Fall 2012 Women's Adventure Magazine by Women's Adventure Magazine

GAIN AN ATHLETIC EDGE • EXPERIENCE CHATTANOOGA • EAT SEASONALLY

FALL 2012

New Heights

Young People with Cancer Conquering Outdoor Obstacles

Women Veterans Their Connections with the Outdoors

51 GEAR ESSENTIALS FOR

Running, Traveling, Hiking, and Racing THRIVE IN THE WILD™ $4.99 US $6.99 CAN V10N2

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BASEgirl

Clair Marie On Living Your Dreams

Why Try

Yoga Cyclocross Stage Racing

Does Compression Wear Work?

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XR MISSION

Born and raised where the powder meets the red rocks in Western Colorado, Kristen grew up skiing and hiking. While her recreational passion is for skiing of all types, her deepest passion is for her family. She writes at her own site, braveskimom.com, as well as other snowsports and outdoor adventures sites and regional magazines. She is also one of the Adventure Moms, writing for the Women’s Adventure blog. While she can’t speak any languages other than English proficiently, Kristen has backpacked across four continents using the universal language of a friendly smile. Currently immersed in mom-dom, Kristen looks forward to someday sending her boys to college so that she and her husband can pursue year-round skiing, around the world.

Allison Pattillo A Colorado-based writer, runner, and travel junkie, Allison took a break from stage racing this past summer to hike/run 14ers, bike over mountain passes, and explore national parks with her family, and is unapologetic about spending only four weeks at home between Memorial Day and Labor Day. When not running, she writes about it as a Contributing Editor for Competitor magazine. She is also an editor at outdoorcommunitydaily.com, a website she co-founded to encourage athletes of all abilities to get outdoors, and is the women’s running wear tester for the Gear Institute.

FA L L 2 0 1 2 Connect with us on Twitter.

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER SUE SHEERIN @journalistjenn EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JENNIFER C. OLSON Designers D. Kari Luraas, Sarah Fuller, Sarah Chesnutt

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@g2renee

@ravenmoon911

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Web Director Susan Hayse

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@susancycles

Travel Editor Gigi Ragland Copy Editor Mira Perrizo

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@IamCaseyFlynn

Contributing Writers Chris Kassar, Casey Flynn, Courtney Johnson, Melissa McLean Jory, Linda J. Williamson, @GFMelissa Kate Chandler, Allison Pattillo, Jayme Moye, @BraveSkiMom Kristen Lummis, Adam W. Chase, Stefani Jackenthal @stefjackenthal

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contributors

Kristen Lummis

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Editorial Interns Jaime Pritchard

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@JaimeDPritch

Contributing Photographers Jimmy H. (cover), Pat Branch, Chris Bazil, Ember Photography, Camrin Dengel, John Johnson, Nancy Brous, Chris Hunter, AJ Johnson, Nicole Wang, Matt Glowinsky, Duende Photo

Camrin Dengel An outdoor lifestyle and adventure photographer, Camrin grew up in Valdez, Alaska, where she developed a passion for the outdoors. Whether she’s skiing in the mountains, kayaking on the river or just about anything in between, there isn’t much in the way of adventure that she’ll turn down. Along with her passion for photography and playing outside, Camrin is a fan of pink helmets, boys that huck waterfalls, and homebrewed kombucha. She loves a good trail run, lengthy bike touring trips and shooting with her fisheye lens.

SUBMISSIONS For contributor’s guidelines, visit www.womensadventuremagazine.com/contributors-guidelines Editorial queries or submissions should be sent to edit@staff.womensadventuremagazine.com Photo queries should be sent to photos@womensadventuremagazine.com Women’s Adventure is always looking for new and innovative products for women. For consideration, please send non-returnable samples to 3360 Mitchell Lane, Suite E, Boulder, CO 80301

@sheerin_sue

[

Key Accounts Sue Sheerin

sue@womensadventuremagazine.com

Account Manager Marleigh Hill

marleigh@womensadventuremagazine.com

Stefani Jackenthal An adventure and wine journalist and an elite endurance racer, who has competed and reported from around the world, Stefani has contributed to The New York Times, Outside, Shape, Women’s Health, Fitness, Prevention, Wine Enthusiast, Runner’s World, Marie Claire, Conde’ Nast Traveler, among others. She authored two of our favorites: Wanderlust Wining—The outdoorsy oenophile’s wine country companion and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Rock Climbing. stefjack.com

2 2 WAM WAM • • FALL FALL| |2012 2012

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D A R E P L A C E S S K I N W O U L D

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T O

O THER C A RE N EVER

D R E A M

goAdvent uress.com

Michele Ca rter, Adventures s Founder

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Tour womensadventuremagazine.com for web-exclusive content and extras including:

TOOLBOXES

Packed with how-to tips, fun videos, and inspiring stories, our better-than-ever Toolboxes will equip you for every pursuit from running, cycling, and hiking to snow and water sports.

BLOGS

Glean tips from the Adventure Moms, be entertained by the newbie blogs, and even submit your own stories.

GEAR

At Women’s Adventure, we practice what we preach and really geek out about gear. Check out reviews of our favorite gear online every Tuesday.

TRAVEL

Discover the season’s top destinations for family, solo, or girlfriend getaways—always with active, adventurous twist.

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Contents

Features

52 New Heights 48

The Yin and Yang of a Girls’ Getaway in South India They came for yoga and food. They got a journey they didn’t expect. Stefani Jackenthal and her less extreme gal pal find balance on an international journey together.

First Descents challenges young people with cancer, presenting real obstacles to fear, confront, and conquer. By Jayme Moye

Women Veterans The outdoors provides the peace, adrenaline rush, inspiration, escape, and security that helps these women persevere after war. By Chris Kassar

aspire

wonder

Winter running gear, hiking shoes for all, scarves for shoulder season, and the best, funnest, most feminine, and easiest-to-use of everything we’ve tested.

master

Gear

12 Discuss The Edge You’ve Always Wanted 38 I’m Proof... Up in Her Years, Upping Inspiration 14 Book Club Adventure Reads for Fall 40 Try This Meditation 16 Trends Scarves 42 Dream Job BASEgirl and WAM Cover Girl 18 Tech Talk Eating for the Seasons 46 Camps The SRAM Gold Rusch Tour 22 Tech Talk Does compression wear work? 26 Hotel Homebase Get Out in Chattanooga 30 Trends Travel the Route of the Living Maya 32 Travel Pro The Price Sisters’ Touring Roots 33 Travel Gear Essentials for Autumn Getaways 34 On the Map Find Your Own Adventure

travel

62 Skill Stage Racing 65 Sport Cyclocross 68 Mix It Up Yoga for Fall 78 Marketplace 79 Partnerships 80 It’s Personal When a Suitor Tries Taming You

6 WAM • FALL | 2012

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SPRING 2012

Why Krissy Moehl feels “completely lucky to be living this life.“ page 32

Farming for More than Food Building Libraries (and Uniting Villages) in Nepal Exploring Africa’s Okavango Delta on Horseback

How to

Run Ultra Marathons Bicycle Commute Cross Train Using TRX

The Complete Package: THRIVE IN THE WILD™ $4.99 US $6.99 CAN V10N1

Mountain Bikes, Kayaks, and All the Essentials to Match

Title IX: Run, Play, and Ride Like the Guys (Only Better)

SPRING 2012 Display Until June 1

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93 Ways to Play Harder, Travel Smarter, and to Go Farther

HOW TO BE AN ACTIVE ADVOCATE

WINTER 2011/12

Happiness Is

Fresh Powder Blue Skies Friends

Why is

Kasha Rigby

a Wild Thing? See page 32

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Great Tips for Solo Trips Make Tracks to a Backcountry Hut

WINTER 2011/12 Display Until February 29 WomENsaDVENTuREmagazINE.com

Skate Skiing, Avalanche Awareness, Snowshoes, Snow Biking, and More!

LONDON 2 LONDON BY BIKE AND BOAT

FALL 2011

Yes You Can

Climb Jump Fly

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Cowgirl Up

Climbing Tips, Training for the Slopes, Great Gear for Fall, and More!

Subscribe to our print magazine for $18/year.

From the Editor A

fter packing for a trip this summer, a friend said to me, “I can just see your suitcase: a pile of pink clothes.” My friend had it right. I like pink.

There, I said it. I like pink, flowers, nail polish, gardening, and getting dirty. But I also love backpacking, bike riding, fishing, skiing, and running stage races. I like trying new sports, learning how my bike works, building campfires, and exploring outdoors. And I love being a woman. As we got started on this issue, I asked a bunch of gals to define an “adventure woman” and got a variety of answers. The term is too broad to define concisely, and honestly there’s no one true definition. I imagine many of you feel similarly. You don’t fit a mold. But, luckily, neither do the women we hear from in the fall issue of Women’s Adventure magazine. And that means we have a lot to learn from each other and them. They are women who travel together; veterans who find peace, adventure, and perspective in the outdoors; and young people with cancer conquering challenges in the outdoors. You’ll learn from, relate to, and be inspired by each of them. BASEgirl Clair Marie (on our cover) has been told “you can’t” for years, yet she does anyway. Known as the youngest person and one of the first 50 women worldwide to BASE jump, Clair is a self-described girly girl and one hundred percent extreme athlete. She earns a living teaching people about her passion (page 42) and knows the limits sometimes put on female athletes. So, she makes a special point of encouraging other women to live their dreams and disregard those limiting opinions. Co-author of The Gluten-Free Edge, Melissa McLean Jory understands what it’s like to be different, too. She is an athlete with celiac disease who learned how to feel and be healthy in the outdoors and shares with you how to gain that athletic edge, too (page 12). Writer Chris Kassar builds on Melissa’s advice and serves up tips for eating seasonally (page 18) and practicing yoga this fall (page 68), while Linda J. Williamson coaches us through mind-calming and clarifying meditation on page 40. Travel is another sure-fire way to break free from molds. Kate Chandler and WAM travel editor Gigi Ragland divulge how to best embrace this season’s most unique and timely travel opportunities (page 26). Marge Gunderson (page 38), celebrates her birthdays by gathering all her friends for a long bike ride—a mile to represent every year of her life so far. This year, she turned 71. And pro mountain biker Rebecca Rusch also gets more women on bikes, spending her spare time leading skills camps (page 46). Discovering your definition of adventuress is an individual process, so our job is just to equip you with tools and inspiration to make it easier to continue being yourself: the new adventuress. We and the women in this magazine are the gals who do what others say can’t be done. Whatever being a woman and being adventurous means to you is fine with me. I’m just glad we’re friends. Until next time, DAVE NEVINS

Subscriptions!

It fits in your pack and requires no batteries! Subscribe to get Women’s Adventure hot off the presses four times a year and enjoy our seasonal issues packed with outdoor adventure, tips, gear reviews, and feature articles.

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WAM • FALL | 2012 9

Photography: Gabe Rogel

Location: Jackson Hole

Athlete: Darcy Conover

Marmot Shells Collection Just one way Marmot helps you bond with nature.

