Let's Post Some Info about Saturday's Climbing

I know that some of you are going to VE today. For those of us who aren't, help us live vicariously through your achievements.

Climbing on Friday

Some of you were not even at VE today. We know Aaron had an excused absence, but what about Mel? Anyway, Julieanne spent a lot of time on the roof. Lisa, when she wasn't so relaxed from her massage today that she could stand up, also did some hard climbing. Including leading farther up that nasty red route in the pit.

Here's some video entertainment.

Rare appearance...

On Sunday my husband Tom will be at the gym. We're seeing The Alps at noon, then plan on heading over to VE with the inspiration fresh in our minds.

Take note that Everest in showing during the Science Museum Omni-fest during March. If you've been assigned to read Into Thin Air you may want to coordinate finishing the book before you see the movie. (Aaron)

The first two photos are of Tom, so you'll be able to recognize him, and the last is of me. We were at Curtis Canyon in the Teton National Forest and had Jackson Hole Mountain Guides take us for a quick climb in their training area. Easy, but fun and high routes.

I'm SO EXCITED!

I was excavating under a bed in my house in an unoccupied room and I not only found lots of my stuff but I found my daughter's climbing shoes! They are tiny! But I can get my feet in 'em. I'll be at VE at 1:30 to try them out!

Knots & Nots

There are lively discussions online as well as in the various books I have on what knots are best and what knots not to use. There's even dissension about how to "finish" the knot once it's tied. And, of course, each category of knot types - harness attachment, anchor attachment, rappelling attachment, rescuing - has its own advocates.

I found this website has animated knot tying.

Here's what one of the classic books on climbing "Mountaineering Freedom of the Hills" has to say about which knots are important.

What did your instructors at your VE classes recommend for knots for various purposes?

ok, ok Thursday!

We had goals I tell you, we did. Aaron popped up his new challenges ouy the pit, just like toast! He was just shy of the last hold on the red one. He needs to push with those long legs! Easy for me to say. He told me that men have 2 moods, hungry and pissed. The Aaron face displayed a bit of both after that route.
We were pining the absence of the Director of Overtraining- Richard, However we were certainly overtraining. I did more coming off the wall than sticking to it. I am also trying to deal with my recent epiphany "Lead Climbing half way is of no use to the team" unless of course I make it the whole way tomorrow. And of course I have other skills,. I will let you know what they are when I think of them! I was reading a book last night. Climbing: from Gym to Crag. I will share with you the section on training and injury prevention.

• Do not over do it. Avoid overtraining. No climber can crank it hard everyday without paying the price.
• Rest. Get enough rest between gym sessions. a good rule of thumb is to never climb hard following a major pump fest. Cross train if you must do something.
• Be balanced. Mix endurance with strength building and technique excerszes. Evolve your schedule with the seasons. ( I would ski today, if someone will join me!)
• Use pre-emptive taping. Support tendons before they get sore.
• Let go. Gym training is just that- training. If something hurts drop off! ( I have a problem with this one)

I'll share more later, the rest are just "If it hurts, back off". Babies!

Here is what I know about the next few days. Aaron is out of town. Mel, Carl and I will be there Saturday 1-3 and Sunday late afternoon. I think Julianne is goingFriday afternoon. All this being said, I could be swayed to show up Friday ay 1:30 ish..... Talk to me!

Who's slacking off in posting here?

Hey folks, what happened on Thursday? Is anyone from WR going to VE on Friday? I plan to be there about 1PM. (Obviously PM, not AM.) Hope to run into some of you. Lisa, how was Carl's trip? Who did what on Valentine's Day? People, let's get some info on the blog. Others are anxiously awaiting updates.

Grand Teton

Mel, I think you were talking about climbing the Grand Teton. The most popular route is the Owen-Spalding route and you're certainly capable of climbing that. Here's a recent article on it:

From the NY Times:

And here's a fairly clear route description of it:

It's mostly hiking uphill for a few miles to the Garnet Canyon camping area. Then 1500 vertical feet of slogging up a rocky trail through a moraine to the lower saddle where most people spend the night. This route description starts there at the lower saddle. The climbing itself is way easier than anything you're doing at the gym

Richard Rocks!

Thanks for taking time to entertain us at the gym and at home. Your climbing skills and knowledge are truly inspirational. But be careful...your video talents may get you recruited for full-time work!

Wednesday Does Rock

Julianne Leading and Succeeding

Wow an epic day of climbing

Everyone took their turn at the sharp end of the rope on some haaaaaard climbs.
Here are some photos
.

Wednesday does Rock, yes it does.

Although some of us had to shake loose the heebie jeebies regarding lead climbing, it was an excellent day. Mel and Liz brought a guest. Tamara is a natural, she only has to set her priorities properly, she did a great job! I'll let Richard show the pictures du jour.
Everyone is invited to :

Climbing and Anchors Clinic
Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m.
Center for Outdoor Adventure at the U of M
Learn the basics of building top-rope climbing anchors. This clinic will cover all facets of building a safe and effient anchor to maximize climbing time. Limit 8. $15 for the general public. Liz and Mel already signed up. phone 612-625-8790 or email outdoor @umn.edu or visit the website for more useful and fun events. www.recsports.umn/edu/coa

Let's try this

If we combine climbing with Capoeira and yoga we can do this. Who wants to try Free Running or Parkour next week?

Cross training fun with yoga

Yoga was fun. Aaron and I have reached a new level in our relationship- anger. I told him that if he cannot speak to me in love-zip it! Jake liked it, my friend and student Nicole loved it. Aaron loved in when the gal next to him fell out of her headstand on him! He will thank me, or seek revenge soon I think. He did fine and he is very flexible, I don't know what all the grumbling was about. I told him, he would sweat. A crowded dark room filled with sweaty half nakedness, what's not to love?
Climbing after was ….I dunno I missed dinner and was weak but it went ok. I think Aaron climbed very well. Mel did the slab route!
I’m bringing a friend tomorrow, hope that is ok.