EP08: Lucy Stirling | "Between the Pines" Arapiles

If you're enjoying The Hangout, I would be psyched for you to rate the show, share the show or follow the show! Let's GO!In this episode of The Hangout, Tom's Hanging with Northface athlete Lucy Stirling.Recorded on a freezing morning in the Pines at Arapiles, this episode captures Lucy at a powerful transition point in her climbing life.Lucy opens up about her shift from competition climbing and the Olympic pathway to outdoor climbing - and ultimately into hard trad. We unpack ego, comparison and the quiet toxicity that can creep into performance-driven environments. Lucy shares the moment she realized her fire for climbing no longer lived in chasing semifinals or qualifiers - but in sandstone, adventure, and self-trust.LinksInstagram: @lucyclimbingChapters00:00 – Intro & Setting the SceneRecording in the Pines at Arapiles. The energy of place, community, and why this environment feels spiritual.04:30 – First Impressions of ArapilesLucy’s connection to the Pines and what makes the space so unique.08:30 – Trad Climbing & Letting Go of EgoHow trad reshaped Lucy’s definition of success and challenged grade-focused thinking.12:00 – Sponsorship, Comparison & Self-WorthThe pressure of being a sponsored athlete and tying value to performance.17:00 – From Comp Climbing to OutdoorsWhy outdoor climbing shifted her mindset and softened the competitive edge.19:00 – Discovering TradBecoming a beginner again. Learning systems, placing gear, building anchors, trusting decisions.23:00 – Why a 28 Meant More Than Harder GradesSentinel at the Pit Stop. Pride beyond numbers.26:00 – Character Arcs Over GradesClimbing for story, growth, and internal breakthroughs rather than metrics.29:00 – Breaking the Glass CeilingLimiting beliefs, projecting, and re-writing internal narratives.32:00 – The Olympic Pathway & Internal ConflictThe long build toward qualifiers, injury, sacrifice, and fractured identity.38:00 – Winning Nationals & Still Feeling EmptyA pivotal moment of clarity after success didn’t bring fulfilment.39:30 – The Boulder Round Breaking PointFrustration, height limitations, and realizing she was done.44:00 – Stepping Away From CompetitionWhy Lucy hasn’t re-engaged with the comp scene since — and what rest from that world feels like.46:00 – Rising Tides & Breaking BarriersReflection on Australian climbing, funding, and watching peers thrive.Key Takeaways1. Grades Are Arbitrary — Growth Isn’t2. Trad Climbing Builds Self-Trust3. Ego Isn’t Bad — But It Needs Balance4. Success Without Meaning Feels Empty5. The Fire Matters More Than the Dream6. Becoming a Beginner Is Powerful7. Stop Pushing. Start Magnetising.KeywordsLucy Stirling, Trad climbing mindset, Competition climbing transition, Olympic climbing pathway, Climbing psychology, Self-worth in sport, Breaking glass ceilings, Arapiles climbing, The Pines, Sentinel Pit Stop, Climbing ego, Outdoor climbing journey, Women in climbing, Trust in trad, Climbing identity