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PAT BRANCH

Pro downhiller Katie Holden hikes up a hill 20 miles north of Santa Cruz, California, to take a second pass down a beach-front trail. katieholden.com

Discuss

The Gluten-Free Edge How Might Nixing Gluten From Your Diet Give You The Athletic Edge You’ve Been Seeking? By Melissa McLean Jory, MNT

port-specific nutrition is a trendy topic these days, and for good reason. What, when, and how we eat can have a profound impact on overall fitness, athletic performance, and recovery. Most professional teams now have exercise physiologists, sports nutritionists, and specialized chefs on staff, but adopting dietary strategies to boost energy and enhance performance is nothing new. We can go all the way back to 776 BC, ancient Greece, and the first Olympics for a hint of what we find today. Athletes then, as now, were striving to gain a competitive edge through diet. For some—like Charmis of Sparta, winner of the 200-yard sprint at the Olympic Games in 668 BC—that meant a training table heavy on dried figs, cheese, and lots of wheat. Although gluten-containing breads and porridge were a fixture in the ancient Greek diet, unlike Charmis, some athletes of the time proclaimed the advantage of avoiding wheat altogether. Highly competitive and mindful of what they ate, these early competitors were, in essence, gluten-free. Like today’s Olympians, they were looking for an edge, but—unlike today’s athletes—those early gluten-free Olympians were all men. Amy Yoder Begley, who has celiac disease, competed in the 10,000 meter run at the 2008 Beijing Olympics—and she did it gluten-free. Swimmer Dana Vollmer, who also adheres to a gluten-free diet, won two gold medals at the 2012 London Games. Both wins came with world records. Olympic medalist and 10-time national pole vaulting champion, Jenn Suhr, who also has celiac disease, won gold in London, too. That’s just the tip of the iceberg—or the podium, in this case. Women athletes are rocking the sports world right now. It’s great to be an active woman today, but there’s one thing about being a girl that’s not so great. Autoimmune diseases—especially gluten intolerance, in the form of celiac disease— disproportionately affect us. We’re at increased risk of autoimmunity, and the gender bias is dramatic. Twice as many women are diagnosed with celiac disease as men. Researchers don’t yet have a definitive answer as to why, but many elite female athletes, especially triathletes, have found an edge when it comes to decreasing inflammation and combating autoimmunity. You guessed

12 WAM • FALL | 2012

it—they avoid gluten. For those with celiac disease, it’s a medical necessity. For others, it’s the gateway to better long-term health and enhanced performance. What is gluten?

Gluten is the term used to describe a group of storage proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. We don’t digest (break down) these proteins adequately, which can cause a host of health problems for people who are susceptible. Some researchers even say gluten is problematic, in one way or another, for all of us. What is gluten intolerance?

Gluten intolerance is an umbrella term for medical conditions that require a gluten-free diet. Although immunologically different, celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten sensitivity all fall into the mix of gluten intolerance. Thirty million or more Americans have some form of gluten intolerance. Most don’t know it and are being treated for their symptoms (anemia, osteoporosis, GI problems, etc.) rather than the cause (gluten) of those symptoms. Why are athletes jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon?

Gluten has a complicated impact on the immune system, even in athletes without a diagnosed form of gluten intolerance. It can cause GI problems, increase inflammation, and hinder recovery. Wins are often determined by the slimmest of margins. Sometimes a measly five-hundredths of a second can mark the difference between a win and a loss. What an athlete eats—or doesn’t eat—is an essential factor in how she performs. Athletes want an edge, even if it’s just a few seconds at the finish line, sharper reactions, or faster recovery after hard workouts. For some, going gluten-free is the answer. Melissa McLean Jory is a nutrition therapist, registered yoga teacher, lover of simple food, and founder of the blog Gluten-Free For Good. She also has a degree in exercise science and a passion for backcountry travel and telemark skiing. Although she doesn’t like the word “disease” attached to it, she has celiac and finds no limits when it comes to nutritious and tasty gluten-free cooking, whether in the comfort of her kitchen or the wonder of the wilderness.

For more info, anecdotes, tips, and recipes, check out the book Melissa co-authored and released this summer. The Gluten-Free Edge: A Nutrition & Training Guide for Peak Athletic Performance and an Active Gluten-Free Life by Peter Bronski and Melissa McLean Jory, MNT. $16; theexperimentpublishing.com/ourbooks/health/ the-gluten-free-advantage/

Need to nix gluten from your diet? Avoid these: Wheat

Spelt

Barley Durum Rye Semolina Einkorn Triticale Emmer Oats (if not certified gluten-free)

Instead, try these power-packed alternatives: Amaranth Buckwheat Millet Teff Quinoa Oats (certified glutenfree) Brown rice, wild rice

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Discuss

Breast Cancer Prevention Month Awareness isn’t enough anymore. The Breast Cancer Fund and Women’s Adventure encourage you to act for change during October—and always. You can minimize your risk by heeding these top tips. Prevention starts in your daily environments. Tip 1: Protect yourself from the sun—and sunscreen. Sunscreens often contain small amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals that are bad for us and aquatic life. Stay out of the sun during peak hours, cover up, and check whether your sunblock is safe at safecosmetics.org/skindeep. Tip 2: Make sure your water bottle is BPA-free. Avoid toxic bisphenol A, or BPA, which is in polycarbonate plastic reusable water bottles, and kick the bottled-water habit. Instead, get a non-toxic, reusable stainless steel bottle, like the style-y ones from Klean Kanteen (kleankanteen.com) or Stanley (stanley-pmi.com). Tip 3: Avoid pesticides. Surprise, surprise! Weed and pest killers aren’t good for humans either. Look for non-toxic alternatives, such as vinegar, salt, soapy water, and rubbing alcohol.

Tip 4: Take caution with EMFs. Wireless Internet and phone networks expose us to very low levels of non-ionizing, or electromagnetic field (EMF), radiation. Health risks are not yet well understood, but it doesn’t hurt to take precautions. Keep your computer in “sleep” mode and disable your wireless network when you don’t need it. Don’t keep your cell phone in your pocket, use a headset, and text instead of calling when possible. Prevention starts with your morning routine. Tip 1: Simplify. Some beauty products contain carcinogens and hormone-disrupting chemicals. Decrease your exposure by using fewer products with simpler ingredients. Tip 2: Avoid “fragrance.” The ingredient “fragrance” can contain hundreds of chemicals, including hormone-disrupting phthalates. Avoid synthetic fragrance and opt for products that are fragrance-free or contain natural fragrances like essential oils. Tip 3: Avoid these other common ingredients. Avoid products with DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea; parabens or any word ending in “-paraben”; “PEG” and words ending in “-eth”; triclosan and triclocarban; triethanolamine (TEA); hydroquinone and oxybenzone.

Prevention starts at home. Tip 1: Avoid canned foods. The lining in canned foods contains toxic bisphenol A, or BPA, which leaches into food and then into us. Choose fresh and frozen over canned foods. Tip 2: Know your plastics. Avoid plastics that contain hormone-disrupting phthalates, especially polyvinyl chloride, or PVC (usually recycling code 3). Avoid clear, shatterproof plastic that contains BPA (usually code 7). Safer plastics are coded 1, 2, 4, and 5. The safest options are stainless steel, glass, and ceramic. Tip 3: Never microwave plastic. Even “microwave safe” plastic can leach chemicals into your food when heated, so choose glass or ceramic containers and cover your food with a ceramic plate or an unbleached paper towel instead of plastic wrap. Tip 4: Use non-toxic cleaning products. Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. Seek out non-toxic alternatives or make your own. Try baking soda for scouring and vinegar or wet newspaper for cleaning glass. Tip 5: Eat hormone-free meat and dairy. Choose hormone-free beef and dairy to avoid consuming the residue of livestock growth hormones.

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WAM • FALL | 2012 13

Book Club

Women’s Adventure magazine Book Club on Facebook

The Women’s Adventure book club is finishing up our current read Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman. Here’s what some of the ladies have to say so far.

Jennifer Lu’Becke kicked off the discussion: “I’m a couple

Lyndsey Clark: I found Kolkata in India quite hard going. I didn’t want to

chapters into Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven and think the following question could spark a great discussion without ruining the book for anyone. Have you ever felt culture shock so strongly that you wanted to leave? Share as much or as little of your story with us!”

go home, but I could only manage a couple of hours out at a time before having to go back to my room and lie down! It was so full on, exhausting. People were loud and tactile and physical in the street (touching, pushing, and shouting). I guess that’s what other people call “wonderfully vibrant.” After a week, we went north to the Himalaya and I felt like I’d come home. The Buddhist, calm culture in the mountains was so different and felt more comfortable to me.

Shannon McAfee: Yes. On my trip to Hong Kong, while just walking in the massive crowd in the street, I wanted to throw myself against a building. It was actually making me claustrophobic! I was hyperventilating. After 2 days, I totally had the flow down, and it is now one of my favorite cities. Susan Hayse: Yes! Moving from the South to Chicago—no one understood

my references or humor for a while, and that southside-tough culture was something I had no frame of reference for. JoAnna Haugen: When I joined the Peace Corps and moved in with my

host family in rural Kenya, I definitely felt the culture shock. Being with my husband helped a lot. But EVERYTHING was different—the smells, the food, how we used the bathroom, the language, the way my skin felt. Melissa Carlin: Absolutely! I moved to Athens in ’07 not knowing a lick of Greek. Getting off that plane alone and staring at the signs, unable to decipher any of them, was an extremely overwhelming feeling. It was a long first week. I didn’t have the “Oh my gosh! Get me out of here!” thoughts. It was more the “What have I gotten myself into?” type of dialect. Culture shock teaches you a lot about yourself! When I flew back to the states 8 months later, I actually had more culture shock trying to readjust to our lifestyle!

Laura Peterson Andersen: I went to Argentina on a bike tour and, the

night before we were to get on the plane, I was wondering what the heck I was doing—going to a different country where I didn’t know the language. But I think the biggest culture shock I experienced was the toilet and shower situation. Everything else was fine. Alison Griffin Seuter: Istanbul was like that for me. Although most every-

one seemed to speak English, the grand bazaar and the crowded streets sent my head spinning—especially after growing up in a small Maine town. I felt much more comfortable after arriving in Ankara and traveling to Cappadocia. Fewer people spoke English, but it was much easier to relate. The people and the land are some of the most beautiful and unique I have ever had the privilege of visiting. I would love to return to Turkey someday, but it is such a big world and there is so much to see.

Pipe in during the conversation and join us for our next read!

Also join the Women’s Adventure Facebook forum to talk with other WAM ladies about gear, travel, and all things outdoors. Below are two of our favorite things. What are your travel gear staples? Icebreaker Realfleece Nano Arctic Jackets The Possibilities: Icebreaker debuts a new jacket this fall, offering nature’s alternative to a synthetic fleece. The Realfleece Nano Arctic jackets are made with merino wool and are now combined with a technology that creates a water-resistant and breathable surface without the chemical coatings. So it feels soft, warm, and lightweight with a few performance benefits, making it a good piece to add to your fall wardrobe. The Goods: Nano particles attach to the fiber, leaving tiny pockets of air that maintain the breathability of the fabric while also forming a ridged surface that reduces contact area so that water, oil, and mud slide off. Choose from two styles and colors. $270 (with hood), $250 (without a hood); icebreaker.com 14 WAM • FALL | 2012

KEEN Paradise Ballerina Shoes The Possibilities: Walk anywhere in these easy slip-on shoes that feel like mini sofas on your feet. The Paradise Ballerina is the perfect all-around travel shoe. It provides complete comfort and versatility in a shoe that can take you quickly through security lines at the airport to fast walking along urban trails and sloshing through slippery rainy sidewalks. The Goods: Stylish design paired with thoughtful details—like a waterproof, full-grain leather upper—makes this shoe a “prima” Ballerina for world travelers. Plus, the foot beds mold to your feet and offers great cushioning in just about any circumstance. $85; keenfootwear.com

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-Permanent Performance-built in and won’t wash or wear out -FreshGuard® inhibits the growth of bacterial odor -Wicking and fast drying for superior moisture management -Natural luxurious and soft -All climate performance -Easy care UPF Rating 25+

SMARTSILK CREW W8328 SMARTSILK TIGHTS W8330 WAM • FALL | 2012 15

Trends

Scarves

As the leaves turn and we look forward to the first snowfall, we bundle up in our favorite shoulder-season accessories—scarves. Here is an option for every day of the week.

