Discussion Topic |
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 2, 2010 - 06:19pm PT
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Mature lady, (mid 50s) bit by climbing bug. Any others out there...any thoughts on starting out this late...things to avoid, things to embrace?
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Oxymoron
Big Wall climber
total Disarray
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Embrace yoga. You'll be glad you did.
Except for the mumbojumbo claptrap.
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nature
climber
Tucson, AZ
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Paging Lynne....
...... and Zip ;-)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Hi Nature :D Yo Rang ??? (zip ain't that old.....jess sayin'....and I miss that Dude.) Zip where are you ?
50's ..... Gal you're a baby. Go for it. But be careful. Know your stuff.
Before I went outside, I took lessons from the manager of a climbing gym. Saved my life actually. Climbing is serious stuff, but a great sport.
Climb with people you trust and respect. Work out and get in shape for best results. Read, learn, if you are unsure ask questions. Never assume anything. (that's a hard one for me in many areas of life.)
If you have specific questions ask them on your thread here. The Super Topo gang are an awesome group and a wealth of information. Gezzzz, I had not even camped in many years and they got me "geared up." Peace, lynne
EDIT: OBTW.....you're not mature until at least your 80's ..... Even then, hey, you could never accuse Hope Meek of being Mature. Let's just say, "nice gal in her 50's learning to climb." Has a much better ring to it.
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jahil
Social climber
Does this rock make my ass look fat?
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I started when I was 40. In the last 9 years I have met the greatest collection of people from all walks of life and all ages, embrace the community it will be your greatest resource.
I second the comment about yoga - it saved me more than I can say.
steve
Just saw you're from Santa Cruz - Pacific Edge is a great place to learn everything, and to meet people to do it with. If you see a bald guy flailing in the lead cave, come over and say hi.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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The climbing bug doesn't bite.
It stings.
Feel the burn!
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Oxymoron
Big Wall climber
total Disarray
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Hi, my name is "Smoking Pot".
LOL. ;-)
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karodrinker
Trad climber
San Jose, CA
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Good job! Climbing will make you strong. But be careful, it quickly leads to loss of interest in other (most all) activities.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Anybody named Scapegoat should know how to climb, if only as a back up plan.
Take my word for it.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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As an---ahem---even more mature person myself, but one who has been climbing as many years as your age, I don't think anyone can begin to answer your question without at least a little knowledge of your activity level up to now. Have you been an active person all your life, or a more or less sedentary person who just discovered climbing as an attractive activity?
Meanwhile, it might be worth checking out (and corresponding with) the author of the following blog
http://agingclimber.blogspot.com/
A woman of your age, similarly bitten (or stung) by the climbing bug, but perhaps a few years ahead of you in experience.
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habitat
climber
grass pass
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Anybody named Scapegoat should know how to climb, if only as a back up plan.
I think it's seagoat, which is the symbol for Capricorn. You'll be a great climber!
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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If SC means South Carolina and you are female in your fifties - then I have to ask:
Are you my sister? If your name is Jane, then dammit girl - you should know better! One nut in the family is enough.
If you aren't Jane - then never mind.
Although the smoking pot part still applies. Or at least bring some when you visit.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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rgold, as much as it hurt me I checked out the aging climber link you posted and read until the part where he says, " I called home to Mom."
I guess you do age in your 20's but it's not much noticeable. :D Jess joshing yo. lynnie
EDIT: is this Ricky D of Charming Dawn ??? If so how are you guys and are you going to Facelift ?
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Thanks Jeff, You always be watching my back !!! Thanks again for funding some of the Bachar Memorial in C4 last September.
You, Jan Sacherer and Phil Gleason were awesome. Just thinking about it today. How great it turned out thanks to those in authority that gave the quiet go. Peace and Joy Always, lynnie
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Santa Cruz seagoat.
Age is no barrier to climbing.
Fitness or other health problems may limit your capacity to keep up with the young studs and studettes.
Nothing need limit your capacity for self fulfillment, fun, adventure and comradeship.
Jump in, the water's fine.
(Yoga is a very good suggestion)
There are quite a few Santa Cruz area Old Goats on this forum.
