The Beginning
Even though it's not a beginning to my rock climbing journey, I'm putting the title of this first essay The Beginning, because it represents a beginning. Putting an article the in front just adds some weight to it, doesn't it? Somehow it feels that way, even though I don't have a way of knowing, English is not my native language.
Anyhow, who am I?
I'm a passionate rock climber, working at a desk job so away from rocks and climbing you would have thought - Why haven't I stopped climbing already? I'm in my mid 30ies, I have a family, wife and a baby child, who gave us knew meaning, but also a new way of looking at things. Still wondering why I haven't stopped climbing? Me too.
You can find more about me in, you'll never guess - About page.
Why this?
Being a recent parent, as you maybe (or don't) know, there is a change in priorities - work and everything else becomes second, irrelevant. The only thing important is that the child is well fed, well slept, and well taken care of. Everything else becomes second tier. It is the same for me, for us - my wife and myself. So, with this writing I want to focus on that second tier!
Long time ago, I set myself on a path to climb my first 8a until I turn 40. I'm nowhere near my goal, and with the kid present, the path diverged a bit. But it didn't change. The path stayed the same, the goal as well. Focus and the viewpoint has shifted a bit, but nothing else.
That's why I'm writing this blog - to keep myself on this path and to focus on doing things I enjoy doing!
Why now?
After some long thinking on whether I should focus on my work or climbing, I decided to do the following - focus on work during work hours, and focus on climbing whenever I have time between family and sleep.
This has not been an easy task - so far I think I kept the training consistency, but what I lack the most is climbing outside and trying hard routes. I also noticed a lack of motivation and drive in recent months, so, there's that as well.
With this writing I want to keep myself accountable and motivated for the things I want to accomplish in climbing - climb 8a grade until my 40th birthday. After that - we'll see. I will for sure continue climbing!
How?
To be honest - I don't know. But putting things to paper always helped me think better and see things more clearly. It also gave me that initial burst of inspiration to continue on.
Having said all that - I'm going to be posting a new essay every month or so, about the stuff related to climbing and my life that I find interesting, challenging, helpful, or need help with. I will start, and see how it goes and if it makes sense.
Where do I stand vis-à-vis set goal?
So far, the hardest grade I climbed is 7b. I only climbed one route with this grade, so I want to establish myself there and climb harder!
The progress on my goal can be seen on the Goal page.
Have you tried hiring a coach, instead of boring us with this silly writing?
I have a coach, but I am not able to train with him present, which I find a bit problematic. Hence the lack of motivation and accountability I mentioned above.
Closing words
Here, I'm trying to connect the two things I love - climbing and writing. Hoping it will make me a better climber and a writer. I never actually tried to write about climbing publicly, but whenever I did it for myself, it proved useful, helpful and it brought me some sort of guidance. This is what I'll try to bring back.
Who knows, maybe I'll motivate some of you as well!
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