February 21st 2007

I have been doing more rock climbing of late, something I so very much enjoyed during the last year or so I lived in California. Back then I was a 5.9 climber on the verge of 5.10, and I am sort of there now… really, I'd call myself a solid 5.8 climber, with many 5.9s (but not all) doable. I aspire to full 5.9ness, and then move into the alien world of 10s: As, Bs, Cs, Ds. 5.11s? That's a dream world. For now. (Note-- all of this refers to indoor climbing, and for the time being, I climb mostly at Vertical World).

My most consistent climbing buddy (who, though injured, can easily do most 5.10s and can spank the occasional 5.11 in the gym) makes the very good point that getting in some consistency will be the first step to improving my abilities. I agree. But also I feel I will be able to make a marked improvement by dropping some weight. Not unhealthily so, to be sure, but weight I need to take-off anyway. And so my goal is to get to 190 lbs. That's 10 pounds off.

This is weight I need to lose anyway, one of the reason I joined Weight Watchers in the first place.

"190" has become my mantra for avoiding bad snacks and gym-skipping. In weak moments, I will Photoshop up inspirational images to remind me of my goal. "190" helps me focus at the gym, when I want to get off the elliptical trainer after 30 minutes when I should do 45 or an hour. It helps me eat carrots instead of a big nasty batch o' Ramen. It helps me remember to put my food points into Weight Watchers. It's the 190!

Eventually I would like to get below 180. And then we'll see. I think that might be pushing it just a bit, for the lifestyle I lead. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes me as long to get to 185 as it did to 190 (provided I can stay focused) and then as long as all of the time combined to get below 180. I shall, of course, endeavor to stay healthy. And have the occasional gooey cheeseburger, and the occasional World of Warcraft weekend binge. But I'd also like to ride the STP and RSVP this year, do a sprint triathlon this or next year, and look really really good in a pair of jeans. The latter for my GF. She likes to shop for me.

If I hit 190, and climb a 5.10b, I will turn this page blue in celebration. Maybe I shade it as I make progress? That would force me to be more regular with the blog, too! A double whammy. Stay tuned.