Why I feel like the Mickey Rourke of Climbing

Last month I managed to get myself into Joshua Tree climbing with a friend (who happens to be the policy director of the Access Fund and a gifted climber).  I struggled to show some sort of form befitting of an industry pro and ex-regular JTree climbing scenester... to no avail.  'Ugly' would be putting that vertical struggle mildly, but still any day on the rock is a good day, in my middle-aged/overworked/undertrained/kid-focused world.  I quickly worked to forget that and remain convinced that I'm on my way back to climbing shape and smoother sailing (or paddling, more likely). 

In a recent correspondence he reminded me that I had commented (huffing and puffing after that gripping sharp-end effort on 'The Exorcist') "I feel like the Mickey Rourke of climbing". 

Well I ain't got no Oscar nomination, or any climbing award whatsoever to my name.  Still, the comeback story has yet to be written... at least the way I see it. 

Anybody planning on climbing after the summer show?  Medicine Wall/Ruth Lake, or maybe Cecret Lake or bouldering in Little Cottonwood?  I need something to train for... let me know.

KH

(check this out for inspiration http://www.chickiesmickey.com )