From Burnout to Breakthrough: Drew Ruana’s Analytical Approach to Climbing

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In this episode of the Lattice Training Podcast, Ollie Torr sits down with Drew Ruana, one of the strongest and most analytical climbers in the game today. Drew shares an unfiltered look into his training philosophy, his unique approach to projecting, and how he’s balancing high-level climbing with a degree in computer science.

From discussing his "Level 4 Beta" system of optimising climbing efficiency to deep-diving into the mental aspects of performance, burnout, and progression, this conversation explores what it takes to push climbing limits—both physically and mentally.

Other topics covered: 

• The role of structured vs. intuitive training
• How weightlifting and non-climbing strength work fuels his performance
• The mental side of climbing, burnout, and staying psyched long-term
• Why goal-setting and patience are the most underrated tools in high-performance climbing
• His long-term aspirations, including a book on climbing performance

Drew is known for sending some of the hardest boulders in the world, but in this conversation, we get a deeper look at the mindset and method behind his success.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

The Lattice jingle is brought to you by Devin Dabney, music producer of the outdoor industry who also hosts the American Climbing Project.