Sunday, April 19, 2009

I lost the arms race!

After seeing Chris waltz up an E2 I thought it was time to up my own game. Consulting the guide book I found an E1 5b called Arms Race. It looked very doable with plenty of gear and an overhang which would have to be tackled direct, this would be the crux I told myself. Right from the start I realized I'd underestimated it. I hadn't even reached the over hang when, pumped and concerned about taking a fall on my gear, I told Chris to lower me down.

This was a big shot to my confidence but decided to give it another go. This time I made it to just below the over hang where a big jug meant I could shack out. I took a few moments to compose myself, looked at the overhang then...... bottled it completely and got lowered down for the second and last time.

Chris pulled the ropes through then led it with no real problems. The whole thing felt so much easier seconding it, just need to get my head in the right space!

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