Today I free solo’d my first 5.15d X. Still shaking.
I don’t usually post stuff like this, but today changed me.
For the last few months I’ve been in a really dark place. Like, literally. I decided to challenge myself to the ultimate test: No rope, no belayer, no crash pad, no magjuice. Absolutely 0 aid.
The climb itself was brutal. Overly chalked monos, and a few jugs that were maybe big enough to fit finely sliced bell pepper.
The crux was about halfway up, where I had to commit to a blind reach while remembering every person who ever told me indoor climbing “doesn’t count.” I almost broke.
When I finally topped out, I cried. Not because I conquered the pit, but because I realized the real pit was inside me all along. Also my forearms were absolutely flash-pumped and I think I chipped a tooth on a foothold.
Stay strong, crushers.
Gear used:
La Sportiva Solutions