Working from the Ground Up & Reaching New Heights

In the world of rock climbing there is an incredible mix of people. However, two things resonate across the board and that is kindness & a willingness to share information. This became evident when I had the opportunity to sit down with Hailey Caissie who works for The Crag, a rock climbing gym in Nashville, Tenn.

Our interview quickly became conversational and I did not want it to stop. It was a pure delight to have this chance to learn about this amazing spirit of a rock climber and how she is making a difference in others.

Our conversation eagerly started with Hailey sharing with me about, Jill Bolte Taylor, an author and Neuroscientist. She continued with how a lot of great insight was gained by reading her books and having the opportunity to interview her. Hailey explained how Ms. Taylor wrote about her experience when she had a stroke. Ms. Taylor was able to recognize when she was having a stroke because of her education, knowledge and background. To help others, Ms. Taylor wrote a book to share the details to her journey and her recovery.

What does that have to do with rock climbing? A lot more than we think. Hailey explained how our brain is broken down into quadrants. To help these quadrants be more relatable, she named them. “One is Helen, one is Grace, one is Hailey and one is Mom”. Grace is one where she acknowledges she needs to give herself grace. Hailey is one where she asks herself, ‘what kind of play she would like to do today?’ We often do not play enough in our lives. There is this restriction that is placed upon adults that keeps us hyper focused on work. Yet, when we allow for our routine to be at peace with having fun and playing, we will find ourselves to be happier and healthier people. The same goes for grace. Many of us tend to be overly hard on ourselves. Yet, we deserve to speak kindly and offer grace to ourselves.

This can be related to our rock climbing goals. Allow the training to be fun on your journey and when we reach the top or accomplish our goals, celebrate and play. With the hard work that goes into rock climbing we can experience set backs or blocks that hold us back temporarily from pushing onward. If we could give ourselves a little grace on those more challenging days, it would make the tough days a little easier to endure.

How did Hailey Get into Rock Climbing?

She started at a young age when her Mother did not handle the loss of her Father very well. She went to live with family. Spending time with her cousins she was introduced to rock climbing. Little did she know then, this would become her life where it would allow her to grow, use her skills, encourage and help others.

She attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where she studied Fashion. With the help of a friend got a job working at the rock climbing gym on campus. This would be a solid stance in her climbing career & steps towards a life she could never imagine. After she graduated college, she was excited to pursue a career in fashion. Unfortunately, 2009 did have the most supportive economy and the fashion industry lacked opportunity. She was offered a marketing position at a rock climbing gym in Murfreesboro, Tenn., The Ascent. This experience would continue to develop the foundation of what would lead to something that would be more than a career, but a lifestyle she loved. The Ascent is where Hailey worked in collaboration to create an incredible community and a rock climbing gym with a grass roots vibe.

As things do, progress took place & a competing gym moved into the area. They had a bigger budget & offered a newer set up compared to what The Ascent could offer. With a heavy heart she watched a large portion of their community drift to the shiny and new gym. This offered a lot of emotional turmoil for Hailey as she struggled with her own ego. It was not easy giving up the idea and identity of working in fashion. Now her beloved rock climbing gym where she invested her blood, sweat and tears was dwindling.

After some meditating on her situation, she knew she committed to this life. “When you commit to something, you become good at that thing.” She had built up a community and wanted to go back to it. Despite the challenges she never gave up. With a series of events, in May 2020 she was lead to a different rock climbing gym that would give her open-ended freedom and growth opportunities. “Surround yourself with people you want to be like”. She looks around in awe at the environment of The Crag where we sat on a picnic bench in the back of the building and looks back at me with a smile. It is obvious this is her home. Here she is in her element and wants to be no where else. We all should be so fortunate in life to have the kind of job that doesn’t feel like work.

The Challenges We Face

Everyone who climbs will face challenges in their personal life and on the wall. One particular day will stand out to Hailey for the rest of her life. She shared it was October 1, 2020 she was three weeks pregnant, but did not know she was pregnant. She was out with her climbing buddies and it should have been a normal day for her at Foster Falls. But, on this particular day she shared she felt shaky and almost uncertain, but she climbed upward. As she continued to climb she said her mantra to herself, “you are strong, you can do this. You are strong, you can do this”. She scrolls through her phone she shows me a picture she took of herself from the top of the rock cliff. “In my eyes you can see fear, gratitude and…” her voice breaks off. As she shows me the photo she is absolutely right, there is fear, joy and gratitude in her eyes. “I didn’t know, but my body knew”. It is amazing how when we are more in touch and in alignment with ourselves how our bodies will communicate to us.

When we rock climb ideally, we want to be in tune with our bodies. Having that connection and awareness allows us to avoid pushing ourselves too hard, knowing when to stop so we can rest. That connection to ourselves takes time and effort. With the training we endure and learning from others who are more experienced, over time that connection can be developed.

