The Things We Do For Blood

Climbing. It is truly a dangerous drug. There is so much preparation that goes into the whole picture. First, you must be strong and know how to use your body. Second, you have to have a good head and allow the moment to take a hold of you so you don't freak out about the fact that your spotter is drinking your beer and is NOT going to catch you. Third, you have to be smart enough to listen to your body so you don't get injured. Fourth, when you get injured because you always will, you must try to continue climbing but figure out a way not to use that injured body part. (For example, if you hurt your ankle, you have to figure out a way to climb with one leg. Or if you hurt your shoulder, you have figure out a way of climbing with one arm or with your teeth.) Fifth, you have to always keep trying newer and harder climbs because the rush is so addictive that if you don't send, you will feel blue for days and obsess. "Maybe I should have put my hand there...?" "Maybe I should have switched my feet before...." "Maybe..."