Derek and Sam will be leading a UA Outdoor Rec trip, taking a few adventurous climbers to the ascend some of the most amazing crack lines in the world. And I actually get to go!!! The trip is running from March 12th to March 20th, so I only have about 5 weeks to train for it (oh yeah, and that 25K that is the following weekend - eeek)
So why is this post entitled "Learning to Fly" - ?
In efforts to get inspired to train hard core for this trip, I spent some time Googling pictures of Indian Creek rock climbing. I found several beautiful shots, but there was this one route that kept popping up - Learning to Fly. This route is rated 5.13+ and is one of the hardest in the area. Beyond it's name, it caught my attention because women were leading the route in every picture that I saw.
Here is a video of Steph Davis rocking out the route:
Learning to Fly from steph davis on Vimeo.
It's difficult to describe how or why, but this route inspires me - these women inspire me. Looking at these photos I think, "I could do this"
Which is INSANE - this is a 5.13 PLUS!
I've never made it up anything harder than a 5.10 or 5.11 without falling, and always on top rope. The hardest trad route I've ever tried is a 5.9 to lead, and that was only after repeated top rope ascents!
But really. Look this route.
It's beautiful.
And listen to the name "Learning to Fly"
It sounds so liberating. Yes, you will probably fall on this route. But it's okay, because your not really falling - you are flying. And learning, and growing. It looks overhanging enough that you really wouldn't hit anything if you fell - and the gear looks bomber. You could really just go for it.
I want to do it.
Next month or next year - I will set my sights on this route. I want it. I can achieve this. I will learn to fly.
Let the training begin.
Of course you can do it! I think you're insane, but if anybody can do it, it's you, friend! :D
ReplyDeleteDitto, Jenn.
ReplyDelete