Tag: outdoor sports

Out of Practice

climbing, fitness, getting back in shape, outdoor sports, sport climbing

When you have been away from a sport for a while, it takes a few tries to get back where you left off. I decided to go to a sport-climbing gym to get some routes in before I try to head outdoors this spring, and man was that a good idea.

I tend to forget how much of a toll climbing takes on your forearms. Four days of stretching and they are still feeling tight! Makes desk work during the week a bigger pain than it already is!

Even though I was a little rusty, I got some good practice in and even learned a new gym game where you climb up a route on a slab (meaning the rock face is at an angle less than vertical) without using any hand holds. Definitely makes you get creative with your route and aware of where your center of gravity is.

How do you get back into shape when you’ve been away from something for a season?

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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?

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.

 

 

Extreme Sports Are Changing Lives

Brad Nierenberg Favorites, Inspiration, mountain biking, outdoor sports, outdoors, travel, Uncategorized, winter sports

Stumbled upon this fantastic article about Paralympians starting an adventure camp for people with disabilities.  A lot of people experience the world in a different way, and extreme outdoor sports haven’t always been the most accessible to them. It is great to see these champs creating exciting and accessible opportunities. Bringing more diversity and different perspectives to extreme sports can only enrich the experience for everyone involved.

With sports like waterskiing, downhill biking, kitebuggying and kayaking, this is a great step toward supporting everyone in following their passions.

How do you think we can make the world of extreme/outdoor sports more inclusive?

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.

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?

Getting Ready for Ski Season!

equipment, outdoor sports, outdoors, skiing, snowboarding, winter sports

Now that it’s fall, it’s almost ski season! I’m not sure where the time has gone off too, but it’s October, and I’m behind on preparing for the winter. Thankfully, Colorado Ski Country has a handy checklist for people like me! 

Figure out your ski pass

They suggest deciding how many times you’re anticipating hitting the hills, what your budget is. Options range anywhere from the Colorado Gold Pass to daily lift tickets. Find out more here! 

Get your gear in order

Based on how many times you ride a year, it might make more sense to rent than to own. But if you’re going to buy new, start your shopping with last season’s models. Make sure any and all of your clothing is still weatherproof, warm, and clean. Definitely make sure it’s clean. Also make sure your goggles still fit snugly, as does your helmet. You only have one head and two eyes, don’t risk them. Also, if you’re stuck between buying gear or renting, do yourself a favor and buy some boots. Then have them fitted. It’s worth itCheck your gear over.

  • Make sure nothing is broken, chipped, dull… you know the drill.
  • Make sure you’re in shape for this. Cardio will help your endurance in high elevations, and strength will keep you going.

Make a bucket list: life is short, the ski seasons are shorter.