Category Archives: Climbing

Posts about…you guessed it – climbing! Trip reports, anecdotes, and musings about my favorite recreational pasttime.

Running for Rock Climbers: Interval Training

Mar 27 2013

I’ve said numerous times that I am a climber, not a runner. Admittedly, I enjoy that predictable rhythm that comes from pounding the pavement on a crisp, sunny day. However, running simply gives me something healthy to do for my physical and mental health on days that I’m not climbing. So while I’m not one of those obligatory anti-runners looking at their watch every other step until they can cross “cardio” off of their daily to-do list, I do occasionally find myself in the doldrums of monotony somewhere around mile 2 (especially on beautiful spring days where I’d rather be climbing!) What helps me through these trips down Boredom…Read the rest of this entry →

How to be a Great Belayer

Mar 18 2013

There’s a whole host of resources available online and in print aimed at how to successfully climb harder, stronger, higher. However, there’s only a fraction of information available for another crucial, yet often overlooked skill that is vital to every good send: the art of belaying. Sure, most climbers, even newbies, have a basic knowledge of how the belay system works, and understand how to use a belay device of their choosing. They can most likely pass a belay test at their local gym and can handle the number one priority for a belayer – keep the climber off the ground. That’s good. …Read the rest of this entry →

Strategies for Rainy Day Climbing (with a Toddler!)

Mar 07 2013

In just a few short weeks it’ll be springtime again. I can picture it now – buds will begin to sprout up in the garden, the birds start singling a little louder, and the days start getting a little longer. Oh yeah and it rains. All the time. Actually that’s not true. It doesn’t rain ALL the time. The typical m.o. in the Southeast is for the skies to be bright and sunny all week, with clouds moving in on Friday afternoon, just in time to thoroughly soak your newest objective at the local crag. But before you’re tempted to cancel that…Read the rest of this entry →

Adventuring with Toddlers – In a Nutshell Why It’s Worth It

Feb 28 2013

A lot of times I get asked what makes it worth it. Why do I put forth so much effort to continue down such an adventurous path now that I’ m a mom? Maybe because it seems so natural to me that I can’t imagine life any other way, but I sometimes have trouble finding the words to answer that question on the spot. But as I look back and reflect on how much our family has been able to share together, I know that those memories speak louder than any words ever could…so here’s my attempt to (briefly) address…Read the rest of this entry →

Running for Rock Climbers Series #2: Finding the Motivation

Feb 27 2013

Part 1 of this series focused on the climber-specific benefits that can be attained by adding some weekly running into your fitness regimen. Todays post will focus on finding motivation to do it – whether you’re new to running and wondering how to get started, an established runner who needs a pick-me-up, or a New Year’s Resolution drop-out looking to get back on the wagon. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish with just a little dose of motivation! Here’s a few ideas… 1. SMARTPHONE APPS- The MapMyFitness App for my iPhone is awesome. It records my distance, so I can run…Read the rest of this entry →

“Not all who wander are lost.” —JRR TOLKIEN