I think I will always be a little shy. I’ll never truly grow out of it. Which is why I did something out of the ordinary for me, two days ago.
Last week, I received an e-mail from a long time reader of my blog, introducing herself as someone who lives sort of close to me in the Bay Area. She knew I was a climber, and suggested we meet up and go for a climb at the local indoor rock climbing gym. It caught me a little off guard since I never receive e-mails from readers, let alone a reader wanting to hang out with me! That, and she never left a comment on my site before so I didn’t really know who I was meeting. We added each other to Facebook first, so at least I had an idea as to what she looked like :)
It took me a few days to get the courage to write her back and tell her I’d join her at Planet Granite for a climb. I AM SO GLAD I DID. I was totally on the fence for a moment there. I mean I’d be afraid to contact a person who’s blog I’ve been reading, asking them to hang out — it’s not something I’d think to do. I’m just not that outgoing! I’d be so afraid of rejection hahaha.
Looking back, I wished we had taken a few photos together, or at least a photo of the place inside so I could show you how amazing “my” new climbing gym is. I can’t wait to go back already. You’ll have to deal with this selfie, that I took after we climbed for a few hours.
Her and I are on the same climbing level. Meaning, we climb the same route-difficulty as one another. Which is such a good thing to find in a climbing partner. It’s not as much fun when you climb with someone who is just a beginner, where you have to teach them technique and ways to position themselves, or someone who is a powerhouse and can climb 5.13’s with ease. That being said, I’m surprised at how strong I still am. Considering I haven’t really climbed hard, and regularly for about 10 months. So I managed to do one (or two) 5.10a’s that afternoon and it felt amazing. #StillGotIt
Next time, I’ll take photos while inside. I think I’ll head in for a bouldering session within the next few days. Already itching to get back at it.
Have you ever tried rock climbing?
12 Comments
I’ve always wanted to try indoor rock climbing. I tried actual outdoor rock climbing long ago in college on a hiking trip, and it was killer.
And, yes, I know from experience that moving to a new area forces you to get out of your comfort zone in many unexpected ways. That’s great you met a reader and maybe made a new friend. :)
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted..Four beauty service price hacks
I’ve never tried climbing but all your photos and posts make me want to try, it looks so fun! I’m just starting to get into health and fitness (so late, right?) but its great to have your blog to read for some inspiration!
Jealous! I need to find a climbing partner. I miss it so much. You look so “fresh” for after climbing! :)
@Jaz: Haha thanks. I don’t usually get “gym-sweaty” after I climb. Maybe out of breath after doing a long top rope route, and definitely pumped forearms.
Nancy recently posted..Climbing out of my comfort zone
@Ashley @ A Lady Goes West: Outdoor rock climbing scares me like no other. I rarely let go, and I rarely look down. I’m still terrified of it, no matter how often I go.
Nancy recently posted..Climbing out of my comfort zone
@Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com: Hey J, better late than never right? :)
Nancy recently posted..Climbing out of my comfort zone
That’s great that you met someone from your blog, and someone to be a climbing partner! I have found that it’s always those that you’re afraid to meet up with that you end up really connecting with. I need to go climbing more – I tried it once and actually really loved it. Thanks for the reminder!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal recently posted..How to prepare for your first race
That looks so fun, I’ve never gone actual climbing with a harness and stuff. Just the sort of kiddy short stuff, lol. And I’ve probably climbed a few rocks hiking that weren’t meant to climb. Oops.
How fun! I think I’d be the same way feeling outside of my comfort zone. And no to trying rock climbing, but hiking is my favorite thing to do, so I think I’d like rock climbing as well.
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@Traci: Hey Traci, nice to see you again on my blog! Have you ever been contacted by a reader to do something? Or would you be open to contacting them for a meet-up? Now that I’ve done it once, it doesn’t seem so “scary”.
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Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone! :)
Courtney recently posted..Exposure
Ive never climbed at all – anywhere ! Id love to try it. Good for you to go out of your comfort and meet up with someone/follower