Aventura Aurora Infinity Scarf. A blend of warm, soft, and durable fabrics, including 10% Alpaca, this bulky accessory adds classy warmth. $49; aventuraclothing.com

Borelli Active Scarf. This pashmina-shaped scarf with faint stripes wicks moisture, provides sun protection, and is made in the USA. Plus, it can also be worn as a wrap or dress! $30; borellidesign.com Buff Infinity Lyocell. Made from 100% recycled polyester, the fabric in this touchable, closed-loop scarf features antimicrobial silver ions that help manage moisture and control odor by fighting bacteria. $39; buffusa.com

Krimson Klover Caa Striping Encounters. This scarf comes from a Colorado-based line that is womanowned and designed. Besides, it’s washable, cozy merino that will carry you right into winter. $49; krimsonklover.com

Carhartt Cable Knit Scarf. Classic and durable. $30; carhartt.com 16 WAM • FALL | 2012

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WAM • FALL | 2012 17

Eating for Autumn

Eating for Autumn A diet of in-season and local-as-possible foods is better for you and for the environment. By Chris Kassar

Why Eat In-Season? Better for your Purse—This one is simply a matter of supply and demand. Food raised during its proper season grows more abundantly with less effort, making it more cost effective. This translates to more goodness onto your table and less money out of your pocket. Better for your Buds—Many of us strive to eat for health, but the reality is that we won’t eat a food unless it’s bursting with flavor. Foods grown in season are usually picked just days or even hours (if it’s local) before reaching the market, so they are fresher and full of unmatched flavor. Foods start losing taste as soon as they are plucked, so those that are harvested early (and thus, not allowed to ripen on the plant), refrigerated and transported will arrive at your table with less gusto than those in season. Eating seasonally ensures a table packed with tasty and nutritious options.

t shines with promise. It glows bright red. It feels firm to the touch. You pick it up and bite into it with sweet anticipation, only to have feelings of disappointment flood through your body. The beautiful specimen you spent so much time choosing from the mountains of apples in the grocery store is actually soft, mealy, and tasteless. Maybe you toss the sad, mushy apple into the compost and chalk it up to bad luck. Alternatively, perhaps you begin to wonder: Are we supposed to eat apples in the dead of winter?

The concept of eating in accordance with the seasons has become foreign to most of us living in the States, largely because we can get our hands on almost any type of food at any time of year. A hundred years ago, our counterparts would never have dreamed of eating fresh tomatoes in December or pumpkins in March, but because of globalization and advances in transportation, science, and food processing, this is something we have come to expect. Having this luxury does make us fortunate in some respects (who doesn’t love oranges year round?), but it also means we risk becoming even further disconnected from nature and the cyclical rhythm of the planet. So, if you want to get back to your roots this fall and the rest of the year, try eating seasonally; you’ll rest easy knowing you’re doing what’s best for your body and the planet. It does require a little more mindfulness and work, but your efforts will be worth it.

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Better for your Bod—You eat fruits and veggies not only for how good they taste, but also for how good they make you feel. The iron in spinach gives you energy. Oranges bursting with Vitamin C boost your immunity. Berries and cherries boast a load of antioxidants to help stave off aging. Foods that are not in season locally are either grown in a greenhouse or shipped from another part of the world which means they pack less of a nutritional punch. Eat as much local, in-season food as you can and you won’t miss out on these stellar benefits.

Don’t fret! Produce grown during its proper season is bursting with nutrients. According to studies, crops of produce grown in season contain three times more nutrients than those grown in hothouses, hydroponically, or shipped in from elsewhere. And, since seasonal fruits and veggies often don’t have to travel as far, they actually hold onto those vital nutrients long enough to fill your body full of goodness.

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VERY COOL. WHEN TEMPERATURES FINALLY CHILL OUT, OUR COOL-WEATHER TRAIL RUNNING GEAR HAS YOU COVERED. • Light Flyer Jacket – our lightest, most breathable waterproof running shell, made with GORE-TEX® Active fabric • Long-Sleeved Thermal Flyer Shirt – stretchy, supersoft, chafe-free Merino wool blend • Speedwork Tights – wind-resistant and breathable with a perfect fit • Fore Runner RS Trail Shoes – minimalist design with cool weather performance and protection See it all at patagonia.com/trailrunning On the snow-dusted Mescal Trail, Jenny Konway gets a sip of the winter to come. Sedona, Arizona. COLIN MEAHGHER © 2012 Patagonia, Inc.

20 WAM • FALL | 2012

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Eating for Autumn

VERY COOL.

TRAIL AND AFTER-SPORT SHOES

• Now, there’s a popular movement to eat within 100 miles of home, so it’s easier to do because of the relative abundance of farmers’ markets, local grocers, and farm-to-table dinners. • You will benefit your community by supporting local business and minimizing environmental costs. 2. Sources for eating seasonally: • CSA • Farmers’ markets • Grow your own • Local farms • You pick it farms, stands, patches

brace your chance to be brave! Step out of your comfort zone and away from your go-to foods as you try these unique fall faves. Pomegranate: This juicy, subtly sour fruit is an

antioxidant powerhouse credited with helping to reduce inflammation, reverse heart disease, and slow the progression of certain cancers. It’s also a good source of vitamin C and folate. Bonus: Getting out all the yummy seeds is a mini-workout! Brussels sprouts: Although these odd-looking

veggies get a bad rap, they are a hidden treasure of fall. In season, they are a sweet, mild, and delicious treat bursting with iron, fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Bonus: 1½ cups of this cruciferous veggie contains 1/3 of the daily recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, maintain brain health, and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Kiwi: Infuse your autumn with an unexpected

Another added benefit: Giving our body what it craves when it craves it. Whether we realize it or not, seasonal foods often match our nutritional needs. It’s no accident that pumpkins and squash—foods full of immunity boosting beta carotene—dominate the fall and arrive on the scene just in time to help us fight off the winter funk. Similarly, cucumbers bursting with water reach their peak as temperatures rise and we become more susceptible to dehydration. Better for Mama Earth—1,300 miles! That’s

how far the average food item in the U.S. travels before reaching your table. Seasonal foods don’t travel as far and are likely grown more naturally (not in an energy-intensive greenhouse and without pesticides) which means less fuel, less pollution, fewer emissions, and a lower carbon footprint for you. Plus, stores often have to doctor produce to keep it looking fresh and appealing across the seasons. As a result, you may get more than you bargained for—a specimen full of preservatives, wax, and/or ripening agents. Better for Boredom—Tired of eating the same

foods repeatedly? Eating seasonally forces you to branch out and change it up. Chances are you’ll find fruits and veggies you didn’t even know existed and may discover a new favorite among the bunch.

FORE RUNNER RS Lightweight, wind-resistant minimalist trail shoe for cool-weather running.

hint of the tropics by snacking on this sweet fruit that reaches its peak late in fall. Kiwis boast high fiber content and studies show they help alleviate respiratory troubles. Bonus: One kiwi has as much vitamin C as an orange and more potassium than a banana.

Curious what foods to explore as the seasons change? Try these other unique and oftentimes forgotten gems in their respective seasons. Winter Wonders • Clementines • Fennel • Persimmons • Leeks Spring Surprises

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Eastern Mountain Sports Select locations and EMS.com Appalachian Mountain Club outdoors.org Adirondack Mountain Club adk.org

september 14-30 Patagonia Stores

Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Boulder, Chicago (Lincoln Park, Mag Mile), Denver, New York (Soho, Upper West), Palo Alto, Pasadena, Portland, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Seattle, St. Paul, Ventura, Washington D.C, Westport

• Apricots • Artichokes • Asparagus • Avocados Summer Bests • Cucumbers

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• Beets

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• Okra

WAM • FALL | 2012 21

Compression Apparel

Under Pressure The Science and Psychology Behind Compression and Support Wear

nug and stylish performance wear is seeping into the mainstream. Every year there are more people running, riding, and competing in calf tights, arm sleeves, and tight-fitting tops. Does it actually do anything or is it just a fashion statement? Enter the fast-growing, performance improvement-promising, scientifically hazy world of compression and support wear. From 2010 to 2011, sales jumped 189% as athletes spent $38 million on compression sportswear, according to Leisure Trends Group Sporting Goods RetailTRAK. The everexpanding merchandise umbrella includes everything from a tight-fitting wicking layer (Under Armour), to gradient/graduated compression, which applies different levels of pressure to different parts of the body (SKINS, CEP, 2XU), to a support web of material that promises improved biomechanics in motion (CW-X and Salomon). The origin of this diverse genre of sportswear lies in the long-time practice of using compression stockings in medicine to treat circulatory problems in the legs. Pressure applied to veins helps expedite blood transport to the heart. The augmented “venous return” is a strong selling point of athletic compression gear: better circulation helps oxygenate tissue and remove lactic acid and other waste products. Additionally touted benefits include reduced injury and soreness from less muscle oscillation and improved agility and body awareness. Many companies are expanding on the original concept. CW-X integrates kinesiology taping technologies (another dubiously beneficial practice) into an “exoskeletal support web” to provide additional muscle and joint stabilization and structural alignment. SeasonFive blends wetsuit and rashguard components to create a flexible yet supportive waterproof compression layer. Despite the claims of manufacturers, scientific research into the physiological effects of compression clothing remains uncertain. A 2011 literature review published in the journal Sports Medicine examined 87 studies on the effects of compression wear and concluded that “wearing these garments has limited physiological or performance effects, although reports of detrimental effects are rare.” The review goes on to mention that there is some proof of physiological benefit, but “the findings are often isolated or inconclusive.”

consistent either, with “everyone from medical patients to young students to athletes from both power and endurance sports” wearing a wide range of compression garments. “Taken as a whole, all of this variance muddies up the interpretation of such research,” says Friel. With little solid proof of physiological benefit, what’s the draw? Perhaps people think it works for them, so it does. Psychological factors heavily influence athletic performance, says Sarah Castillo, PhD, a certified consultant with the Association for Applied Sports Psychology. Confidence, in particular, has a strong bearing on execution in sport. “A confident athlete will more often get their best performances on a consistent basis,” says Castillo. Believing in yourself could result from trusting that the gear will make you faster or even thinking you look good in tight-fitting clothing.

“In many instances, people tend to rate muscle soreness as being milder when compression garments are worn during recovery,” says Braid MacRae, lead author of the review and researcher in Clothing and Textile Science at the University of Otago, New Zealand. “This doesn’t generally translate into a better performance during subsequent exercise.”

