Mountain Athletics

Public Service Announcement

The North Face, possibly the most recognized outdoor brand in the United States, is revamping what training for success in the mountains looks like. They call it Mountain Athletics. The philosophy is this, the mountain doesn't care what shape you are in, how far you get, or what you do, it will be there tomorrow and the next day and so on. The goal is to train people for their desired field of interest so that when the season comes, they are physically and mentally prepared to give the mountains their best shot. What stands out most to me about this, is that they have now given the tools to the weekend warrior to train in the off season, so that they are ready to play when the time comes. One does not have to be a sponsored athlete to have access to the same training that the professionals use. Now all it takes is commitment to the program. I imagen that other companies will release their own versions of Mountain Athletics or join North Face to help all outdoor enthusiasts preform better. Either way, the tools are now out there to help you get where you want to be.


Food for thought.


K

NOLS Dispatch; Issue 4; The Second Wind

Time For Reflection 

It amazes me how often events play out similar to this; I become passionate about something, go all in, then slowly move what ever it is onto the back burner.

But that's not what amazes me.

What amazes me is that someone says something, or does something that reignites that passion. These blogs for example. I went into Kastner Family Chiropractic to have my back realigned, it feels so much better, thanks Doc, and came out recharged and re-inspired to continue blogging about what I love. I've started running for both pleasure and to add a little cardio to my routine and at first it was hard. I didn't have the right shoes, all I had was heart. It slowly became easier and less painful, then it became fun and I miss the days that I don't run. I now have added running 14ers to my list of things I want to do when I'm 60 as well as skiing and climbing to name a few. I want to enjoy the process but also look forward to the future and plan for that as well. It also occurred to me that I enjoy writing my blogs. I needed to be reminded of that. Thanks to all that helped inspire me today and in the days to come.


K

NOLS Dispatch; Issue 3; The Telemark Affect

The Telemark Affect


I tried a new type of skiing this weekend, telemark, a free heel style that is more fluid then downhill. It was one of the toughest days mentally that I have had in a while. Nothing seemed to be working, no matter what I tried, or how much my muscles burned, it was frustrating. My second run of the day went a lot better. I'm glad I knew how to ski parallel as it allowed me to try new things but still remain in control. Right in the middle of that run, I had three turns that were perfect. The feeling was of pure bliss, it just flowed, one leg sliding in front of the other, I got so excited I fell over. By that time my legs were gone, and I could hardly stand, but the rest of the day I chased that feeling of bliss.


In the movie Treasure Planet the cyborg, when talking about his mechanical half, said, "you give up a few things, chasing a dream," and as college is coming up I start to wonder what path I want to take. Do I want to live the dream, or make enough money to live comfortably and recreationally live my dream that way. I'm in Dave Ramsey's FPU and have learned that one can live comfortably with a modest income, I don't have to make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. I want to chase that feeling, not of success but of bliss.

The big issues is I don't yet know how that translates to the 'real world'. I will cross that bridge when I get there, but I am really excited to overcome this new challenge.


K

Check In

My heart aches.

K