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Steep Climbing and Books

• March 2011
• Hi Steph Simple Living Climb Travel

Hi Steph ~
As you know per tweets from @libraryscene, I loved your book! It has inspired me to revisit an old dream and, perhaps make a few new ones. I’m a complete climbing novice flatlander, but we do have a decent climbing facility.
I’m pretty strong upper body, but I was humbled by the inverted bouldering walls. I know you lift and do yoga, ergo, your favorites to keep up strength and minimize injury?

My other question, your all time favorite climbing book? That said, I hope I read correctly and that we will see another book?!
You’ve a wonderful writing voice filled with wisdom, honesty and the ability to weave a tale.

Shanti & Blessings
~ Angela

Hi Steph,
I have been following your blog & website, ever since I picked up your book High Infatuation last year. I admire your blog and your zest for life! You rock! It seems like you have mentioned it before, but I thought I would just ask if you are writing another book? And if so when can it be expected? Thanks for living your life with inspiration and passion.
Have a nice weekend,
Juliette
http://trekkinthroughlife.blogspot.com/

Dear Angela and Juliette,
Yes, I am writing book #2 🙂 It’s called “Learning to Fly” and will be published by Touchstone, the same publisher of Lance Armstrong’s books. My manuscript is due next January, so I think it will be out next spring!

It’s hard to pick an all time favorite climbing book, but I love a book called “No Picnic on Mount Kenya” by Felice Benuzzi.

And with regards to upper body strength for steep climbing….as you know, women do not naturally build upper body muscle like men. So any upper body increases you can make will immediately and dramatically improve your steep climbing. Abdominal strength will also help you to use your legs more on steep terrain. So if you are doing weights and yoga, focus on things that will target shoulders/lats and abs. Lat pulldowns and military presses (which are nice because they are opposing muscle groups), and rows would be good, and crunches and leg lifts if you are in the gym. If you have the time and energy, chest presses are a good opposing thing to do too. Downward dog and plank, as well as the tree pose, are good asanas for this too. And the more stomach exercises you can do, the better!!
🙂 Steph