Yumping.- Hello Gerard, How are you? First of all we want to congratulate you on your latest great achievement. How do you feel?
Gerard Rull.- Hello, Yumpineros. Well, I'm really happy to have been able to realize a dream like this.
And.- What has this ascent meant for your career as a climber?
G.R.- For me, on a personal and sporting level, it has been reaching that peak that you always dream of but you never know if you will reach it. I could say that I have completed the goal of my sports career, I think...
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And.- How much did you have to train to get La Rambla 9a+?
G.R.- The truth is that since I started climbing I have always trained under direction, both by myself and with different coaches. I think saying that I did a specific workout just for the boardwalk wouldn't be very honest. So I've been training for about 15 years...hehehe!
And.- For those who are not very knowledgeable about climbing, how would you define a 9a+ route?
G.R.- The 9a+ routes can be of different styles, more or less sloping, or longer or shorter. But they tend to be routes with very marked sections of strength (block), very resistant and technical with quite small feet.
And.- At what age did you realize that climbing would be your world?
G.R.- When I started I got so hooked that I saw that I could never leave climbing.
And.- Could you describe to us what you feel when you are climbing?
G.R.- It depends a lot on the day or the route, but I always really enjoy climbing. I feel happy and calm.
And.- I'm sure many of our readers are now starting out in the world of climbing or are thinking about doing so. What advice or recommendations would you give them?
G.R.- Have a lot of fun with the initiation process which is very nice since every time you go out climbing you learn, don't get overwhelmed by increasing your grade, little by little and with good writing. The degree will come.
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And.- Physical condition is undoubtedly very important for this sport, but we assume that mental strength is decisive, right?
G.R.- It is vital, since these types of routes squeeze you a lot psychologically, each failed attempt consumes you a lot, since you put in your 100x100. You have to be a little stubborn and keep fighting without breaking down.
Y.- In other risky or adventure sports, athletes receive help from sponsors. Does the same happen in the case of climbing? Or do you have to pay for all the climbers?
G.R.- Climbing is a minority sport, in which brands invest just enough in sponsorship. I personally receive the collaboration of two brands Beal and Scarpa that give me all the climbing equipment. But I don't receive any financial support. My best sponsor is me (laughs)
And.- To get to know you a little better, what is a day in the life of Gerard Rull like?
G.R.- I get up at 6 in the morning, I go to work at 7 until 2:30 p.m.
I get home around 3 p.m., eat, and go to train from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Then I go out for an hour run and come home and have dinner and sleep. A little stressful.(laughs)
And.- What has been the happiest day of your life climbing?
G.R.- I have had many happy days climbing, but if I have to choose one it would be when I did La Rambla
And.- What is the maximum period that you have been without climbing?
G.R.- Well, about 6 months due to an injury.
And.- Speaking of injuries, in all these years have you had any major scares or injuries while climbing?
G.R.- Yes, I have had quite bad luck and I have broken both pulleys on the ring fingers of both my right and left hands. In the end I ended up having surgery.
And.- Is it easy to meet people and make friends in this world?
G.R.- It is a very social sport, at the climbing gym or on the weekends you always meet people who We are united by the passion for this sport.
And.- Besides climbing, do you practice any other adventure sports?
G.R.- I don't know if it's adventure, but I love skiing.
And.- Is there any extreme sport that you have not done and would like to try?
G.R.- I would really like to do base jumping
And.- With what 3 words would you define yourself as a climber?
G.R.- Hard-working, constant and stubborn
And.- What is the next goal you have in mind?
G.R.- At the moment I don't have any. I want to gain strength and relax to find another great goal.
Thank you very much Gerard for answering our questions with such sincerity and sympathy and for bringing us all a little closer to the world of climbing. We wish you good luck and that soon we will be able to interview you for another of your great achievements.
