Time Wave Zero

Two weeks ago I found myself back in El Potrero Chico, Mexico. It was my second trip there this year, and MAN OH MAN I think I fall more and more in love with the place every time i go. The area, the people, the culture, the town, the food...everything. This past trip was a little different than my previous two trips in that I really pushed my physical and mental strength to its limit. We got on climbs that were nearing my physical limit, and I attempted (and completed) something I NEVER in my life thought I would do (never did I actually think I'd be capable of doing this): Time Wave Zero. 

Leading up to the trip, I trained the best I could for it, worked on my strength, really focused on my endurance (I would climb 4 climbs at a time at the climbing gym), worked out, watched my nutrition, and just gave it my all. End results? 

• Sent (completed without resting or falling) many of the multi-pitch routes on our ticklist:
• All Fun and Games 5.10b
• Snott Girlz 5.10d
• Excalibur 5.10c
• Off the Couch 5.10d
• Satori 5.10c
• Completed Time Wave Zero:
• 13 hours of climbing in what was mostly 90-93 degree heat. 
• 23 pitches. 
• ~2300 feet (almost 2 empire state buildings in length). 
• 7 liters of water. 
• 1 route. 
• 5 hours of rappels to get back down to land (and more importantly - water!!!). 
• One hour on each end of that for the walk and approach. 
• 20 hours total.

For your viewing pleasure, we decided to document our journey. Enjoy!

Time Wave Zero: Jack & Sherie Lou 03/15/16
Exactly one week ago, Jack and I were just finishing up our awesome adventure summiting (and getting down) Timewave Zero. For your viewing pleasure, we decided to document our journey. 13 hours of climbing in what was mostly 90-93 degree heat throughout the day. 23 pitches. ~2300 feet (almost 2 empire state buildings in length). 7 liters of water. 1 route. Finally made it to the summit of #timewavezero!!!! 5 hours of rappels to get back down to land (and more importantly - water!!!). 18 hours total. Enjoy! #iSTILLcantbelievewedidthat #upfortheadventure #thatwasagreatidea #itstheonlykindihave #iSTILLcantfeelmytoes #committedtothesummit #ileftmyskininpotrero #girlswhoclimb #garukabaradventures #climbon #potrerochico #ETclimbs
Posted by SLou Boo on Tuesday, March 22, 2016

‪#‎iSTILLcantbelievewedidthat‬ ‪#‎upfortheadventure‬ ‪#‎thatwasagreatidea‬‪ #‎itstheonlykindihave‬ ‪#‎iSTILLcantfeelmytoes‬ ‪#‎committedtothesummit‬‪ #‎ileftmyskininpotrero‬ ‪#‎girlswhoclimb‬ ‪#‎garukabaradventures‬ ‪#‎climbon‬‪#‎potrerochico‬ ‪#‎ETclimbs‬

Sober + Morning + Rave = ...

...ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! Thank you DAYBREAKER for providing such an awesome morning on this hump day!

What is DAYBREAKER? Basically, a sober morning dance rave from 7-9am, intro'd by a yoga session at 6am. No need to primp up or get your heels on. No waiting in lines and shoving people at the bar for shots/beer/liquor of choice. No spilled alcohol all over your body (though you may experience spilled energy drinks pending on who you're standing next to). No illegal substances (that I know of)...These awesome parties have apparently been happening all around the globe, and the trend has just recently started in DC a few months ago.

I had my apprehensions. 1) I am SO FAR from a morning person, that I think productivity (or any activity) in the mornings should be banished from the earth, 2) a club/rave setting in the morning that's not an after hours club (at which I'm normally so intoxicated I don't know how well/if I'm dancing at all)?, and 3) we're doing all of this sober? Alright...I just hit my 30th birthday...let's try new things! #YOLO?

