Defying Gravity

Defying Gravity? Dadletes do that, but why?

If you consider the strength and concentration it takes to defy gravity, it is a worthy foe for a Dadlete. Yes, in theory, gravity is the weakest of the fundamental forces (according to my research). However, that does not make it weak.

So how did I, a humble Dadlete, challenge gravity? I took my kids to rock climbing gym. Allow me to set the scene.

The Warning

The kids were excited. I was too, however, it was tempered with a healthy dose of fear. Not for my kids. For me.

As soon as we entered, we were faced with a monstrosity which was appropriately named – The Snake. It was a steep inverted wall that curled back so that it was nearly parallel to the ground.

I had to sign waivers for the gym in general and The Snake specifically. I was warned that there was a potential for injury and/or death. My kids witnessed me signing all of the documents and receiving the warnings of impending doom should we choose to climb The Snake.

And what did they say?

They both gestured at The Snake and said, “I want to climb that.”

SO I did what any reasonable Dadlete would do. I grabbed my fanny pack and we headed towards The Snake.

The Attempt

The boy went first. He needed some boosting to get started. He made it about 5 feet and fell  to the foam block below. He tried again. Same result.

My daughter went next. She climbed about 10 feet up before hitting the sharp steep curve. Her technique was cautious, but her plan was simple – she was climbing to fall. A glint hit her eye as she hung for a moment and then dropped into the soft bed of foam below.

That left me.

The Ascent

No warm-up. No stretching. And a gaggle of kids (a line of about 9 had gathered to wait their own turn) had formed and trained their attention on the man who had been driving longer than they had been living. 

Clearly the children didn’t expect me to last long. For the record, I didn’t expect myself to last long. But I found myself in a moment where I needed to prove a point. I needed  to defy gravity – even if it were for a short period of time.

I ascended the opening portion of the wall quickly. My height was a definite advantage. I heard the kids murmuring. Through my peripheral vision, I noticed a few adults stop and look. Everyone in the gym was watching (okay that may be a gross exaggeration). This was a Dadlete moment – an opportunity to shine.

I would like to say that I made it all the way to the top of the snake and scaled down. I didn’t. I would like to say that I impressed everyone who watched. I probably didn’t. The next kid in line was probably simply eager to start her ascent as soon as I fell.

What I can say is that I climbed as high as I could and as I fell – I smiled.

Because I impressed myself.

For a brief moment in time, I defied gravity.

We bouldered through a few other walls. The kids had fun. We all found it challenging. I walked out with my kids, my pride, and my neon green fanny pack.

The Why

Metaphorically speaking, there are a number of things that conspire to pull us down. We have to work hard to defy their pull and exceed even our expectations of ourselves. That’s why we climb. That’s why we reach. That’s why Dadletes push.

Are you thinking of defying gravity? Try doing it while cloaked in Russell Athletic gear (which you can find online or your local Walmart) . Between the Fresh Force performance undwerwear and the Dri-Power tops and shorts, my climbing experience was cool, dry, and comfortable.

Stay tuned because I have more adventures. Check my Dadlete landing page for the full collection as they occur. Also, be sure to check my Instagram page (including my Instagram Stories) as I post mini updates there as well. And if you want to see other Dadletes and their adventures, check out the hashtag #Dadlete on Twitter and Instagram!

So get off the couch, get out, and go defy gravity!