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.