Big-wall climber Mike Libecki does so many grueling expeditions — 70 so far — that each is really just training for the next. But that’s not to say he hasn’t perfected the art of preparing his mind and body for the task at hand.
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Libecki believes that being in truly top shape begins with a very clean diet. “I eat a lot of raw fruits and vegetables — organic, washed, cleaned,” he says. “ I eat tons of broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pears…you name it, but just real rough vegetables and fruits that take the effort of chewing and eating. Then, of course, a lot of lean protein from meat and nuts, and then coconut oil and avocado oil. This really clean style of living makes a difference.”
The expeditions Libecki embarks on can be brutal, which is why he takes a softer approach to his workouts. “I steer clear of running because it is shock-load training,” says Libecki, which can take a toll on the body. “Instead, I try to do dynamic and fluid movements like swimming to save my joints and tendons. I think it’s the reason I don’t have any injuries and I have never had surgery.”
“If you don’t live it, you are not going to perform at the level you need,” says Libecki, who takes full advantage of his surroundings in Utah to keep in constant motion, whether bagging peaks, rock climbing, ski touring, or snowboarding.
“If you are not exercising three to five hard hours a week, don’t expect to be in any shape at all.” In fact, Libecki believes eating healthy and exercising must be the top priority in life for it to make a difference.
When push comes to shove on an expedition, Libecki needs to be able to haul 100-pound loads up thousands of vertical feet. If he’s climbing solo — which he often is — it could be even more. But that doesn’t mean he likes spending time in the weight room. “For strength, I love juggling weighted balls, doing Pilates, or spending time on the wall at my local climbing gym, called Momentum,” he says.
Whether it’s Pilates or a simple hike, Libecki loves being pushed by someone — or something. “It can be tough to really hit an athletic goal if you don’t have someone pushing you,” he says. “My Pilates instructor pushes me hard on the reformer, but it could also just be my dogs. We race all the time — they’re Alpha White German Shepherds and they want to be in front.” Libecki races them (or chases them) every chance he gets.
Libecki swears by organic ginger candy. “I’m always sucking on a ginger candy, and ginger is a big part of my life,” he says. “It’s a really nice antioxidant, provides great energy, and fights off viruses — it’s just really good for your body.”