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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"EDIT: is this Ricky D of Fair Dawn ??? If so how are you guys and are you going to Facelift ? "
Hey kiddo - back on the interwebz are you? Too cool!
Yeah - we're still alive. Although having to work for a living again is killing me!
Did get to be a Grandfather last month after my one and only baby child up and delivered a baby boy. That's been keeping us busy lately.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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You and Charming Dawn have a boy grandbaby. WOW ! Life will never be the same. In a fabulous way of course. A couple years and he'll be with us at the "Lift". Ain't life Grand Ricky D. ???
EDIT: Just so I don't drift too much ...... yoga is nice, I do that. But if you really are going to climb you need to practice approaches. Truly, trust me. I've been on several approaches that were way harder than the climbs.
You need to kinda have alot of stamina and know how to mini boulder and be able to surf the tough terrain....or have Tucker, Todd, F10 and Wendell with Yo. Get a great pair of approach shoes. I Love mine, Montrail Vibram. (Thank you G. Davis)
Double Edit: I sense a troll getting info for a magazine article.
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
Sprocketville
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i just got serious at 55,
been doing the free monkey all my life, but just bought a rope.
don't break a hip.
legs, arm, neck and back are ok to break, but not the hips!
start slow and start smoking a lot of santa cruz weed.
check out the Greenway Compassion Center on DuBuios, right next to costco.
this is where willie nelson shops when he is in town.
be careful at the gym, you can get tendonitus doing weird moves.
wear sun screen.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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If you haven't discovered Pacific Edge, do so.
Plenty of us Old Goats frequent it.
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
Sprocketville
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stay away from the Garden of Eden on the san lorenzo,
don't ask why. the name says it all.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Like I've said in the past....you No Calers have all the fun. Do you notice anyone from So Cal posting here. Uh, Nada. Guess I need to plan another Trip. :D
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Age and guile
Always trumps
youth
innocence
and a bad haircut.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Hi TGT, don't know about age and guile ..... you're just a solid climber and fun to climb with. Now don't let that go to your head. :D
Anders, just read nearly all the link you posted about the 3 man cot. I'd forgotten. Had some really Great Laughs re reading it. All you on ST have so schooled me. I have learned abit. What a grate campfire family. I asked Ed Hartouni at the Sacherer Memorial how I was doing. He said I have changed. (hope for the learning better.)
So I say Never Too Late to the Author of this Thread. Go For It.....with Gusto. (and beer):D
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AllezAllez510
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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As a former resident of Santa Cruz...I have a couple of words of advice.
1. The routes and ratings at Pacific Edge are in no way a reflection of anything you might encounter outside...or a reflection of your climbing ability. The cracks are freakin' great though...make friends with them.
2. For the love of god...stay away from Pinnacles. Petrified dog poop. Lots of people love it...I have no idea why.
3. Castle Rock is the sh!t. More limited than Pinnacles but a thousand times better...and closer, especially if you live near Felton/Boulder Creek.
4. Enjoy the climate. SC had the best weather of any place I've ever lived.
5. DO NOT start surfing. This will be very detrimental to your climbing.
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Mike Bolte
Trad climber
Planet Earth
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Two words: Pacific Edge. Lots of old folks hang out there (and climb).
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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2. For the love of god...stay away from Pinnacles. Petrified dog poop. Lots of people love it...I have no idea why.
Nothing wrong with the Pinnacles that a little glue and a lot more bolts won't fix.
Seriously: some really good climbing there once you get Pinnaclized
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utahman912
Trad climber
SLC, UT
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I came back at 52. The muscles remembered how to pull a long time before the connective tissue figured it out. And CT seems to take a lot longer to heal these days.
Wear thin socks with your climbing shoes... no real reason except it totally freaks the kids out... and feaking out the kids is always good :-)
jb
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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"Wear thin socks with your climbing shoes... no real reason except it totally freaks the kids out... and feaking out the kids is always good :-)"
O sweet jesus yes - do this! I wore some hideous argyle ones I found at a thrift store just to freak out my daughter and her friends out on a family climbing/camping trip. They worked great!!!!
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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I too started out late;......I was 17 years old (1972) when I first roped up....alot of my friends started at 12,13,or....at the LATEST....14 years old.....I missed out on ALOT of climbing by starting out so late.....(I blame my parents for THAT...).....but now it's time to lay it down, throw it down, get busy, and CRUSH IT.......do it NOW...
