Blog

Toe Bumps

• September 2011
• Hi Steph Climb

Hi Steph,
I was sitting with my mom the other day when she noticed my toes. A non-climber, she was horrified at the large protrusions that I have come to be rather proud of. She swears I won’t be able to walk after I’m fifty, though I’m not too worried. I’m more focused on the climbing. I started climbing at thirteen but took a horrifically long five year break, for reasons still unknown. Recently, I struck up a friendship with a kid who I used to climb with. He just finished working Cold War, a 5.14a up in Rumney, New Hampshire. I want to kick myself every day for not sticking with climbing – I can’t even imagine what I would be capable of now had I stayed with it. I’ve been climbing again for a little over a year, including a five week stint working at a climbing camp in Rumney – an incredible experience. Watching kids whose heads don’t even clear my ribs flashing elevens? It makes my heart sing. Scrolling through your desert climbing pictures makes me want to do nothing more than head west right now. As I’m sure you know, you are a true inspiration. Somedays when I get frustrated with myself and my ability, I have to remember that I do this because I love it. I’m not charging thirteens, but perhaps someday I will. In all of your pictures it’s clear that you’re climbing for the right reasons, and that, I think, is the most inspirational message of all. Thank you. I leave for my freshman year of college at the University of Vermont in approximately eight days (four hours, twenty three minutes…). I am psyched to explore new climbing spots and meet some great people. Perhaps I’ll even be able to assuage my mother’s fear of toe bumps (do you know anything about the long term effects of wearing climbing shoes by chance?) though probably not. I was also wondering if you know where I could buy one of your posters. I’m hoping my dorm room will be a little less boy band-y and more climber awesome-y than my peers’. I wish you well on all of your adventures, and can’t wait to read more about them. Thanks again for all you share and do.

All the best,
Alana
Ps. I included a picture of my climbing bendoes getting the first ascent on Desk Lamp. SEND!

Dear Alana,
Thanks for writing to me, and nice job on the lamp.
Will you send me your address so I could mail you a poster?
Your mom is right, climbers have messed up feet! Here is the good news: the worse they look, the less your climbing shoes hurt. And, just because you’re a climber doesn’t mean you can’t keep your feet generally hygienic if you want to (this is not a priority for many 😉
Here is the bad news: the longer you wear climbing shoes and hike with a pack, the more bumps and calluses you will get and the more unattractive your feet will look (though I have not yet met any climbers over fifty who can’t walk–they are all skiing, running and sending). I’m not really sure what we should tell your mom. Maybe the part about climbers in their sixties who are super athletes.
🙂 Steph