American Alpine Club Podcast Periodizing Mental Training with Neal Palles
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Aug 13, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Neal Palles, a licensed clinical social worker and certified mental performance consultant, shares insights on enhancing mental skills for climbers. He explores the concept of periodizing mental training, similar to physical training, and discusses how self-awareness and mindfulness underpin performance. Neal delves into how trauma and stress influence safety in climbing, emphasizing self-compassion and realistic expectations. He also offers practical homework for climbers, including routines and journaling, to build resilience and focus.
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Origins In Outward Bound And Climbing
- Neal Palles traced his interest to Outward Bound and early climbing in high school.
- He wrote a high school paper on the psychology of mountaineering and later blended social work with applied sports psychology.
Leadville Race Series Preparation
- Neal is training a Leadville race series including marathon, 50, 100-mile events and mountain biking.
- He prepared months ahead and describes the series as an expedition-like peak of his season.
Periodized Pyramid For Mental Skills
- Neal Palles presents a periodized pyramid of mental skills from safety and motivation up to imagery and focus.
- Developing lower-level skills first builds confidence, resilience, and sport-specific performance over time.