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
SoCal
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John Salathe started climbing in his 50's and now he's a legend.
I've me a few mature women who; had families, kids grew up, dumped husband, went climbing out West, got much younger boyfriends. Happy all the way.
You go girl. Age is no barrier. Only barriers are considerations you can't.
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nature
climber
Tucson, AZ
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"we are limited only by the limitations we mistake for your goals"
-Abinavagupta
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
Will know soon
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Still think this is a Troll looking for a good article to write....but Todd, Spider and Nature you are inspiring. I gotta get more serious. Salathe ...... really ?
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TerriB
Trad climber
Sacramento, Ca
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SCseagoat - I'm one of those "mature ladies." Oh, and Lynne, I'm 5'7" & 135lbs. I have also wondered how many of us "new to climbing" 50-ish women are out there. I don't see many. I started climbing in the gym at 50, that was 3 years ago. I was hooked and have not looked back. I remember at the beginning sitting at my desk with my hands curved into little "c" shapes throbbing from climbing the night before. But that passed quickly with no lasting effect other than a killer grip now. The outdoor climbing is coming along too. All the gym climbing has paid off in strength even though it is totally different outdoors. I did come from a background of distance running/marathons and rowing (I'm a sculler) so the basic fitness was already there. I have had no significant injuries and I climb regularly - 3x per week or more. I think the key is to build the strength gradually and listen to your body. I don't insist on climbing hard in the gym every session. I love doing laps on easier climbs and I think that's why I'm injury free. I also use that Black Diamond forearm exerciser that looks like a dog toy, I keep one in the car and one at my desk. I also have a hang board I use sparingly. Be sure to work on your core strength! Lots of ab work.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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One to two decades past the far side of 50 and still at it...
Another substantially post-50 crew (with two of the usual suspects)
Joe Bridges, Dick Williams John Bragg, Richard Goldstone, Claude Suhl.
Photo by Patty Matteson
There's plenty of climbing life after 50!
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Who is going to be topless on the next issue of Vulgarian Digest?
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hossjulia
Social climber
Eastside
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I lost almost all of my strength when I started menopause. Weird and disconcerting, I have been very strong since my 20's when I started climbing and suddenly, no grip strength, no leg strength. I have had to work harder to stay half as fit, but it is coming back as the hormones settle down.
I have never been a big cardio person, and I have found that is the key. If you stay fit with cardio, then everthing else seems to fall into place.
I'm also taking every damn suppliment known to help menopause and joints. Seems to help, some of it I can't live without.
I can't do Yoga moves, bad knees, but I love my 2 Yoga Balls for stretching and ab work. (big one and a small one)
So I am having a love affair with my road bike, a Lightspeed I got lucky to find last fall for a price I could afford. Helps that my car is now on non op with a bad motor and I can't afford to replace it. (Would have been is Josh if not for that.)
In fact, time to get dressed and go to Latte Da, a nice 3 mile ride along Mono Lake.
I have grandious plans to on site lead everything this summer, up to 5.10. I'll be 50 this fall. So I need belay slaves. :)Oh, a rack would help too, geez the details.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Nice posts all. Inspiring. I think I've been slacking.
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SeagoatSC
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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My log in went "kaflooy" so I had to create new log in...you all have been wonderful and inspiring for me. I have climbed a very little outside with some experienced folks (After Six at MPB on Memorial Day and Aunt Fanny Pantry) The Pantry was great; After Six I ended up looking like I had been intimate with a cheese grater...everyone complained about the "missing tree" and repeating that they "didn't sandbag me, really." Thanks to the young man at the base that gave me a foothold to get started. I also did a small climb at Swan Slab a couple weeks ago. I love the climbing and the rush of the rappelling at the end. Since I get to Yosemite frequently perhaps I will have a chance to catch up with some of the other women that have given me encouragement. And yes I did join Pacific Edge in Santa Cruz so perhaps I will see some of you there.
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Who is going to be topless on the next issue of Vulgarian Digest?