Injury and Recovery

When it comes to injuries, she is no stranger. Hailey shared an experience when she was climbing a 5.10 and was pushing herself, she wanted to get past where she was and on this particular climb. She performed a dyno move to another rock. She got the rock and held her grip, but perpetual motion kept her moving, and her body swung and jacked up her shoulder.

Thinking she was healed a few weeks later she went on a white water rafting trip. With the motions required on the boat, she injured herself again. “It’s an overuse injury” she says in a very accepting way. Hailey can relate to those who are overcoming injuries as this particular injury took her eight months to heal. When she discussed how we have to take our time, be patient and know our limits as we heal, she speaks from experience. Someone who can deeply relate to other climbers as they recover and heal makes the tough conversations more palatable. It isn’t coming from someone who has learned from a book, this woman is the real deal. She may be sweet and kind, but she is also tough. She knows what it takes to accomplish goals, because she has been on the wall accomplishing her own. When it comes to overcoming fear, recovering from an injury, she is able to help and encourage because she has taken those steps on her own journey.

In rock climbing and in life we cannot just be physically fit, we also need to be fit mentally. There is something to be said about mental fitness, Hailey shares how we need to refocus. “If the shoulder is weak, use the legs.” For those who are getting started or want to gain strength in their journey, “climbing is the best way to gain strength for climbing, engage the larger muscle groups”. Instead of getting stuck on thinking, “I can’t” change the mindset to, “what can I do different?”

What does it take to build up the strength to be a better climber? Hailey had a couple exercises that she recommends. Planks, core strength is everything. Jumping, even if you don’t have a jump rope. Climb down the stairs face first and then climb them back up feet first. Another great exercise she generously shared she called a “step up”. She hopped up and demonstrated on the picnic table. She stepped up with one leg, and used her arms to reach out and up and then step down. Then repeat with the other leg. She explained this helps to gain balance and gain the muscle memory for your joints to be in alignment as you step. As far as priorities in your workout to gain strength, she recommends legs, feet, core and arms.

Yoga is another form of strength training Hailey encourages. She feels it plays a huge role as it gives you more control of your body, better core strength, better breathing, and a clearer mind. Everyone can benefit from yoga. She shared how she was very excited to be adding a new staff member who was also a yoga instructor.

Her Role at The Crag

As a Program Manager she takes on a lot of roles including being in-charge of staff, teams, adult instruction, kid’s programs and they just brough on three new guides. She has added administration work to her growing list. On top of all those responsibilities she also coaches, and out of all of her duties, this is her favorite. She discovered her love for teaching when she worked at MTSU. She worked as an instructor at the gym in Murfreesboro and brought her passion and skill to The Crag.

Hailey and the staff are always actively planning new events for the members of The Crag. Her face lights up as she speaks about the amazing team of ALL females she gets to work with every day. This staff gives her the empowerment and freedom to create programs that allow her to be the best Program Manager she strives to be.

Rock Climber & Author

Hailey has written a book called 101 Climbing Games and Activities, it is designed to help coaches, kids and adult beginners with various training techniques throughout the pages. It is brilliantly illustrated by showing a diverse staff and kids of various cultural backgrounds and body types. Rock climbing truly can be for anyone. Which is obvious when one walks around The Crag, you will see someone who may not be able to walk, but despite their limitations, are able to climb a wall.

Hailey is passionate about adaptive climbing. She loves helping and showing people how they can climb even though they have a disability. It doesn’t mean you cannot do it; it may simply mean trying a different way. With the training the staff has at The Crag they have the experience and knowledge to instruct adaptive climbing. This opens the door for many who never thought rock climbing was possible. With various adaptive methods it has helped many children and adults who gave themselves the chance to try something and be free of limiting beliefs. That builds a level of confidence that is not easily gained in our society.

When asked, ‘What do you feel one gains from rock climbing?’ She brilliantly answers with, “Whatever you need to gain. Do you need a distraction? A place for peace? Do you want a community? Or just work out and be strong? It is all offered in rock climbing”. What does rock climbing do for Hailey? It brings her joy and the freedom of movement.

For someone out there who is thinking about trying rock climbing, but has been told they cannot do it or may be scared, Hailey has some advice for you. “Baby steps, know your limitations, take it slow, be patient with yourself, adapt and try again.” It may not be easy the first, second or third time, however, when you are able to accomplish the climb and reach the top, it is a confidence builder. Simply because you know, you did it.

We asked Hailey as she was rushing off to a meeting if she had any last take-aways to share, “Something that brings you joy is not time wasted.” It is obvious this incredible woman has found her anchor in The Crag and her beloved rock climbing community.

To find out more about rock climbing, go to your local rock climbing gym. The staff at The Crag are absolutely amazing and if you are in Tennessee, please stop by and take a class or better yet, get a membership.  To find out more check out their website: https://iloverockclimbing.com/nashville/