When I was in high school I went rock climbing a few times. I did not enjoy myself. Even though I had lots of exercise from walking, riding a bike (didn’t drive a car for much of high school), hiking, etc., I never really enjoyed any sports that took a great amount of dedication and control. While downhill skiing and kneeboarding took some fine control, they could easily be dropped for several months and started up again without any problem. I was quite a nerd, keeping mostly to academics, class and club offices, and playing with my computer.
The past few years I have lived in the suburbs, and have grown rather sedentary. I do go to the gym at least once a week, sometimes more, but I find it to be mind numbing and claustrophobic. That’s where the phrase ‘running in place’ comes from. After a short while, I can’t exercise anymore. Not because I can’t physically handle it, but because I am bored to tears. I started copying television shows to my iPod to take with me, so I have something to pass the time. It just causes me to find the shows extremely boring. It backfired like my own little Clockwork Orange therapy.
I’ve been getting the itch lately to get out and do stuff again – skiing, hiking, wind surfing. The past few months my cousin Alison has been rock climbing, and a few days ago I thought “hey, why not try again?” So last night after work I went with her. I think I fared rather well. I climbed up a 5.5 first (I think that’s the easiest they have). No problem at all. I must have reached the top in less then thirty seconds. So next I tried a 5.6. I made it nearly to the top twice, but I couldn’t finish. I tried a 5.6 at another location and managed to touch the top whatever-it’s-called but not grab it with both hands. My forearms hurt from gripping and I had to quit. Only so much grip is required with a computer mouse.
The entire experience was thoroughly humiliating, but it was still fun. I think the biggest difference between now and high school is that now I’m not scared of humiliation. I am going to go back on Monday. A few more times and I’ll have the hang of it.
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