Embracing Adventure at Any Age

Have you seen the National Geographic article going around about women diving into outdoor adventures as they age? This piece truly resonated with me because it's something I feel passionate about, especially as someone who’s redefined her own relationship with fitness and nature over the years. 🌿🏃‍♀️ So I couldn't resist sharing my thoughts with you.

First off, hats off to all the incredible women featured in the article who are smashing stereotypes and proving that age is just a number. It’s so empowering to read about women who are not letting society's expectations box them in. Instead, they are out there, scaling mountains, riding the waves, and exploring forests with zest and enthusiasm.

For many of us, the idea of slowing down as we age is ingrained in our minds, but these stories serve as a living testament that the opposite can be true. Aging doesn’t have to mean stepping back; it can be a time to step forward—boldly and unapologetically. Growing up, I never considered myself much of an athlete and focused much more on my studies. But this shifted for me after I graduated from college. I moved to NYC right out of college and couldn't afford a gym membership, so I started jogging in Central Park. For the first time, I found a true boost in exercising. Running from my apartment to the reservoir and back became something I looked forward to each evening after work and kept me outside after spending long hours in the office.

After moving to Northern California In my 30s, I took to the trails with my babies in a jog stroller, running all over the trail network in the Point Reyes National Park. Then when I was 42, I saw a sign while walking a path along the San Francisco Bay advertising a “learn to row” event. I was hooked in just one morning, and for the first time participated in a team sport, rowing on the Women's Novice, Intermediate, and Master B Teams for Marin Rowing. The early mornings on the water became a sacred time for me where I was able to simply focus on being in the boat, pushing my body to the limit in ways I never had before.

Moving to Montana in my early 50's, I had to leave rowing, but discovered skate skiing which is more physically demanding than rowing for me?! Two years ago I signed up for the Novice Biathlon Team at the local cross country center Cross Cut and learned how to shoot a rifle and combined this with skate skiing. Lying prone in the snow with XC skies attached, your heart rate accelerated, often in windy snowy conditions, taking aim and shooting tiny targets 50 meters away is no joke. I love it! This summer I am looking to hike several tall peaks in Montana, and I'm currently making a list of the ones I want to tackle before winter. There is something about hiking above the tree line for me that touches my soul. I think it's a profound feeling of awe that puts things in perspective for me.

We know the mental and physical benefits of staying active outdoors are undeniable. Nature has an incredible way of refreshing our spirits, and I've found that trying outdoor-related activities is one of my best tools for taking my mind off of the "workout" and being able to enjoy just being active. Being physically active in nature isn’t just about maintaining fitness—it nurtures your mental health and helps me find a sense of peace and connection that's often missing while running through my day-to-day activities.

And finally, probably the most inspiring aspect of this article to me was the sense of community that outdoor adventures bring to these women. I see this happening on my retreats all of the time — women forming bonds over shared experiences, and even when they go home, they have these support systems to encourage and uplift. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or simply walking through a park, outdoor activities build friendships that go beyond the trails and into our everyday lives.

To me, these stories highlight how personal growth doesn't have an age limit. Stepping out of our comfort zone to take on new challenges helps cultivate resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we tackle new adventures, we learn more about ourselves, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

Spending time in nature, inevitably, also brings a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve it. As we enjoy the beauty and serenity of the outdoors, we become advocates for Mother Earth and our passion to protect these precious spaces only grows.

I loved this article for its reminder: It's never too late to discover new passions and redefine what aging means to you. What truly counts is the spirit and energy we bring to each day. Whether you're just starting your journey into outdoor activities or are a seasoned explorer, there's always room for new adventures and growth in my book. In fact, if you'd like to join me on an upcoming adventure, check them out here.