The psychological benefits aren’t reaped only during competition, either. During training, athletes hone technique, build power, and extend limits of endurance. “Having confidence in a training regimen is huge when it comes to making the adjustments you need to improve your performance,” Castillo says. So whether you wear your compression tights on race day or not, you may still compete better.

Endurance sports coach and author Joe Friel sees part of the difficulty of drawing definitive conclusions from scientific literature as a function of the experimental methods used in the research. Studies “use broad definitions” of performance and recovery, using a host of physiological variables to test athletic benefits, Friel says. Test subjects and materials have not been

Legions of recreational, amateur, and pro athletes attest to feeling stronger, fitter, and faster in compression gear. Desert ultramarathoner Samantha Gash credits both mind and body benefit to her successes in an extreme sport. “I started to act more like an athlete because I felt reassured that my clothing was enabling me to physically be in the best position I could be to

22 WAM • FALL | 2012

womensadventuremagazine.com

Compression Apparel

w ” +41° 9’ 43.61”, -123° 59’ 8.86 Redwoods National Park

train hard and race even harder,” Gash says. The rigors of multi-day stage races also demand quick recovery, something Gash feels is augmented by graduated compression. Women athletes, who compete in sports from triathlon to trail running to Olympic luge, enjoy product design that lends attention to the female anatomy. Many companies focus on specific structural and support needs and utilize extensive feedback from female testers for their women’s lines. Athletes report more strategic support in compression bras than traditional sports bras, better hip, knee, and ankle support, and reduced chafing as common benefits of compression gear.

Take the road less traveled.

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Salomon Exo Motion ½ Zip Tee Ready for Adventure

Whether it’s in your blood or in your head, athletes may find improved performance and faster recovery with this tight-fitting technology. Endurance coach Joe Friel accurately sums up the ambiguity: “If you try a product and believe it helps in some way, then that’s about as good as it can get—at least for now.”

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WAM • FALL | 2012 23

Compression Apparel

Get Informed

Get Equipped

How can you navigate this nebulous market? Be an informed consumer. Take the time to review company websites and claims. Look for transparency, with links to independent studies and not just fancy-looking charts and graphs of unknown origin.

SKINS unique sizing and thin but durable fabric provides a moderate level of compression and excellent temperature regulation. Combine the A400 Shorts ($90) and the A400 Calf Tights with Stirrup ($50) for comfortable, full-leg compression for riding or running. The A400 Shortsleeve Top ($115) supported my shoulders and aided in good running posture. skins.net

Shop in a specialty store that serves your sport. Sales people will be better trained in the different products and can help match them to your needs. They will also be able to fit you properly, which is critical with compression gear. Too loose and you won’t get any benefit, too tight and you may cut off circulation.

Zoot Sports new Performance Compress RX THERMOMegaheat+ Mock ($90) and Tights ($110) give cold-weather reinforcement to muscles. The nylon/spandex blend was comfortable against the skin and the articulated elbow of the mock allowed free motion without pinching or discomfort. zootsports.com

24 WAM • FALL | 2012

SeasonFive’s Barrier line combines a waterproof, breathable layer with strategic compression for paddle sports. Try the Barrier Long Sleeve top ($90) and the Barrier Capri ($70) for support on the water. seasonfive.com

CW-X Pro Tights ($100) are a solid all-around tight. The added material in the Conditioning Web supports muscles during rocky trail runs and long road miles. Plus, the tights can be used for recovery, too. Try the 3/4 Pro Tights ($85) for warmer conditions while retaining knee support, or the Insulator Pro Tights ($110) for winter activities. cw-x.com

womensadventuremagazine.com

MADE TO ADVENTURE

MADE TO BE COZY FOR 25 YEARS WE HAVE CELEBRATED THE TRAVELER. The thoughtful design that created the first technical travel shirt has evolved into a complete line of functional and innovative clothing. Features like high warmth-to-weight, quick dry fabrics and security pockets allow people to explore the world and its wonders unhindered. For 25 years we have set the standard for comfortable performance, and the legacy continues. Find your travel clothing at ww w.exofficio.com

Traveler Mari Gray plans her next adventure in a café in Salento, Colombia while staying cozy in her Roughian sweater and Nio Amphi shorts. © ExOfficio 2012

AVAILABLE AT A SPECIALTY RETAILER NEAR YOU

WAM • FALL | 2012 25

travel

Hotel Homebase

Chattanooga, Tennessee H OT E L H O M E B A S E

This season, we feature some cozy abodes in the Southeast’s vibrant outdoor hub, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each hotel homebase offers easy access to the range of adventures right outside its doors. By Kate Chandler

Why visit? The Tennessee River Gorge is ablaze with changing foliage in late October. The revitalized city riverfront offers a wealth of outdoor options both in and out of the water. The RiverRocks Fesitval (October 5–14) is the fall event, celebrating Chattanooga’s adventurous side with more than 90 scheduled events including paddling, climbing, running, and biking. riverrockschattanooga.com C U LT U R E

There’s plenty of adventure to be had in the land of sweet tea and pecan pie ... all served up with a side of that famous Southern charm. A slower-paced lifestyle of a small town in a big city environment welcomes you to relax and recharge at the same time. Coinciding with the RiverRocks Festival is Wine Over Water (October 6), a wine- and food-tasting event held over the Tennessee River on the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrianonly bridges. riverrockschattanooga.com; wineoverwater.org OUTDOOR SPORTS

Hiking, biking, running, rockclimbing, hang-gliding, and pretty much every water sport you can imagine. LANDSCAPE

Chattanooga sits like a gatekeeper between the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west, with the Tennessee River winding right through the city. T E M P E R AT U R E

October average is mid-60s. NEAREST AIRPORT:

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.

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womensadventuremagazine.com

CHATTANOOGA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, GEORGIA DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOUCES

he Southeast may not boast the country’s tallest mountains or fiercest rivers, but it’s big on adventure, especially in the scenic city of Chattanooga. The inspired geography of an active riverfront surrounded by mountains means that you can find enough adventure to fill a long weekend with activities just within the city limits. But during a longer visit, you can taste the best that the Southeast has to offer, all within an hour or so of Chattanooga. Even if you’re traveling solo, groups such as Outdoor Chattanooga make it easy to connect with like-minded ladies for local beta. outdoorchattanooga.com In Chattanooga, it’s easy to challenge yourself by day and indulge yourself by night. Sure, life is a bit slower here, but we’ve uncovered the city’s best places to play hard and go fast… plus where to rest your head between all that fun.

WAM • SUMMER | 2012 27

Get Out in Chattanooga

Kayak: Rent a sit-on-top kayak from River Canyon Adventures and explore the Tennessee River Blueway, a calm 50-mile stretch of the river that passes through Chattanooga and extends into the beautiful gorge, where fall foliage is stunning. River Canyon Adventures also offers guided tours. rivercanyonadventure.com/index.html

Where to Stay

Whitewater Kayak/Raft: An hour east of Chattanooga, in the Cherokee National Forest, are the Ocoee River’s Class III and IV rapids, classic Southeast favorites. In 1996, the Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom competitions were held on the Upper Ocoee, which was the first time these events took place on a natural river. Raft or kayak the Upper Ocoee, including the Olympic course, on one of the first three Saturdays in September, before it closes for the season. The Middle Ocoee runs through October, on weekends only, when you’ll find cheaper rates on group paddling, peak fall foliage, and no crowds. Stop in to the Ocoee

Bluff View Inn

28 WAM • FALL | 2012

KATE CHANDLER

Cumberland Trail: This 190-mile trail, which features the best of the Cumberland Plateau, originates just outside of town on Signal Mountain at the Signal Point parking lot. Gorge overlooks, especially near the Soddy-Daisy area, are the highlight of the trail, and eagle sightings are often reported here. Note that not all parts of the trail are connected yet, but this actually helps break up the trail into digestible day-hikes. cumberlandtrail.org Cloudland Canyon State Park: Situated on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park is best known for its beautiful vistas across a deep gorge cut by the convergence of Daniel and Bear creeks, forming Sitton Gulch and the resulting waterfalls. The short but strenuous Waterfalls Trail that starts at the main overlook is a must. This 2-mile (roundtrip) hike visits a 60-foot and 90-foot waterfall (sorry, no swimming allowed). The 5-mile West Rim Loop Trail is one of the area’s most scenic. Hikers emerge out of the canyon onto a plateau with unbeatable autumn views over Cloudland

BLUFF VIEW ART DISTRICT

Bed and Breakfast hattanooga’s culinary and visual arts are showcased at their best in the Bluff View Art District, a section of town perched above the Riverwalk. The Bluff View Inn—which opened in 1993 during the early days of a massive clean-up and development effort along the Tennessee River—is in the heart of this funky and vibrant neighborhood. The elegant inn now comprises three turnof-the-century homes featuring beautiful antique

Benton MacKaye Trail: While you’re near the Ocoee, spend some time on the Benton MacKaye Trail, a 300-mile trail that’s reminiscent of the Appalachian Trail, but with a lot less traffic. Benton MacKaye, a co-founder of the Wilderness Society, originally envisioned this trail as the first section of the AT. It wasn’t to be, but the trail here follows the peaceful western crest of the Blue Ridge and is easily accessed at Thunder Rock Campground, a mile west of the Ocoee Whitewater Center on Highway 64. bmta.org

CHATTANOOGA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Standup Paddleboarding: The Tennessee River is a smooth spot for easy SUPing. Rent your gear at L2 Boards and walk from their shop to the put-in near the aquarium. Paddle to McLellan Island Nature Preserve and stretch your legs on a short hike. Or sign up for a SUP yoga class at L2. Wednesday is Ladies’ Day at the shop, with half-price rentals and (not coincidentally) a Sipand-Sup wine-tasting event at 6 p.m. l2boards.com

Whitewater Center for more info, to grab snacks, and to pick up local trail maps. ocoeeadventurecenter.com

HIKING

No trip to Chattanooga—well known as a hang gliding hub—is complete without a visit to Lookout Mountain Flight Park, the country’s largest flight school. Tandem flights with instructors last about 15 minutes and soar to heights of 2,000 feet. hanglide.com

L2 BOARDS

Active Outings

PADDLING

HANG GLIDING

travel

Hotel Homebase

Sheraton Read House Hotel furnishings, plus river and mountain views from the porches and some rooms. You’re just a quick walk from downtown, but the inn’s retreat-like atmosphere makes it feel like you’re a world away. Rates from $105. bluffviewinn.com

Historic Hotel n the National Register of Historic Places for its function in the Civil War days, the Read House Hotel offers that cultural bonus some of us seek on vacations. The lobby is stunning, with rich wood walls, lush red furnishings, and glowing chandeliers. The spacious rooms have a bit less character, but you’ll cherish their luxuriously comfortable beds after a long day’s play. And, while the rooms seem standard, some of the guests certainly aren’t.

womensadventuremagazine.com

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Canyon. Bear Creek Trail, which was closed for nearly a decade, reopened in 2011. At 9 miles, it’s the longest trail in the park. gastateparks.org/info/cloudland

see River past wetlands, rowing clubs, and public art installations. Rent a bike at one of 30 stations in the city’s new bike-share program ($6 per day) or rent a ride from Outdoor Chattanooga. hamiltontn.gov/tnriverpark; bikechattanooga.com; outdoorchattanooga.com

The Cherokee National Forest, an hour east of Chattanooga, has 700 miles of trails open to biking. Access the Tanasi Mountain Bike Trail System at the Ocoee Whitewater Center for rides like the Chestnut Mountain/Bear Paw Loop, an 8.6-mile ride with moderate climbs, some rocky sections, and water crossings. Extend the ride to 11.5 miles by adding in the West Fork Loop in the middle of the ride.

