Post-comp round up - a fun(ny) day indeed

Neal: "So...isn't this supposed to be top-roped?"

Belayer: "Nope."

Neal: "Um. Okay."

And thus began my first climbing competition route. A route I was expecting to be an easy 5.9 or 5.10 toprope, but was actually a 5.11 lead route. And hey - I actually on-sighted it! But since it took everything out of me...it thus became the last route I would complete that day. I don't think I got above the second or third clip on the ensuing, increasing-in-difficulty three routes.

However, despite my singular send, I ended up winning my division! What division is that? The division no one else signed up for! Woo hoo! That accomplishment ranks right up there with the national ranking I received in downhill ski racing...as a four year old.

Competing in a division with no one else, and then due to a mix up, being placed on routes for the next division up...ended up being a great time! No pressure, plus it forced me to tap into long lost skills/strengths (leading routes over 5.10) I thought I wouldn't find for awhile. Couple that with the experiences climbingwall and Brett already nicely captured, and I'd call that a day well spent. Brett and I even made a video about it!

Thanks to the Powers That Be (Steve) here at YourClimbing and everyone at the BRC for putting on a fantastic event.