Ron, VD now stands for "Very Decrepit." The Vulgarian Digest, together with Annals of Arthritis, Incontinence International, Irritable Bowel Beatdown, Cirrhosis Century, and Joint Replacement Jubilee have been acquired by the Senior Moments Group, which intends to implement substantially revised editorial policies. As a public service, it has been determined that tops will remain firmly in place in all future covers.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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First: welcome to this forum!
Only mid fifties? That's not "mature" or even close to it.
To other members of the forum who don't really know me well: I've been a rock junkie now for over 50 years, and barring my recent mishap in Eldorado, have had a great time.(Climbed in Eldorado,Boulder Canyon, Lumpy Ridge, Vedauwoo, Devil's Tower, Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne, Stone Mtn. N.C., and Dolomites). I'm looking forward to getting back to my 3x weekly health club workouts and back on the rock by early fall.
Don't really think it's ever "too late" to be infected with the rock climbing virus! Just make sure of some basics: get some competent rope management instruction; get in shape (esp. cardiovascular!) before doing too much real strenuous activity; finally-climb with a competent leader and companion. Have someone who knows your abilities and limitations to some degree become your mentor. Other than that--ENJOY!
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Just noted some comments re: Dietary supplements!
My regimen:
MSM (methysulfonylmethane)
B-100 B Vitamins
L-Carnitine (250 to 500 mg daily!!)
Multivitamin
Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc
Coenzyme Q10
Chromium Picolinate
Selenium
B-Carotene
In post-menopausal females, extra iron and calcium (Osteoporosis prevention)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Brokedown, what does coenzyme Q10 do ?
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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rgold,
you mean it will be bottomless?
(if memory serves that one has been done already)
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Coenzyme Q10 is a cofactor required by each and every cell of our bodies to metabolize fatty acids and generate energy (ATP synthesis). It is the basis of mitochodrial metabolism.
Initially discovered by Professor Karl Folkers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, TX. Got him a Nobel Prize nomination.
It's technically a "B-Vitamin" that's missing from all standard "B-Complex" vitamins, 'cause it's expensive.
Also, it is synergistic with L-Carnitine, as the 2 compounds are responsible for achiving the same end: getting the fats from our diet to a place where they do some good.
L-Carnitine is also a "B-Vitamin" missing from the usual supermarket pills. It's the transport agent that carries fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane to the active site of enzyme action.
This is a simplified version. Trust me--take both and you'll feel stronger and better.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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This may provide some helpful ideas.
I'm partial to cod liver oil myself.
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jahil
Social climber
Does this rock make my ass look fat?
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I'll subscribe to that Russ.
Brilliant.
steve
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Bee
climber
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Dear Goatie:
Stop referring to yourself as 'mature'. It doesn't sound like much fun. Try 'hot' or 'crazy' instead. (Everyone else here thinks they're hot or crazy-- why not you?) It's part of the culture.
Similarly: don't make lame excuses for yourself based upon your age. If things are not going well, It's much better (and probably more accurate) to blame congenitally weak mental capacities. Also then you will have more in common with the rest of the climbing community.
There is no such thing as 'starting late'. There is just 'getting on with it'. The more you get on with it, the better you'll climb. Climbing well, vs. just half-assed, can make you happy. At least for a minute or two.
Don't underestimate your strength or the amount of strength that you can gain. Don't overestimate the amount strength required to climb well. Style matters and technique vincit omnia.
Above all, be safe and have a good time...
Kindest regards,
NOT DOING TOO BAD FOR AN OLD BAG
P.S. How do I get a subscription, Mighty?
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Does anybody have the copy of GA with the truss review?
I think it was the same issue as the article on filling bolt holes with Fixodent.
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SeagoatSC
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Stop referring to yourself as 'mature'. It doesn't sound like much fun. Try 'hot' or 'crazy' instead. (Everyone else here thinks they're hot or crazy-- why not you?) It's part of the culture.
Thanks Bee, or is it "Duuude"? Cobra beer and tatts, I am so excited! That'll make me "hot" and crazy"...yea?
You have all been great....thanks again!
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jogill
climber
Colorado
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Starting in your 50s means you will not be worn out in your 70s! Best wishes for many happy years on the rock.
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Ottawa Doug
Social climber
Ottawa, Canada
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Anders that is hilarious! Hope you're keeping well.