ROAD BIKING

Closer to town, the 5-mile Guild-Hardy Trail on Lookout Mountain follows a historic railroad route up the forested mountain and connects to several other trails along the way. And on another Chattanooga-area peak, Racoon Mountain, you’ll find 21.5 miles of intermediate to expert singletrack maintained by SORBA-Chattanooga. sorbachattanooga.org; outdoorchattanooga.com The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park isn’t just for history buffs, as it offers hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails near Lookout Mountain. A fairly easy 13-mile ride loops through a reconstructed battlefield with points of interest along the way. Hiking trails from 5- to 14-miles long round out the experience. nps.gov/chch/index.htm

KATE CHANDLER

The hotel served as a hospital during the Civil War, and, rumor has it, some rooms are haunted. Read House, in the heart of Chattanooga, is near great shops and dining, plus it has easy access to the free electric downtown shuttle. Save some money (and help the environment) by accepting the hotel’s $5 vouchers to area eateries for each day you decline housekeeping services. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel, so bring along your 4-legged adventurers, too. Rates from $159. sheratonreadhouse.com

CLIMBING

Sunset Park, in Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park on Lookout Mountain, is home to the Southeast’s best sandstone trad climbing. The south section has about 100 routes, while the north section boasts more than 120. Difficulty ranges from 5.5 to 5.13

CAVING

Also in the Cherokee National Forest are the Chilhowee Mountain Bike Trails. Clemmer Trail is a favorite here, with 4.4 miles of thigh-burning uphill and screaming downhill, plus creek crossings, rhododendron tunnels, and sandy terrain. The 5.4-mile Clear Creek Trail is the most challenging in the system, as it climbs killer switchbacks, rolls over steep rock cliffs, and flows with some swift downhill.

For climbing right in downtown, try Walnut Wall, where you’ll scale one of the limestone towers that supports Walnut Street Bridge inside Coolidge Park. Routes up the 50-foot wall vary in difficulty from 5.3 to 5.11, and all equipment is provided. $5 per person, per hour (at least three climbs), or $15 for a day pass. theadventureguild. com/walnutwall.htm

Take in stunning fall colors on a ride along the 13-mile (each way), paved Riverwalk path in downtown Chattanooga. Bike along the Tennes-

Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast hough technically in the state of Georgia, the Chanticleer Inn is perched at 1,800 feet on top of Lookout Mountain, which is very much part of Chattanooga’s ethos. This 1930s bed and breakfast is the picture of a relaxed mountain retreat with nearby road- and mountain-biking, hiking, and rock climbing, but downtown Chattanooga is just ten minutes away. Fuel up with a hot breakfast each morning and come home to cookies at night. A

Cloudland Canyon State Park has partnered with Georgia Girl Guides to offer trips into Sitton Cave. Explore the dark, muddy, wet caves on a 1-, 2-, or 4-hour trip. Trips take places on most weekends throughout autumn. Or, if you’re experienced enough, you can go at it alone, with a permit from the park. georgiagirlguides.com/index.html

GEAR NEEDS

You can rent bikes at Ocoee Adventure Center. ocoeeadventurecenter.com

The granddaddy of all local road rides, MontlakeSuck Creek Mountain Loop starts at Signal Mountain and winds 62.5 miles up and down through the Sequatchie Valley. It’s a challenging ride, but you’ll be rewarded for two major climbs by fun downhill and fall mountain scenery. outdoorchattanooga.com/170.htm

Rock/Creek Outfitters: Rock/Creek—now one of the leading online gear retailers—got its humble beginnings as an outfitter store in Chattanooga more than 20 years ago … and it maintains a store there today. Stop by if you need to pick up a crucial item you left at home, or just browse. rockcreek.com

JUMPING ROCKS PHOTOGRAPHY

boxed lunch can be arranged as well. Ask about the inn’s special adventure packages. You’ll be in a prime spot to explore Lookout Mountain’s trails and also some true Americana: Ruby Falls (a stunning waterfall deep inside a cave), Rock City (a rocky outcrop with prime fall foliage viewing), and the Incline Railway (one of the world’s steepest rides). While these attractions come with a full load of tourist kitsch, they are worth a visit if you have time. Rates from $135. stayatchanticleer.com WAM • FALL | 2012 29

travel

Travel Trends

route of the

Living Maya

By Gigi Ragland

December 21, 2012. All of the hoopla around this much-misunderstood end of the Maya calendar spotlights a fascinating group of people and lends a prime opportunity to learn about the “Living Maya.” While it’s true that the calendar marks the end of a phase, a lot of research notes that it doesn’t necessarily translate to the end of time. That means you still have a chance to visit the Living Maya.

As one of the most advanced groups of Mesoamericans, the ancient Mayans spread way beyond the forested framework of the culture’s principal cities of Tikal and Palenque. In Chiapas, Mexico, set deep within the tangled vines and lush tropical foliage of the Usumacinta River Valley, outlier communities thrived along the river that served as a highway system. Cayucos (dugout canoes) sped along the Usumacinta’s swift current—laden with goods like salt, cacao, cotton, obsidian, shells, and exotic feathers for trade along the riverine route, linking the mountain highlands to the Gulf of Mexico.

ADVENTURE LIFE

And, the timing of the unique astronomical and mathematical event provides added incentive and occasion to travel into the mythic Mayan lands of Guatemala, southern Mexico, and Belize to explore ruins and interact with Mayan people who live much like they did 800 years ago.

Today, you can follow the same route paddled on the Usumacinta centuries ago. In fact, descendants of the ancient Maya still populate the region, practicing fragments of what was thought to be a lost culture. The diverse lands of the Living Maya offer the physical outdoor experiences so many of us crave but also grant access into a cultural adventure: an ancient civilization’s mysteries quietly revealed in the daily rituals of the area’s present-day people. We highly recommend the following vetted tour companies for their comprehensive planning, thorough safety measures, diverse itineraries, and informative guides.

The Muddy Boot Travel Company Why should travelers go now? “To say that you visited Chiapas, the land of the Mayans, in 2012 and bore witness not to the end of the world, but instead to what the Mayans believed was a new beginning, a sort of cosmic new year. It should prove to be an unforgettable experience in a magical place.” —Founder of The Muddy Boot, Antonio del Rosal The husband and wife team of Antonio and Rebeca del Rosal offers carefully crafted itineraries that combine active excursions in the Chiapenec jungle and along the river freeways with illuminating tours of the ancient Maya cities, Palenque and Yaxchilan. It’s a tantalizing mix that provides a portal into another world and engages your alter “Indiana Jones” personality. Every corner you round reveals something new to the senses or mind. themuddyboot.org Best “Indiana Jones” Moment: Navigating the Usumacinta River by cayuco canoe, arriving early in the morning at Yaxchilan. (The only way to get there is via the river.) The screech of howler monkeys greets you, as you spot a scarlet macaw among the hanging vines and forest canopy. Then: the magical moment. Step through the heavy curtain of leaves and, unveiled before you, stand the mossy ruins of Yaxchilan, appearing like a an unlikely mirage in the jungle.

30 WAM • FALL | 2012

Traditions Mexico Cultural Tours

What surprises guests most about interacting with the Mayans? “You’ll come into the highlands of Chiapas and see indigenous people who speak Spanish—if at all—only as a second language, who dress in ways very specific to their village-states, who practice unusual religious rituals, and who carry on artisanal and lifestyle traditions that really haven’t changed in 1,500 years. It’s enough to shatter anybody’s more limited concept of Mexico. You realize, with a thrill and a sense of awe, that there is an undiscovered world—or many—in this place that you once thought of as the land of beaches and tequila.” —Founder of Traditions Mexico, Eric Mindling The company’s creative, “back-cactus” (founder Eric Mindling’s term for “off the beaten path”) small-group trips and custom tours focus on indigenous culture and traditions of the highland Mayan people of Chiapas and southern Mexico. These immersive experiences provide interaction with the reserved and reclusive modern Mayans, who hold onto ancient traditions. You’ll hike in high, remote, mountain villages, wandering into festivals, flower markets, and women’s weaving co-ops, meeting folk artists and discovering the blending of Mayan traditions and the modern world. You’ll discover the “Living Maya.” traditionsmexico.com Best “Back-Cactus” Moment: Chip Morris, the unassuming American author of The Living Maya, a book on Mayan culture and weaving, guest guides Mayan culture and textile tours in the highlands, where he has lived since 1975. His encyclopedic knowledge and Mayan language skills surprise travelers and the Mayans alike.

BIKE/HIKE ADVENTURES

There are a only a handful of qualified outfitters that specialize in adventure and cultural guided tours exploring the lands of the “Living Maya” within the state of Chiapas. Although the destination is lesser known than its cousin, The Riviera Maya, Chiapas charms adventure travelers with its untrammeled sites and trails. It’s virtually off-thetourist-radar, which makes selecting a top-notch tour operator for your trip a task that deserves special attention.

GIGI RAGLAND

Chiapas, Mexico

Guatemala And Belize BikeHike Adventures—Multi-Sport Adventure Travel Tours What will Women’s Adventure travelers love about your tours? “Women tend to love the cultural encounters along the way. We’re always interacting with the locals and getting invited into family homes. The snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Reserve is always a favorite, and the Black Hole Drop is a beautiful rappel trip. You rappel into a 300-foot cave that’s not dark but rather a big open garden of trees and nature, where the sky is visible as you rappel to the ground.” —Founder of BikeHike Adventures, Trish Sare As an active traveler for most of her life, Trish Sare built her adventure touring company around her own experiences. Tours encompass a range of outdoor sports she enjoyed on her own adventures (mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, etc.) and focus on mixing with the locals along less-discovered routes in a variety of destinations. She calls her mixed-bag tours “double dose” adventures. Throughout 2012 and into 2013, BikeHike will host trips that allow travelers to explore Mayan culture along Guatemala’s mountains one week and go caving along the Belize coast the next week. bikehike. com/belize/belize-blast

BIKE/HIKE ADVENTURES

Favorite “Double-Dose” Moments: One culture and two countries can make for some very unique adventures. Guatemala serves up volcano hikes and highland mountain biking between local villages, with a chance to mix with the Mayans during a homestay. Belize boasts the best reef and underground cave system in the northern hemisphere. You’ll have a chance to swim with sharks in Shark Ray Alley and snorkel among multitudes of sea creatures. It’s the best of both worlds—high and low—woven into the framework of Mayan culture.

Special Tour

Adventure Life Small Group Tours What’s it all about?

