“You climb 14ers? Oh wow, you’re my hero!”

I’d been taking a self-defense class and was thanking the instructor for the ways they had been adapting the moves so I can do them while wearing my climbing gauntlet to protect my hand. I mentioned that I use it for rock climbing & summiting 14ers (Colorado peaks that are over 14,000 feet high) when they said I was their hero. They admitted that high altitudes in the wild weren’t their thing, but the fact that I climb with a physical impairment seemed to make me a hero. And while I am sure it was meant to be a compliment, it didn’t quite feel right to me.

I have stopped thieves, used CPR and first aid in emergencies, and even helped catch a murderer. I help friends and neighbors in times of need. To me, that is being a hero – sacrificing a part of myself, my time, or my potential safety for someone else. My athletic pursuits may inspire people, but they are inherently selfish. If pushing myself to challenge my personal limits inpires you to push past your own limits, then that is wonderful! But it is secondary, inspirational, not heroic. If I have helped you in a time of need, then you are welcome to call me a hero, if you like. Or just say thanks. And then we can go climb mountains together.