[matt68]

matt68 on May 21, 2019 at 8:18 am · in reply to: Where do I start? #22306

Hi All,

Thank you for all of your advice and support. I have purchased the recommended books and begun training. I’ve also looked into the EMS Accelerated Mountaineering 3-day course in December. I will be registering in August and then looking to a Mt. Baker training climb with Alpine Ascents or similar school for late Spring / Early summer 2020. Ultimately my goal is Rainier and then Denali. Thanks.

[matt68]

matt68 on May 1, 2019 at 2:54 pm · in reply to: Where do I start? #21291

Hi Arthur,

I looked to see where I could PM you and I don’t believe I can.Never the less, I would like the contact information if possible.
Thanks,
Matt

[matt68]

matt68 on April 21, 2019 at 1:16 pm · in reply to: Where do I start? #20806

Hi Arthur,
Thanks for the information and yes, I would like the contact information if possible.
Matt

[matt68]

matt68 on April 8, 2019 at 4:09 pm · in reply to: Where do I start? #20195

Hi All,

First, I am overwhelmed by the replies and support given by this forum. I honestly did not know what to expect and was apprehensive laying it out there for judgement. While I have competed in Ironman and Marathons I would say my overall fitness is not great and that is my biggest concern. I know I have the mindset to take the journey and with age have gotten a lot wiser and understand my limitations. With regards to (halfjell) “Rock gyms aren’t a substitute for alpine terrain but you will learn how to belay, how to tie-in, the figure-8 knot, the benefits and weaknesses of belay plates vs. grigris, etc. You’ll also become accustomed to being lowered and to hanging off the ground (skills best learned indoors, imo).” I forgot to mention that I started off my career out of college as an Assistant Manager for an EMS, I won’t say where or when, but it was a LONG time ago, and took up climbing. So I understand the basics of what you mentioned and had occasionally lead on a route that was fairly easy 5.6/7 back then. However, I have not climbed in a very long time and going the local Gym is a great suggestion. Not sure why I ddi not think about that. I’ve belayed a friend as he iced climbed but never placed a screw or swung an ice tool. I think I will take the following steps based on the advice this far:

Buy the books
Join my local climbing gym (although I am introverted so this is always a challenge for me)
Build up endurance base / increase fitness
After base period (~ 12-16 weeks) sign up for 24 Week Expeditionary Plan (I don’t think I have the base in me to do this right from the start)
Research local club
Plan for a 2020 guided course (White Mountains, CO, Cascades)

“I think whatever route you take, the most important factor is your own determination to keep learning and to keep acquiring experience. It’s also going to take a balance of willingness to just go out and get experience on climbs tempered by a cautious self-awareness of what you should be attempting for your given experience level.” /////// I agree completely and will remember this.

Thanks!

[matt68]

matt68 on April 8, 2019 at 12:42 pm · in reply to: Where do I start? #20182

Scott,

Thank you for starting off the conversation and I appreciate the guidance. I will certainly look at the materials you suggested as the starting point. I live in Eastern PA so access is limited finding “like-minded” individuals.I will sort that out but if anyone had any recommendations I would certainly appreciate the input. You mentioned clubs potentially being fraught with issues so I am interested why and what I should look out for? Thanks again.

Matt