Abseiling out of the comfort zone
Comfort zones are great - they help us achieve productive and enjoyable lives, but sometimes it’s good to do something uncomfortable. Think of it a resistance training for the soul.
After studio pug Coco passed away a few months ago, I felt I needed to do something significant to help me cope, and just at that time the Port of Leith charity abseil was announced. I’ve met and known people with MND (Motor Neurone Disease) - Coco was Therapet, and for a year we visited a NHS facility for advanced neurological disorders, I realise it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to be able to run and walk freely.
So raising money for the charity MND Scotland was an obvious decision.
I’m not great with heights… hmmm…
On a personal note, I stopped drinking alcohol over four years ago, so it seemed an appropriate way to celebrate - to literally scale a distillery. There wasn’t much physical preparation I could do, so I concentrated on reaching my fundraising target of £500 (there was a minimum £200 of donations required to enter the event). Thanks to friends, family and supporters, we raised £560…
Heights make my legs feel weird, and as we approached the Port of Leith Distillery, I realised just how high the building was! Thankfully it wasn’t windy, and the sky was blue. There were lots of other charities doing the abseil as well. As I had a mid afternoon slot, I arrived early to watch others descend.
Some people were more nervous than others, there was a definite air of anticipation.
We went up to the bar on the top floor for a coffee and to watch out the window.
Sh*t was getting real, it’s a long way down…
In the photo above you can see my feet next to the massive window looking out from the bar.
It was my time, so after a motivational chat with MND Scotland staffer Fiona, a small group of us followed the event staff up the elevator and through the bar, then up some stairs to the very top of the building. Finally, we had to climb a ladder that led directly out onto the rooftop. It was a slightly surreal and scary moment standing on top of the distillery. I had jelly legs and had to do some deep breathing to remain calm. The view was AMAZING however we weren’t allowed phones / cameras - health and safety, you don’t want one dropping out of someone’s pocket from up high.
The three staff on the edge was super professional, and one by one, our wee group went over. In the weeks up to the drop, I’d mentally visualised me calmly descending down the side of the building. I focused on that vision, on top of the building, and how good it would feel at the bottom. Really I was very scared. I’m so glad I did some mental prep, it gave me an anchor and a strategy.
I was tightly strapped and clipped in as I leaned backwards from the top of the building, such a surreal feeling. My guy was so good at coaching me over and offering support from the top. I managed to walk the top bit, but then as the rope lengthened, I drifted away from the wall. I had to concentrate so hard on keeping my breathing regular and carefully letting my rope out. I never regained my footing, and hysterically, decided I’d discovered a new way of abseiling… on my knees!
The relief at the bottom was almost overwhelming, so Andy and I walked. Walking is always a good thing to do after an adrenaline rush. We walked to the ghost of Ocean Terminal shopping centre and sat on a massage chair. £1 for 5 minutes and I was grounded. Then a tram back up the road for a nice cup of tea.
Psychologically it was almost as hard as the marathon was.
I was so dreading it.
I couldn’t believe I’d do it.
Then it was done.
And did I enjoy it?
Kinda.
Would I do it again?
Hell, yeah.
You can see the story and supporters on my Enthuse fundraising page.
PT Tracy loves training clients for all sorts of challenges, she can help you do something remarkable…
