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Ask Hazel Findlay // Win a Black Diamond Creek 35 and Positron Quickpack

Nick Sweeney · · Spokane, WA · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 987

You are known for seeking out climbs where the protection is often marginal - what draws you to these routes? How do you mentally prepare for what you know will be a dicey lead?

Craig Quincy · · Louisville, CO · Joined Sep 2001 · Points: 306

What are the things you have learned from climbing that you use in the rest of your life?

When you are doing something runout or where you have doubts about being able to do it, what's the conversation you have in your head with yourself?

emorekul · · SLC · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 10

From one injured person to another, how do you keep your mind stimulated while nursing an injury? And what's your favorite core exercise to do in the meantime?

bearbreeder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 3,065

does yr dad really let go of the brake strand when he belays you?

;)

John Ryan · · Poncha Springs, CO · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 170

You talk about pushing your mental limits and dealing with fear while climbing, and trusting traditional protection. For me the mental challenge of climbing is a wonderful way to grow as a person. I find subtle nuances of the mental game continue to challenge me. I am wondering if you too continue to be challenged by the mental game and if so, what challenges you currently deal with? Thanks.

Will S · · Joshua Tree · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 1,061

What is your proudest failure in climbing?

Hazel Findlay · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2013 · Points: 0

Hey everyone!
Thanks for sending in so many interesting questions! It's going to be hard to choose
Cheers!

crom · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 25

Hammy (the hampster) :), i know you've talked alot about your journey back (on going) from shoulder injury. I wondered if you've pondered where you would be right now in terms of grades/achievements had the shoulder injury not occured? Do you see yourself attaining that level and possibly making up for lost time? Or are you trying to be more present in the now and just enjoy what is and grow from from that?

Michael Spiesbach · · Boulder, CO · Joined May 2014 · Points: 135

Hi Hazel!!!
I was wondering if you have a specific training program that you use to help you with dealing with dangerous climbing/ large run outs. I know when I'm at my max I start to get pretty nervous when the gear starts to steadily creep belwo my feet. Do you do anything to work on this or do you just have tons of faith in yourself or both?

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

Hazel,

Your MP profile says you lead 13d, but only follow 5.9. How do you explain that? :)

Catherine E · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 10

Hi Hazel!

I like the phrase you've shared in this piece: to "just take the gear for a walk." I feel like this is a helpful mentality even outside climbing to approach difficult tasks.

What is the most difficult thing you regularly do outside of climbing?

I really admire what you do. Thanks for being so inspiring!

Mathias · · Loveland, CO · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 306

Hazel,

Recently, here on MP, there was a discussion about First Female Ascents (as in the first woman to climb an established route) and whether or not they should be noted or even noteworthy. Although men are regarded as the physically stronger sex, it seems to me that climbing has so much to do with technique that raw strength is much less important when compared to other sports. I'd like to know how you feel about this, and also what you think the future holds for elite female climbers.

gavinsmith · · Toronto, Ontario · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 86

The delicate, sparsely protected climbing you're known for mastering - what brought you there? Was it your father that got you into trad early, and the only way to push grades on a rope in the UK being to push into 'scarier' territory?

Dr Worm · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 115

Hazel,
You are an inspiring climber; thank you for sharing yourself and your climbing with us! What have you learned about partnerships and relationships through climbing? Have they helped you succeed or not?

Benjamin Swank · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 30

Hey Hazel!

Do you think that climbing adds or subtracts value to the natural world? Is the impact of the climbing community through erosion and damage to the areas around the rock and loss of aesthetic through chalk and bolt/gear use negative? Or does the adventure, spirit, and community that is created through this unique sport justify human impact?

Just wanted to know if you had any thoughts on the subject!

Cheers,
Ben

David Tighe · · Cleveland, OH · Joined May 2014 · Points: 0

Do you have any good poop stories? I recently heard Alex Honnold sharing tales of epic dumps on Tim Ferris's podcast. Something from that vein would be most amusing.

Joe Manning · · Bellevue, WA · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 539

Ms. Hazel Findlay,

What is the most dangerous/life threatening situation you've found yourself in (climbing or otherwise), what led to that moment, and how did you get out of it?

Respectfully,

J.Manning

lanananaa · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 90

Need a NY based climbing partner?

Mac Pedlow · · Denver, CO · Joined Oct 2015 · Points: 40

Hi Hazel, Just wanted to say your writing in "One Year Later" about your recovery process affected me a great deal. I really enjoyed your prose and perspective, especially the part about when you're happy, you're kind, funny and climb well. I feel the same way.

Is writing a passion of yours and do you plan on continuing to write?

Thanks

dylan grabowski · · Denver · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 95

What's one question no one has ever asked you, but you've wanted to answer?

(All your footage has been super rad, and I've really enjoyed following your harrowing ascents!)

EDIT: Also, way to go MP! I like these gift giveaways for the best lay/everyperson-bad ass climber interaction.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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