Today was the first day of the week I had a chance to check out First Ascent’s new climbing gym located in the loop.

It’s awesome.

And game-changing for my schedule. For me, it’s ten minutes from work, meaning I can cut off anywhere from 30-40 minutes of commute time I usually spend going to Uptown.

The place has got a lot to offer, including a Chicago Bean-inspired boulder!

First Ascent Block 37 Bean Boulder

It’s bouldering only (makes sense if you think about the rent it must cost to have a space like this downtown), with a ton of lockers and all the essentials for a regular workout as well.

Overall, I had a great climbing session today. I set a new personal best with 56 points. I haven’t sent three V5s in a session since 2/3/18, so it feels good to have a solid session like this one.

Here are the day’s stats:

Warmup 10 pull-ups
Training
Grade Outcome Points
V0 0
V1 1
V2 ✓✓ 4
V3 ✓✓✓✓ 12
V4 ✓✓✓✓✓ 20
V5 ✓××××✓✓ 19
V6 0
TOTAL 56
Cooldown 10 pull-ups 20 squats
Recap 15 sends, 4 failures
2018 YTD
  • 253 sends (+15)
  • 87 failures (+4)
  • 465 pull-ups (+20)
  • 185 pushups
  • 157 biceps
  • 22 triceps 
  • 110 forearms 
  • 48 shoulders 
  • 140 squats (+20)
  • 1 peg / campus / hang board
  • 565 ab reps