Climbing has always been the biggest part of my life. And one of the most important things I've learned from climbing is that too much of anything isn't good. I have also learned that no matter how difficult/hard/crazy life gets, I will always love climbing. Whether I am taking time off, climbing for fun and socializing, or competing in World Cups, rock climbing will always be a part of my life.

About a year ago I took a trip to Montreal to work at a climbing gym, Allez up.  I was a route setter for the summer. While I was there, I pretty much only climbed in the gym and worked construction jobs. I went climbing outside 1 day the entire summer, and that 1 day I got injured.

I was shocked and sadden. I was already battling injuries and this really broke my heart.

So, I decided to take some time off of rock climbing. After taking almost a year off, during which I focused on other areas of my life (work and golf mostly, and really mostly golf), I have started training again. My injuries have gotten better, mostly. I am feeling recovered and refreshed, and I have a renewed motivation for rock climbing.

This last weekend I took a pretty fun trip to Shelf Road. The weather was beautiful; the people were great. I feel like I am discovering a new passion for climbing.

Plans for the rest of the year: The big trip this year is going to be Fontainebleau, France. So the rest of the spring and summer will be training for that trip. In the meantime, we will definitely be taking a lot of 2-4 day trips. Destinations on the list include: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO; Lander, WY; Huceo Tanks, TX; and Joes Yalley, UT.

Future plans and goals: Get back into competing. Do some of the World Cup circuit. And if I can swing it, South Africa.