Fight Night

 The last hour of a work day is always the longest one. For many a 9 to 5er, 4 to 5 pm is that dreaded interminable period. The clock moves slower with each glance it's given. The second hand moves at a similar pace to that of the hour hand. Your mind works hard to distract itself... 

It's odd how time seems to slow down only when you don't want it too. But, eventually patience is rewarded. For the younger climber, it's the ring of the school bell. For those in the office, it's the clock striking 5. From that moment on, you transform. Like Clark Kent turning to Superman, but you cover your butt with a harness rather than a pair of red underwear. 

Sharp rays of evening sun are already upon you. Rock-tober brings prime sending temps, but it's plagued with less daylight. Sadly, that traffic light doesn't care about your desperate plight. You finally pull up to the crag, your partner behind you. A quick "Hey, how was your day?" and you're off up the approach at mach speed. No time to waste. Conversation turns from the previous hour's events to climbing...

"I hope I can stick that move today."

"You'll do great bro, just remember to turn your hips in."

By the time you reach the cliff your knuckles are already bleeding. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to do your warmup arm circles on a trail closely lined with trees. Packs are thrown down, harnesses put on, and gear racked. ".5 for the bottom, 4 draws for the bolts, then a #7 nut..." Time to get the sluggishness of work worn off! The warmup is more dialed than a phone number, and goes quickly. Each move is like an old friend, and as the lethargy of the day is left behind, you can't help but smile when you greet them.

Now that your muscles are loose, the tension moves to your nerves. It's nearly 6... there's time for both of you to have 1 or 2 burns on your projects before darkness settles in. Another lap on the warmup would be nice... It's comfortable, you know what to expect. But no one ever pushed themselves by being comfortable. They likely had a psyched partner like yours too.

"Don't worry, man! Relax those shoulders, breath." 

"Come on! You got this!"

It may be that special day when things fall into place and you clip the chains without having an unloosable figure-8 cemented by a fall. Or, it may be another day of "the process" that everyone's always talking about. Why does everyone say you should enjoy it? It kind of sucks...

Each of you give a few efforts, working moves, and learning the details of your chosen challenge. As your partner lowers off the final lap of the day, the sun hides behind the surrounding horizon. Gear that was racked with care and ropes that were coiled perfectly the night before (to increase efficiency, of course), are haphazardly thrown into packs. Headlamps replace helmets. The hike back down the trail is filled with rolled ankles and reminiscing the highlights of the day. Then comes the million dollar question... "I wonder what's for dinner?" 

Lights bob through the dark into the parking lot. Cars are unlocked and packs are thrown into open trunks. Before pulling out, a final exchange is given...

"Same time next week?"

"Heck yeah!"