Exhausted.

Feeling mentally and physically exhausted today. Pulling over backwards on the rope (starting point for the tricks I've learned) feels like it's getting harder. I'm staying constantly sore and tiring myself out. Climbing the rope is definitely getting easier though--it's great to feel that progress. Taking class again tomorrow.

Being a beginner has been inspirational. I love it. I feel like we are constantly learning as children, and less so as adults. How often do you pick up something that you know absolutely nothing about, commit, follow through, and put in a fair amount of time? It's quite humbling and oh so worth it.

A couple pics from the last few days:


Woops I'm not fully doing the trick. I'm staring over at my sister with a big smile on my face. You can't see it, but we were spinning around (naturally) in circles and it's so much fun to look over and see her!




Awesome space, huh?


Having a laugh while hanging upside down.


Ta da!


And a video (learning to do a drop!). Unfortunately we couldn't rotate it right side up, but whatever. You get the point. It's obviously a bit of a struggle for me as you can see. Yay being a beginner! It can only get easier, right?




Note to Self: Record video of tricks at the beginning of class not the end. I was feeling worn out, I could barely get myself upside down and prepared on the rope so I could start this trick! I need to build more strength. I am healthy and the strongest I've ever been, but I have to build a new kind of strength and flexibility.

First Things First.

Last time I climbed any kind of rope was in Junior High. And I'm pretty sure it was actually a pole, not a rope. So that meant no swinging around, no wobbly-ness, and no instability.

You wouldn't know it, but one go on the rope will leave you tired. Try 2 times without stepping foot on the ground and you'll be pooped. Now when I show up to class I'm excited, but semi-dreading climbing the rope fully a few times.

After learning a few things I realize that I'm quickly getting attached to the rope. Somehow it feels better than the tissue. Yes tissue is silky, soft, stretchy, and much more comfortable. But the sturdy, solid feeling of a rope is undeniably good. With rope comes more pain indeed.

I am sore in the strangest spots on my shoulders and arms. My upper abs are sore too. And you do a death grip with your hands and the backs of your leg/knee when you hang. Weird how you never have to grip with that part of your leg and it feels so sensitive. Bruising. Worth it though.

But here is what I learned:











Weeeeee!

And So it Begins.

Does anyone ever really go "Hm I'd like to venture into the world of circus arts." Seriously? I mean, I didn't grow up thinking it was a possibility. We did dance and gymnastics, not aerial arts. Then a while ago I saw a circus performance with little kids and I was blown away. I immediately fell in love with tissue and knew I had to learn.

Tissue:


Rope:


I started daydreaming about learning. I started telling people. It became my goal. I just didn't know how, or where, or who the hell would teach me. Then Kinetic Arts (circus & fitness center) opened up in Oakland and TA DA! Place to learn. Accessible, good people, and high rope and tissue (some places only have 15 feet).

So now I'm 3 classes in. This blog is to show progress. Pictures, mishaps, tell the world how sore I am, show videos, etc.