Highlights from today's DC DAYBREAKER party:

• It was 1.5 blocks away from where I live so I literally woke up when a friend called, brushed my teeth, and walked downstairs.
• Another friend was able to get me on guest list, so I did save $20 (but I honestly think I would pay to go again!). Thanks for the birthday gift, Will!
• The music was SO GOOD! I didn't think I'd enjoy jamming out sober, but being in an environment with good music and a decent amount of space to move your body and let the beat move you is such a release. Thanks Eau Claire for being an amazing "Vibe Conductor"!
• There were other "acts" that really added to the whole atmosphere. In addition to Eau Claire, there was a trombonist, trumpeter, drummer, and saxophonist complementing the music...and doing so right in the middle of the dance floor with everyone dancing around/with them.
• There was also a long string wand/magic wand artist that was amazingly mesmerizing! If I were any form of intoxicated, my mind might have exploded haha.
• Kind bars, energy drinks, chia drinks/snacks, and coffee (though I couldn't for my life find the coffee) included with admission.
• Grooving in my obnoxiously rainbow zebra print leggings and a tank top...while everyone else was in similar attire or merely workout attire...no one gave a crap =]

All in all, I'd definitely go again, and I look forward to the next one! Even though waking up was hard for me, it was a GREAT way to start the day (though I may say otherwise by the end of my day given that I worked 13 hours yesterday, and I work double jobs today...), and really did energize me in the morning. Happy hump day, everyone! Dance like nobody's watching ;)

#DAYBREAKER #morningrave #dancelikenobodyswatching #longhairdontcare #DCliving

Fun Shoulder/Abs Pyramid Workout + Leg/Shoulder Workout

Well I've been coming off a tricep/rotator cuff injury which has been completely frustrating. Today was the first day I felt super strong, and I just rode that wave of endorphins and adrenaline to keep me going. After 3 hours of climbing, I still had energy left in me to get a decent workout in =] 

Soooo I decided I should post some of my workouts that I like in this thing to a) have a go/to place to reference workouts when I'm too lazy to think of a new one and b) for other people to try them out =D Below are two workouts I did the past two days leaving my body feeling such a good state of sore:

Leg/Shoulders:

• 3 sets of calf raise progression (30 of each position, slow and controlled. Don't let heels hit the ground on the way down. Click here for foot position references)
• Feet together
• 1st position
• 2nd position
• 3rd position (left foot forward)
• 3rd position (right left forward)
• Feet inverted
• Right leg only
• Left leg only
• 200 squats
• 100 push-ups
• 30 pull-ups

Shoulder/Abs Pyramid

• 10 bosu ball push-ups
• 100 weighted russian twists
• 9 bosu ball push-ups
• 90 flutter kicks
• 8 bosu ball push-ups
• 80 heel touches
• 7 bosu ball push-ups
• 70 supermans
• 6 yoga ball pike push-ups
• 60 hand over head crunches
• 5 yoga ball pike push-ups
• 50s plank
• 4 yoga ball pike push-ups
• 40 hanging leg lifts
• 3 medicine ball push-ups
• 30 bosu ball lemon squeezers
• 2 medicine ball push-ups
• 20 inverted bench boxer sit-ups
• 1 medicine ball push-up
• 10 v-ups

Let me know what you think =D

Trad is rad?...!

Climbing has definitely been an attestation of "never say never." It was just a bit of time ago that I remember thinking/saying "I will NEVER do trad...eff that!"

For you non-climbers, trad climbing (traditional climbing) is a style of climbing outdoors whereby you place your own gear/protection inside natural cracks and crevices, clip your rope to your gear, and continue climbing. This differs from my predominant style of choice - sport climbing - in which someone has already placed "permanent" bolts and anchors into the rock so all I have to worry about is clipping into those bolts as I climb. Many of the places I sport climb at are well-maintained so I'm not so worried about the bolts failing on me when trying to execute a difficult move/sequence. In trad climbing, if I mess up how I place the piece and I fall, the situation could go really badly. This added aspect of personal liability and responsibility is what deterred me from the idea of trad climbing in the first place. Example:

Photo from climbingtechniques.org

In California, I was spoiled by the sport climbing day trips my friends and I would spontaneously decide on. Unfortunately (or maybe, fortunately?) for me, the local sport climbing scene in the DMV is abysmal/nonexistent. I have to travel hours away to get my sport climbing fix which is difficult given my juggling of two jobs. Enter: trad climbing.

This year, my friend, Collin, decided "Sherie Lou. You're ready to lead. You're a strong climber. Just go." Me: "Are you sure? I've never done this before, and I really don't want to kill us today." March 19, 2015 - My first time climbing at Seneca Rocks, my first trad lead (on multi-pitch for that matter!), and my first time signing a summit register. SAWEEEEET!

