Of all the things I thought I’d do in my life – scaling a pseudo-mountain wasn’t one of them.

This Friday I did just that.

Thanks to The Crag in Brownsburg I got to scale rock walls, challenge my pitiful out-of-shape body – and laugh at some of the best innuendos I’ve heard in years with my friends.

The Crag is a great indoor climbing facility tucked away in Brownsburg that has walls from “easy” to extremely challenging.

[flickr id=”8104337222″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”right”]A group of us went, within about five minutes we were trained on tying ourselves to the ropes and belaying.  The staff was super friendly and helpful, and even clued us in on where to start for the easier climbs (although it wasn’t long until the dares for the harder climbs began).

I was a total newbie to the climbing thing, and sadly mistaken at how much I’d be able to do.  It was super difficult, and I’m still feeling the aches in my shoulders and upper arms days later.  Much as they tell you to use your legs, your arms get killed.

[flickr id=”8104322567″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]Thing was, much as it hurt and tough as it was, every accomplished climb was a rush of adrenaline and pride.  Every single one of us set forth to climb onto a platform, and we all did, making our strong pose – even those that were afraid of heights.

I’m ready to go back.  I just need someone to go with me.  Best part is that it’s not that expensive.  A day pass for those over 8 is $20 – and for those under 8 it’s only $12.  But there are weekly specials that are super worth it.  Wednesdays are their canned food drive. If you bring in 2 cans of food, you get your pass for $12.

[flickr id=”8104333850″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”right”]Friday nights are Family night.  It’s $30 for the first 2 members (a $10 savings) and then only $5 for each additional family member.  That’s only $40 for a family of four. You can’t go to the movies for that folks – and rock climbing takes teamwork and communication.

The best night, of course, is date night.  $15 for the two of you.  You’ll be challenged, you’ll laugh, you’ll have to be there to support each other going up and coming down.  Again, cheaper than a night at the movies and better for your marriage then sitting the dark for an hour and a half.

So if you’re in Indy…get thee to The Crag.  Some tips – don’t wear heavy sneakers. Wear shoes cut closer to your feet so it’s easier to plant your feet against the wall.  Wear pants – you need to have those harnesses nice and tight.  And be prepared for sore muscles and possible blisters.

View all the pictures from our night HERE in my flickr acct

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*The Crag treated me and some of my fellow IndyGeekGirls to a night of climbing free.  All opinions and achingly sore muscles are my own.