A lot has happened over the last few years that pulled me away from climbing: injury, thru-hiking, becoming a new mom. And while I am grateful for every chapter, my heart has missed how I feel when I climb. I like “climber” me. She feels strong, connected, and… alive. So earlier this year, I set a goal: lead an 11a clean by the end of the season. That grade was never exactly easy for me, but it used to be something I felt confident I could figure out. When I set that goal back in March, it felt big and kind of scary. Especially with where I was starting from. And while I haven’t checked it off yet, this was my first time leading an 11a in years—and for the first time, this goal actually felt doable. Climbing at my limit is scary… Taking lead falls is scary… Starting over is humbling. But it felt so good to clip the chains and remember: I can do hard things. #climbing #outdoormama #climblikeagirl #outdoorsomen #strongasamother