The experience was astounding. On the ground, I was quasi-confident, but extremely nervous - not so much in my ability to place gear or complete the climb (we were on pretty easy terrain), but more so on the pressure to not f*ck things up. I had two friends in tow, so if I did something stupid like botch the anchor, we would all go spiraling to the ground. That would suck. Alas, off I went starting off on a 5.7 called Ecstasy. It was still pretty early in the climbing season so I could see my breath in the early morning air, and I couldn't feel my fingers (a serious hindrance when trying to rock climb). I climb up to the section Collin pointed out without a hitch, feeling really good and confident about the climb and my very first trad lead EVER, set up my anchor (with maybe 1 extra piece because I wasn't sure and didn't want the whole system to crumble), and began top belaying Erica.

The day went on with Collin and I switching leads, and I just continued to grow more and more confident in the style. The second pitch I led was a stiff 5.6 (Banana)...no more than 30'...with so much loose rock I wanted to poop my pants. I was more nervous about this one given that there were less apparent placement sites for gear that I could see from the floor; it resembled face climbing more than crack climbing. I forged on anyway with the encouragement of my friends and about 3 pieces in I feel something hit my leg. Looking down I see that the 3rd piece I had placed had "walked out" of the crack and fallen on my leg. Me: "SHIT. Ok. Breathe. Don't fall. Breathe. Find a place to put a new piece of gear and keep going." Collin (who was belaying me): "You alright? You got it." After some fumbling and mild internal freakouts, I finally placed something and kept moving. That was 30' of some of the most mentally challenging climbing I've ever done in my life. As Collin and Erica approached the belay station, they also attested to the poop-inducing fear of it (even though they were top-roping). Collin also mentioned he was ready to run back in case I fell at that crux section of ALL LOOSE ROCK...and I'm like..."Huh, I could have gotten seriously injured there. Good thing I didn't fall."

Hangin' out (literally) above pitch 2. Erica's first multi-pitch ever!

My last pitch I led was my favorite by far. I had planned to do the easier route, but once I got to the "fork" where I could choose, I went for the more difficult rating simply because it looked AMAZING - Gunsight to South Peak Direct, 5.4. I mentioned in my EPC post the freedom and joy I feel from the exposure of hugging rock and being mostly surrounded by air. This was all it is!

I'm the blue dot almost to the top of the rock. Collin in red - the ever casual belayer.

Epics of this pitch:

1. Halfway up the climb I look down at my harness and it looks sparse. Given that Collin racked my harness for me, I called down to him: "Collin! How many draws do I have!?" Collin: "12!...11!...shit...I have 2 on my harness. You only had 9!" Which by that point I only had 4 left and I had about 40 feet left of climbing to go. "Shit...ok!..."
2. As I'm approaching the summit I call down again: "Collin! Where's the belay ledge?!" Collin: "Just keep going!"...a few feet later, I find myself completely run out from my last piece of protection and I'm approaching a section of rock with NO CRACKS (no bueno when trad climbing). Me: "Collin!...the belay ledge was down there!!!" Collin: "::no answer::" Me: "Shit...well...I guess I have to go up..." Luckily I found some bolted anchors for another climb that I was able to rig to bring Collin and Erica up. =]

SUMMIT!!!

Guidebook instructions: "Walk, crawl, or slither to the summit." Erica totally nailed it. 

And there you have it: the greatness of my first experience leading trad multi-pitch (posted super late...but better late than never?). I can see the draw of trad climbing and the freedom of it. I'm definitely excited to work on the technique and get more comfortable with all it entails =] Who'da thunk? I'm becoming a trad climber...

The Whole Life Challenge

1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Mobility
4. Supplementation
5. Hydration
6. Lifestyle Practice
7. Reflection

These are the 7 daily habits outlined by the Whole Life Challenge. Through my lifestyle change journey, I've become very attuned to exercising, mobility (e.g., stretching and veering away from a sedentary/couch potato lifestyle), supplementation (thanks, Herbalife!...and fish oil!...and glucosamine [silly joints that won't work correctly]), and hydration, but the other 3 could definitely use some help. I've gotten better at nutrition, and am definitely more aware of healthier nutrition choices, but I still falter over sweets, alcohol, and when I travel.

