Training for the Training

Marc and I are currently training for Half Dome. Our weekend training consisted of climbing Liberty Crack. Its a grade five climb that requires "a long day." A long day can turn into a really long day when little things go wrong. Needless-to-say... we had a really long day. I made the mistake of putting Marc in charge of researching the plans. I just wanted to read the topo in the tent the night before. Now, during a google search I see posts describing a 24 hour "long day." Ok, fine, but if we start Saturday before sunrise and don't get down until Sunday... sure feels like more than one day! Had I known...

Aid Climbing means slower and heavier. It also means we get to climb things that might otherwise be impossible. However, this weekend redefined "impossible" for me once again. As I was jugging with a heavy pack or brute forcing up a supposed 5.0 as the sky turned dark or trying to hike down crumbling cascade scree exhausted and in the dark, I thought to myself that I couldn't possibly continue. But there was nothing to do but continue. It took us awhile to find the wrap anchors since only one of our headlamps was bright enough to spot them, but there was nothing to do but keep looking. Everything took awhile, everything took a lot of energy and strength. "Everything" took it out of me until I had nothing left. Yet I continued on. The impossible is possible... if. you're. awesome!!!!! (from Bolt)

I will admit... I shed tears. I yelled at Marc. I quit climbing. For the day. Forever. More than once. But this is a typical response when I am in a place where I am pushing my limits. To say that I was completely in control would mean that I was not yet at my limit. Being at my physical, emotional, and mental edge often means a break down. Physical, emotional, and mental breakdown.

This is why I practice yoga. This is why I climb. I love pushing my limits, I love expanding my comfort zone, I love redefining impossible and learning what I am capable of. Ok... I actually hate it. In the moment that it is happening, it sucks. When I'm exhausted and broken and wanting to give up, I wonder why I put myself in such positions over and over. It is only after that I realize how much I learned and how much I gained that my hate morphs into love and I "un-quit."

I did carry Marc's big camera up Liberty Crack (as if I needed more weight), but the picture below is taken at Index. Me, a haul bag, and a smile! Somehow a smile!

Aid Climbing Index, WA

Aid Climbing Index, WA

For more Bergreen Photography Vertical Adventure Photography click on the photo above or visit www.bergreenphotography.com. For more on our adventures, we're sure to post Liberty Crack pictures soon, check out the Bergreen Barometer.