“Research says that many of the Mayan prophesies have been misinterpreted. This tour is really about studying and exploring Mayan culture in some of Guatemala’s most beautiful and sacred areas, while celebrating a day shrouded in mystery.” —Operations Director of Adventure Life, Jonathan Brunger Adventure Life has specialized in active tours that explore local culture and the natural environment in South and Central America since 1999, but this is a special trip: “Celebrate the Maya 2012” Guatemala Tour. Besides visiting the ancient city of Tikal, there’s canoeing and horseback riding to a cloud forest, hiking to remote waterfalls and hot springs, and exploring Antigua by mountain bike. It is the best option we found for celebrating December 21, 2012. adventure-life.com

Top Mayan Moment: Travelers will camp near Uaxactun, the oldest complete Maya astronomical complex, and watch the sun align with ancient temples on December 21, 2012.

what’s in your pack? oZonE sEriEs ULTRA-LIGHT TRAVEL ospreypacks.com

PHOTO / ANDREW MAGUIRE

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travel

Travel Pro Q&A

The Touring Roots of the

Price Sisters ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours By Gigi Ragland

onica and Maria Elena Price are the daughters of Rick Price and Paola MalpezziPrice. Their parents started Bike Across Italy, the only American company to

offer Italy cycling tours, in 1972. As a result, the girls were immersed in the bike touring business from an early age. Maria Elena (M.E.) remembers her first junior tour guide experience; she, as a 5-year old, helped translate ice cream flavors on a Venice-to-Pisa tour. Now M.E. runs the Fort Collins, Colorado, office as the Director of Business and Development. Monica started leading tours at age 15 and is now the Director of International Operations, based out of their Faenza, Italy, office. In 2008, the Price sisters bought their parents’ bicycle tour company. Throughout the years—as their business and the global bike tour industry evolve—ExperiencePlus! maintains its strong roots as a family business. EXPERIENCEPLUS! BICYCLE TOURS

In what way do you continue your parents’ bicycle touring legacy? M.E.: Our parents were part of the first generation that decided they wanted to do what is now called adventure/active/slow travel. It turns out that the bicycle ended up being the best means to do just that. When we took the leap to continue this business, we decided to specialize in providing the best possible bicycles and bike tours for people who want to travel by bicycle. This focus, I think, helps us continue what our parents ultimately started— and likely had no idea what a hit it would become—back in 1972! Monica: Our father fervently believes that the best way to travel by bicycle is alone, with only panniers. Just you, your bike, and the world. Our parents started operating bike tours to help others who might not feel so comfortable on their own to have that experience. Through our “guided independence” style of tours, we strive to continue facilitating people’s experiences and interactions with the world, on a bicycle. In 2011, National Geographic Traveler honored you as two of the Top 10 Guides in the world. What are some of the characteristics or traits it takes to be a top guide? M.E.: A true understanding of both your customer and the place you are traveling is key. This means that you can be the best interpreter and facilitator for everyone—the locals and your travelers. Without that deep understanding, it is difficult to truly assist people in seeing a new place.

32 WAM • FALL | 2012

Monica: Genuine desire to be a facilitator between your guest and the local people or place. It is not about having information (although being knowledgeable is very important), but more about knowing how to communicate that knowledge or at least guide interactions and exploration in a new place. How have your parents influenced you, as businesswomen, running a unique family business? M.E.: I used to joke that, in a family business, most staff meetings are held at dinner. Although that wasn’t always the case, often times the conversations at dinner surrounded trip development, marketing, organization, and logistics—especially as the company grew. I think that helps me feel grounded and confident that we can be successful in what we’re doing now. Our parents certainly led by example and taught us so much by simply suggesting (but not pushing!) us to participate in every piece of the business. Monica: Having our mother work “three” jobs—professor and then chair at a major university, mother to us, and advisor/cofounder of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours— taught us that it is possible to do many things and be successful, to shine in them all. What does “adventure” mean to you? M.E.: I think that when you try any new activity or trip, it often is an adventure. It’s the not knowing what to expect and hopefully being open to whatever comes along that is so great about adventures. And, if you combine

something new with something active, then it’s double the adventure. That’s something I try and do as much as I can. Monica: Doing something you wouldn’t normally do and is a little daring and/or tests your limits. How has cycling changed or influenced your life? M.E.: I never really saw it as a sport. I did other things as sports, until I rode with the triathlon team in college for a few months. That’s when I realized there were a lot of different ways one can ride a bicycle. Overall, I think that I still prefer and see a bicycle as the best way to travel, but I very much enjoy going on a bike ride around Fort Collins and for exercise. You’ve said, “Bicycle travel is the best way to see the world.” Describe why you think so. Monica: You are able to cover large distances but see everything in between. Usually it’s the in-between stuff that is so interesting! You just don’t get that same experience with other modes of transportation—walking is too slow for me, but you can easily miss the richness of experiences and daily life that make up the fabric of any country when you travel on trains, buses, cars, or boats. What’s funny is that I enjoy bicycling more as a way to see something (and get exercise) rather than just as a sport.

womensadventuremagazine.com

Travel Gear By Gigi Ragland

The Phd PocketDisc The Possibilities:

Hand-woven under strict Fair Trade practices by Mayan female artisans from Guatemala and the Yucatan, the Phd PocketDisc is an easy-to-pack Frisbee-like travel toy for little kids and big kids (like us). Plus, their vibrant colorful patterns make them hard to miss when diving to make a catch. The soft, all-cotton discs will be a hit with Fido, too. Stuff it in your backpack for playtime on hikes or camping trips—even tuck it in your purse for a lunch break from the office.. The Goods:

Co-founder Chris Larsen says, “Our Fair Trade focus is a huge part of what keeps us going every day; I’m motivated, knowing that our product helps Mayan mothers keep their kids in school longer.” Sports Pocket Discs $17, Indoor Pocket Discs $10; pocketdisc.com WV_WomensAdventure_Ad_ol copy.pdf

1/23/12

12:02 PM

GIGI RAGLAND

CMY

WAM • FALL | 2012 33

On The Map

On the Map Opportunities to create your own adventure this fall Combine your passions for art, nature, and conservation by painting one of your favorite parks or nature sanctuaries. Then, commit to donate at least 10% of the sales from your park painting to the respective State or National Park Associations or program. Connect with other artists on facebook.com/PaintTheParks. PaintTheParks.com

Join off-road legend and three-time Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles podium finisher Emily Miller October 12-14, as she teaches four-wheel-drive skills, dune driving, and vehicle maintenance. The 2012 Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles race encompassed teams from across the globe including Nigeria, Luxembourg, Egypt, Angola, Martinique, and Gabon. Kick-start your team’s 2013 efforts by preregistering starting September 30. rallyeaichadesgazelles.com

Reno, Nevada

Duende Photo

California

Enjoy Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, California, on September 29 for The Breast Cancer Fund’s Peak Hike for Prevention. Hit the trail for a unique and empowering way to turn awareness into action just in time for Breast Cancer Prevention Month in October. breastcancerfund.org/peakhike

Colorado Tennessee

Check out Chattanooga’s free RiverRocks Outdoor Festival on Friday, October 5, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The festival, which takes place along the riverfront, celebrates the town’s natural resources with events like hot air balloon rides, a film fest, live music, hiking, biking, climbing, hang gliding, paddling, and obstacle courses. Learn more about activities in Chattanooga on pages 26–28. riverrockschattanooga.com

At downtown Aspen’s The Little Nell, guests may choose between complimentary fly fishing and road or mountain biking, if they stay three nights or longer through October 15, 2012. The fly-fishing package includes a three-hour guided fishing trip for two. You’ll get the option to “catch and keep” your fish and have it cooked for dinner at The Little Nell. The biking package includes a rental from the hotel’s fleet of Orbea road and mountain bikes with Garmin GPS units that will help you find your way. Fall rates are lower than winter and summer rates, and, most times, guests who stay two nights at The Little Nell during autumn receive a third night free. thelittlenell.com

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Balyolu is organizing the first honey tasting walking journey of its kind. Walk the Honey Road is a seven-day journey in Northeastern Turkey that is led and inspired by local women, who are training to become world-class beekeepers & rural entrepreneurs. The purpose of the trip is to explore the unique tastes and diversity of Turkish honey, the ancient nomadic travel routes of northeastern Turkey, and the artisan culture of rural communities in the region. Trips for 2013 will be on the website in October. balyolu.com

Turkey

Vietnam

Roadmonkey’s expedition to Vietnam (November 3-17, 2012) explores the country’s natural beauty. From green rice fields speckled with the conical hats of laborers in Vietnam’s Central Highlands to the captivating commotion of the Mekong Delta in the south. Participants will travel off the tourist path, exploring a mind-blowing region of Southeast Asia by bicycle, then—in three short days— build a first-ever soccer field for students of a local school, working alongside members of an ethnic Khmer community. Roadmonkey has got room for you. $3,199; roadmonkey.net

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Emily packs up camp in the birches during a month-long, bicycle-powered skiing adventure through Arctic Norway. Look for her bike-ski adventure tale in Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adventure soon!

EMBER PHOTOGRAPHY

aspir

I’m Proof That…

“Fast” Women Have More Fun

Marge Gunderson has spent her life adventuring on two wheels. At age 71, she has no plans to slow down. By Kristen Lummis

he first thing you notice about Marge Gunderson is her smile. It’s radiant and infectious. But if you focus on that smile, and she happens to be on a mountain bike, the next thing you’ll notice is that your reciprocating smile is full of dust and you’re working double-time to catch up. Spend any time with Marge, on trails, roads or snow, and you quickly realize that she is a strong and talented athlete. When she tells you her age, you’re floored. Forget everything you know about aging. Forget any preconceptions you might have had. “Fast Marge” will blow your expectations away. The Ski Bum Days

Growing up in the small agricultural town of Lewiston, Utah, Marge didn’t start skiing until she moved to Salt Lake City as an adult. “I couldn’t afford to ski until I had my own job and my own money,” Marge tells me. “Then when I started, I never took a lesson, I just went up to Brighton and taught myself.” In 1963, with only three winters of experience, she began ski racing. And winning.

