When did you become an outdoor enthusiast?
It innately appeared. When I was a kid, I remember thinking how big surrounding nature felt, spending time in my grandmothers garden or roaming a new part of the forest or down by the lake. Growing up in Ohio, I was always fascinated by the geography of the west, so I was naturally pulled into nature and inspired to see all it had to offer. When I am outside I feel like “myself.” Spending as much time in nature is a never ending education for me. It always has been and it always will be.
What influenced your passion for the outdoors?
I’ve always been drawn to the natural colors of the earth, to wide open spaces & the mystery and magic of the seasons and their elements.
What motivates you to spend so much time outdoors now?
I love experiencing new places with different landscapes, however, I also love stepping into and opening myself to new experiences in old places I’ve visited in the past. I love going back to nature with fresh eyes. Fresh eyes and a fresh mind push the boundaries of learning the extremes in both my mind and my physical capabilities.
Do you prefer trekking alone or in a group and why?
Depending on length & difficulty, I actually enjoy both, but prefer to share the experience and beauty of the outdoors with someone whether it’s my partner Christian or a friend or two. I also love learning from others, like what the local native birds, plant species, and near-by critters are.
What is your favorite place to go trekking? Favorite time of year?
I recently moved to Boulder, CO and it’s amazing to see how much it has to offer. So right now, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains are my favorite. I’m especially loving the temperate, comfortable late summer days and the cooler night hikes when summer meets fall.
When things get tough on a trek, how do you stay motivated to keep going?
It is subjective to me, knowing the easy parts wouldn’t be easy without the more difficult moments. I also try to stop my wandering mind and remember to stay in the present. Checking in with myself during challenging times is a mindful way to remember that "I'm stronger than I think I am." These check-ins are also a nice reminder to stop, look and listen to what’s around me.