I did not fail today...

Went wall climbing today. I am in the thick of training for a goal I have set for myself; by the end of November I want to have climbed a 5.11b. In order for that to happen I need to...

Improve my leg and footwork.

Improve my finger and hand strength.

Climb difficult routes.

Today I decided that I would not climb any route under a 5.10b.

My first route was a 5.11a. I made it 1/3 of the way up (15 feet on a 45-foot wall).

Next I tried a 5.10d. Made it 1/2 way up (22.5 feet on a 45-foot wall).

Finally I tried a 5.10b with an overhang. Made it to the top!

Generally, one of the main differences in these routes is the holds...the tougher the route the smaller the holds are for both your hands and feet. My big win of the day was on the 5.11a. There were small, circular handholds with a hole in them; almost like a doughnut. I was able to grip them confidently by putting my fingers inside the holes. And...there was a very small handhold that was about the size of an AirPods case with a pointed left side. I was able to grip that one, with my right hand and steady myself as I used my feet and legs to stand up on the holds below me.

I learned a lot about myself today...

I do not have to climb to the top of a route in order to feel a sense of accomplishment.

I am capable of climbing at least 3 difficult routes in one climbing session.

My goal is more than attainable if I keep having days like today.