The word “Fast” was added to Marge’s name in the mid-1960s after she moved to Aspen to ski. Marge moved to Aspen in 1965 for a job at the T Lazy 7 Ranch as a summertime horse hand and chambermaid. In the winter she moved into town, where she worked as a legal secretary by day and cocktail waitress by night. She also taught skiing. “Aspen wasn’t as expensive then,” states Marge. “I still had to share a house with some girls and I still had to work several jobs to afford it, but I was local and I knew everyone. We’d take brown bag lunches, eat on the chairlift and ski over our lunch hour. We’d make eight runs and go back to work.” Enter “Fast Marge”

In 1966, Rick Deane opened the first motorcycle dealership in Aspen. Marge and her friend Pat each bought a 250cc Montessa Scorpion. They made the bikes street legal and set out to discover the beauty of the Colorado mountains. Marge and Pat were 1960s pioneers on motorcyles: two beautiful young women exploring mountain passes and ghost towns and hustling pool for food and fun. Marge has a photocopy of an article

Fun Facts About Marge Ride ’Em Cowgirl: Growing up in rural Utah, Marge rode horses and competed in rodeo.“I’ve always been interested in competition, adventure and being outdoors,” she shares, reflecting on her childhood. At 13, she was crowned the local rodeo queen. Cheering Loudly: Marge and her daughter Wendy have traveled to two International Special Olympic Games. Wendy qualified for the Dublin Summer games in the 50-meter sprint and qualified in ski racing for the winter games in Aleyska, Alaska. Wendy works on her own but still lives with Marge and Steve.“It’s because of Wendy that I became an adaptive ski coach and instructor with Colorado Discoverability.” Not Just Two Wheels: While dirt bikes, dual sport bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes crowd her garage, Marge enjoys negotiating tricky mountain roads in her jeep. Her friends call her the hostess with the most-ess, driving her “Fifth Wheel of Luxury” on their mountain biking adventures so that they can camp in style. Secret Energy Sources: Marge never goes anywhere in her car without a stash of Good ’n’ Plenty candies mixed with almonds. She is very faithful and involved in her church and she never misses her twice weekly pump class.“I try to lift a lot of weights. It keeps me strong and I have to be strong to keep up with the girls in our biking group.” Really Fun Grandma: Marge has a collection of little bikes for her grandchildren so that she can take them to the local pump and jump track when they visit. “They get so excited about jumping, even the three year old on a pedal-less strider!” Together Marge and Steve have nine grandchildren. When She Slows Down: “I love to fly fish, especially with other women.” Marge grew up fishing with the guys, her dad and brother. Today, she and some friends are creating a “lady’s fly fishing group” through the local Trout Unlimited. Words to Live By: “Eleanor Roosevelt said to ‘do one thing every day that scares you.’ I try to follow this advice.” 38 WAM • FALL | 2012

womensadventuremagazine.com

I’m Proof That…

Aging On her refrigerator, Marge Gunderson has a magnet with a quote from Abraham Lincoln. It reads,“It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Sage wisdom from a septuagenarian who works out, travels, and adventures with women 40 years her junior.

from that time, published in Cycle Magazine. It’s a profile of Aspen and its growing bike scene. This article corroborates everything Marge is telling me, including her days as a pool shark. It also refers to her as “Fast Marge.” For, it turns out, Marge wasn’t just touring on her motorcycle. She was also racing and once again, winning. After three years in Aspen, Marge moved on. She loaded her bike onto her Volkswagen and drove west to Redondo Beach, California. In California, she found love and sold her Montessa for a refrigerator. The love didn’t last, but it had the happy result of a daughter named Wendy. Tiring of California, Marge moved to Boise, Idaho, as a single mom in the early 1970s. Another marriage came and went, with another happy result, her daughter Trina. Having had enough of men, she rekindled her love affair with motorcycles, buying bikes for her girls so that they could spend their weekends together riding trails. After eight years, Marge recruited a new rider to join their team. With absolutely no experience, but with a big heart and willing spirit, Steve Gunderson took up motorcycling in order to win the heart of “Fast Marge.” It worked and they’ve been married for 28 years. Mountain Biking at Age 64

Talking with Marge, I’m starting to get a little confused. I’ve never seen Marge on a motorcycle, but I’ve seen her plenty on bicycles. And on these non-motorized conveyances, Marge is agile and confident. Finally, I ask. “When did you start biking?” She laughs (there’s that smile again!) and tells me that she started mountain biking only seven years ago, when she, Steve, and Wendy relocated to Colorado. A group of women at her church invited her on their weekly ride. At age 64, Marge took the saddle of a mountain bike and has

never looked back. Three years later, these same women convinced her to try road biking. Marge rides weekly with this group (who range in age from their 30s to their 70s) and now she’s the instigator inspiring them on to greater adventures. Together, they’ve completed Ride the Rockies twice, as well as the Copper Triangle and the Iron Horse race against the train from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. A Birthday Tradition

Marge celebrated her 71st birthday in May with a 71-mile bike ride. She brought about 30 friends along for the ride, which spanned western Colorado’s Grand Valley, crossing the roads from Fruita to Palisade and back. This was Marge’s third such birthday ride. She started the tradition when she turned 69, with a 69-mile ride and she plans to continue the tradition, adding one mile each year, for many more years. Never one to sit still, or rest up, in the four weeks following her birthday, Marge rode an all-women’s century in Utah and took a bicycle trip along the Pacific Coast Highway in California with Steve and seven other friends. She and Steve also visited Norway, just not with bikes. Before I leave Marge’s home, she tells me about Alice Telford, the 87-year-old founder of the Little Red Riding Hood Women’s Century in Cache Valley, Utah, which Marge rode in June. What started as a ride for friends has blossomed into a 3,500 women event that sells out in less than an hour. “She’s even older than me,” Marge laughs. I look at Marge and suggest that she start a women’s century here in Colorado. She flashes her incredible smile and replies, “I think I already have. It’s my birthday ride.”

Aging is, well, a fact of life. It is simply unavoidable. Aging is also a confusing business, with new studies, products and claims coming out all the time. Still, there are certain universal recommendations that show up over and over again. Here are a few of the tips that seem to have the most validity for standing down the hands of time, no matter what your age. Use It or Lose It. Ongoing fitness and lifelong activity are important. According to Carmichael Training Systems in Colorado Springs, endurance athletes who maintain their fitness over time show less decrease in performance as they age. However, if they stop exercising and lose their fitness over several years, it becomes increasingly hard to reach a comparable level of fitness later in life. Listen to Your Mother. Remember how your mom always told you to eat your veggies? Well, she was right. A balanced healthy diet is better than any amount of supplements. Stay hydrated, even when you’re not active. And, don’t forget the sunscreen. Your mom didn’t like it when you were sunburned, and neither should you. Live Joyfully. While most everyone agrees that is it important to keep your mind sharp in order to prevent cognitive decline and memory loss over time, it is also important to have a joyful outlook on life. Have a sense of humor. No matter how busy you are, find time to get outside, get moving and laugh with friends and family. At any age, keeping joy in your life will help keep the life in your years.

Ride on, “Fast Marge.” WAM • FALL | 2012 39

d_women-adventure_2,25x9,75_us.indd 40 WAM • FALL | 20121

Try This

Meditation By L.J. Williamson

I’

m sitting in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, trying to meditate. Remembering the monk’s words, I visualize a clear crystal ball in the center of my body, and try to hold on to that picture of clarity as I observe my breath moving in and out, in and out. The temple glitters with gilt and mirrors and a large gleaming Buddha at one end, and the walls are covered with a stunning mural of Buddhist imagery that rivals the Sistine Chapel in beauty. The air is filled with incense and the temple is lit softly with glowing yellow candles. But it’s also hot. And there’s a mosquito in here. And lots of people are coming and going. And I’m kind of hungry. The picture of the crystal ball is replaced by visions of barbecued meat on a stick, marinated in coconut milk. Oh dang. I’m doing it wrong. But I don’t beat myself up about it. I just start over again. And again. And again. That’s essentially what the whole practice is: straying, realizing that you’ve strayed, and going back to the beginning. Meditation is the practice of quieting the mind, which can enhance focus and a sense of calm, even under difficult circumstances. It can also open the door to a grand inner adventure: getting to know yourself, and learning what makes your mind tick. Sitting down for an hour with no other intention but to take a good look at your own thoughts can be an illuminating experience. For example, I realized that one of my own particular obsessions was with thoughts about judging and being judged: What’s her deal? What do they think about me? What’s wrong with that guy? Am I acting cool, or acting like a dork? Once I became conscious of how much mental space I was devoting to these sorts of thoughts, I became better able to see how silly most of them were. One of the benefits of training your brain with meditation is that it empowers you to make conscious choices about where to put your attention—and where not to. Meditation can help your mind mature from something like a jumpy preschooler to something more like a mature college student, silent, attentive, and ready to learn. I went to Thailand to learn from the monks at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, but it isn’t necessary to go to an exotic locale to give meditation a try. Just

23.08.12 08:39

Photo by Nicole Wang, a photographer the author had the fortune of meeting while in Bangkok.

start in a quiet location, in a comfortable seated position. Keep your back straight and upright, rather than leaning against a backrest. Then, observe your breath as it travels in and out of your body. Your breath is a good place to “store” your attention, freeing the rest of your mind to seek stillness. When thoughts inevitably come up, just observe them. Take a mental step back and say to yourself, There I am, thinking about (work, the past, my shoelace, etc.). Notice that you’ve had the thought, and then drop it and go back to your breath. Once you get better at noticing your thoughts, rather than getting caught up in the stories they tell, you can become better at noticing those times when you’ve swirled into a negative or selfdefeating thought pattern, and dropping that too. Another simple technique: try counting your breaths. When idle thoughts move in, start over again at one. At first, it may be challenging to count to five before your mind wanders into the past or the future, but, with practice, you’ll become more adept at noticing, appreciating, and enjoying the present moment. womensadventuremagazine.com

Try This

do •

Try a retreat. Especially helpful for beginning meditators, a day-long class with a knowledgeable teacher and time for Q & A is one of the least intimidating ways to get started.

•

Download a smartphone app to help. Search under “meditation” and you’ll find a number of timer apps that will sound a bell to begin and end your session for a designated length of time, and even remind you to meditate daily.

•

Meditate on a regular basis, even if for a short period of time, like 15 minutes per day. It’s like working out—if you want to see results, you have to commit. The good news is: The more you do it, the easier it becomes to settle your mind.

•

Consider joining a meditation group for encouragement, advice, and support. Meetup.com is one place to start.

•

Approach meditation in whatever way you see fit. Although the practice is largely associated with Buddhism, there are practitioners of all faiths, as well as people who meditate simply to reduce stress or gain mental clarity.

don’t •

Get frustrated with yourself. Author Jack Kornfield likens the process to training a puppy: Expect that the first time you say “Sit!” the puppy is likely to wander off instead—just like your mind. Keep at it, kindly and patiently. Eventually, the puppy will start to get the idea.

•

Think that meditation is about mystical visions. It’s more about taking a step back from habitual patterns of thought so that you can recognize them and see what needs changing.

embrace your adventurous side! SKi: KOA 98 BOOT: Vacuum Trinity 110 fischersports.com

Gaiam Radiance Collection Yoga Mat and Bag. ShopGaiam.com

WAM • FALL | 2012 41

Dream Job

Editor’s note: Clair reached out to us first. She described her background as the youngest female ever to participate in BASE jumping and one of 50 women in the world who were BASE jumping back in 2006, when she started. With that kind of résumé, she of course impressed us. But what about Clair hooked us? Her story: “I had been told that my dreams would never come to fruition by countless male jumpers but pushed through, because it was my calling. It was already in my blood. Now, it’s my goal in life to inspire and empower other women to aim high, follow their hearts, and stop at nothing to accomplish their dreams.”

42 WAM • FALL | 2012

CHRIS BAZIL

womensadventuremagazine.com

Dream Job

meet

Clair Marie, BASEgirl

“It’s my goal in life to inspire and empower other women to aim high, follow their hearts, and stop at nothing to accomplish their dreams.” Let’s time travel a bit. Tell us your story—from the beginning.

was introduced to the industry differently than anyone else. When I was 8 years old, I saw a BASE jumping clip at a ski resort and tugged on my mom’s sleeve “Mom, I’m going to do that one day!” She said, “Uh, no you’re not!” Eventually, I got ahold of a BASE jumping video, which I watched repeatedly. One day, I noticed the producer/instructor’s e-mail address on the case. I timidly wrote to him, “Hi. I’m 16 and have never skydived, but I really want to BASE jump. Will you teach me?” His first e-mail blew me away. He said, “No way.” So I wrote back, apologizing for wasting his time, and told him, “I’ve been passionate about BASE jumping for a really long time.” He replied, “Oh, I thought this was a joke. You’re serious!” Then, he called me and offered to teach me to BASE jump before I learned to skydive—on one condition: I had to appear in his next BASE video. I thought, “You’re going to teach me for free and film me and give me publicity? That sounds like a good deal.” Most people get into BASE jumping through doing about 250 skydives and then learning how to BASE jump. So me being really young, a girl, and not a skydiver first was a huge deal in the community. My first jump was off a 480 foot power tower at 10 o’clock at night with no moon. Before I even landed my first jump, I yelled up to the tower, “You have to take me again! You have to take me again!” The next week I started packing parachutes for the skydiving center. That’s where I had my intro to working in skydiving. I was 16 and packing parachutes.

