Jamestown, AL

Late Posting - Jamestown, AL Nov 2006.

Thanks to Lance, I was able to climb at Jamestown, AL. It was very different to climb 90 feet walls when I was used to climb at the gym, which had 27 feet walls.

Now I realize that it's hard to see a rope in this picture. I didn't lead but it looks like I was soloing, which I won't do it Ever!

Gee... I started using climbing jargons.

Rock Climbing Effects

It's been almost a year since I started rock climbing. This is one of very few sports that I stick to more than a couple of months and I wondered why I like this so much.

1. Social effects
Climbing is not a team sport for sure, but you need to have a belayer unless you're up for bouldering. It's a good way to walk to a stranger and ask for a ride - to the ceiling. When you go outside, it's really hard not to meet people and became friends. I heard that there are some gyms where people are not very friendly but the gym I go to is pretty nice in that perspective.
Also, it's a good place to hang out and catch up in between climbing. I thnk I spend a lot of time with Joyce and Richard (picture) at the gym more than any other places these days.

2. Physical effects
Although people do not get scared of the size my forearm muscles, I definitely have built some strengths. These days, i can boulder around the gym without taking too much break. ;) I still cannot do any pull-ups but i'll get there eventually. I gained 10 lbs since I started climbing about a year ago. However, my dress size hasn't changed unless all my clothes were stretched. I guess, I didn't have any muscles before??? Polishing my nails used to be one of my ways to release stress. I was told that I have pretty hands until I started climbing. Rock climbing indeed screwed my nails but I don't care that much anymore. Why? Richard convinced me and Joyce that guys don't care much about Women's nail much. I guess, i trade my pretty nails with toned back??

3. Psychological effects
I like climbing because you can see your progress and set your goals for the next time. If you haven't noticed, I'm pretty much goal-oriented and goal-driven person. Therefore, having a tangible goals and work towards those is pretty fun.
Overhanging walls are still very intimidating but those are there to challenge me. From my experience, psychological part is very big in climbing, depending on your confidence level, you can or cannot climb certain routes. It's tricky not to get your mind affect you, though.
It's so surprising when you tell your self "you can do it" and then reach for the next hold, chances are very high that you can reach it. This practice helped me in other parts of my life as well.

Overall this sport made me a better and stronger person both inside and out. So, guys, let's climb on!

Wow! Already 2007

It's embarassing that the last entry of this site was October!
I guess, my life got a bit hectic as the new project started and my responsibilities became tenfolds. I went to Korea to change my VISA status and then holiday seasons...

So, I didn't even think about the New Year's resolutions yet until my co-worker asked the team to write down one for a newspaper.

Here's one of my new year's resolutions. I work at CDC right now where public health is emphasized. That's why there is a nice gym in the building for free to employees and even contractors. I've gone there twice for the last three months. So, for this year, I'll increase the frequency of hitting the gym to twice for three weeks. :) How about that?
And seriously, before my annual rock gym membership expires, i will hit the gym twice a week. I want to climb 5.9 real well so that I can start the lead climb. yay~!

What's your new year's resolution!

BTW, here's the resolution from 2006 now i'm thinking it was not possible. - give up junk food and eat healthy! Well... I ended up wearing my favorite "I love Carbs" t-shirt and had McDonalds for lunch yesterday. I want to give up junk food eventually, though.