Saturday Climbing

Saturday morning I got my climb on with Caroline! We used to be Saturday morning regulars at the climbing gym but for the past while life has gotten in the way and we haven’t had a chance to go. I’ve kept up with bouldering and doing some climbs when I can but it was SO nice to be back at the gym with C. We went in ready to challenge ourselves and challenge ourselves we did! We warmed up on a 5-9 route and then quickly moved into a 5-10a. After that I attempted a 5-10b and when I was able to complete that decided I was ready to hit a 5-10c that I had tried the week before and was not able to finish. I started off on the route fairly strong, making it to the same spot I had stopped at previously without TOO much trouble (a few reachy holds and places where I really had to trust myself, my equipment and my belayer to make the move, but nothing horrible). At the 3/4 spot I ran into some problems, I just didn’t know how to position myself to make the next move and my arms were starting to feel pumped. I made it to the top but I had a couple of “cheats” along the way. So the route is still unfinished for me. It’s a great little project! One that I hope they don’t change for awhile. Having a project that you can’t quite finish is a great motivation. I KNOW I’ll be thrilled the first time I make it to the top of that route cheat free. And it’s coming soon – I can feel it! In the meantime there are a couple of 5-10b routes with some nasty ledges and overhangs that will challenge me as I work up to finishing that c route.

We finished the day with a few minutes in the bouldering cave. I was far too tired and pumped out to do much bouldering but we did practice a few pull-ups (couldn’t QUITE do a a full one – sigh) and some lock-offs as well. Good strength training. Can hardly wait for my next chance to get our climb on!

All this is getting me ready for some outdoor climbing courses i have coming up in April and May! I have a day booked with Sonnie Trotter and then a top rope setting course followed by an intro to outdoor sport climbing course via the Alpine Club. I can’t wait to start climbing outside!!