Rock climbing is classified as being masculine, rugged, burly, etc. My climbing partner, Laura, and I wanted to push our own skills to show how women are just as able as men to participate in the sport, so we took to the outdoors.

After weeks of training indoors, learning how to use the equipment, and building confidence, we tried climbing outside at Manchester Wall for the first time.... only to learn that we were severely underprepared. Thanks to some climbers we met, we were able to do some easy routes, and learn what to bring to be prepared for next time. 

The next time we climbed outside, it was under awful conditions. It was freezing. We decided to push through and climb a harder route anyway. This proved to be a difficult task, to the point where Laura wasn't able to make it to the top, and I had to climb again to clean up our equipment. 

Despite the difficulties, we left the wall with a positive mindset, proud of the fact that we expanded our horizons and overcame our fears.