Yesterday morning, I met a goal that I didn’t think was possible. When this climbing trip idea came about, I was, well, how do I say it, very out of shape. I was heavier than I ever have been, extremely out of shape, and somewhat unmotivated to get up off the couch.

The first climbing trip that Maddie and I took almost killed me. It wasn’t a fall that almost got me, it was the approach. I used to take people climbing, and I never understood why I was waiting so much. The terrain was easy, and I was carrying most of the weight. Why are those people so slow.

I had become “those people.” Once we made it to the rock, I held my own. Contrary to popular belief, you can climb much harder with proper technique than loads of strength. The entire time we climbed, my brain was struggling to process the position that I was in.

I had committed to a monthlong trip that would entail hours and hours of hiking with a heavy backpack on top of all of the other physical activities that were planned. I was not only going to disappoint myself, I was going to ruin Maddie’s senior trip.

With the objectives on her wish list, I knew that I needed to lose weight and and build muscle. I wasn’t sure how that was going to work with my 51 year old out of shape body. I went straight to my tried and true method of running, but my knees said, “Nope!” I was even more discouraged.

I conceded and took the much slower route of walking on the treadmill. Sometimes it was just me, and others times, I would have 50+ pounds in a backpack. I didn’t walk everyday, but I have been shooting for 3 to 4 times a week. Before long, I was able to increase the grade. Sometimes it was a 4% grade, and sometimes it was up to a 12% grade. I watched mountaineering and climbing videos on YouTube to pass the hours.

I am still far from where I want to be on the strength side of the coin, but when I stepped on the scale yesterday morning, I had dropped 30 pounds. That’s hard for me to believe. I have 2 more months to train. I’d like to drop a few more pounds, but my focus will shift to strength and endurance training.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Many of us are afraid to seriously consider a goal. Lots of work and plenty of time will go into to working for our goals, and then, there is always the fear of failing to meet our desired goal.

I encourage you to make realistic goals, plan diligently, and see them to fruition. There is no doubt where I’d be without the plans that we have made. Still sitting on the couch!

Oh, and most importantly, give God the glory for your good results! He is worthy!

Because He Calls, Old Climbing Dad