From shiny new gear to stylish performance clothing, these drool-worthy items at last week’s Outdoor Retailer had us itching to head for the hills (in a good way).
You know that feeling when everyone thinks you are a little crazy? But, instead you know that your choices are the sanest ones you could make? That’s how I felt about a month ago…
This is our first adventure race, and we are doing it together, for fun, and with no competitive intentions. We’re the only all-female team in the two-person open division. Our goals: Have fun and don’t finish DFL (dead effing last). But she is smoking me, and we are actually doing pretty well.
When I arrive for the Women’s Empowerment Workshop, I wonder why it seemed so difficult to get away and why I had second thoughts about leaving. Hmm, work, or go to the mountains for a women’s retreat designed to rejuvenate and nourish mind, body, and spirit? The answer suddenly couldn’t be simpler.
When I asked for some adventure racing tips last week, you all stepped up to the plate and offered up your best advice and encouragement. Your suggestions were simpler than I expected, and this seeming simplicity made me wonder whether the race is more straightforward or, on the contrary, tougher than I imagine.
“I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” —Hilaire Belloc
Polar Bottle has added several new limited edition bottles to its online store.
“Many a calm river begins as a turbulent waterfall, yet none hurtles and foams all the way to the sea.” —Mikhail Lermontov
I don’t have a death wish. I have a desire to challenge myself and live a life rich in experiences. I turn back when conditions or skill level trumps my goal, but I’m working really hard on not letting fear of failure triumph.
Imagine mountain biking up a steep ascent and reaching the top only to continue with white-water rafting, running, zip lining, climbing, and rappelling. Now imagine doing all of this with one leg. Or blind. Or paralyzed. Welcome to the 2011 Adventure TEAM Challenge, a race among teams of five that each have at least two disabled members.
Our attempt to find a hobby—something active we could both enjoy—led us to this creek. Bordered on either side by two very muddy hills was the creek that was the beginning of the end of our hiking trip in Maui.
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