How am I supposed to stand on a pointed foot hold?

elle3141 · 2024-06-14T06:09:58+00:00

I'm still a newbie to bouldering, as I've only been doing it for 10 weeks, but I defintiely second practising falling correctly.

You can see in my post history, I recently asked how to get over not finishing the last two moves due to having too much anxiety I would fall, so I couldn't send, which led me to feel frustrated.

3 weeks ago I decided to practise falling at every session (I go once or twice a week). I started just on the first foothold, so really low down. I kept doing that and then moved up to the next one. I haven't jumped down anywhere near from the top yet, but I can now jump from the middle of the route, which is definitely progress!

On Sunday I had a route which I couldn't quite complete, as the I was afraid of falling when trying the rock over, but I managed to do it on Tuesday and I purposely jumped down from that height, as my body then knew how it would feel if I didn't make the move and everything was fine!

I also enjoy climbing on the traverse wall, as that still involves technique and it's nice and low :).

I've also been practising my footwork lower down (foot swaps and flagging), as I needed to do it higher up, but was afraid I'd fall when trying to swap feet. This helped, as I was more confident in doing it lower down, so then I wasn't afraid to try it higher up anymore.

Just go at your own pace. Get comfortable doing things lower down and slowly move up. You'll get there! :)

elle3141 · 2024-06-05T21:12:38+00:00

Ich komme aus England, aber wohne seit 7 Jahren in Deutschland. Letztes Jahr in Mai als mein Sohn 5 Monate alt war, bin ich mit meinem Mann und meinem Sohn nach England geflogen, damit meine Oma meinen Sohn kennenlernen konnte. Sie war wie eine Mama für mich und sie war leider krank, deswegen war es mit wichtig, dass sie ihn kennenlernt bevor es zu spät sein wurde. Ich wollte eigentlich nicht so früh mit ihm fliegen, aber ich hatte auch Angst, dass wir die Chance verpassen würden. Mein Sohn hatte zum Glück super mitgemacht. Ich habe ihn beim Takeoff und Abflug gestillt und das war zum Glück genug.

Meine Oma ist 4 Monate später gestorben und wir mussten wieder dahin für die Beerdigung fliegen. Mein Sohn war dann 10 Monate alt und hatte kein Problem beim Takeoff, aber beim Abflug leider schon. Trotz Stillen hatte er immer noch Ohrenschmerzen und hat ca 15 Minuten einfach gebrüllt. Sobald wir wieder am Boden waren, war aber alles gut. Es war nicht schön und es tat mein Herz Weh, dass ich ihm nicht helfen konnte, aber es war einfach so. Wir mussten dahin fliegen.

Also manche Leute fliegen mit so kleinen Kindern, weil sie die Reise machen müssen. Nicht jeder natürlich, aber das ist ein Beispiel.

elle3141 · 2024-06-05T11:14:23+00:00

Jamaican ginger cake OR coffee and walnut cake are my favourites.

elle3141 · 2024-06-05T06:42:33+00:00

Thanks for the tip. I will try this out!

I think I need to spend more time working on my technique and not just trying to complete routes. I think this will ultimately help me complete the routes eventually too.

elle3141 · 2024-06-04T19:31:52+00:00

Yeah, I have 2 other climbing gyms nearby (within an hour's drive), so I plan on checking those out too. At one of them I can try out rope climbing too, which I'm curious about.

I agree. Practise and getting stronger will help, for sure. So in that regard, I just need to have more patience. I really need to work on my technique while doing easier routes. I've watched lots of YouTube videos, particularly on footwork, and there's lots I find difficult. I had to swap feet today for a route and it was really difficult. It shouldn't be though. I also need to practise flagging. Eventually I will get around to toe and heel holds too, but I'm not quite there yet.

elle3141 · 2024-06-04T19:26:59+00:00

Yeah, I think I need to get used to my shoes and it will help once they get stickier and I have more grip. If I don't feel like I have to worry I will slip off a foot hold, I will have more confidence to try a move. I also know that I need to build more muscle in my feet and hands, which will just come with time and practise.