A couple of my friends are doing the Whole Life Challenge which basically makes a game out of eradicating bad habits from your life, adding/supplementing new habits, and pushes you to reflect and maintain awareness of your actions. As I constantly teeter totter back and forth between maintaining a healthy lifestyle and surviving bouts of extremely unhealthy timeframes (case in point: I lived up Vegas this past weekend for my best friend's bachelorette party! Though it was a fantastic time, my body is definitely not happy about it =P), my friends invited me to join in on their journey. I'm SUPER stoked about it, and like many other things in life, having friends to support you and keep you accountable is super clutch. Went to the gym today to work off some of the harm Vegas did to my body (hooray for HIIT workouts and rock climbing!). Also hit up the grocery store today and was so excited to stock up on fruits, veggies, and nuts (my replacement for granola bars and chips since I LOVE snacking on crunchy things...especially with the amount of traffic I sit in)...so excited that I actually forgot to buy lunches/dinners for the next few days...oops!

In any case, for those of you struggling with any of the above things, check out the Whole Life Challenge website and see if that's the key to keeping your journey going. =) #challengeaccepted

Crash diets...never work!

This year has been a particular struggle for me in terms of maintaining a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. This past weekend was a wedding weekend for me...the 1st of 7 weddings I've been invited to/have some sort of role in this year. Albeit EXTREMELY FUN, I spent Friday - Monday volleying between bouts of drunkenness amidst friends and partying and being hungover at work (SO NOT FUN). I didn't track, but I'm pretty positive my caloric consumption each day consisted primarily of alcohol. What the heck am I doing?!

The beginning of the year and as I prepped for my Mexico/El Potrero Chico trip, I trained so hard, ate so well, and was able to control my alcohol intake to keep my training schedule. After my trip I've gone through crazy bouts of excessive drinking/eating and "crash dieting"/excessive working out for a particular event I want to look good for. This is NOT the way! I still struggle with the question of what's better: a) maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle at all times or b) eating whatever and working everything off. I'm pretty sure option a is the way to go, so I'm trying to get back on track =] The past two days have been completely alcohol-free, I've eaten pretty healthy, I've been working out (maybe a little too much? I think I pulled my hamstring..oops!), and I feel great (other than said hamstring...and serious soreness...everywhere)! Here we go! Who's with me?

"Just because someone stumbles and loses their way doesn't mean they're lost forever" - Professor X

Find what moves you // Kazaxe

All it takes to jump on the band wagon of working out/staying fit is finding what type of movement is right for you. You can't be a marathon runner if you hate running...or a swimmer if you hate swimming. I've seen and gone through so many phases of forcing workouts that ultimately end in demotivation, demoralization, and reverting back to couch potato status. So: find what moves you =]

For me I've found climbing and dance to be my FAVORITE workouts EVAR...so much so that they don't ever seem like work. It's really just me having fun while reaping the workout benefits those activities provide me. #winning!

Last night I tried out a Kazaxe (pronounced: kah-zah-SHAY) class for the first time with some good girlfriends of mine I used to dance hip hop with. I was warned not to think of it as a dance class, but to just be open to the idea of having a really good time and getting a great workout in. My prior research of the movement led me to their description: "This ain't no sissy dancin'. Kazaxe by Azuka-Bom is a high-intensity dance-party workout that will have you twerkin' and workin' to international urban beats." My personal description: "Kazaxe is a seriously fun and addicting twerking workout class on CRACK that can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels." 

The venue for Kazaxe classes is in an unassuming industrial area of Springfield, VA. You walk into the room, and it's just a big open space with a raised stage for the instructor and whoever is brave enough to jump on stage with her (I'm definitely going to do this next time =)). Here's a progression of how the 1 hour class went:

• A few minutes before class started, the lights go down, and some party lights/disco balls shoot on. My though: YESSS! This is going to be a serious party =] 
• Beginning of class: "This is FUN! Man I miss moving/dancing..."
• 8 minutes into the hour class, I broke a sweat. 
• Half way through I definitely thought to myself "I used to be a dancer, and I'm currently a climber and runner. How/why the heck is this so difficult?! (meaning: I'm getting a SERIOUS workout in!)" 
• 45 minutes in I thought "I think I'm dying...is it over?!" 
• End of class: "Man...I'm dripping sweat, and I'm DEFINITELY going to be sore tomorrow. WOOO that was fun! I wonder when I can come back."

For those looking to try it, head's up: 

• These classes HELLA fill up! I got there 20 minutes early, and there were already people waiting on the dance floor holding their space for the class. 
• First class is free (YAY!).
• BRING WATER!
• Bring a towel to wipe yourself off after.
• ENJOY IT! Booty pop to your heart's desire. No one is watching. Just have a great time =]

For visual learners, a taste of what I'm talking about: 

Get your groove on ;)