Most of us lead what we consider “busy lives.” We have jobs, families, school, attention-loving dogs, and dirty bathrooms that demand too much of our attention. For those of us die-hard weekend warriors who are forever squeezing seven days worth of commitments into Monday to Friday at 4:30 p.m., training at the gym three days a…
Category: Essays
The Power of Getting Your Butt Kicked
Some call it being humbled, and they aren’t wrong. But, when I struggle to simply pull off the ground, I usually call it getting my butt kicked. Occasionally, I use slightly more explicit language. Known for sharp crimps and no feet, Pawtuckaway bouldering kicks my butt, and most days I come away with shredded pads and no sends….
Remembering that Falling is Fun
I knew I shouldn’t be scared. I had a rope, five draws, and an experienced belayer to catch me, yet there I was overgripping the red sloper that was supposed to be my clipping jug with my shoulders up by my ears from anxiousness. “I don’t think I can clip here,” I yelled down to James. “Want…
The Dirtbag Privilege
The dirtbag lifestyle is a choice. There was nothing forcing Alex Honnold to drop out of college and live in a van. Instead, he chose to become a “dirtbag” because he was passionate about climbing and had the means—it was his mom’s van—to drop everything and leave. Not everyone has the financial ability and longtime familial support…
New Year’s Climbing “Resolutions”
First, I should come clean: I’m not a New Year’s resolution type of person. I don’t join the hoards of two-week January Planet Fitness goers who lose interest in legs day long before Valentine’s Day chocolates—I can’t say I’ve ever done legs day unless jogging counts. Nor do I resolve that this is the year…
Alone on the Wall: Inside Alex Honnold’s First Book Talk and Signing
“The doors aren’t open,” the man at the front door started to tell him; the man didn’t know with whom he was speaking. “You should let him in,” I said quietly, smiling at Alex in that weird way ones does with celebrities, as if you’re friends with them, though they have no idea who you are….
Running for Climbing? Comments on the Age-Old Debate
Googling “running for climbing training” pulls up a host of articles and Mountain Project forums debating whether running helps or hurts one’s climbing. Many of my climbing partners found climbing in college after running cross country in high school, as did I, and still have an appreciation for exploring trails on foot, but how does…
Autumn: New England’s Finest (Climbing) Season
Fall is the season to be in New England. The oppressive humidity of summer has lifted, replaced by crisp air, crisper apples, and crunchy leaves. The sun is now a welcomed sight, thawing the first frosts, and the rolling hills are transformed from waves of uniform green to speckled yellow, red, and orange—we like to…
Two Years of Climbing
It’s official: I’ve been climbing for two years. Now you’re probably thinking wow she’s still a newbie. I am. I still don’t have enough confidence in my placements to fall on gear. I haven’t sent 5.14. Or 5.13. Or even my first 5.12 yet. However, I’ve been dreaming of rocks and occasionally plastic since a high…
Climbing as a Girl: Sometimes You’re Not One of the Guys
“You’re a pretty girl who climbs; you shouldn’t have any trouble finding partners.” I’ve heard variations of that line more times than I care to keep track of, and I still don’t know how to respond. Do I take it as a compliment? The middle-aged man just called me pretty. But he also just suggested,…
Reflections While Running in Salt Lake City
I woke up and picked up my phone: 7 a.m., two hours before the Outdoor Retailer trade show opened and an hour before I was meeting the Rock and Ice crew at breakfast. The hotel Internet was, as always, slower than dialup, so I decided to go for a run. I’m not used to city…
Why Climb?
My dad wishes I didn’t climb. For one thing, he’s afraid of heights; so much so that walking three flights up a fire tower makes him nauseous, so scaling cliffs seems unfathomably frightening. For another, he’s never tried it, not even in a gym. He doesn’t understand the melding of strength, balance, and focus required…
Coffee. Tape. Climb. 