Tag: active lifestyle

3 Crazy Endurance Races that Push the Limits

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, bucket list, hiking, Inspiration, outdoor sports, Uncategorized

Sometimes I finish a really long run or a strenuous hike and think that I’ve exhausted myself to my very limits and can’t push anymore. And that might be true because once I wildly underestimated the amount of water I would need on a 10-mile hike and considered drinking from a (not so clean) stream at the end. That was miserable.

But I like to push myself and see what I am capable of, and doing that is a long process of learning and failing and eventually succeeding. I found some articles about some unbelievable races that are designed to push humans to their very limits.

This boat race covers 750 miles in variable conditions. The only rules: No motors and no support along the way.

This 100 mile foot race in the mountains of Frozen Head State Park, TN is designed for failure. There’s no map, no GPS, and just making it to the start line is nearly impossible.

This race has you ascending and descending four peaks on skis. You better be ready to bring your uphill game.

As cool as it would be to participate in one of these, I think I’ll stick with my shorter races. But who knows?

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Outdoor Enthusiasts to Watch

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, Inspiration, outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, travel, Uncategorized

I started this blog to connect with fellow nature lovers, whether they too live in Colorado, are on the other side of the country, or even living out their own adventures elsewhere. I love to read about other people’s adventures, and get ideas for my (smaller scale) future treks.

Here are some of the places where I find my inspiration:

The North Face

Skiing Twitter

Team Makalu

Whether it’s skiing, climbing, hiking, or running for hundreds of miles, hopefully you can find some inspiration here too.

Throwing It Back to My Days As a Racer

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, outdoor sports, outdoors, Ski trips, skiing, Uncategorized, winter sports

So I never really thought I’d be a competitive skier, but I did have a few years of recreational racing in college. Mostly I liked it because I had a group to go skiing with at least 4 days a week, and people that didn’t mind skipping class for a day of fresh powder. Racing was always fun, and it made me a much stronger skier, but I never cared too much about the clock or how I was placing. 

So it is kind of funny to think that I might be racing in a rec league again this weekend! Pray I don’t blow a knee, I’m not as young (or reckless) as I used to be.

Staying Motivated

Inspiration, Uncategorized, winter sports

Days are getting longer but it is still tough to wake up in darkness, and leave work in darkness.

I hate getting out of bed when it is still dark, only to pull on my warm running tights, shorts over those, my warmest shirt, gloves, a hat, and lace up my shoes to get in a few miles before work.

I could hit up the gym, but getting up another 20 minutes earlier to run on the dreadmill just seems so unappealing.

This article has some good tips for those days that you hit snooze no less than 12 times. I may or may not have done that twice this week. These tips can be easily adapted to any workout routine, not just running.
What keeps you going when it’s cold and dark?

Another Instagram Adventure

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, Inspiration, outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, snowboarding, travel, Uncategorized, winter sports

Some more cool skiers to follow on Instagram:

Scrolling through my feed in the morning helps get me through a long day of work by pumping me up for the lines I’ll make on the mountain on the weekend.

Cody Townsend has got some sick pics that will make you crave the slopes. Check him out here.

 

 

What Inspires Bradley Nierenberg?

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, hiking, Inspiration, outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, Uncategorized

Why do I love to be outside? There are many reasons. Hiking, biking, camping, skiing, running, and climbing are all ways for me to push boundaries and find out what I am capable of. The wind in your face is enough to right all the wrongs of the day. The sense of accomplishment looking at steep incline or sheer face you just tackled is unlike anything else. The adrenaline of heights and speed is addictive. And knowing you did it with your own strength.. It’s an incomparable feeling.

I’ll Stay Inside if I Have To…

outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, snowboarding, winter sports

The outdoors is where I’d spend all my time if I could. Mountain biking, hiking, skiing, anything to get my daily dose of adrenaline. But when the snow is blowing so hard I can’t see my car in the driveway, I let mother nature win.

If I can’t make it to the mountains, I might go to the gym, organize my garage, or watch an outdoor movie, staying warm, but living vicariously through the pros.

Here’s a good list of movies to kick off a nasty weather movie marathon when you are wishing you could be outside.

What are your favorite ways to wait out the nasty weather? Or do you just brave the storm and head for the slopes?

New Destinations for Mountain Biking

mountain biking, outdoor sports, outdoors, travel

This article makes me want to plan my next trek to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to explore their trails. I always love seeing new places, even though Colorado never gets old. Never thought I’d want to leave CO to get my mountain fix.

The article also mentions how mountain biking in Minnesota may bring even more people than downhill winter sports. I love both equally – but it’s pretty cool to see mountain biking catch on as a more popular outdoor activity that everyone old and young can enjoy.

Where are you going for your next outdoor adventure? Where should I go? Suggestions?

Instagram Adventures

fall, hiking, outdoor sports, outdoors

Finding other people who share their love for mountains is one of my favorite things. I found this guy here.

He posts incredible views from his hikes and climbs. If this doesn’t make you want to climb a mountain, I don’t know what will.

Check out some of his posts from San Juans, CO and Snowmass Lake, CO  or just scroll through his whole feed to see his adventures and accomplishments here.
Where do you guys find your favorite adventure bloggers? What motivates you to get outside? I can’t wait for the weekend!

Feel the Burn! Go Hiking to Get in Shape for Ski Season

fall, hiking, outdoors, skiing

Before winter hits, start working those legs so your quads won’t be shaking after lunch.

Get in shape so you can shred till last chair.

This article is an oldie and goodie from Outside magazines with workout tips from the U.S. ski team!

If hitting up the gym isn’t your style, fear not. One of my favorite ways to get in shape to spend all day on the mountain is to… Hike all day on a mountain! Grab a friend, pack a lunch, and spend all day walking uphill. It’s more fun than it sounds. Plus now is the best time to enjoy the fall leaves, and the burn you feel in your legs now will pay off later.

How do you stay in shape during the off season? If I could, I’d ski year round, but since I can’t I gotta make every day count!