1st time climbing? Watch this

If you want to show someone a quick video about what climbing is like, this video on the NY Times web site is great. Philosophy on the Side of a Cliff shows one writer’s experience climbing in the Gunks. You’ll catch glimpses of basic climbing technique, learn what the equipment is, and even hear from a park ranger. Pretty good and it’s only 5 minutes.

BTW — If you missed Celebrity Fit Club, I don’t know why they don’t give the contestants a pair of climbing shoes. Trying to lose weight in tennis shoes doesn’t work on the rock wall!