Friday Night Bouldering Session

I went bouldering last night by myself at about 7:30. I wasn't sure what to expect on a Friday night, but it turned out to be a good night. There were no more then 15 people in the gym. About 6 of them were newbies and they were top roping. There were a few regulars doing the top roping as well, but the rest of us were bouldering. I did a few warm ups and then tackled the top out bouldering wall. Wanted to give up so bad near the top but would not let myself. It took me about 3 minutes just to roll over the top (it is way more awkward then it seems!!) I sat up there for a good 5-10 minutes revelling in the glory that it was to actually make it to the top.

I met one girl who climbs at this gym once and awhile, we ended up helping each other with some of the problems. At one point we were talking to a few of the regulars and one of them actually helped us out for close to an hour to improve our bouldering techniques. He taught us how to "back step" which is where you go for your next hold with your back to it. So if you want to reach a rock on your left you would cross your left let over (or under the right) so you back is to the rock and then reach with your left arm. Sounds complicated, and it is something I need to really work at, but it really improves my reach which is super useful as I am not very tall!

I also learned how to relax my arms and just use my hands to grip so that they don't tire out. I thought bouldering required way more arm strength then it actually does. In reality leg work is what is needed most because you need to push into the rocks to keep yourself on the overhang walls and core work to twist to stay closer to the wall. I am slowly but surely getting used to moving in such a different way to make it easier on my body.

I was there until 10:30... and then had an hour long bus ride home (3 transfers later...) All in all a very productive night!