Why Casaval? What’s Going On Here?
Casaval. It’s a simple name that represents a lot for me. It’s literal meaning is “house in the valley”. It is the name given to one of Mount Shasta’s most striking features, Casaval Ridge.
I’ve spent a lot of time on Mount Shasta climbing and skiing alone, with buddies, and with guided guests. Much of that time has involved Casaval Ridge. My first climb on Shasta was on Casaval. It’s a place of beauty and adventure and is close to my heart.
During my 16 years with Shasta Mountain Guides I’ve turned around with many guests who lacked fitness. On the way down the conversation usually drifts towards fitness when one realizes that they're undertrained. Often I've wished that I could start training these guests a few months before their climb. They'd have a better shot at the summit and actually enjoy the experience of climbing.
This was the case a few years ago when my dream of starting a coaching and personal training business was realized on Casaval Ridge. This is why I've named it Casaval Personal Training.
As anyone who’s ever climbed a big mountain knows, success is never guaranteed. There are many factors that come into play on a long climb. Weather, altitude, team, nutrition, equipment, mindset, and fitness. In reality there are very few things that a climber is actually in control of in the mountains.
Among all the variables described above physical fitness is the only factor that one can control. It’s very often the “thing” that prevents a climber from reaching the top. Being in great shape improves every aspect of your trip and makes those variables easier to manage.
Weather is a factor you can’t control. But, if you're fast you increase your margin of safety with the ability to outrun it or at least move to safety more quickly. A few examples of these situations are incoming storms, rising avalanche hazard due to snow loading or warming temps, and rock/ice fall due to warming temps. All of these are more safely managed with speed. The faster you can competently move in the mountains the the lower your exposure to risk.
You have no control over the altitude. But, being well trained and fit will provide you a deep connection with your own ability and body function. Proper pacing, focused breathing, and the skill to measure your effort can improve your performance at elevation.
Your team is one of those big factors that sometimes isn't considered carefully enough. If you're signed up for a guided climb the guide service will do it's best to group you with individuals with similar ability. This is an attempt to provide a great experience for all. There's a good chance that if the guide service knows that you've been training you'll find yourself in a group of other fit people led by more experienced guides.
Equipment is a factor to be considered carefully. It needs to work properly, not fail, and you have to be strong enough to carry it. Backpacks, boots & crampons, helmets, and skis can get very heavy during the course of a long day. Even if you've got ultra-light gear it adds up. Trust me here. Being stronger than you think you need to be will go a long way.
Mindset also improves with a high level of fitness. Being in great shape leaves gas in the tank to maintain a positive mental outlook. It will also provide the energy for great communication and decision making during long outings.
Casaval Personal Training is my effort to serve clients who want to train for mountain adventure. I still love guiding climbers and skiers. It's an amazing career. Now with Casaval PT I can help these mountain people before they attempt their goal. Feel free to reach out and thanks for reading.