Cheers,
Doug
P.S. And Locker, normally I scroll down and read............................................you're gonna die, but as someone else posted I almost vomitted. : )
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Thanks Doug - GA wasn't my creation. I forget who first created and posted it. Author?
Subscriptions may be available from http://www.fishproducts.com/ Send Russ a beer, see what happens.
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SofCookay
climber
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Mid 40s, hoping to climb my first wall in the next month or so...climbing (and hiking/backpacking - my other loves) motivates me to stay healthy, fit, and strong.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Initially discovered by Professor Karl Folkers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, TX. Got him a Nobel Prize nomination.
I'm just relieved that searching my name and coming up with the geriatric thread didn't result in a solid hit for Karl Baba..
even though I qualify...
except for the mature or grown-up part. I'm still fighting that tooth and nail!
We can start and keep going at any age. Just let go the ego that says we have to excel.
Actually, the people for whom climbing is hardest are the ones who benefit the most. If you are a natural at it, young, strong and fearless, it's just going through the motions compared to somebody who has to conquer their fear.
In the end, and along the way, almost nobody is on top, stays on top or is near the top.
Like the rest of life is like that too, Even supermodels lament the weak points in their faces and figures.
Peace
Karl
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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I've always found climbing to be my refuge of sanity when everything else is turning to $hit. Concentration on "getting up the rock" tends to focus life nicely.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Healing up very well at this point; home from hospital and on my own. Can start some light workouts in another 2 weeks, and should be able to go on a previously planned high altitude trip in late July (Quandary Peak, Mt. Bierstadt, and possibly Mt. Shavano) in Colorado. Should be back on the rocks by late August (Dr. says only seconding until off Coumadin therapy).
I recovered my hard hat and will take some pix of what saved my bacon!
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quietpartner
Trad climber
Moantannah
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Good to see you're coming along well, Brokedown.
We oughta get together before we heal up so much that the wind scatters us like leaves.
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
climber
from the Leastside
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Beta Carotene , Echinaccea , Vitamin E and Butcher's Broom .
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quietpartner
Trad climber
Moantannah
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The first three sound good, but Butcher's Broom?
I didn't know hotdogs were health food.
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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but Butcher's Broom? I didn't know hotdogs were health food.
Just sweepings from the abattoir floor -- dinks and eyes, man.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Think hard about climbing on coumadin. Even if you aren't leading. just a thought.
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
CA
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stretch to assist range of motion, ease of movement, and more resistance to injury.
Develop hand, finger, and grasping strength by crushing up a sheet of newsprint in your hand without any opposing pressure.
Develop your balance,
maximize eye-foot coordination ie practice on stairs buildings and be aware of your feet and where you put them, practice edging... not in a gym!
control your weight.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Lynne-
Thanks for the advice. I'm on a really low dosage; only 2.5 mg daily. I'll only need it for maybe another 6-8 weeks. The program was started about 4 weeks ago. I've given up drinking for a while, too--even tho' I am not much of a user. Look forward to meeting you one of these days.
Rodger
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Let's keep this thread alive for other more "mature" climbers! Bump!
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
Sprocketville
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we didn't get this old by being lucky,
thats why we make better climbers than this fresh crop of gym rats,
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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Sprocketville! er..Dr. Sprock...
I'll even drink to that statement!
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rgold
Trad climber
Poughkeepsie, NY
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we didn't get this old by being lucky
I'm not sure I agree. I consider myself exceptionally lucky to have so far survived my numerous mistakes. Hopefully, we are now wiser, but many of us got to this exalted position thanks to sheer dumb luck.
thats why we make better climbers than this fresh crop of gym rats
Oh phooey. There are gym rats in the fresh crop that blow the doors off any of us old-timers. What has happened is that gyms and guide services and other popularizers of climbing have enormously broadened the spectrum of people climbing, with a consequent increase in the competence and ability spread. So yeah, we might encounter more serious levels of incompetence, but the top end of the distribution consists of people who are just plain better at everything than the previous generation.
That would be me, and, apparently, you too Spocky. But hey, this is the way things are supposed to be.
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Brokedownclimber
Trad climber
Douglas, WY
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I forget who said it, but true: "It's nice to be good, but even better to be lucky!"
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