Member Spotlight: Dec 2017

Erin McGlothlin

Member since January 2015

How did you start climbing? 

Erin: I was looking for an activity for my niece and I to do while she was visiting from Houston.  I had some friends who  were members at Edgeworks and they gave us a good intro to climbing.  It was so much fun, I was a member within  a few visits.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks? 

Erin: I started because of proximity, but I keep going back for the friendly staff, the encouraging environment, the quality  route setting and the best climbing partner a person could ask for.  I’ve been to a few other gyms and that has given  me perspective, helping me better define what I like and don’t like through less quality route setting.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside? 

Erin:  I’ve only climbed outdoors a few times, so I can’t definitively say.  If I were to name a place I’d most like to return to,  it would be Vantage.

What do you do when you’re not climbing? 

Erin: Aside from the day-to-day adulting life requires of me, I keep busy with gardening, reading, cooking, roller skating,  and a new hobby of home brewing beer.  I travel quite a bit with my job, so I make it a point to visit breweries and  try out the local varieties.

Which do you prefer: top rope, lead, or bouldering?

Erin: Top rope because let’s face it, I’m terrified of heights and of falling.

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?

Erin: I grew up climbing fir trees and building tree forts with my brothers, so rock climbing came naturally.  I love the sport  because it incorporates problem solving and I find myself having to constantly challenge my beliefs about what I can achieve.  Some days are better than others; I have felt high achievement and I have experienced much failure, but the  challenging aspects of the sport and the support of friends keeps me coming back and pushing against perceived limits.

What’s your go-to route grade?

Erin: Depends on the day and motivation.  5.10 range when I’m feeling  lazy or want an easy win, 5.11 range when I want a challenge, and  5.12 when I’m feeling masochistic.