When people find out that I’m a rock climber, the usual reaction is something to the effect of – “Wow, I could never do that!” My response is almost always “What’s stopping you?!?” So many times we as women refuse to undertake new adventures because of fear – fear of the unknown, of failure, or [...]

by Ashley McCullough, Team Athleta | As athletes, we all have very specific relationships to commitment. It’s something realized over a long period of time as a sport becomes more than just fun and turns into an integral, necessary part of life…

by Janelle Smiley, Featured Athlete | It is 6:18pm and we are hiding just below the summit ridge of Mt Temple. The charged atmosphere is causing my hair to stand up, even though it is damped from the unrelenting hail. Our ice axes, crampons, and all metal objects including my earrings are buzzing.

It’s been a while since we checked in on Janelle Smiley and her husband Mark as they continue their quest to complete the 50 Classic Climbs of North America. Let’s check in on their progress…

Janelle, her husband Mark, and friend Summer Ruckman started off their project to be the first people to climb all the routes made famous by a book published in 1979, The 50 Classic Climbs of North America. Watch the video summary of the Kor Ingalls Route in the desert north of Moab, Utah…

by Janelle Smiley, Featured Athlete | Ouray, Colorado is a special place. It is known as the Switzerland of America. It is a small town of 800 nestled in a quaint valley surrounded by rocky ledges and cliff walls. Outstanding views, great hikes and world-renowned ice climbing make Ouray a popular tourist destination. I were there to practice our ice climbing skills in preparation for our upcoming trip to Alaska…