Bruised Ego & Bruised Ribs?

Today, I had my “dress rehearsal” for the upcoming Easter Seals’ Drop Zone event that will take place on September 13^th (yes, I’m fully aware that it’s on the 13^th). This session was intended to give the participants a chance to play around with the equipment that will be used on the day of the event. Of course, I was pumped about this because I wanted to make sure that everything goes as planned on the “drop” day. I got to the gym early and anxiously waited for my turn to learn and intently listened to the instructions. Piece of cake I said to myself… after all, I’ve been indoor rock climbing for few years now and that I know everything there’s to know about repelling.

So there I was on the ledge with my gloves and helmet on and ready for repelling. All was going perfectly. I spoke the lingo and managed to release the carabiner with one hand (I looked cool). Safety checks took place and I was hooked to my rope and ready for decent. I walked backwards like a duck (or drunken sailor as my instructor called it) and placed my weight on my harness. I then took a moment to pose for the camera. “Great picture” and “looking good” were the comments from my fellow thrill-seekers.

I straightened my legs at the edge and took the first step. I was certainly looking good until my right foot slipped, courtesy of my ill-fitted running shoe (well, I have to blame something). I dropped about 3 feet, swung to the right and bounced off the wall with my lowest right rib.

My ego was hurt so I yelled “I’m OK, I’m OK” and began to repel ever so gently until I reached the ground. Given my dismal performance the first time, I couldn’t wait to go for it again. So I did and I nailed it (or so I would like to tell people).

I guess that’s why they call it a “dress rehearsal”! This way I can screw-up couple of times and learn from my mistakes so on the event day I can have a flawless performance. I can’t wait for September 13^th to showcase my learning. I’ll make my instructor proud!

For now, I’m going to hold my head high while gently pressing an ice-bag on my ribs J

Thanks for reading,

Armin

Ps. the event will take place on September 13 at 999 West Hastings in Vancouver. Please stop by and cheer on the “daredevils”.

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