We made it to a rock wall. Glorious. I was surprised that climbing felt as smooth as it did. Not that we pushed grades, but with the exception of one move on a mid-10 nothing felt all that hard. Sure, my shoulder hurt at one point, and it was torture to shove my feet into my shoes following the third or so climb, but it was not difficult to read routes and make my way through cruxes presented by the generally easy routes that we explored. I look forward to getting back outside and will continue to train as I have been doing as this period devoid of gym visits extends. The side benefit of keeping my health general in check to combat asthma, the deleterious impact of a hypothetical covid infection, and general lethargy and depression—for working out is a wonderful way to keep the darkness at bay—remains present and at the forefront of my weekly activities, Turns out that burpees, runs, core exercises, and other heart-pumping motions keep me climbing fit as well, at least to a point that I can get through a weekend full of tall moderates (each route ~90’).
Two weekends in a row spent outside in a tent have been truly uplifting. It’s looking like we may get outdoors again this upcoming Saturday. May this trend stay alive!