The Hardships of a Graduate Student

Dear Interneters,

I have clearly abandoned my post on the blog for an extended period of time. I have missed the blogging world: the thrills, the chills, the water-on-my-keyboard spills. All of it.

But,

I have returned. I have been busy with my graduate program, my job at the wonderful gym that is Earth Treks, and my second job at the American University Counseling Center (got that sexy secretary vibe going for me... or so my girlfriend says).

BACK TO CLIMBING,
When I do have time to climb, I've been regularly hitting up some sick bouldering climbs. The Earth Treks Setter Showdown (post in the works) was a rockin good time filled with unique and creative climbs that provided me with a ton of amusement... and pain! The climbs are awesome, and putting my Muiras (that's right they are still working after 3 years!), and Futuras (Mmmm *drool) to good use.

I have been training at home with my Blank Slate trainer (review in the works), and my lulu lemon yoga mat.

Anyway,
that's where I've been,
I hope to post more soon!

Thanks,
Kevin

LET'S TALK ABOUT: TheSendSpot.com

OK Homies,

In case you're into crushing some sick routes at your nearest rock gym, then I think I should let you know about nifty little guy called: thesendspot.com.

Has your gym started taping their starts with QR codes? Don't worry, the robots aren't taking over. It's the send spot! The send spot allows you to upload your climbs from a registered gym by either scanning the QR code with a compatible device (your phone!) or by finding the route on the site itself.

"So what now I can use this sorta facebook like blah blah to keep track of my climbs? So what? Who cares?" Well, guy who I'm sure would say this with a Brooklyn accent, the site keeps track of the average number of moves you make per month allowing you to monitor your training a little more closely. It keeps track of the number of climbs you've completed over time, which reveals training gaps. AND FOR FUN, it has a rating system (explained on the site), which allows you to compare yourself to other climbers on the website.

"So how many of dem gyms are even on this site anyway?" Man, you are a curious New Yorker aren't you? There are several gyms, and the number keeps growing! If your local gyms isn't on it, then ask the manager to look into it! I even got the small rock gym at my undergraduate: St. Mary's College of Maryland registered with practically no trouble at all! So, to all the gyms out there, this is an opportunity to connect with a network of climbers. Furthermore, thesendspot provides climbers with the ability to rate the climbs at your gym and express their opinion regarding the difficulty of the climb.

So what are you waiting for!! GET SENDING! [thesendspot.com]
and find me: username: jamesbondthemesong42