Steve McClure: Rainman, Trying Well & Life at the Limit

In this episode of A Climber’s Mind, I’m joined by Steve McClure - one of Britain’s most accomplished and influential climbers.

Steve takes us inside the long process behind the first ascent of Rainman, Britain’s first 9b. We explore what it really means to project at your absolute limit, how he continued learning from the route over many years, and why success depends on far more than simply trying harder.

We also discuss the difference between trying hard and learning to try well: managing effort, refining movement, making better decisions and finding a way to perform when the opportunity finally arrives.

Beyond the climbing itself, Steve shares his thoughts on sustaining ambition alongside family life, work and the everyday responsibilities that sit behind a long-term project. We talk about how his relationship with climbing has evolved, what keeps him motivated, and how to pursue extraordinary goals without allowing them to consume everything else.

Steve has been a huge inspiration throughout my own climbing career, so it was surreal to have this conversation with him - not only as one of Britain’s greatest climbers, but also as a friend.

Thanks for listening. I hope you enjoy the conversation.