Ok, blatant title, but the McScoots had their first climbing experience yesterday….and I can barely type this post. Climb Nashville is literally blocks away in the Sylvan Park area, yet we’ve always found excuses not to go(okay, mainly Lucas found reasons not to go). Though nervous at first, we went out and gave it the ol’ college try and had a blast!
Clinging to a 5.7
Please stop trying to look like a murderer!
Our legs were already shot from Sam’s great trainer/roller workouts that morning, but we had made a commitment to Lucas’ former neighbor Stacey and her expert climbing beau to meet them at the gym after work. After signing in, we were ushered over to the ‘Bunny Rocks’ and given our belaying lessons and safety checks to make sure we didn’t do anything retarded. We survived with only minor injuries sustained: Lucas’ trying to repel with his face over a lip and serious harness-up-in-crotch burn(which could be solved with a little ‘buddy slack’ but I consistently forgot every time Lucas came down from a rock).
Lucas crying after his last climb
Just a recap to ensure I don’t forget everything we learned, especially after we anticipate on purchasing every piece of climbing equipment out there to feed our new addiction, here’s the beginner’s climbing lesson(assuming you are in a gym and not scaling an unprepared rock):
1. Once you put on the diaper device, double back all of your loops and tuck away excess. Make sure your harness is snug but not cutting off circulation or tearing into your choad.
2. Don’t pick your nose, always scratch your belly with your carabiner.
3. Do a buddy check and state”Buddy Check” while doing it so everyone who has any experience can know to watch out for you.
4. Climber states, “On Belay?”
5. Belayer states, “Belay on!”
6. Belayer then repeats the Meet up high, Pull, Meet down low techinue-all with dominate hand facing down on the rope beneath the carabiner.
7. Once Climber has ascended and is ready to come down, scream “Take!” *Climb with feet and barely grip rocks-very much like cycling.
8. Belayer says, “?”(I forgot but something along the lines of gotcha)
9. Climber places both hands on the rope and repels with your feet against the rocks(or in Lucas’ case, with your face if you’re that strong).
10. Belayer holds dominate hand away from body and allows rope to feed through.
11. And for Christ’s sake, cut some Buddy Slack!
Stacey and Josh-Instructors and Motivational Speakers
Next time, I’m gunning for that 5.8 again and maybe Lucas can finish that 5.7:) Definitely would like to do this again–but got to build mtb bikes first!
Stremph
Recounting the week in reverse, it’s been a whirlwind at work. Outdoor Retailer is now 2 weeks away and I’ve been a booking agent, planner, public relations coordinator, copywriter, sales and ISR leader, and designer. I’m freakin’ tired. Lucas’ has been equally as busy, having to walk home in the snow and ice to boot! I accidentally forgot I dropped him off this morning and worked really late. Ooops!! If you read this and see him, buy him a cookie and tell him it’s going to be ok.
Training wise, we’ve been riding and riding a lot; however, sometimes getting out of the house away from everything is a necessity retain the slightest bit of sanity after work. That’s why I desperately needed to go for a run–to run away from stress, life and laundry. Though in the teens, we dressed appropriately for our 1 hour adventure on Tuesday evening. And we even broke a sweat.
Click pic for route
Going back as far as Saturday, the McScoots partnered with the now Schmiller’s for some brews at Melrose Place and a little KY basketball. Jess just happens to be an avid KY fan…and a loud one.
The Schmillers
The McScoots
And yes, our unspoken yet abided by theme was indeed hats. Not wanted to discontinue the party, we headed back to our humble abode and played the game we saw on Inglorious Bastards the other night. It actually was a lot of fun. Rusty and MA came by to partake in the festivities. Oh, and Jess brought Docker too!
I'm not being American or overstating when I say this was the best dog ever.
Lucas either had a little too much fun or he was dancing to entirely too much earlier 2000s techno and rap because shortly after he went comatose.
Looking forward to the weekend, with free Yazoo Brewery Tours tomorrow. Would you believe it’s a work trip?? Can’t imbibe too terribly much as 6 am comes early. Working a tri-expo Saturday morning–which reminds me, I’ve got to pack up my car tomorrow before leaving work! Now, off to finish the rest of The Lost Symbol!
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