Climbing Rocks

Today was the last climbing class. We didn't learn anything new today--we just focused on boulder climbs. I managed to finish a V0 (2nd easiest ranking) and was very close to finishing a V1 (3rd easiest ranking). Our instructor is unbelievable--everything he does looks so easy. He's about 5'9" and pretty lightweight. The most important thing I've learned during the class is that climbing is not about just strength. There are much more beefier guys than him at the gym who can't compete with him because he has much better technique and that's what really counts when trying to go up a difficult cliff.

I also finished, but just barely, a couple of 5.8 rope climbs. My membership at the gym is only valid for 2 more weeks. I'll probably go a couple more times but I don't think I'll buy a membership because I want to focus on running and cycling. I can still go there anytime and buy a day pass...

And one more thing: the students and the instructor went out for a few beers after the class. One woman in the class said that it's the only activity she knows where her mind is completely focused on climbing and nothing else. I agree with her. During each of the 2-hour classes in the past month, I didn't think about anything else except just doing the climbs, or belaying someone, or watching others climb. The mind was totally focused and I had a great time ever single time I went (I can't say the same thing about biking or running; that is, my mind does sometimes wander about, but that's not necessairly a bad thing). Now that I think about it, maybe I should get a membership :-)

[Backdated on 03/29/2006]