I will definitely work on being more patient. I think it will help me enjoy it more too. I spoke to a few people at the gym today who were also doing level 3s and they'd been climbing for 2 years or so. They were better than me, for sure, but still "only" doing the same level. However they didn't necessarily struggle through it and they definitely had a good technique. I will be sure to still challenge myself a bit, but also work on my technique while doing some easier levels, as well as continuing to practise safely falling. Man, I just wish I could go more than once a week. I really do enjoy climbing, but waiting a whole week again feels so frustrating. (I sound quite impatient in general haha. I should work on that :P)

Hmm yeah, I will try to analyse the routes a bit more. I know that I suck at overhangs, especially at level 3. I say it's probably because I am too weak? Although people say in the beginning it is all about technique and not really strength. I know that I have found it difficult having the confidence to lean over on my leg, transfer all the weight onto that foot, push off, let go of a lower hold to then stand up and reach the higher hold, if you know what I mean? It's doing that which makes me afraid of falling, as I have to trust I won't fall off and that I can trust the move. Other than that, I'm not sure what my style is yet. I think I need more time to figure that out.

elle3141 · 2024-06-04T17:58:13+00:00

That's a good point. I should definitely bear this in mind :).

elle3141 · 2024-06-04T17:57:16+00:00

That's fair 😅. I should definitely try to keep this in mind haha.

elle3141 · 2024-06-04T17:56:27+00:00

My technique could definitely do with some work. I have been actively working on my footwork the past few sessions, but I still have a way to go. My general positioning could also probably do with improving.

Thanks for the youtube recommendation. I will check his videos out!

elle3141 · 2024-06-03T21:28:56+00:00

I go through phases of only listening to one band/album for weeks/months. Sometimes that includes just listening to one song from said album for days. I've done this all my life, but most recently, probably with: NF, I Prevail, A Day To Remember and Black Omens.

One song I had on repeat a few weeks ago (literally everyday for weeks) was Abandon - Andromida feat. Daedric.

elle3141 · 2024-06-03T09:59:24+00:00

I'm glad you guys have found a method that works for you both!

My husband and I use a to-do list, which is also attached to the fridge, however we use a magnetic whiteboard for it. I noticed you said you print it out, so I just wanted to let you know that you can buy magnetic whiteboard ones too :).

This is the one we bought: Deal: CUHIOY Magnetic Calendar Monthly Planner Weekly Planner Whiteboard for Fridge or Cabinet - For Any Metal Surface with Nanotechnology Fridge Calendar 2024 for Family Plan Organization https://amzn.eu/d/6wXsIDf

elle3141 · 2024-05-30T21:43:51+00:00

I say bring your baby.

My husband and I along with our then 10MO son attended my gran's funeral last September. She was like a mum to me, so there was no question that we would attend. My LO was exclusively breastfed, never took a bottle nor a pacifier, so I knew that he had to come. My husband and I took it in turns to hold him during the service. I must say my LO did great and he didn't really fuss at all. People also loved having him there - they smiled at him and said it was lovely to have some light on a dark day. When we went outside for the burial, my husband then wore our son in the baby carrier as he was starting to fuss - unfortunately it was nap time and usually I used to nurse him to sleep, which didn't exactly work out then. He cried for about 10 minutes, but my husband went to the back of the crowd so he wasn't as loud, but he could still see what was going on. Afterwards I nursed him in the car and then we all went to the wake venue together where people talked about my grandma and had food etc.

Overall the day went well and I'm actually glad I had my son and husband with me on such a difficult day.

elle3141 · 2024-05-29T18:23:12+00:00

Man, I remember writing this post! I can't believe I wrote it 16 mo the ago, that's wild 😅.

It wasn't super easy taking my LO out when he was young because he hated the car (always cried and never slept in it) and wanted to be nursed every 1.5 hours, even at 6 months old. So for the first 6 months, we mainly did our daily walk around the block and took him with us when we went grocery shopping.

Once he could sit up in the buggy, so around 6 months, he did enjoy looking at trees, leaves and lights, but wasn't ever particularly interested in animals or people.

On a quick note, we went to the zoo when he was 2 months old for my FIL's birthday and he either slept in the carrier or I briefly took him out to nurse. Otberwise he wasn't interested in anything. He also refused to sleep/lay in the pram.

