Climbing Update

You know what we haven't done around here in a long time? Talk about rock climbing! This is not because I haven't been climbing. There's been plenty of that. But I haven't been climbing outside, so there's no fun pictures to post or much to report. But I think it's time for an update.

As I said, I haven't been climbing outside this summer. It has nothing to do with not wanting to, I would love to be out. First problem is I can't set up systems, so I have to go with other people. Apparently the great core group we had going last summer is not as strong. People are all over the place. And the one friend doesn't want to go just the two of us because I can't check the ropes. Totally understandable. I'm planning on taking an outdoor systems course the next time it's offered at the gym, but it's not even on the calendar through October. And I'm working on a few new people to climb with since old group has decided to suck. But that takes time and schedule coordination.

Yep, that's the other problem - I've been busying hiking, kayaking, ect. So there's only so many free days where I an get out and devote to climbing. I have a few days laid out, if I can get a few people on board maybe there will be more adventures on rocks. 

Indoor climbing, on the other hand, is going strong. I've been going twice a week most weeks and it's certainly helped me stay on top of things. Of course I wish the bigger gym was the one close to me because I'd like some more variety. But there's only been a few times where they took down a route before I'd nailed it.

Things I'm proud of in gym climbing:

~Much better at laybacks and general hanging stuffs. My upper body strength is very lame, but there's been definite improvement in this area. It's not all legs all the time.
~Doing 8s and 9s well, and even have a few 10a and 10b climbs I can do. (Though there's still this one 8 I just can not do.) I was fine sticking with 9s, but apparently if the hard moves are exactly my style I can push myself.
~Trying more bad hands. I hate these climbs. I need good hands still, big time. Little crimps things, only using two fingers barely holding on? Uh no. It sucks. but I'm trying some climbs that are not what I love and seeing if I can get better slowly.

I do want to go to the other gym at some point though, because I've been told the ratings at mine are too kind. So maybe I can't really do 5.10s.

Also, I need to do more with overhangs. Again with the upper body strength issue. I just can't pull myself up and over well. I stick with 5.7s when there's a big overhang/roof. Want to do more and get stronger. 


John really wants me to start lead climbing. I really don't want to. Terrified. But if I take the class and at least learn to lead belay he'll be able to do more. Maybe this will come over the winter when I know he's not going to take me to Birdsboro and make me lead the "best intro to lead outdoors ever". Jury is still out. 

And that is how climbing is going. Cros your fingers I get outside a few times before winter. I need real rocks.