Finally entered a competition again after nearly 25 (!!) years. Also finally decided to wear a crop top and cutoff shorts for the first time ever. Turns out a few years of trying to be as kind to myself as possible led me to some places I never ever thought I'd be. I swore off competitions after placing second at a Saturday fun comp and a hero/mentor of mine told me I shouldn't enter unless I could win because it reflected poorly on my career. I had a good six year run of podium'ing at Nationals and World Cups and I would sully my record, I should end on top, literally and figuratively. This past weekend I climbed at the Woman Up Festival with two lovely friends and their incredible daughters at the best Saturday fun comp I can imagine. The energy in the gym was unbelievable and palpably supportive. I didn't win, I didn't even place in the top ten in my age category, but I'm pretty sure if anything it only added to my love of climbing and career. What a gift a change in perspective can be. Thanks @touchstoneclimbing for putting on such a spectacular event and gathering a top notch group of people together. It was a treat to climb with everyone and even more of a treat to get to watch the next generation in the finals. I can’t imagine a brighter future for our community and sport with women like that leading the way. // @outdoorresearch @yeti @metoliusclimbing @touchstoneclimbing @ospreypacks @goclimbon @bluewaterropes @lasportivana