For the Love of Planet Rock, Madison Heights
My love for Planet Rock started only a year ago. I had just gone through a bad breakup that shook me to the core and I decided to make a “F*** It List,” a bucket list of new things I wanted to try within the next year. On top of that list was indoor rock climbing.
On Dec. 30, 2017, I went with a friend to Planet Rock for the first time. We got the starter pack class, which includes all gear and a belay lesson. When the class ended, we walked over to one of the walls, completely overwhelmed and, quite frankly, terrified at the 50-foot wall staring back at us.
With a fear of heights, climbing up the wall, rock by rock of the 5.7 route, the fear became almost debilitating, but I carried on. I’ve never had any sort of physical hobbies so I was completely out of my element. By surprise, I reached the top (not on the first try, of course), and the euphoria from that moment was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I had pushed myself to do something outside of my comfort zone; I had pushed through the fear, and I made it.”
And that is one of my favorite things about Planet Rock and climbing in general — the amount of support, mentorship and guidance from others within this community is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere.
When I returned to the ground, both my friend and our new-found friend were there to share the excitement. And that is one of my favourite things about Planet Rock and climbing in general – the amount of support, mentorship and guidance from others within this community is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. Just this week, a staff member selflessly spent over 30 minutes with me sharing different techniques for crack climbing.
A year later, and it’s safe to say I’m addicted. I spent four days this week at the gym, some of which were almost solely for the social aspect alone. This morning, I booked a flight to Monterrey for my first trip to El Potrero Chico. I no longer spend Fridays and Saturdays at the bar. I spend them training with my friends at Planet Rock.”
Thank you Planet Rock for changing my life; for giving me the opportunity to train and better prepare for my outdoor trips; for providing such a warm, welcoming community within the Detroit Metro area.
Thank you Planet Rock for changing my life; for giving me the opportunity to train and better prepare for my outdoor trips; for providing such a warm, welcoming community within the Detroit Metro area; for teaching me to love myself first; for constantly challenging me to push past my fear.
I am not the person I was a year ago. I am healthier, happier and stronger, and I have you [Planet Rock] to thank for that. You’ve truly “rocked” my world. – Sarah Girard
Tell us what’s to love about your climbing gym! Send your letter to Bonnie@gripped.com.
See original post here, a love letter to Project Cloverdale here and to The V’sion here.
