting the completion of the new plastic training cave in Wales, which is nearly finished, is like waiting on Santa! In a few days it will be complete with 15m of upside downess, a lick of paint and some bat cave route setting to follow... hopefully without the bat shit. Can't wait!

 (Videos by Craig Smith)






Referrals from clients:



"...This training season I decided to get all the help I can to speed up my improvement. I needed guidance to work towards my goals in long term. I also needed more vision and opinions about my exercises and weak links. I am glad I can share my training with Mark..." (Ville Mustonen, Finland)


" I met Mark in Glen Nevis on his return to climbing to check out some lines he had in mind for me, I wasn't really training at this point but after a day or two talking and training with him I had a much more structured idea of what to do to improve and I did" (Kev Shields)