JENN McKINLAY: Surprising no one, I'm sure, many of my chats with myself frequently begin with "What Was I Thinking?"
And it's not just my poor fashion choices such as wearing heels on a cobblestone street in Ireland or donning a T-shirt when it's obviously sweater weather. I'm talking those moments when you think how exactly did I get here?
An example? Bouldering at the gym with Hooligan 1. Don't know what bouldering is? Yeah, neither did I. It's basically free (no ropes) solo rock climbing on indoor installations. See picture below:
How it started: Overly confident.
How it finished: Got to the top and debated do I just fall fifteen feet or climb down the way I got up? Dilemma!
I climbed down. Even with the fat marshmallow floor below -- truly squashy, might have napped on it if allowed -- I try not to fall if I can avoid it.
Who was responsible for this? Hooligan 1, natch.
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| http://www.boulderingproject.com |
Hooligan 2 and I run 5Ks, which is a whole other What Was I Thinking -- usually around the middle of the third kilometer -- but H1 is a climber. He always has been part goat so when this gym opened in Tempe, he found his home away from home. H1 talked about it so enthusiastically that when he invited me to use his guest pass and try it out, how could I pass up the opportunity? He was also great about doing "beta climbs" for me so I could figure out where to move my limbs, etc. There is real brain engagement in bouldering and also some panic. LOL.
You are a far braver lady than I, Jenn . . . .
ReplyDeleteA recent "What was I thinking?" moment: putting the plants out on the back steps for some sun and then leaving them despite the bad weather forecast so I ended up having to rescue them in the midst of the downpour ☹
It looks like fun, Jenn. I'm glad you climbed down, falling is never the correct option if you actually get to choose. I think "up" is always easier than "down" when it comes to climbing. It's easier to see where you are going.
ReplyDeleteThee is a braver woman than I! My great-goddaughther (now 8) likes to climb trees, and sometimes she's ask (from over my head) for help getting down. I always tell her, If you could get up there, you can get down. Running isn't as bad as climbing - you can always slow down or walk a few steps (how I got through the Boston Marathon 25 years ago...).
ReplyDeleteMy latest "What was I thinking?" moment was years ago when I took my teen sons to Canobie Lake Park, a big-rides kind of place. They wanted to go on a ride where we ended up hanging upside down and I just wanted to get off! Never again.
You are braver than me.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Jenn! It takes a lot of strength and intelligence to boulder successfully. Middle Daughter has been an avid climber since she was 15; now she is 41, and has climbed all over the US and in many other countries in South and Central America, Asia, and Europe. She started with rope climbing at the gym and pretty soon found that she enjoyed the challenges of climbing up and over things, unroped. Indoor bouldering is much safer than outdoor, since the entire floor is cushioned. Outdoor bouldering requires a "crash pad" that is no bigger than a double bed mattress, which I have had to keep my brain from thinking about.
ReplyDeleteShe injured her hand this year, and her climbing days might be either over or severely curtailed. It's a miracle she's been able to scramble over rocks for the 25 years she has. The one time she took me to the gym for me to do more than watch was an eye opener. It looked easy, just take the "steps" up to the top. Ha! Not easy at all.
Do you think you'll go back, Jenn? It's a really good workout.
Very brave, Jenn! I don't like heights at all! So good for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Jenn. Love the photos and it looks like a lot of fun and great exercise!
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