January 29 2023
Meg LaHatte is a climber currently living in Gunnison, Colorado. She found her way to climbing at 17 and participated in the USA Collegiate series. We had a chance to catch up with her and learn more about how she got into climbing, her outlook on climbing these days, and a little more about her life and training. Be sure to check out her workout playlist on Spotify, linked below!
We are stoked that when climbing, she chooses Lume Six sports bras, specifically the Alta Medium Impact Sports Bra. "There’s a lot to love about the Alta Medium Impact Sports Bra. First off, it’s extremely comfortable without sacrificing support or performance. I’ve skied, climbed, hiked, and skated in it with little to no issue. I often find myself itching to take my other bras off after a long day, but the Alta bra really does feel great from sunup to sundown. What sticks out to me is the varying size options Lume Six provide. Being able to support all women of all sizes is amazing. Most other companies don’t allow you to choose both band and chest size on their sports bras like Lume Six does." - Meg LaHatte
Tell us how you got into climbing?
Born and raised in Georgia, I’ve always held a certain fascination with the mountains. When I was in high school, I never really had a sport or activity that truly interested me. I tried cross country and soccer, but never really found any fulfillment from either. One day when I was 17, I Googled “climbing gyms” in my area. That’s when I discovered Active Climbing, a newly established ropes and bouldering gym located just a few minutes from my house. I immediately went with some friends and found myself ordering climbing shoes and purchasing a membership the next day. It really was love at first sight. Within the next year I was moving to Colorado for school and chasing my outdoor goals while fostering a strong infatuation with instructing as well.
How are you heading into the new year? Is there a competition or any trips you’re looking forward to?
Now that I’ve exited the USA Collegiate series, I am planning on stepping back from competing as much. I love the local comps we have here in Gunnison, but ultimately I want to harness (no pun intended) my outdoor technical skills and abilities. Prior to beginning my collegiate career, I used to climb more multi-pitch and trad routes. I personally would love to explore that realm of climbing more and grow in those abilities.
Typically every spring I make a trip out to Joe’s Valley in Utah. It’s a massive bouldering wonderland with some stellar routes made for everyone. The desert is a special place of healing for me and spending a few weeks there would be incredible.
"I personally would love to explore that realm of climbing more and grow in those abilities."
Do you have any specific goals with climbing this year?
Goals with climbing are always a toughie- limited access from weather restraints makes for our season to be pretty short on the Western Slope. However, I am aiming to finally bag my project in God’s Crag called Bone Machine. I think I’ve worked it a solid 20 times with a few one-hangs. It’s such a beautiful route with some really great rhythmic moves and a goal I would love to finally check off my to-do list.
I would also love to consistently travel on the weekends to some outdoor crags in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Climbing outside is incredibly cathartic for me. Feeling so intensely connected to nature is one of the many reasons I began climbing.
What is your favorite memory from climbing?
I think it would be climbing in the Black Canyon for the first time in 2018. Its vast expanse is even more intimidating when you’re 7 pitches up and feeling more exposed than ever. The night before our big excursion, my friend and I dyed our hair pink. As we crawled out of the last pitch onto the top of the canyon, our foreheads were stained fuchsia and purple from the sweat under our helmets. I remember my feet were completely numb from wearing my climbing shoes for that long 10 hour day, but my heart and mind were riding the best high. It was so unforgettable and truly an amazing experience! Canyons are so cool.
What does a typical week of training look like for you right now?
Since exiting the collegiate climbing series after graduating last year, I have taken a few steps back from intense training. Right now, I am listening to my body and seeking to exercise in ways I find the most “fun.” So currently my week consists of a few days of indoor climbing training with some hang boarding, daily hikes with my dog, and skiing as much as I can in between! It’s really great living in an area where activities can be both productive and good for the soul.
What is your favorite outdoor activity aside from climbing?
Right now it’s between skiing and roller skating. After going through a bit of a climbing slump this spring, I bought a pair of roller skates on a whim. Progressing in that sport has been an amazing journey and has translated really well to my skiing as well! If its warm enough you can catch me at the skate park working on bowl drops, 180s, and some super funky dance moves
What was your favorite thing to do outside as a kid?
I spent most of my childhood playing in the woods around my parent’s house in Savannah Lakes, SC. I loved climbing trees, wakeboarding, archery, skateboarding and painting there. Those trips to the lake definitely fueled my love for the outdoors as a kid.
Is there somewhere you really want to travel to for climbing?
I’ve had a long time dream of traveling to Europe and sport climbing in Spain. Some seriously amazing sends have gone down in Siurana where there is over 1000 beautifully crafted sport routes.
What is your favorite post-exercise meal?
Pasta pasta pasta. Whether its pesto or bolognese, I’m chowing down after a long climbing sesh! Add a little salad to the mix and its *chef’s kiss*.
What is your favorite snack while climbing?
Fruit Roll-Ups and Gushers are almost aways my go to.
Is there a sport or activity you would really like to try but never have??
I would love to do some outdoor ice skating this winter! It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid to skate on a frozen pond or lake.
Which Lume Six sports bra do you wear for climbing and what do you like about it?
There’s a lot to love about the Alta Medium Impact Sports Bra. First off, it’s extremely comfortable without sacrificing support or performance. I’ve skied, climbed, hiked, and skated in it with little to no issue. I often find myself itching to take my other bras off after a long day, but the Alta bra really does feel great from sunup to sundown. What sticks out to me is the varying size options Lume Six provide. Being able to support all women of all sizes is amazing. Most other companies don’t allow you to choose both band and chest size on their sports bras like Lume Six does.
Shop Meg's Favorite Sports Bra below...
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