Photo Copyright Daniel Gajda (Carter Smith - The Masochist (V10), Boone, NC
Training for Vertical Performance with Carter Smith
Performance Rock Climbing That Fits Alongside the Activities You Love
Sunday, March 22 | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $25. Non-members, FREE for MPT Members: SIGN UP
We are excited to welcome Carter Smith, climbing coach and Head Coach at Triangle Rock Club, for a hands-on workshop focused on mountain fitness, performance rock climbing, and smart training that fits alongside the rest of your active life.
Carter is based in Durham, North Carolina, and works with climbers of all levels, from club and competition teams to adult climbers looking to improve performance and longevity. He holds a Master’s degree in Experiential and Outdoor Education from Western Carolina University and brings a thoughtful, whole-body approach to climbing. His passion is helping both adults and youth use climbing as a tool for growth, confidence, and self-discovery through challenge. An experienced all-around climber, Carter enjoys everything from bouldering competitions to alpine trad climbing.
This workshop is all about mountain fitness, training with intention, understanding how climbing fits into the bigger picture of your life, and making informed choices around performance, recovery, and long-term progress.
Workshop Schedule
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Information Session
• Understanding REDs, overtraining, and recovery, and how everything you do outside of climbing impacts performance
• Exploring personal climbing goals, needs, access to facilities, and available tools
• A practical discussion of rough periodization, when to prioritize training vs performance vs other activities, and when to use a coach, app, or simply follow motivation and feel
Optional short break around 10:55 AM if needed
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM | Lunch Break
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Practical Application and Climbing Session
• Finger training fundamentals, learning several ways to train fingers both on and off the wall, and understanding the why behind each approach
• Lifting considerations for climbers, what supports climbing, what to avoid, and how to integrate strength work effectively
• Guided climbing and workout time
• Break as needed
• Casual happy hour-style wrap-up with time to connect, ask questions, and hang out together
Sunday, March 22 | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $25. Non-members, FREE for MPT Members: SIGN UP
