Rock Climbing Again....Finally!

Wes and I finally got to go climbing today! This was the first time I've gone since I had kids, and the third time since we've been married (once on our honeymoon, once when I was pregnant with Kolton, and today) which is really sad because it was such a big part of my life before. I went 2 or 3 times a week before we got married, and I took a climbing class for a credit for my major for my one and only semester in college. I joined The Quarry for awhile and got really into bouldering too (I actually like that even better than climbing). Anyway, we went up to Red Rock in South Mountain, and it was so much fun! It's so beautiful up there, you can see the mountains, the golf course, and the whole valley. Climbing at sunset is my very favorite, it's so breathtaking! Tonight was no exception. I had a bit of a rocky start - I learned very quickly how much hand strength I have lost, as well as how little I trust myself physically right now. Top it all of by being majorly competitive with myself and a big-time perfectionist physically and you get a very frustrated girl. I made it up a 5.6 slowly, but without help from my sexy belayer. I was happy I did it on my own, but very bummed that a 5.6 was so difficult. In addition, I ran into an old friend while we were climbing. She came up with her brothers shortly after we started. It was fun to see her, but a little embarrassing to be so rusty (and chubby). We got talking and found out that she is living in Pleasant Grove, her and her hubby built a bouldering wall in their garage, and she knows the good climbs in American Fork canyon inside and out. It was fun to see her and catch up a bit, and even more fun to find a climbing buddy! After we chatted a bit, I belayed Wes while he climbed a 5.9 (easy for him of course). It was getting to be sunset, but I wanted another go, so I decided to try the 5.9 despite my performance on the 5.6. I was glad I did. It was still hard, my hands were so fatigued and raw that I had to let go a couple of times. But I honestly think if there was time, I could go up again without help. So, despite the imperfection of the second climb, I was very satisfied, and I definitely caught the climbing bug. (If anyone ever wants to give it a go, I know of some fun and easy spots.) It was fun to go with Wes too. I love watching him climb. He makes it look so easy. I also always enjoy hiking up to the wall together. It's always so beautiful and a good time to talk and think.
What a great reward for working so hard at improving my health these past few weeks. I haven't missed a workout yet, and I have LOVED working out with my sweetheart. I would like to do some running as well, so if anyone wants to go with me please let me know. (Wes and I only warm up and then do sprints.) I am also toying with joining the Quarry for a once a week early morning climbing hour. We'll see.
I feel so much stronger and happier when I'm taking care of myself. The eating has been better this time around too, I think because Wes is doing it with me, and because I have less stress in my life, and I am planning on eating this way forever. I really could too. I will probably be at the beach in California mid-October, so I'm hoping to be done or close to it by then. I think I will be.
I forgot how passionate I was about climbing and volleyball. I'm glad that I've had a chance to remember this week. I am hoping to play in a 2 on 2 volleyball tournament with Wes in a few weeks, which will be way overdue and really fun. I'm glad we share a love for sports and the outdoors. I can't wait until our kids are old enough to join in on the fun.
Anyway, it's official. I am addicted to climbing once again! I am dirty, a little sore, and definitely craving more!