4.15.2007

Tenacity

When I think of rock climbing only one word comes to mind: tenacity. Two weeks ago I went rock climbing for the first time, and last night I went again. I must say this is my new favorite activity. Those of you who know me realize that I am somewhat impulsive, and that next week I will probably be into something like badminton, but for today it's rock climbing.

But, like I was saying, I like rock climbing because it requires a lot of grit and, of course, tenaciousness. In some regards its a lot like running in that you've got to push through the pain to get to your goal. But unlike running, there is a clear goal, and that is to get to the top. But the top is never easily attainable. And so you have to push your body to reach for holds that you didn't think possible.

I think what I really like about rock climbing is that it gets me out of my comfort zone. I live in Edmond. Life is full of pleasures like driving a nice car, eating at fancy restaurants, and continually amusing myself with TV shows like 24 and Lost. The challenge of survival is never something I worry about. Rock climbing, for those brief moments of imbalance, reminds me that I need to push myself. That not everything comes natural and that sometimes you have to work hard to arrive at your goal. That's why I like running. That's why I like rock climbing. It's good to remind myself of that, especially the older I get and the more set in my ways I become.

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I would like to add that while I'm having deep thoughts 40 feet above the ground my roommate is thinking of different ways to disappear while belaying. I just thought you all should know this!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Let me just reiterate that tying my end of the line to the ground anchor (and leaving to use the restroom or buy a hamburger) would pose no immediate threat to you.

And the OKC Rocks employees seemed nice enough. I'm sure they'd come let you down if you yelled for help.

Anonymous said...

While I enjoyed your post about rock climbing very much, I have to admit that the word "tenaciousness" distracted me... I had to look it up to make sure that it really was a word. Tenacity is the noun form and so is "tenaciousness". Why do we need to noun forms to express the same thought? What is the difference between the two of them? Sorry to derail your post... Hopefully Ann will share her insight with me on this one.

Let me know if you want to climb a real rock while you are here. I am sure that my dad would be more than happy to clip you to the side of a mountain and let you dangle. :) I will have to look through our pics and send some of our family outtings.

I'lll try to call you tomorrow (tuesday) night.

ann said...

Sorry, I just saw I was supposed to share some insight. Sadly, I have none. :)

Anonymous said...

I am in the same confused state as Alayna. In fact, I was googling to see what the difference was between "tenacity" and "tenaciousness" when I stumbled upon your blog. Are both words interchangeable? I've always thought "tenacity" was the right word, but M-W dictionary says both nouns are in accepted usage. Hmmmm...

--mia

Anonymous said...

I also was googling the difference when this came up. I need it for a paper for school. Ann, I'm disappointed with your lack on insight :)

Anonymous said...

Here it is 2014, and still no insight on "tenaciousness vs. tenacity." Apparently this is the only place on the entire WWW where this question has come up, and only in the comments at that. Is there no one with a definitive answer???!