"Alex Honnold’s mother breaks El Capitan record of her own — on her 70th birthday" (London Times).
“Climbing El Cap at 70 takes its toll, physically, mentally, emotionally,” [Dierdre Wolownick] wrote on her blog. “I’m not ‘down’ yet. Not sure I ever will be, completely.”
The ordeal began with a difficult two-hour hike through the woods, which saw her “grabbing small trees and edges of boulders” to heave herself up. She then navigated a boulder-filled river bed before climbing ropes fastened to the wall, where “only your core strength keeps you vertical as you ascend.”
The final third of the trek stretched “for what seems like miles” Wolownick wrote. “Just walk steeply uphill, endlessly, grabbing whatever tiny edges you can find.”...
ADDED: 70 is precisely my age, and I take pride in my physical accomplishments — doing the "sunrise run" (1.6 miles) and a few other things (intermediate-level mountain biking, beginner-level cross-country skiing, hikes in the 4-5 mile range, Pilates) — but I enjoy having superior examples to look up to. Really enjoyed reading about Dierdre Wolownick.
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16 comments:
Entire civilizations have been built on the backs of amazingly hard working old women.
Huge respect for her! I'm not afraid of heights but holy cow! Impressive as hell...
As the Confucian Analects says: “When you’re 70, go where your heart desires”. (七十而从心所欲).
Good on her! What an achievement
"and I [AA] take pride in my physical accomplishments — doing the "sunrise run" (1.6 miles) and a few other things (intermediate-level mountain biking, beginner-level cross-country skiing, hikes in the 4-5 mile range, Pilates)"
Take that, peons. If not used, White Privilege is wasted.
You and this woman are lucky to have aged well, and be able to physically run 1.6 miles or rock climb. Some people lose their muscle tone as they age and can barely walk. Or they develope breathing problems (even those who never smoked).
For those who can do it, I say go out and use it while you can. Its not going to last forever.
Wow! That is a remarkable accomplishment at any age!
I'm sure a lot of AttaGirl comments will follow, but I think such behavior is clear evidence of some sort of mental illness. I'm sure the "You go grrl!" will win today.
I recently saw a seventy year old movie without taking single bathroom break. The El Capitan of breakless movies is Titanic. It's not just the length of the movie. It's all that rushing water. I suppose all that sweat and exertion obviated the need for her to take a bathroom break.
Wow good on her. I am 67 and try to stay active but she is truly amazing. I walk dog for an hour every morning and do some calisthenics. I recently started yoga for range of motion and balance. It helps, but it is kind of humbling to see the ladies killing it while I struggle.
'...but I think such behavior is clear evidence of some sort of mental illness.'
How? It's not like she was just walking by and said, 'Hey, I think I'll climb that.'
She clearly has the skill and background to do it.
That is not 'mental illness.'
That is skill and determination.
That will always get a 'You go girl' from me...
Seventy can be pretty healthy, athletically. That is to say, aerobically slower than you once were but just as good in strength and stamina.
Amazing. Both of them. RESPECT...
You think Alex pushes her to do this stuff or is Alex such a pull she's inspired? Probably a bit of both?
I learned to row a single scull at 74. Great challenging sport. Althouse, in the spring check out the. Learn to row at the Lake Mendoza Rowing Club. You and Meade would enjoy this sport and you have a great place to row.
I got to shake Alex's hand once. Really. He's a nice guy. I was caught off guard seeing him in front of Bar Taco in Boulder so I had nothing prepared to say to him other than "Hi I'm a big fan! "
Love her smile.
Fine, just as long as she doesn't try to do it without the ropes ...
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