Two friends were out bouldering at Beacon Rock Boulders. One friend commented to the other friend about the Minus Man problem's grade (V8):

"You know . . . if this problem were located at Squamish it would be a V9."

Yet, his friend replied,

"For as long as people have bouldered here at Beacon Rock, the Minus Man problem has been considered benchmark V8 for this region."

** It's all based on your skill set capabilities which, per person, does vary notably [i.e. think forearm crimp strength, kneebars, toe hooks, core strength, stemming leg strength, body size, etc]. Perhaps it's a combination of these . . . and something about that last part of the sentence ". . . for this region."

 Beer bellies and boredom?

Perhaps ya startin' to collect a notable wintery girth?

There are ways to keep fit even in winter around here in rainy western Oregon. Such as: a fitness regimen training cycle linked to a popular indoor sports gym, or a bit of outdoor rock climbing at the local crag, or delve into the steadily expanding sport of outdoor bouldering.

Or . . . . try doin' NINE times up Dog Mtn in the Columbia Gorge.

That's a journey of 3,000' times nine which equals about 27,000' gain/loss in one single day.

It's not a speed record, but merely the number of times going from trailhead up to the summit - back to back - all in one long single day. Nice venture!

The web link:   Oregonhikers.org

. . . 

Altitude Endurance Training

A great powerful endurance training dash to get you into ideal physical conditioning level (to help prepare you for the those big peak goals in your future plans).

Begin at Timberline Lodge parking lot (best in August, September, or early October).
Dress light and carry light (fair weather dependent).
Speed hike up till you touch the very base of Crater Rock.
Time up: 1 hour 15 minutes (or better) is the ideal time frame goal.

Compile a training regimen list with several types of this kind of workout, and you will soon be ready for the big peaks....