Happy New Year, 2010

Say goodbye to the Noughties.

Today is the day. The last day of 2009. Where almost everyone will be wishing others Happy New Year. It has been a great year I suppose. Though there were some things which I wanted but didn't get to do and also things which took a different twist of path. Still, on average, it was a good year although time did really pass fast.

I look forward to 2010. New challenges. And of course new experiences. Hoping to make the best of the time I have to reinvent myself. And most importantly, to make myself more interesting.

Happy New Year to everyone. Goodbye 2009, Hello there, 2010!.

Life as a climbing gym floor instructor

    It's been for some weeks now since I've began working as a climbing gym floor instructor. And I have to admit,it is pretty interesting so far and I kinda enjoy the role. The role of the floor instructor is to keep an eye on all the climbers in the gym ensuring that everyone is enjoying their climb in a safe and control environment. Sometimes, since you're a floor instructor, people might also seek for your advice on climbing stuff. That's a boost to the ego though I haven't reach that stage of being a real pro yet. A floor instructor also provides the induction training for new members of the gym ensuring that the new members understand the facilities well.

    No. It isn't an easy job where you get to sit and watch people. Most of the time, you will be need to be on your toes. Keeping a watchful eye on everyone, making sure that their harness is tied in correctly, the climbing rope is clipped right and also making sure the belayer is belaying safely. Sometimes you do have to remind patrons on the safety aspect of climbing especially those who are experienced climbers that do tend to forget and take things easy. That's not an easy thing to do, which is to approach someone who most probably climbs way better than you and reprimand them. But that's the job. Then, the most crucial thing is rescue techniques. You're expected to know what to do automatically when "shit hits the wall".

    Anyway, I take it as a way to improve my public speaking. Ensuring the participants understand what I am trying to convey. Hopefully, as I get to do more work shifts I get better at speaking and communicating with people. Also, you'll need to work with groups which are much more difficult and requires more PR skills since people tend to drift away especially in groups. There's also the benefit of getting some on the job training about climbing and safety techniques. Definitely something different from my desk job last time. Also needed the practise of projecting my voice in a clear and crisp way. Challenging.

    Sure, the job doesn't pay as well as my previous job. But at least I am out there interacting with people and mixing with people who share the same passion. I have to admit that my colleagues are really serious about their role and I think that is a very good example that I need to remember. Always be proud of what you're doing. That is of course, you're not being a slacker.

G'day mate.

* picture from Urban Climb, Brisbane

Think Positive, Feel Positive, Be Positive !

Sometimes I really let even myself down. A few days ago, I was working out in the climbing gym. Well, it was a crap workout. My arms were like jelly. Getting tired even after just a few minutes of traversing. Then I started working on my climbing moves on the bouldering wall. Endurance is certainly something which I am definitely lacking. Later, I went on to try a few routes on the wall with another guy who was hanging out in the gym. I didn't do that well simply because I was tired.

As usual, my team leader would always ask me... hey...how was the climb. As usual, I would complain about being out of shape. In other words, I was just lousy. So she told me, "No worries, it will all come back". And the smarty arse me replied "Not at this age". After a few minutes pause, I just realized that I was being soooo bloody negative about myself.

That's something you just cannot do to oneself especially if you're suppose to promote climbing and fitness. I really let myself down. Sometimes I just about the negatives too much. As such, when you talk to other people, you aren't really given them the best image of yourself. A champion will always thing about the positive to keep the motivation going. I am sure many of you who know someone who is successful will always look at things and even difficulties in a positive manner in order to overcome it.

Think positive, Feel Positive and Be Positive is my motto now. I want to be a champion. I want to be successful. And it all starts by being positive.

Cheers.

* image from their respective websites

Lululemon Athletica

I only got to know about this apparel brand when I was loitering at Queen Street Mall, Brisbane. They have a nice outlet at one of the corners there. It is mostly a yoga- inspired theme to their line of clothing. I guess what caught my attention was the design and the colours used were certainly different from your usual sporting stuff such as your NikeFits and Formotions. It does certainly look good with its different cutting style and it does have its fair share of sporting material fabrics. If you do want to look different or stand out in your gym, this is the brand to get. The downside.... prices seem to be on the higher end.

Well, I certainly would want to look good in a Lululemon Athletica.

PS. Yes, I do agree, the brand name does need a bit of getting use to especially for the guys

Mental Strength through rock climbing

Ever encounter a situation where your mind keeps telling you that you can't do it, but physically, you are fit enough to accomplish a task? Well, I do get that during climbing. Guess I would call it the climber's block. I normally face this on technical routes which requires more skills than strength. Overcome the mental block, and you'll be on your way up.

That's what I like about rock climbing. It allows you to build both your mental and physical fitness. Sometimes you just need to focus your thoughts on how to overcome the problematic route. Overcome your fear and build trust on your hands and legs. A good balance would normally give you that confidence to overcome almost any difficult route. Rock climbing allows you to use both your hands, legs and middle section muscles. In other words, it is a full workout.

Sure, there are times when I get a climber's block. Slowly and steadily, I'll overcome the  problem especially fear. On longer routes, you'll need mental strength to keep your composure and endurance, not wasting too much energy and keep psyching yourself to keep going. I also use the bouldering wall to visualize certain problems and working on those moves.

Like they say, healthy body healthy mind.

* picture from Urban Climb