I've finally been convinced that periodizing is worth a try.
Summer is NOT a great time for projects for me, as the kids are out of school and my free climbing time is less than during the school year. So thought I'd try a cycle and see what happens in the fall.
Here's my question. In late July/early August I'll have about 3 weeks with minimal to no technical climbing. Likely no access to hangboard/campus/etc.
Doesn't seem to make sense to try to end my cycle just before this long lay-off, or does it? Should I plan the cycle so I'm in between hypertrophy and recruitment or in the middle of something or what?
Thanks for any suggestions,
Mark
PS FWIW, I climb about 5.12a/b sport, have trained, campused, hangboarded, etc many times in the past, just never in an organized rock prodigy way.

Put it between two cycles. If you think you can squeeze a cylce in before this July/August break, do so, then start a new cycle after the break. If not, keep doing what you're doing until the break, then start the cylce after the break.

Agreed, three wks off is significant if you're talking about training cycles. It more than enough time for a download phase and probably longer than you'd like to have between different phases.

Thanks for the advice!
I'm considering taking along a metolius rung or two for the last week and a half and trying to do some kind of anaerobic endurance (say sets of 7 second hangs with 1 second rests, or 2 minute campus laddering sessions a la Steve McClure.)
A bit wacko sounding, but the I'm not excited about doing nothing....
Mark

You know, the answer is right there, right in front of you.
Come back east and climb. I think I can find partners for you.

Don't really know much about training cycles but I think the rest will do you some good. I generally go to Colorado to bowhunt elk in September. I have been climbing all summer at a rifle like cliff and am usually in the best shape of the year. After three to four weeks off I come back stronger. The rest helps my body but I am 53 so it is probably different.

Dana- good to hear from you!
Trouble is, I'm going back east to NOT climb. Family fun and all.
I would love another go at Eyeless in Gaza at Sunset, but don't think I can engineer the day off or a partner.
Eric- I'm 55 so maybe not that different, except I think you climb a lot harder then me.
Mark