Climbing and Genes (not jeans...)

[DArcyS]

Couple weeks ago I spit into a tube and sent it away to 23andMe for a DNA test. I was just reviewing the results. A couple caught my attention.

You have 1 variant associated with being less likely to have a fear of heights.

Yeah, I guess that's not a surprising result for me. A lot of people can even figure that out without a genetic test.

You have 1 variant associated with having a worse sense of direction.

Good thing I learned how to use map and compass and bought a GPS. I would venture to guess this variant is on the X chromosome, right ladies?

You have 1 variant associated with having difficulty discarding rarely-used possessions.

I loosely take that as "code" for obsessive compulsive behavior. I've talked a few times on this forum about OCD and climbing lists. Bet a few of you have this variant too.

[ellenmseb]

Interesting question! I did the test ~8 years ago.

**Less likely than average to be afraid of heights**
True

**More likely to get more mosquito bites than others.**
This is false. Mosquitoes hate me. Which unlocks July as the perfect hiking month. Except for on Mt. Holy Cross and in Alaska.

**your genetic muscle composition is common in elite power athletes.**
This is related to endurance. True, endurance is my strong point. Cardio is my weakness. I can hike slowly all day!

**Age-Related Macular Degeneration Variant detected**
This is why I hike in very dark sunglasses with no gaps to let light in.

Sense of direction was not reported for me. Instead, 23andme asked *me* whether I had a good sense of direction. Guess I'm in the training group.

[mindfolded]

I've always wondered if my Armenian heritage has anything to do with how much I just love being at high altitudes. Armenia's average altitude is almost 6000'.

[CharGalli]

Interesting results I didn't realized that would go that deep ... Now I Am curious... Maybe I should send some for analysis too...
I think funny tho I am Brazilian and love the Mountains while I get bored at the beach ... Still don't like the cold but I suck it up... I am also not afraid of heights e have a tendency of not planning things... Yikes I Know better but I don't