Getting ready..

I always wanted to do rock climbing and my school just happened to conduct a class for staff. So we had our first practical lesson on Friday. 12 participants, 3 guys and 9 ladies. The guys have rock climbing experiences before while we, NONE…Nada! It was so cool to put on the harness. To be frank, I found guys wearing harness a bit..erm..awkward, especially at the crotch part. Ouch..it looked so uncomfortable! But anyway…

Getting ready..

I was the first one who went up. My buddy attended the class as well and he was also my belayer. Hey..my life was on his hands ok…The first time was very hard because I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t know when to use my arm instead of my leg and etc. I did not trust the rope at all and I climbed as if the rope wasn’t exist. And that was tiring! I had to quit half way because I was stuck at the same position for too long and my arms were so tired. I didn’t know where to move as I was splitting my legs at 2 rocks which were so far apart and the next rock was so out of reach! My thigh muscles started to shake involuntarily, which was a complete awkward sight up there with people looking at your crazily shaking thigh.

My friends said this picture was soo like….Mission Impossible 3! *grin*

When I called to quit, my belayer started to loosen the rope to drop me. But I can’t seem to let go the rock I was holding. I was too afraid to let myself go! My instructor had to keep reassuring me to let go my limbs and fall free.

As I watched the guys climbing, I knew that I had to trust the rope and that I can climb better. So I went up the second time. This time, I just kept climbing up. Only focused and planned my next move. I kept telling myself to TRUST THE BLOODY ROPE! I screamed and panted. I even slipped a few time because of the bloody rocks were to small. I wasn’t wearing a rock climbing shoes and that made it harder to feel the rock I was stepping on.

Funny thing was, I didn’t even realise I had reached the top! I only knew the ‘rock with border’ was within my reach when my colleagues asked me to touch the rock. That was when I knew I have made it. When I held the ‘rock with border’, I was very hesitate to let it go. I felt great! Triumph, satisfaction, history making moment..I turned back and yelled:"Does anyone have a camera?? I NEED A CAMERA!!!" Then followed by hysterical laughter.

See the rock with border?? I was there!!!

When I reached the ground, I can’t even stand on my feet. I can’t feel my legs at all! And my arms were too sore to untie the knot. I ‘collapsed’ on the floor…FLAT! Man…I must have overstretched my muscles. And I shall not brush my teeth the next morning..you know..just in case if my arms were not taking orders properly. My mates said I climbed very quick (because I knew if I hang on there longer, the more tired I will be). Aiya..should bring a video camera. Then I can show it to my grandchildren next time. Hey! Your grandmother did that ok??! Don’t play play!

My colleague wanted to practise on belaying so I volunteered to climb the 3rd time at the different wall. But I told her that I only can do half way. The other wall had smaller rocks and it was almost impossible to step on it with my improper shoes! I slipped a few times and finally, I called it a quit.

My buddy reached the top 4 times! And so did other guy. Another lady and I made it to the top and I was so proud of myself. We are going to have a test on Monday and I hope my muscles will ‘recover’ on time. Not sure if I can ever reach the top again. Man…what was I thinking then?? Must be a $1000 note pinned on top…Mmm..

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