Climbing is no longer an ‘extreme’ sort of sports. It is a fun activity that is actually quite accessible, either on indoor facilities or the outdoors.

Perhaps a good starting point is to make a list of the things we need: something to climb (rock, plastic or buildings), maybe some special shoes and magnesium carbonate for the hands. Commitment fuels the action, wisdom keeps us safe and sound. Box? Don’t need one. Creative thinking becomes part of the choreography of moves up some very difficult terrain. 

Fear could be a great motivator, if we work with it instead of against it. I imagine my fear dressed in neon spandex, 80’s pop in the background, leading an aerobics class. I was never into fitness, organised sports with whistles, balls or rules. I could never be part of the ‘jock’ team. The mountains were my distraction, my source of pain and inspiration. Climbing became the way to flow and to be present, in body and mind. 

Life taught me obstacles are often unpredictable and variables do change at a moment’s notice. More and more I needed to find peace with the outcome and just do my thing, flowing. I’ll figure out some of the details as I go along. The target will always be there: the top is the top, above that are only clouds and birds. 

We get to the top by being resilient, committed and open to change. From my native Venezuela, we have a saying that pretty much encapsulates this rationale: keep your eyes on the horizon, step surely in front of you and, whatever happens, sod it! (Vista larga, paso corto y mala leche). 

So, my answer the initial question about why I climb: to have fun, to be challenged and not give up and to do whatever needs to be done in order to reach my goal. I try to do that in everyday life as well and, it seems to work! Go Figure…