Finding vertical solace amidst urban hustle

I cannot pinpoint exactly when rock climbing transitioned from a niche extreme sport to a mainstream urban phenomenon, but the craze has undeniably taken over.

Years ago, my understanding of the sport was entirely confined to short, adrenaline-pumping videos online. I would watch lean Nordic athletes battling against massive, jagged boulders in the unforgiving wilderness, and I simply could not comprehend the appeal.

"Why?" I would wonder, baffled by their relentless pursuit of such a punishing endeavor.