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Climbing

Today when I walked into the climbing gym, I felt like I belonged. The dude at the counter knew my name, signed me in, we joked around and then my friend and I jumped up on the wall after saying "hi" to some other fellow climbers. I was feeling a little fatigued today but my buddy still told me to try a 5.10 with an overhang. (climbing with a top rope starts at 5.6 and goes up to like 5.13) It was my first 5.10 of the year and after some resting, I DID it! I didn't think I could but I got lots of encouragement and support. It was awesome and I felt so bad ass.

I started climbing... well... Im not exactly sure. I've been climbing since before I can remember. I dont remember learning how to climb. Its like walking or talking, I couldn't tell you the moment it happened, Ive just always been doing it. Climbing is a part of me and while I may not be the best at it, it feels almost second nature. I thank my family. Without my dad getting us out to Devils Lake on weekends, I wouldn't be where I am now with climbing. I wouldn't always crave the wall. I wouldn't always feel natural up there. 

Each time I take a break from climbing (usually when I travel cause I dont have access to a gym), when I come back I feel like I'm starting at square one. But I progress pretty fast if I stick with it and do so because of my strong history with it. Also, I do better if I have an awesome partner to push my limits and see in me that Im better and more resilient then I think I am. I love how far Ive come in my climbing this year. We have been going at least once a week and I really see improvements in me and have better connections with the people at the gym. Its one of my favorite nights of the week. I know I'm going to burn out, I know Im going o push my limits and I know I'm going to be sore the next day and I LOVE IT.

I dont know what I would do without climbing. I wouldn't feel as complete :)


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