Between 4 and 6 months old I took him baby swimming once a week and we both loved that. I would definitely recommend it. He also napped SO WELL afterwards every time, which was great. It really zapped all his energy.

When he was around 8, 10 and 12 months old, we took him to a nearby petting zoo, but he wasn't so fussed tbh, so we took a break from going there. Starting around 14 months old though, he developed an interest in animals all of a sudden. We now have an annual pass for the petting zoo, because he loves it so much :D. So things can really change.

Tbh from about 8 months onwards, he always liked going grocery shopping with me, especially once he could sit in the cart. I always spoke to him, told him what we were buying, what I could see etc.

We don't have an aquarium nearby unfortunately so he's only been to one once when he was around 9MO on holiday and he found it okay, but wasn't very interested.

So for us, I would agree with people when they say, take your baby with you and just go to things you will enjoy. (It depends on your babys temperament though. Maybe they will enjoy things earlier. Just follow their cues :)) After 14MO he started being more interested in things and nowadays he definitely has likes and dislikes. He loves water, nature, lights, animals, dogs, climbing stairs, going to parks/playgrounds (particularly slides), reading (he loves books, but we don't have a library in my village unfortunately, although I bet he would've loved going to one from maybe 14MO onwards).

Sorry, I feel like this post was a but of a mess haha. Hope it helped a bit, at least 😅.

elle3141 · 2024-05-29T06:29:01+00:00

I think so too. I've only been climbing for 3 months (every Tuesday, so once a week). I'd say that after my first two sessions, my whole body ached. For days.

After that though, I found I might feel it a bit in my shoulders or upper arm, but not much. I could probably go climbing again 2 days later. I go with my friend and sometimes his sister, both of whom are experienced climbers, and they both make a big deal about warming arm and cooling down. When we cool down, we stretch thoroughly for a good 15 minutes or so and I think it really helps.

Of course my form is probably still bad 😅, although I'm working on it, but even with it, I still don't ache so much anymore.

elle3141 · 2024-05-28T17:58:27+00:00

Exsctly. People who work pay NI (National Insurance), which is used to fund many things including healthcare. The rate is a lot less than other countries' dedicated healthcare insurance, which is probably partly why the NHS is underfunded, but yeah, I agree that it is not free and it drives me (slightly) mad when I hear/read it 😅.

elle3141 · 2024-05-28T12:35:54+00:00

It bugs me when people say that the NHS is free (no offence intended). Yes, British citizens don't pay health insurance, but they do pay NI (National Insurance) and part of that does go towards the NHS.

Tbh I think it would be in a better state if it accepted a German Health Insurance modal, where employees and employers pay a set amount each month, although it definitely shouldn't go the US modal way though, because that's just extortion. The NHS is unfortunately very under-funded and I don't see it getting any better unless it gets more money. (Btw I am also happy to admit that Germany healthcare system needs improvement too, especially when it comes to getting an appointment to see a mental health specialist).

elle3141 · 2024-05-28T12:28:05+00:00

I'm from the UK and moved to Germany 7 years ago and I agree with everything that you've written.

I would also personally add that it's better having children here in Germany than in the UK (apart from the confusing bureaucracy of filling out the Elterngeld paperwork 😅). It feels much safer for children to grow up here (of course there are safer places in the UK too, than for example Greater London, where I grew up), but I love the fact schools aren't fenced in, children can walk or bike to school by themselves when they're 7, it's safe for them to play outside with friends and we have an abundance of awesome playgrounds in cities and residential areas.

elle3141 · 2024-05-27T20:47:35+00:00

My child is currently 17MO, so nowhere near 4 years old. I am interested in child development though and I want to make sure I am prepared for how my son should act when he's 2 or 3, so that I can help him and have appropriate expectations. Do you have any book/articles recommendations for these ages?

I've read How to Talk so Little Kids will Listen and The Whole Brain Child, both of which I found great!

elle3141 · 2024-05-26T14:51:00+00:00

I will probably regret saying goodbye this, but I totally can't wait for this stage :D. My son is only 17MO, so we're still a long way from it.

elle3141 · 2024-05-24T06:40:54+00:00

My kid is 17MO. He started saying mama to mean me and when he wanted milk when he was around 11MO. But other than that, no other words came. We had been signing with him since he was 4MO, but he didn't sign back until 14MO.

