Lessons
3 weeks in to WAC class and I've learned a lot. About myself, about climbing, about working in teams and about what I'm getting myself in to!
Let's go climbing!
1) Never let go with your brake hand!!!
Flipping upside down in my harness while rappeling = 2 large bruises on the inside of my thighs ... for the record I did not let go, and did not fall and the only danger I was ever in was the danger of losing my dignity because flipping over when you start a rappel is pretty embaressing ... (I wish Jen had been there because it was a total 'I bet that was funny for you guys' moment!)
2) Wear climber's tape!
My hands look worse than a 90 year old laborer = callouses in various stages of being ripped off
3) Let go when you think you will fall, especially if on top rope or if you will only fall a few feet to a crash pad
See above about wearing tape but add soreness in right arm from potentially strained bicept from not letting go ... for the record here I had fought through a route I had been working on and while I acheived the solution to the bouldering problem when I went for a second go at it (just to make sure) I was a little worn out and not paying attention and thought I could fight my way through again ... I guess the moral of this story and potentially another lesson learned is ... work to fatigue but then REST!
4) Climbing kicks ass
That is all ... climbing kicks ass
5) Singing to myself keeps me calm
Freaking out when about to rappel does not instill confidence in those around you that you know what you are doing = don't be surprised if you hear me singing songs from Disney movies during future classes
6) It's ok to eat, like whatever I want as long as it is nutritionally sound in some way
When climbing you burn calories, lots of calories which means if I want the extra big burrito AND chips I'm going to eat the the big burrito, and the chips, and a margarita, and maybe some more chips = bye bye food guilt! hhheeellllloooooo snacks!
7) Rest
Recovery is good! Especially when it comes in the form of a massage, the spa, or TV time on the sofa with cookies :)
Let's go climbing!
1) Never let go with your brake hand!!!
Flipping upside down in my harness while rappeling = 2 large bruises on the inside of my thighs ... for the record I did not let go, and did not fall and the only danger I was ever in was the danger of losing my dignity because flipping over when you start a rappel is pretty embaressing ... (I wish Jen had been there because it was a total 'I bet that was funny for you guys' moment!)
2) Wear climber's tape!
My hands look worse than a 90 year old laborer = callouses in various stages of being ripped off
3) Let go when you think you will fall, especially if on top rope or if you will only fall a few feet to a crash pad
See above about wearing tape but add soreness in right arm from potentially strained bicept from not letting go ... for the record here I had fought through a route I had been working on and while I acheived the solution to the bouldering problem when I went for a second go at it (just to make sure) I was a little worn out and not paying attention and thought I could fight my way through again ... I guess the moral of this story and potentially another lesson learned is ... work to fatigue but then REST!
4) Climbing kicks ass
That is all ... climbing kicks ass
5) Singing to myself keeps me calm
Freaking out when about to rappel does not instill confidence in those around you that you know what you are doing = don't be surprised if you hear me singing songs from Disney movies during future classes
6) It's ok to eat, like whatever I want as long as it is nutritionally sound in some way
When climbing you burn calories, lots of calories which means if I want the extra big burrito AND chips I'm going to eat the the big burrito, and the chips, and a margarita, and maybe some more chips = bye bye food guilt! hhheeellllloooooo snacks!
7) Rest
Recovery is good! Especially when it comes in the form of a massage, the spa, or TV time on the sofa with cookies :)