EP 121: Carol Simpson
June 6, 2022
Photo by Brittany Griffith
Carol Simpson is a 77-year-old rock climber and yoga instructor from Lone Pine, CA. We talked about growing up in the South in the 1950s, identifying as a “tomboy”, feeling pressure to be feminine as a teenager, embracing athletics in her 30s, discovering climbing at age 42, sending her first 5.12a at age 53, yoga as the fountain of youth, and ageism in climbing.
*I loved this conversation. If you enjoy exploring different perspectives from your own, and hearing about others’ lived experiences, don’t skip this episode.
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Show Notes:
Other Related Podcasts:
Carol’s Article:
Books Mentioned:
The Women’s Room by Marilyn French
How to Climb 5.12 by Eric Horst
Performance Rock Climbing by Dale Goddard and Udo Neumann
Dr. Chris Heilman:
Carol’s Links:
Carol’s Personal Instagram (@carolsimpsonclimbing)
Carol’s Yoga Studio Instagram (@yogainthecourtyard)
Climbs Mentioned:
‘Latin Lover’ 5.12a (7a+), Smith Rock, OR
‘Toxic’ 5.11b (6c), Smith Rock, OR
‘Take a Powder’ 5.12a (7a+), Smith Rock, OR
‘Illusion Dweller’ 5.10b (6a), Joshua Tree
‘Whatley’s Revenge’ 5.11b (6c), Smith Rock, OR
‘Ring of Fire’ 5.11d (7a), Smith Rock, OR
Want a Guide at Smith Rock?
Nuggets:
0:06:50 – A day in the life of Carol Simpson, and her home in Lone Pine
0:10:27 – Moving from Vegas to Lone Pine, having different chapters in our lives, and becoming apathetic about the beauty around you
0:13:23 – Being born in 1944
0:14:43 – Growing up in the South in the 50s as a “tomboy”, and feeling pressure to be more traditionally feminine
0:19:28 – Being raised to believe that women get married and have kids, and finding feminism
0:22:08 – Our adult life begins at 30
0:23:46 – Not being able to get a loan for a car without a man to sign for the loan
0:25:11 – Going back to school in her 30s with two kids, and starting to play tennis and running and trying other sports
0:30:30 – More about being a teenager in the 50s and 60s
0:32:58 – How the culture continues to change for women, and Carol’s daughters and granddaughters
0:37:45 – Discovering climbing at age 42, and how climbing completely changed her life
0:42:31 – Hitting the road to climb in her 40s, and early climbing training books
0:46:00 – Art, studying interior design in college, and working in the big city
0:52:04 – Scrambling a 4th class route, and getting a hard time for being a mountain goat
0:56:04 – John
0:59:58 – The book Lying by Sam Harriss, being honest with your partner, and some of Carol’s favorite climbing trips
1:04:25 – How Carol and John navigate their political differences
1:10:03 – What Carol appreciates most about John
1:12:39 – “You can’t get off of the bus.” - Mark Twight
1:16:36 – Redpoint climbing shop near Smith Rock, and redpointing Latin Lover 5.12a at age 53
1:24:29 – Question from Taylor: What are the things when it comes to aging as an athlete that people don’t think about?
1:31:22 – Practicing yoga since 1968
1:34:26 – Carol’s current yoga practice, and the yin and the yang
1:39:38 – The time commitment to see improvement through yoga, and taking care of your health
1:44:35 – Working with Chris Heilman, and expanding her comfort zone
1:53:59 – How Carol keeps her wits sharp, and how to remember names
1:58:40 – 80% of life is showing up
2:01:32 – Ageism, and showing respect for our elders
2:08:59 – No limits