Standing on the edge...

As usual, loads of stuff has happened between now and my last post. Some of the highlights have been the return of parallel armed muscle ups and sending a boulder problem on Ilkley Moor that has tormented me for a long time. I spent the New Year on the moors with Hollie, Tim, Ben, Gin and Molly, thanks for a fun time guys. 2007 in all honesty was a year I'd rather forget, it's had some good moments though (no particular order):

* Trace.
* Early mornings and evening sessions in Leeds with Hollie.
* Learning to climb with the Corbett family and Hollie.
* My nephew's arrival into the world.
* Brimham rocks with Ed and Jamie.
* Rock climbing in Northumbria with Rory and Andy (my first outdoor lead, my first E1 etc.)
* The HUB festival.
* Doing the swimming pool armjump (one of the defining moments of my parkour journey).
* And of course, every single session with the guys in Leeds, that never fails to make me smile.

But then also a hell of a lot of bad ones, personal, physical, academic and family; I don't think here's the place to talk about that but if you know me, you'll know at least some of these. Truth be told, I still suffer pain as a direct result of my accident, my strength and endurance are still below their old levels and it's trashed my mental state. But it also taught me a lot about myself, I asked for a speedy recovery, I was kicked whilst I was down so that I might learn the true meaning of strength. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else but I came out of hospital a stronger man, not physically but in character.

2008 will be a defining year for me. Things are going to change a lot, I'll have a new home for over half of the year, there are lots of places to visit, lots of new people to meet and a hell of a lot of training to do if I'm to stay on track. It's a crazy, crazy ride this life but I wouldn't trade my seat on the roller-coaster for anything or anyone else's.

I made just one New Year's Resolution and that is to be true to myself. In my head, that makes perfect sense but I can't find the words to explain it. Go forth, and never, ever give up the fight.

If you'll excuse me, I have weights to lift... ;)