Oh yeah I did that!!!
My friend Sarah just had her 35th birthday. She decided she wanted to try something new for her birthday instead of just going out for dessert.
She settled on venturing to a Rock Wall Gym. She invited me along to try something new. I have told myself that as a goal for 2013 I am going to work on new things to keep me fit and able to chase after these kiddos. I have not been running my every other day as I was into Fall. I didn't have the proper attire (truthfully) to keep warm running outside. Well, Brad solved that problem for me by getting me some good gear for Christmas. No excuses now, right!?! ;) Well, back to my initial story, I decided to take the challenge with her.
Brad said to me a few nights leading up to our outing that he was super proud of me for saying I would try because had he asked me I more than likely would have said, "Are you crazy!?! No way." Which he is correct that would have been the words to come out of my mouth.
So Friday came and we headed off to our 3 hour class. The class was to teach you basics and came with a harness and rock climbing shoe rental. Sarah got to be the very first one up after we got a brief introduction from our instructor, Brendon. He made it known that he would get each of us to the top of the wall this evening. At this point I got a little sweaty and nervous because upon entering I said to Sarah, "there is no way I am going to the top of that wall." Sarah took off up the wall and got about 2/3 the way up and said she was done. She said she got too into her head and was like what are you doing? And got a little panicked. She repelled down and it was my turn. Big pressure then to make it to the top! Brendon got me hooked up to the rope and said, "OK, there you go." I looked at him and said, "no pointers, tips, nothing...just climb huh?" He said " try to stay on the black and white swirl rocks." And so with that information I began to climb a 40 foot wall. I kept my focus on the rocks in front of me and where the placement of my hands and feet were going. I DID NOT look down or up for that matter. A few minutes later I touched the top rock! Mission complete! Then I repelled down which is the easy part as you sit back and walk backwards down the wall until you can stand once again.
Once everyone got their turn, we ventured over to some auto belays. He showed us how to use them and encouraged us to try the 3 there in the gym during our in between times.
We then checked out a bouldering area. Sarah and I were in awe of some of these bouldering spots. How someone could get there body to defy gravity is pretty amazing! We stuck to the "very basic" label areas and tried a couple.
I was surprised at how it was not as scary when I was up on the wall. It was more intimidating sitting down watching some of these people who are very into Rock Climbing.
So 2 hours in Sarah and I decided we had accomplished quite a bit and we were ready to call it a night. We climbed 3 walls, did or attempted, all 3 auto belays and some bouldering. Our arms and legs were done! The last wall I climbed my hands were sweating and loosing grip. My legs got super shaky and I said yep, this has been a stellar workout self you are going to feel this tomorrow!
We took our pleased selves for some frozen yogurt to celebrate before heading home. :)
Happy Birthday Sarah! Thank you for including me on your little adventure! I need that every once in a while. ;)
She settled on venturing to a Rock Wall Gym. She invited me along to try something new. I have told myself that as a goal for 2013 I am going to work on new things to keep me fit and able to chase after these kiddos. I have not been running my every other day as I was into Fall. I didn't have the proper attire (truthfully) to keep warm running outside. Well, Brad solved that problem for me by getting me some good gear for Christmas. No excuses now, right!?! ;) Well, back to my initial story, I decided to take the challenge with her.
Brad said to me a few nights leading up to our outing that he was super proud of me for saying I would try because had he asked me I more than likely would have said, "Are you crazy!?! No way." Which he is correct that would have been the words to come out of my mouth.
So Friday came and we headed off to our 3 hour class. The class was to teach you basics and came with a harness and rock climbing shoe rental. Sarah got to be the very first one up after we got a brief introduction from our instructor, Brendon. He made it known that he would get each of us to the top of the wall this evening. At this point I got a little sweaty and nervous because upon entering I said to Sarah, "there is no way I am going to the top of that wall." Sarah took off up the wall and got about 2/3 the way up and said she was done. She said she got too into her head and was like what are you doing? And got a little panicked. She repelled down and it was my turn. Big pressure then to make it to the top! Brendon got me hooked up to the rope and said, "OK, there you go." I looked at him and said, "no pointers, tips, nothing...just climb huh?" He said " try to stay on the black and white swirl rocks." And so with that information I began to climb a 40 foot wall. I kept my focus on the rocks in front of me and where the placement of my hands and feet were going. I DID NOT look down or up for that matter. A few minutes later I touched the top rock! Mission complete! Then I repelled down which is the easy part as you sit back and walk backwards down the wall until you can stand once again.
Once everyone got their turn, we ventured over to some auto belays. He showed us how to use them and encouraged us to try the 3 there in the gym during our in between times.
And you are suppose to climb this right!?!
On an auto belay...scariest part is letting go and waiting for the rope to catch you and lower you to the ground.
We then checked out a bouldering area. Sarah and I were in awe of some of these bouldering spots. How someone could get there body to defy gravity is pretty amazing! We stuck to the "very basic" label areas and tried a couple.
My turn at some bouldering.
Sarah saying "yeah I got this" or maybe it was "are we suppose to do it like this?" ;)
I was surprised at how it was not as scary when I was up on the wall. It was more intimidating sitting down watching some of these people who are very into Rock Climbing.
Me testing my skills on my second climb.
Sarah on her second climb, working towards the top.
So 2 hours in Sarah and I decided we had accomplished quite a bit and we were ready to call it a night. We climbed 3 walls, did or attempted, all 3 auto belays and some bouldering. Our arms and legs were done! The last wall I climbed my hands were sweating and loosing grip. My legs got super shaky and I said yep, this has been a stellar workout self you are going to feel this tomorrow!
We took our pleased selves for some frozen yogurt to celebrate before heading home. :)
Happy Birthday Sarah! Thank you for including me on your little adventure! I need that every once in a while. ;)
Comments
It is hard to believe, but Grandma Carol went Rock Climbing on the cruise ship. I think I will stick to YOGA.
Grandma Carol and Grandpa Brian