The Quiet Type

You mind being blipped?

I don't care. But you know I can blame my social anxiety on the interview part.

You know you can take a pill for that right?

Nah, it's my best excuse. I'm fine with it. Actually it's more like SDD than social anxiety.

(laugh) SDD?

Yeah, Social Dislike Disorder. Or more like Social Disinterest Disorder.

(everyone laughs)

Oh my gosh, is that what you are calling it?

(laughs) Yeah, it's a good excuse to get out of certain social functions where I don't know anyone.

So did you choose the solitary sport of rock climbing because of your SDD?

(Huge smile) Yep.

Interesting.

I didn't like the competitive factor of all of the sports I played in high school. It's easier to blame myself for not achieving something versus my teammate.

So your wife really wants to know who your best climbing partner is.

Hmm, it depends.

I don't think that's the answer she was looking for. Let's rephrase. Who's the cutest climbing partner you've ever had?

Well my wife of course.

Good answer. You rate your climbs with numbers right? What climb are you working on right now?

5.14 A. It was the 1st 5.14 A climb developed in the country back in the day. Ten years ago, I watched one of the best female climbers in the world climb it, not knowing that someday I would be challenging myself on the same route.

You had a bad fall a few years ago. Do you mind me mentioning it?

No, not at all.

How has your climbing changed since recovering in the Intensive Care Unit?

Well it's progressed naturally I guess. I'm a better climber now than I was at the time of my fall.

You fell 40 feet right?

No, it was 70 feet. I had to be life flighted out. I knew instantly that I had broken my back.

How long did it take you to harness up and get back up on that rock?

Oh, maybe six months. My wife would know more about the time line. I was forced to stop all aerobic activity. No more running so I focused all my energy on the strength part of climbing. I'm a better climber now that I don't do all of the aerobic activity.

How many years have you been sponsored now?

Three.

And you've been featured in various magazines and have participated in some pretty major photo shoots.

Yep.

So even though you have SDD, you don't mind the shoots?

(Laughs) No, it actually feels really good. Like all of this hard work has meant something. And my buddy is a professional photographer so I'm always happy to help him out. It's good for his business.

Are you going to let me photograph any of your future climbs?

Oh yeah, we can set up anything you want.

Even though you have Social Disinterest Disorder?

Ha ha ha, my SDD is only for people that I don't know.

Oh good, that means that I am in the clear then.