Rock Climbing part II
(I’m a bit rusty on this blogging thing. I keep starting entries and then censoring myself too much and saving them as drafts in desperation. I have decided to let loose and try to post freely, in the honest acknowledgment that these pieces are meant to be unfinished in nature, my own thoughts)
The first time I tried rock climbing, I took a chance when some friends were going to the local hills to climb real rock walls. This was a mistake. I underestimated my fear of heights, and also not having the basic experiencing of learning how to climb in an indoor gym meant that I found it extremely difficult to find holds in the wall. I managed to get up as far as I could - 3 feet. This was embarassing - the people I climbed with were all seasoned, and seem to clamber up that rock face like it was as easy as pie.
So the second time I tried it, last night, I was a bit nervous. It was a local indoor gym. Immediately, I was able to clamber up the easiest wall - it’s fun! Trying to find the right holds, launching yourself up higher and higher. But then I looked down - the age old mistake. At first, I climbed up only halfway and then had to come down. Then I climbed up further and came down, but realized that I only had a few more lifts to get up to the top. So I finally had to trust in the rope and get to the top of that wall. And though I was able to get to the top a few more times, I still had a lot of fear when I had to let go and fall backwards to be belayed down to the bottom - that is the most trying part of the experience. But I have to say, the fear that I feel makes it all that more exhilarating. I was lucky to have my partner there to belay me, my beloved J - he is so patient and encouraging.
And I did it! I love the feeling I have when I take risks and reap the rewards. Rock climbing is not something I’d ever thought I would like or try, but after last night I feel like it’s a sport I could really enjoy. I’m thinking of going every Wednesday. My body is deliciously sore, I love getting back into shape. What with a weekly rock climbing session and the almost daily yoga class I’m hoping to take, I should become very strong in a matter of a month. I can’t wait to feel strong again, get my muscles back after a month of little exercise.
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