Rock Climbing, Getting Stronger

Those of you who have read my blog may know that I've only really been climbing since July.   July 23rd was the day I learned how to belay and actually started technical (with safety gear, ropes, harness, etc) rock climbing, it hasn't even been quite six months, yet.

If you know the grading scale for rock climbing you'll know a 5.10 is a fairly difficult climb, one that definitely takes quite a bit of technique and strength.  While I've done a couple of 5.10a's and a 5.10b or two in the past tonight I topped out on my first 5.10c.*

Back in August or September I was shadowing an Intro to Climbing class, the teacher was having the lone student belay me for practice, he suggested I get on a 5.10b or c, saying it was his favorite climb in the whole gym.  Not knowing the grading scale very well still I hesitantly agreed.  After a dozen or more falls getting under half way up the wall I quit.  Had I known then that climbs only stay up for 12 weeks or so I would've made more effort to get up that one.  On the other hand, I'm glad I didn't spend a lot of time on that.  I bouldered a lot in my first couple months, which helped build up strength that I need for all rock climbing, I'm not sure I'd be where I am if I hadn't spend so much time bouldering.

I do believe that working at Monkey Trunks help me get over my heights fear enough to get me rock climbing successfully.  Plus the autobelay I tried once or twice while setting up the rock wall there gave me a little taste.  Another thing that made it easier for me was dance.  Movement-wise I make more interesting moves with more high feet, and pressing off lower holds with my hand rather than pulling myself up ever if possible.  The flexibility I earned from dancing all these years definitely helped me progress faster than I would have otherwise.

Overtime I accomplish something new while climbing I think one step closer to my goals.  I climb a slightly harder route than I've done before, and I become more and more inspired to get better and go to the next step.  The next step for me is ice climbing.  Which I will post more about when it happens!

Now I am able to do every type of climbing Salt Pump offers; Bouldering, Top Roping, and Lead climbing, all within six months of climbing.  My fingers, and forearms still get sore after a couple days in a row of climbing, but I feel stronger after every session.  I have a couple of friends who I climb with often now, I'll be moving outside soon for some winter climbing, and then outdoor rock climbing this spring.  I've got a wonderful support group of people who want to get better, and want me to get better.  The rock climbing community remain some of the most supportive, friendly people I've met, possibly the most supportive and friendly community I've ever been involved in.  If it's available to you, I highly recommend climbing, even if you don't have the strongest upper body, or if you're scared of heights, or any other reason you might have for not climbing.  There are rocks pretty much everywhere, go climb some.


*For those of you who don't know: 5. means fifth class, it's part of the "Yosemite Decimal System" the grading scale we use in the USA.  The second number tells you how hard it is.  Once you get to 5.10 they add letters, just to make it way more confusing.  5.11a is harder than 5.10d but easier than 5.11b.  Once it gets to d it goes to the next number grade.

Little Challenges

Sometimes, I get so focused on posting about the big goals I have, I forget to post about the smaller challenges I've been facing.

I injured my toe a couple of weeks ago, we're fairly certain I broke it, though I did not get x-rays.  I had two dance competitions soon after the injury, and I performed in both.  It was incredibly painful, but being with my "dance family", and dancing in general made it worth it.

It has been warming up as spring approaches, so I have been out walking more often.  If you follow my instagram you should be seeing many more pictures from me soon.  I've also been working out to be in best shape possible for hiking this summer.

I still have yet to complete my "before I turn 18 list", I only have a month and a half.  I may not complete it in time honestly.  Hopefully I will be able to plan some trips.

Something slightly stupid I did recently I did for only two reasons 1) Because why not?  2) Bragging rights.  I drank a gallon of 7-11 slurpee in under twelve hours! How many people can say that?  Some people think it's gross, but honestly, if I can't do stupid things like drinking a gallon of slurpee in a day when I'm seventeen then when can I do them?  Aren't teenagers supposed to do silly things, especially if they don't hurt anyone, and aren't in any serious risk!

Yesterday I was also an "assistant stage manager" (I did give myself that title) for the first time.  I was on a headset backstage communicating with the light and sound people, and I had a runner making sure numbers were lined up and ready to go on time!

I've also been working on a new story.  You can read more about it here.

Really, we all face little challenges each day, and do goofy things just for fun all the time, let's celebrate and talk about the little things as much as we talk about the big things.

12 Days of Charity

This post is a little late, sorry! There's still time though:
Starting on the 14th I am doing my "12 Days of Charity" challenge.  Based on the 12 Days of Christmas song.  I have chosen my local animal shelter (where I volunteer), as the charity I will donate to.

My Mom also chose a charity - the local food pantry.

So, starting on December 14th, I will be posting everyday about the gift for that day!

Well, I don't have much to post right now, but I hope you'll all join in, though it's a little late.

13 Days of Halloween 2014

If you know me, at all, it's no secret that Halloween is my favorite holiday.  This year I'm starting a new tradition - The 13 Days of Halloween.

Basically, the idea is that you wear a costume everyday for the 12 before Halloween, and then on Halloween day.  This year I am coordinating costumes with my little sisters.  Some of our costumes include:

• Slenderman, Jeff the Killer, and Eyeless Jack (Creepypasta characters)
• Jack, Sally, and Zero (From The Nightmare Before Christmas)
• James, Jessie, and Meowth (Pokemon's Team Rocket)
• Batman, Superman, and Spider-man (Popular superheroes) 

And, obviously, there are going to be nine more :)

Everyday during the 13 Days of Halloween I will post pictures of all three of us on my Instagram, a picture of just me here on the blog, and some reactions from people when I go out places here, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

To anyone who would like to be added to my "13 Days of Halloween 2014" list on Facebook: Comment here, email me, or send me a message on Facebook.  I will only be listing first names or nicknames.  Send in the following information:

• Name (or nickname)
• Country (No more than country is necessary, let's see if we get anyone outside the USA!)
• List of costumes for each day (Preferably in order, I will add to each blog post who dressed up as what on each day)
• How you found out about it
• If you are part of a group (If you have a group of people you're doing it with please take note.  Groups can send in information individually, but if you want to be counted as a group I will also need a Group name.)

Let's take it one step further though: a costume contest! Send in pictures for costume contest.  The best costumes win Mystery Prizes. There will be a few different categories:

1. Best coordination - For groups only, so make sure all of your group members are in the picture! This wil go to the group whose costumes go together best!

2. Scariest costume - For one person.  Obviously, this is for the scariest contest.

3. Cutest costume - For one person.  For the cutest costume!
4. Most creative costume - For one person.  Let's see how creative you all get.
5. Most fun group - For the group who has the most creative/most fun costumes! (Not necessarily the best coordinated costumes, just the most fun)

On November 1st enter your pictures if you'd like to be in the contest.  The Best coordination, and Most Fun Group contests will be held here.  The Scariest costume portion will be held on Instagram.  The Cutest costume will be on Twitter.  The Most Creative costume will be on Facebook.

Since this is the first year let's try for at least 20 individuals and groups, myself included as part of a group, though I won't enter for a prize.  Get your info sent in by October 1st to be put on the Facebook list, we start on October 19th :)

Good luck, hope to hear from you soon!

Note: You can look forward to more challenges later in the year.  I have one planned for Thanksgiving, and one for Christmas! There will not be contests along with those.