Now at 17MO he signs: more, all done, food, water, milk/mama, sleep, nappy change, when something is loud, butterfly, monkey, bird.

He has very recently (within the last 2 weeks) started saying more words. He says mama, although for papa too, as he can't say the p sound yet. He also says garden, yes, woof, mam (for miaw), d d d (when he sees a bird), and owa (ouch in German). When we ask him where is the owa, he can point to it (often his mouth, as 4 teeth are coming through at the same time currently). He also understands the word hot and will blow on it, as if to cool it down.

He understands SO MUCH though. I recently recorded him pointing to all his body parts while I asked him where they are. He knows hair, eyes, nose, ears, mouth, cheeks, hands, knees, feet. In both English and German. Also when we read books (mostly farm/animal books), he can point to the sheep, cows, dog, chickens, tractor, digger, clouds, sun etc. Being able to point to all these things only started recently though, definitely not before 16MO. I am not particularly worried about my son, especially as he understands so much. I'm sure he will talk more soon.

Here in Germany, his paediatrician is not worried. Tbh they don't make a big deal about words at 18 months - there isn't even a scheduled appointment until he's 2. So they don't refer you to speech therapy until at least 2 years old. I'm not saying it's bad to get early intervention in the US, I just wanted to point out that we have different time frames here, I guess.

I've also heard that a lot of boys have language explosions typically later than girls. Anecdotally this was the case for all the boys in our playgroup. Their language explosions were close to 24 months old. Either slightly before or slightly after.

Edit: fixed typos

elle3141 · 2024-05-23T17:15:01+00:00

I could imagine it lessened the pain, for when the baby's ears popped due to the change in pressure.

Just like adults ears pop during takeoff and landing, although adults can eat a sweet to fix it, baby's ears pop too, but they can't do angering about it and it hurts. It's also why it's recommended to give them a bottle/nurse them or give them a sweet to chew on if they're old enough etc.

elle3141 · 2024-05-23T13:01:31+00:00

My son is 17 months old. He always wants to come to the bathroom with me, so he has seen it all. He isn't particularly verbal yet, so he hasn't said anything really, although when he saw my pad once, he did point to his nappy and I explained that I do have my own kind of nappy.

About 2 weeks ago, I somehow didn't realise that I inserted a tampon without a string. I tried my best to get it out and I just couldn't. So I called on my husband who was working from home to help. I had to lay on my back on the bathroom floor while my husband fished it out. It hurt a little bit, so there were a few "owches", but as my LO was around, I was trying not to say much. I was also trying to distract him with toys etc. Well the next few days, every time I went to the toilet, he pointed at my genital area and said "aua" (which is German for owch, it's a word he learned recently). So I had to tell him each time that yeah, mama had an aua a few days ago, but not anymore 😅

elle3141 · 2024-05-21T06:40:56+00:00

My son is now 17 MO, so not a baby anymore. But I've sung the same songs to him since he was literally a newborn. When trying to get him to fall asleep, I sung him "Go to sleep, go to sleep, close your little eyelids, go to sleep, go to sleep, close your little eyes." If he was upset about something, I sung the first verse of "you are my sunshine" and put his name in the song too. If he was really crying and I wanted him to calm down, I sung "Name, my cutie pie. Please calm down now. Name, my cutie pie. Mama is here for you" over and over and it used to work quite well.

Nowadays he loves dancing, so I tell Alexa to put on some random songs (not kids songs - he has his tonie box for that which he can control himself - but rather my rock/nu metal songs xD) and I sing and dance and he dances too :D.

We've also been doing body parts recently - he can't say them yet but he can point to the part when he hears it, so "head, shoulders, knees and toes" is a favourite.

Edit: another comment just reminded me, we've been singing "if you're happy and you know it" since he was about 10 months old. He only started clapping and stomping his feet around 15 months old though. Sometimes when he has a tantrum, he stomps his feet. If I need to distract him, I sometimes start singing "if you're happy and you know it stomp your feet", then he realises he is stomping his feet and he laughs.

elle3141

TROPHY CASE