Upward progress

After a week's hiatus, I made it back to the climbing gym today. I was a bit frustrated - a week of no exercise, illness and limited productivity. But as often happens, after a break, things jumped ahead rather than fell behind. I got myself on the wall and just got moving - and it felt wonderful. I felt as refreshed as always.

And, I made two jumps ahead with my climbing!

First, there is a brown route - E1, not super-hard, but it had stumped me for a while. It goes up a steady negative slope. I've made strides on it already - learning to really hang and relax as I reach, and learning to use the side wall to "flag" my leg and get some of the higher hand holds. And though I've made it to the top once, it was very hard, and a long time ago. Today, I relaxed and climbed. And when I was within reach of the last hold, felt the familiar fear. It is quite high. And I can imagine losing my grip and falling. But I breathed and reached, and there it was: I had it. No strain, no pain, just stretch up and grab it. Incredible!

Then, in the cave, I've been trying this red route (E1 as well). The cave is all hanging. The first time I tried, I could only make 1 or 2 moves. Last week, I made it to the edge. And this week: I made it around the corner. Over the edge, into the last phase of the climb. Thrills! Big rush! I've figured that thing out!

I wish I could capture the thrills that climbing provides. After climbing, I am smiling, I am soaring. It is one of the best pick-me-ups I can imagine. Thank you for it.