Dan Mirsky shares the story behind his send of Fat Camp in Rifle, reflecting on the role of training, mindset, and learning to trust your natural climbing style.

In a limestone cave, a season of work narrows to one moment. A Deadline in the Dark reflects on pressure, ambition, and redefining success.

Trying your hardest every session feels productive—but it often leads to plateaus. Climbing at roughly 80 percent builds skills, momentum, and durability faster over time. Long-term progress comes from consistency, not constant max effort.