getting back into it: two questions

[sixbeforelunch]

Hey all! So, I've been really wanting to get back into climbing lately. (I even bought a climbing magazine today for inspiration. Cute dude who rang me out at Barnes & Nobel was totally into it and wanted to chat climbing, but alas I was late getting back from my lunch break already, and there was a long line behind me that probably wouldn't have been into our climbing chat.) Two quick questions/pleas for advice.

1) So, I own climbing shoes, chalk, and tape, but they've been stored in a nylon bag without seeing the outside world for...over a year or more, I'd guess. I don't know that the bag breathes very well. I'm almost afraid to open the bag and peek at them. Any tips on sanitizing/deodorizing a pair of climbing shoes? And, if the chalk seems okay, do you think it'll be okay to use? I'm just wondering if it can go bad. (I don't see how, but my anxiety disorder likes to find the worst case scenario in everything.)

2) One of the biggest barriers to my getting back into climbing has been fear of not being able to go often enough to make noticeable progress. Opinions on the fewest number of times per week/month that you can go and still make some sort of progress?

Comments

[astridv]

I tried lavender before cedar and that didn't have any effect. A mix of both might, though. I would love to add sage to the cedar now that I read about it, but I don't think we have that here.