Woes of Failure.
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| Levitating up Levitation and Eagle Dance |
Failure.
ARG!
I suck with failure!!!
I find sometimes I am avoiding moments where failure is the most likely outcome.
I don’t project rock climbs. I on-sight. If I don’t think I can on-sight it I shy the lead away.
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| Following the crux on Cloud Tower |
Its not even that I fear falling. I don’t fully commit to friends, relationships, plans....because what if it doesn’t work out. It is better to be illusive.
HA! I fear failure. It isn’t really working out any more, this fear of failure thing.
I turned to Justin Dubois this spring when I was having a little head epic in the Valley. In one week last April I climbed three big walls in a day in Zion, climbed to Dolt Tower and had my first run up the Regular Route on Half Dome. All-in-all, 10,000 feet of climbing in 6 days. Yet, I was frustrated with my progress in mid- May. My intended objective was pushed out of sight by partner miscommunication and sickness.
I emailed Justin, “am I a sissy if I bail?”
He sent back something short...probably not knowing that I really needed advice, an outside voice.
“No, crazy...settle down!”
This fall again Justin’s words ring around the vast space between my ears.
Settle down.
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| Baxter and Andrew on top of Mt. Wilson--Red Rocks |
Ironic as Justin drops me a note today,
“I think I have your disease...I can’t seem to take a rest day!”
“I think I have your disease...I can’t seem to take a rest day!”
Yup. It is a disease and it is catching up with me hardcore.
I feel that I have been battling it, so quickly moving on to the next project...the next adventure that I might not be enjoying the present moment.
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| Cory Jammin up the last pitch of Cloud Tower |
The grunting exhale that escapes my lips as I shove my left index finger in the space between the parallel sandstone.
The tingling sensation as my hand cranks, forearm burning, pulsing. Breath labored.
Mind twirling, eyes darting. '
Finding comfort in the uncomfortable.
Taking control or just taking.
Maybe falling.
Hopefully sending.
Whatever it may be, pushing because that is what we do it for.
I backed off a lead today, because my shoulders hurt. Because my right elbow aches. Because my shoes are all blown out. Because I was afraid of not sending.
Afraid of Failing.
My ego hurts as does my body. I had a great time in Vegas last week. Trying hard, succeeding. Clay suggests that I may be too hard on myself.
It allows me success, but it hinders the smile.
It fogs the sunset, slogs the movement, mutters the conversations between friends.
.........and this is how it is now.
Clinging to a pin scar on the first crux of Rainbow Wall.
Clinging to a pin scar on the first crux of Rainbow Wall.
Red Rock Routes
Resolution Arete 5.10--11 hours C-T-C
Cloud Tower 5.12a
Rainbow Wall 5.12
Levitation 29 and Eagle Dance Link-up 7 hours C-T-C
Rock Warrior, Dream of Wild Turkeys and Prince of Darkness link-up
Some cragging at Brass Wall, Gallery, and others
Zion Routes
Moonlight Free Attempt 5.12d (did not complete)
Sheer Lunacy 3 1/2 hours on route
Force Boyle 5.11
Bits and Pieces 5.11
Monkey Finger 5.12
some cragging at Touchstone Base and Kung Fu Theater, and others
