You Can Do It! Overcoming the 5.13a Barrier: How I Completed “Le Chien Engagé (7c+)” in Two Years

When you think of climbing a 5.13a route, you might imagine the excitement of finally conquering one of the most challenging grades in rock climbing. As a passionate climber, sending "Le chien engagé (7c+/5.13a)" was a journey of dedication, struggle, and ultimate triumph.


Embracing the Challenge

My approach to climbing isn't about checking off grades on a checklist; it's about immersing myself in a single route, surrendering to its challenges, and emerging stronger. It's about climbing not just any route, but the route that calls to me. This focused approach has its drawbacks-sometimes it slows progress, limits exposure to different moves, and even risks overuse injuries. But it's also incredibly rewarding when you finally send the route you've poured your heart into.


A Diverse Climbing Journey

Living in France, I'm lucky to have a dynamic climbing community where my partners change frequently. This brings a diversity to my climbing experiences and pushes me to explore different routes and crags. Although it can be frustrating not to be able to focus on a single project, it has broadened my skills and introduced me to new challenges and techniques.

Le Kronthl : Le chien engagé (7c+)


The Long Road to Success

The journey to conquer Le chien engagé was my longest and most demanding challenge to date. It took 50 attempts over two years, starting on April 6, 2019. The road was littered with obstacles, including lockdowns and curfews due to the global pandemic. But each setback was a stepping stone, creating a mixture of joy, relief, and a sense of accomplishment when I finally made it to the top.


Learning and Growing with Each Attempt

Each attempt at Le chien engagé taught me valuable lessons. The first 20 attempts were a physical struggle, but by the 35th, my body began to adapt to the demands of the route. By the 40th attempt, I was exploring my own moves, learning from each mistake and fine-tuning my techniques. Unlike the controlled environment of a gym, climbing outdoors on real rock allowed me to discover holds and moves that worked uniquely for me. This ability to create personalized solutions is one of the true charms of rock climbing.


The Ongoing Climbing Adventure

Completing Le chien engagé was a milestone, but my climbing story is far from over. Each route is a new adventure, a new challenge, and an opportunity to grow. I look forward to the climbs ahead and the community of climbers I'll meet along the way. To all the climbers out there trying to conquer their first 5.13a, remember that every attempt, every fall, and every struggle is part of the journey. Embrace it, learn from it, and enjoy the process. Your story, like mine, is still being written. 

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