Bucketlist Check: Rock Climbing
8:20:00 PM
You know that scene in Princess Diaries, where Mia and her mom go rock climbing and talk about things? Well ever since I saw that, I've just had it in my head that someday I'd like to do that. It just looks so calming and cathartic.
Well, I found out it is, but its also completely terrifying. But for some reason, the focus and exertion it requires makes me love doing it.
I went with Janel. :] and I'm really glad I did. I think our fears sort of balanced out so we could sort of be a comfort for each other by being unafraid where the other was afraid. At least, I know I felt that way. It was just nice having her there, being the way she is. (BTW doesn't she look so athletic?!?!)
This was the most challenging wall we tried that day. There's a slight overhang so it relies a lot on upper body strength and slipping off is so much more likely. We were both so, so afraid before we started, we never thought we would even try this wall. I looked on like a proud/worrying mom whenever she was climbing.
This corner was fun, and also the most terrifying thing I did that day. Janel climbed up really well normally. But since I found that I'm actually a lot more afraid of the height/falling than I thought I would be, Our belayer, Matt, suggested having me climb the wall backwards, like a weird spiderman crab walk up the wall. Looking down and being so open like that when I was climbing was so scary, I was shaking and I felt like crying at some points. But getting to the top and dropping down felt so satisfying that I would do it all over again next time I get the chance.
I'm just going to take a second to talk about our belayer. His name is Matt, and he was so encouraging and patient. He basically taught us all we know now about climbing. All of the staff there are so nice, we were so afraid to ask for help but they noticed us and made sure we had our harnesses and shoes and everything. <3 You see the grips with the Pink tape? That's the route named Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
We didn't end up trying that route because it's ridiculously hard. But I kept that verse in mind as I climbed. I think part of the reason I love climbing is because I'm conquering my own fears and inhibitions while I'm doing it. It makes me hope that I can do the same with the other things in my life.
This is me... I'm wearing shorts over my leggings because there's a gigantic hole in the butt...don't mind it. This wall was hard, and I had to really trust in my upper body strength which I'm definitely lacking in. Reaching up to grab the next grip each time was a struggle in itself. Matt and Janel kept calling out encouragement and advice on grips which kept me going.
The first thing they teach you is the safety questions.
1) Am I on belay?
*your belayer checks all your gear* "You are on belay"
2) May I climb?
*belayer readies*
Go.
I don't think I look as athletic as Janel when I'm climbing, I think I'm a bit to curvy to look athletic haha.... It could also be the shorts. I need to find some workout leggings...
I plan to go every week. :] I want to get stronger and be as graceful as the instructors when they climb. My hands are so tired. I have no grip strength. But I'm proud of us. Really proud. We had a lot of firsts and conquered a lot of fears. We felt God taking care of us and answering all of our worries. As Janel said, "It was a blessed day."
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