05/12/2020
Hi I’m Alex! I’m co-hosting this podcast with Rachel ( ).
I started the whole “being outside thing” after a backpacking weekend with my friends and their family. We still laugh about how I woke everyone up because I was terrified of peeing alone at night. That was a turning point for me.
Since then, I’ve been the newbie more than once.
I learned how to paddle a canoe and even guided a bit.
I ran outdoors for a while, and ended up running longer distances. On trail.
I learned how to pack a backpack with everything I need and walk off in the mountains for a couple of days.
I learned how to climb, and lead climb, and I even trad climbed once.
I learned how to ski on backcountry skis.
I guess this is all I do outside, but why do I do it?
I find community in climbing. So much. So many climbers have become friends. In paddling I find a connection to the landscape like in no other sport. The river will bring you home, and even food if you’re ok at fishing. In skiing I’m in awe of the landscapes and I’m so happy that if I fall something smooth will catch me (ok, maybe not that smooth but at least it’s not falling on rock). I like to think about how far my too feet can bring me.
In doing all of this, I was afraid at first, or not physically fit, but I worked, and so here I am. This is why I think you should get outside too. So to sum it all up, I’m here to tell you that if you’re scared of doing something, you probably should do it.
