by Richard Woltjer

Created on: January 14, 2009

I knew I was going to try it but I didn't know they had it at vertical world. I knew I had gotten good with the technique in stone gardens but I had never done it as a full route. <?xml:namespace prefix = o />
If I did this it would be my first 5.12 and after that I could do rock-climbing team. I got ready as I hooked up my harness by making a figure 8 knot and a half fisherman's knot. I look at the wall; the wall is put together against another wall. So in order to climb it I need to put my hands in until they are almost stuck and put my feet a foot or two lower than your hands. This is the hardest type of rout. It all depends on strength dexterity and stamina. I knew that I had to approach it sometime so I said it climbing, the balaer replied climb on. I started walking up to the rock wall. I put my hands into the crack and with all my might push my feet against the wall. I slowly let go of my left hand and put it a few inches above my right hand, then I do the same with my left foot. Then I do the same with the other side of my body.

I kept doing this for 2 thirds of the wall when my hands stared to shake. I knew this happened when you've almost reached your limits. My hands already felt like rubber. Then when I took my left hand out to stick it a little farther my right hand almost slipped but I quickly put my left hand up. I was beginning to grow nervous. I have way more than enough experience to know that the balaer will catch me, the rope won't snag at the last minute, I'm definitely not afraid of heights and all of that nonsense. But I was still nervous. I'll tell you why, I wanted to finish this route because when you can do a 5.12 it means you're almost an expert climber or you have a lot of talent. I wanted to be in that category so I bit my tongue and kept going. I happily touched the top marking with glee. I yelled take and the balaer said gat'cha. I got ready to be lowered. Once I was ready I said lower and the balaer said lowering. On the way down I began to think about the climb. Though I've only rock climbed for a year I still made it. Once I was down everyone congratulated me. I felt very good. I blushed a ton. They said it took around five minutes to finish the run but to me it seemed like eternity. I made it I thought and I smiled.

That is the article of victory, fun and pushing yourself. To push yourself and to take oppertunitys is a skill that every person needs. Wheather it's about sports, lifestyle, bussines or even relationships.

So next time you have an oppertunity to push yourself, take it.

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