Fun in the Bouldering Field

Went to the Westway today, after a long, long time away (it was almost a month before we went to wales that I was last there). Everything is weak on me; grip strength, technique, movement, arm strength. I got pumped trying to climb an easy 4+ lead for gods sake. I just felt stupid and embaressed, especially as I'm meant to have my first taste of winter mountaineering in January!

We spent most of our time in the bouldering field; I was hardly impressive but any training is training, right? Up and down climbs, dynos and big moves can only serve to do me well, but I was really, really bad. It does show that I need to get back to the wall once or twice a week. Maybe I should start to train in the gym too; campus boards and four-finger pullups can be seen in my future...I just need to find the time, honestly. Well we'll see what the future holds for me.

Did have a bit of fun though; quite a nice little bouldering problem that I spent a lot of time on but never quite managed to complete. I decided to film myself to see where I was going wrong, but I still didn't complete. Then Charlie decided to school me.

And totally rub it in.

I'm going to have loads of time to blog over Christmas, so look forward to loads of stuff. I should be off to Scotland in the second week of January, so you'll see all the buildup for that, which I'm sure will leave you all absolutely fascinated and enthralled. All three of you who read this.

See you soon!

Success, of sorts!

Short post today, but news: Today I beat Nemesis!

Okay, okay I didn't quite beat it properly - I'm still not quite strong enough in holds to manage clipping-in on the overhang, but after Charlie completed it as his warm up (totally not emasculating at all) I did it as a top-roper. Not in any way technically impressive or at all elegantly, but I beat it. Now just to build my strength, keep shedding the pounds until I can do it properly!

(We got some video of me doing the climb on Charlie's GoPro, I'll see if I can get my hands on it and upload it to here)

Also got some half-decent leading in which was positive, and completed a fair few walls. Today wasn't actually a hugely serious session and none of us left exhausted how we normally are, but we could also be getting stronger. Did help that we had a 3rd climber today in the shape of Bailey, which meant we weren't constantly up and down walls or belaying - we actually got some rest, which was nice. Also had a photographer, so pictures galore today!

Clipping in with a massive straight-arm hold

The ever-attentive Charlie Bangham, everyone

Trying some dynamism. Not all that dynamic...

Being lowered off, again with Charlie paying full
attention

As I mentioned, we also had Bailey with us today, and because she hasn't climbed in the past few weeks we were pushing her a little too hard in the beginning; we got her onto easier routes but she still lacked confidence and faith in the rope. In an effort to give her confidence I decided to do a demo of a proper fall and show her actually how good the kit is; if it can handle me, it can handle little old her no problem:

She didn't get the confidence boost I wanted to give her, but it was something, and it made for a cool video. At least she got climbing!

The smile is genuine; so is the fear in the eyes

P.S. Bailey has a fantastic blog all about her time in the UK - find it over at Tea 'n The Tower: Graduate Edition check it out!