The Struggle Climbing Show
The Struggle Climbing Show
Ryan Devlin
A Noob's Guide to Horseshoe Hell
1 hour 46 minutes Posted Aug 12, 2026 at 8:00 am.
Why Hell Feels Grim
Meet The Guests
Event Basics Explained
Vibe Costumes And Culture
Rules Points And Qualifying
The Ranch Layout And Rock
Prep Mindset And Goals
Training Systems And Stashes
Old Man Strength Training
Tactics Over Training
Shoes for 24 Hours
Prewalk and Partner Sync
Fast Transitions No Retie
Safety and Code Words
Sponsor Break Skin App
Route Difficulty Strategy
Rack and Permadraw Beta
Lead Swap and Efficiency
Pacing Bonks and Howls
Food Water Caffeine Plan
Food Stash Strategy
Dialed Systems and Ropes
Stashing Timing and Labels
Darkest Hours and Bonks
Night Gear and Headlamps
Logging Routes and Weather
Crowds Etiquette and Waiting
Taping Fingers and Gloves
Support Crew Rules
Final Hour Sprint
Post Finish Recovery Party
Wrap Up Sponsors and Training
0:00
1:46:50
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Show notes
Break through plateaus, stay consistent, and make every session count with a free 14-day trial of Intentional Climber.
https://www.thestruggleclimbingshow.com/intentional
 
Support the Show on PatreonGet access to all Pro Clinics, bonus episodes, and more.https://www.patreon.com/thestruggleclimbingshow
 
Ari Grode and Rob Liberatore from The Ground Up podcast (along with special guest Chris Kalous) share pro insights from Horseshoe Hell:
What is Horseshoe Hell
12, 24, and 36 hours of Hell
Why aren't there more injries
How to qualify in different areas
Biggest mistakes noobs make at Hell
What Chris and I need to do to survive 
Pro tactics to save skin, energy, and sanity
What to expect before, during, and after the event
The most important thing: choosing the right costume
 
Check out The Ground Up Podcast wherever you get your pods, and follow their adventures on IG https://www.instagram.com/listentogroundup/
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BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Arc’teryx: Inspired by and tested in the Coast Mountains of BC, Arc’teryx makes gear to go the distance! If you’re out adventuring in the elements, Arc’teryx has got you covered. Shop their full collection at Arcteryx.com 
Rhino Skin Solutions: Take care of your skin, send harder! Amazing skin care products crafted specifically for climbers, whether you’re pulling hard indoors or out. Use code STRUGGLE to score a whopping 20% off your purchase!
Intentional Climber: Stop spinning your wheels. Start making real progress. Plan smarter, train harder, and stay consistent with world-class coaching plans, mindset tools, and powerful analytics built specifically for climbers. Download on Google Play or the App Store and use code STRUGGLE to unlock Kris Hampton’s 6-week Stronger Fingers program. 
 
And check out ALL the show’s awesome sponsors and exclusive deals at thestruggleclimbingshow.com/deals
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Here are some AI generated show notes (hopefully the robots got it right)
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Shoutout to Aiden Schlatter, Michael Martin, and Kent Olmstead for supporting at the Hero level on Patreon. So mega! 
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Follow along on Instagram and YouTube: @thestruggleclimbingshow 
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if yo