Base Camp; Issue One

The First Day on the Job

After working as a host for 5 months, my server training is completed and my first shift done. It went ok, didn't do so hot on the first table, but my team members had me covered. I thought they would through me to the wolves, but they didn't. Every once in a while something happens, or someone comes around, that reminds me to continue to chase my dreams.

I didn't think that it would come from work.

My last table of my shift was exactly that. She was from the West coast on a business trip with a little sight seeing while she was here. After chatting for a time, she promised to read my blogs, and she was very enthusiastic about her future trips.

For some time now I have been toying with starting a series to record when I have been revived and re-inspired to continue. The series will be called Base Camp. A nod toward the home away from home. The purpose of a base camp while you are outside is to; provide a safe haven to store unnecessary equipment, provide shelter in nasty weather, and a safe place to return to after a long day, or days, on route. A metaphorical stretch to be sure, but not unreasonably so.

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NOLS Dispatch; Issue 5; The Small Step Theory

Trail and Error

One of the perks of living in Colorado is that the weather swings between winter and summer. High if 70 one day, snowing the next. As the skiing season is coming to a close, and the weather is getting nicer, climbing becomes my preferred method of meditation. I agreed to do a multipitch 5.7 lead with a friend of mine. At the top of the first pitch the exposure was getting to me, as a mental break down attacked my conscious. After staring at my first piece of protection I asked to be lowered to the belay so I could wrangle my thoughts. My partner encouraged me to stop looking for a handhold and find a foothold instead. Sure enough, as soon as I stopped looking for a handhold I had no more problems. It wasn't until later that I connected the dots, my success was due to lots of tiny steps, not dynamic moves or strength. That wasn't the first time that taking things slow and steady had worked for me. I recently have started running two or three times a week and really enjoy it. I approached running differently then I had before. There are two things that have to happen for me to have a successful run, have fun, and don't worry about how long it took me. As the miles passed, I experimented with my stride, landing heal first and striking the ground with different parts of my foot until it became comfortable. Now I land right behind the ball of my foot and none of my joints hurt. The other thing that quickly became apparent was that the shorter my stride, the easier it was to continue to move. A small change, but it has changed how I run.

It was at the top of the third pitch that things clicked and the Small Step Theory was formulated. The theory is that the smaller the steps you take, the easier and less stressful the process will be. Not an original idea to be sure, but one that fell into place. There has not been an application that this hasn't worked on.  I'm excited to apply this to other portions of my life. Just take things one small type at a time.

I'm glad I figured this out, finally.


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Check It Out

One day I want to be at this level.

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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.


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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.


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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.


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Check In

My heart aches.

K