There's a FIRST for everything!

Tuesday happened to be one of the rare sunny days we get in Vancouver, so needless to say it was spent outdoors CLIMBING.

The absolute basics

Driving to Squamish was breathtaking as usual. The Sea-to-Sky highway is my favourite highway because it's just so scenic! The water, the trees, the mountains, the skies....it's like a feast for your eyes! Okay maybe I'm being a little dramatic....but it definitely makes for a great drive, and an even better road trip for all you weekend warriors!

Climbing: Facing my Fear

If you have ever written anything at all; a poem, an essay, a short story...heck even your "about me," then you will know how much it sucks when you get hit with the deadly writer's block. You know, when you've literally got nothing in your brain and you kind of just hang out like stagnant water... 

Well, today I'm not going to be talking about English. Today, I will be talking about my "Climber's block." Though there is no such word (because I just invented it), "Climber's block" is when you're gaining some super climbing skills, but then sort of hit a ceiling and plateau...allow me to explain.

Climbing at the Crest

Master of my domain 5.9

A trip to Cheakamus a fortnight ago had me both on toprope and lead.  I had lead the first pitch, and my friend Richard lead the second pitch.

Having only learned to lead climb this summer, I was excited and nervous but confident in my ability. It's easy to be confident when you are climbing a 5.7 slab. As a friend of mine likes to put it, it's practically like walking up a ladder! Well there goes my ego.

My first mile

     I have to say, I was a little afraid of coming back here because I have been gone for so long, but this blog needs the breath of life again.

     Ever since I came back from China, I had a hard time finding out who I was and what I wanted in my life. I ended up following through with the plans that I made and have been in California for over a month now with only 8 days left.

     7 days ago, I ran my first mile without stopping, the actual distance being 1.5 miles . 2 days ago, I beat my distance by running 1.6 miles. Here, I also learned how to lead climb and went outdoors, climbing a 5.0, 5.6, and ending with a 5.8 in the Riverside rock quarry. I was taught how to make my own pasta from scratch. None of these are extraordinary by any means, especially when you think about the olympians, but I now know what I am capable of and it motivates me to continue.

     With only 8 days left, I already miss this place, but I will miss my boyfriend even more. Elizabeth Gilbert has said that your soulmate is like a mirror that shows you the things that hold you back, and that is exactly what my boyfriend has been for me.

     When I go back home, I will be cooking more, climbing more and running more. Whatever muscle I lost during my time in China, I know I will gain back. The hard part of this though will be staying motivated, but I know I can do it! Just some hard work right? :-)