Age: 24 Stomping grounds: Boulder, CO Job titles: BASE jumping and skydiving instructor, professional BASE jumper and skydiver Years jumping: 7 Jumps to date: 240 BASE jumps and 3,500 skydives Most memorable BASE jumping trip: Norway—for all the legal options there. Search “BASE girl” on Facebook or find her online at basegirl.com.

Eventually, I started skydiving and filming tandem jumps. It got me a lot of experience but I actually wanted to teach people, introduce them to skydiving, so they could experience and understand it. Becoming an instructor was a way to open up my world to others and let them see why I love it. I owned my own dropzone—our name for a skydiving center—for a couple years (from ages 19-21), but that kept me too busy to do what I wanted to do—BASE jump. So, I sold it and moved to Arizona, taking on more BASE students and focusing on my brand, BASEgirl. I got tired of Arizona’s heat and moved to Colorado last year to work at a dropzone in Longmont that teaches AFF (accelerated free fall), a sevenjump course to go from being a tandem skydiver to solo. I also teach people to BASE jump and do about six trips a year with students. How do you choose your students?

I meet someone, they express an interest, and I say, “That’s awesome,” then judge whether they’ll do well. Skydiving is similar to BASE, but it’s a totally different sport in other aspects. An athlete might be better equipped to learn how to BASE jump than someone who has a thousand skydives.

BASE jump (beys) noun a parachute jump from the tops of tall manmade or natural objects, usually from 1,000 feet (305 meters) or less.

I look first at their athletic experience. You’re not going to pull someone off the couch and teach her to climb El Cap. Body awareness is huge. Then, I evaluate whether they’re grounded mentally. We like to find people who understand the risk, because there is a risk involved. Usually, you can see if they just want to do it because it’s the hardcore thing to do. Those aren’t good people to teach. I won’t teach someone who wants to do it because it’s cool. I teach people who are passionate about it, have researched it, and are self-motivated. I won’t put myself on the line for any other person. Describe some of your signature teaching techniques.

I teach differently than how some of the guys teach, because I bring a different energy to it, just as they bring a different energy to a ballet class, for example. First, I ask my students not to be intimidated. It worried me in the beginning. The girls were intimidated by me, and the guys didn’t want to listen to me because I was a girl. The guys wanted to be more hardcore and the girls weren’t sure they could talk to me. So, I take a posture with the guys to maintain my authority and take a sweeter, more nurturing approach with the girls. I tell the women not to let others’ opinions get in their way and limit them. I say, “If this is something that you’re passionate about and want to do for yourself and that motivation comes from a pure place, then just fly through it.” Obviously, I encourage all my students to stick with it. When they’re jumping, I coach them from the other side of the rail. I just talk to them, communicate that I know what I’m doing, then hand that trust back to them and encourage them.

WAM • FALL | 2012 43

Dream Job

“Everyone sees BASE as this super hardcore, dangerous thing, but it’s one of the most peaceful things I’ve ever done.… Jumping takes your mind off the trivial, material things that go on in the world.”

In the past, I’ve told someone not to jump, because they worried me. But, it takes a lot to worry me when it comes to these sports. I’m confident as an instructor. In a lot of these situations, I can get myself and my student out safely. I’ve had to several times. BASE jumping is different. It’s more of a mental game. My job is mainly to reassure them that they know the procedures. It’s more of a personal development session than a jump training session; we go through all of the mental stuff. All the stories we create in our heads are the biggest limiting factors. I have to focus on the guys more in that section, because a lot of the guys feel like they have something to prove. Some have walked away, because I’ve given them that option: “You don’t have to do this.” I sometimes find myself leaning over the bridge, gripping the rail and telling them, “You’ve got this!” Then I look down and I have white knuckles and need to calm down before I jump. When students make it to the bridge then doubt whether they can or want to jump anymore, I have them step back, calm down, and try again, if and when they are ready.

44 WAM • FALL | 2012

I’ve spent days training people and then taken them confident in my pack job, it’s super windy, and it’s a cliff. That’s a recipe for an accident. up to the bridge to have them climb over the rail and decide it’s not for them. That’s fine. It’s not for Try putting your passion into words for us. everyone. When I saw that first BASE clip, my whole world changed. It’s everything I talked about from Where do you BASE jump? age 8 on. I found pictures and articles on the BASE jumping is quite illegal in many places, Internet and read everything I could about it. For because it’s considered trespassing. Legal places in the U.S. include Moab, Utah, where there are tons school presentations, my topic was always BASE of legal cliffs, and Twin Falls, Idaho, where they have jumping. The education specialist (I was homea legal bridge. We don’t typically bring new people schooled) asked, “Aren’t you going to find a new to Moab, because there’s more danger surrounding topic?” and I said, “No, this is what I love.” cliffs. A bridge is safest, because there’s open space My first jump: the freedom! Everyone sees BASE around you as you fall. A cliff and a building are the as this super hardcore, dangerous thing, but—in most dangerous. If the parachute opens off-headed all reality—it’s one of the most peaceful things (to the side or under you), then you are likely I’ve ever done. You don’t have the option of wonto hit the cliff if you can’t react in a split second. dering what you’ll make for dinner or what bills New people can’t react as quickly, so having Twin you have to pay. You have to focus one hundred Falls fairly close is awesome. I can take on a bigger percent, and that focus is the most freeing thing workload and take more students to a place where ever. Jumping takes your mind off the trivial, it’s super safe. material things that go on in the world. I love that you call jumping off a bridge “super safe.”

It is! There’s inherently risk associated with BASE jumping and skydiving, but each is as safe as you make it. It’s not just dumb luck when you go off a jump. It’s very calculated. We consider wind conditions, the thermals that could potentially affect the jump, and etcetera. I teach my students all of these things. I wouldn’t go jump something when I’m not

After my first jump, I thought, “There is no way I can go back to living my life the way I did. Now that I’ve experienced this, I want to explore all the possible potentials.” There’s so much growth through BASE jumping, through taking up, aerials, wingsuiting (which I do as well), or ski BASE jumping. It’s one of my passions to explore all of these, to see what they’re all about.

womensadventuremagazine.com

CHRIS BAZIL, JIMMY H.

Is it a challenge sometimes to give your students that trust?

Dream Job

I love talking with a girl about this, too.

That’s the other thing! When I started BASE jumping back in 2005, I was one of 50 women worldwide who were BASE jumping. Females are some of my favorite people to teach. It’s a 10:1 guy to girl ratio. It wasn’t until about two and a half years ago that I went on a BASE jumping trip with more girls than guys. Everyone was so stoked. The guys were stoked because there were a bunch of girls there, and the girls were stoked because there were a bunch of girls there!

How do you balance them? Can you even separate them?

It’s a delicate balance. Sometimes I have it and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes it feels like a job and sometimes I’m riding a plane up with a student about to take her first jump, and I think, “I can’t believe I get to do this for a living!” For a while, I didn’t have that balance. Everything I ate, drank, and dreamed was BASE jumping and skydiving. That wasn’t fun anymore, and I was limiting myself by driving so hard all the

time. With BASE jumping, the only thing I haven’t found a balance for and still don’t love is all the driving. But, once we get out there, I get to watch someone experience something that she previously wouldn’t have been able to experience. Unlike an office job, where the weekends are free time, my job’s free time is scheduled minute by minute. One minute I’m coaching; the next minute, I have free time to do my fun jump. After the student jumps, it’s just me, and I get to do what I love on my own.

Women bring such a different energy to it. In the beginning, I had to be one of the dudes. I made sure I stayed that way, because it was the only way I could go get jumps. Now that there are more doors open for women to come into the sport, you can let your femininity show through a little more. Being able to totally be a girl and then go BASE jump and keep up with all the dudes is just so fun. Why do you identify with WAM women?

It’s been a lifelong dream to inspire other people, mostly women, because I’ve seen the limits that a lot of society puts on people, especially in regards to sports. I’ve made it my goal to inspire, support, and encourage them to follow their dreams and live their passions, so I do a lot of motivational work, keynote speaking, and personal development coaching. I see so much potential in people. It’s kind of heartbreaking when you see the potential and they don’t because of all the pressures of society and what people say to them. What challenges you about your job?

I need to get over mental stuff as much as the students do, realize that one of my students might get hurt, and get over the guilt. One of my past students actually died—later in his jumping career. I hate the saying “At least they died doing something that they loved,” because no one hits the wall and loves that. But what they loved drove them so far that they enjoyed every aspect of it. What’s inspiring or rewarding about what you do?

All of it. No, really. The people I meet are so inspiring and so are their stories. Being able to connect with positive, like-minded people who share my passion has been such a blessing in my life. It’s hard in such a small community to find people like that. You meet them along the way in such interesting places. But the fact that we can jump off of a fixed object, fly our own bodies, and live, is the force that keeps me doing it. Your passion is so intertwined with your work and your life.

Yes. Yes, it is.

WAM • FALL | 2012 45

Camps

Gold Rusch Tour Mountain bike queens at the SRAM Gold Rusch Tour teach women to ride through obstacles—and fears By Courtney Johnson “Encouraging women of all ages and abilities to get out and ride,” reads the mission statement about the SRAM Gold Rusch Tour. That’s a pretty broad goal, but it’s one I’m on board with, I thought, as I skimmed the details of the upcoming SRAM Gold Rusch Tour Media camp. I, along with four other journalists, was invited to spend four to five days exploring the trails of Sun Valley while working on specific mountain bike skills. It also coincided with the Idaho Bike Festival, so we were treated to a night with U.S. mountain bike Olympians and watched some of the best in the business racing short track, cross country, and Super D.

Lindsey, Rebecca, and I stopped when we found a nice little downhill with some roots and rocks to navigate. After watching Rebecca and Lindsey tackle it, I got to try—perfect for my handson, visual learner mind. On my first go at it, I stopped dead in my tracks when I reached the rocks. Instead of focusing on the negative side of not committing, the two were able to put a positive spin to my challenge. “What I would do is this … try it and see if it works better for 46 WAM • FALL | 2012

you,” recommended Lindsey. Pushing the bike back up the hill, Rebecca reminded me of the keys to success—look ahead, level the pedals, and rest one finger on the front and rear brakes. The second time, I nailed it. A third try and I felt like I grasped the underlying concepts—eyes ahead, pedals level, brakes ready—enough that encountering the obstacle on my own would not be an issue.

I would categorize myself as a self-taught (not in a good way) mountain biker. Out of fear, I didn’t learn to ride a bike until I was twelve. Now, here I was, on my second day of camp, descending on singletrack from the top of Bald Mountain at 9,150 feet with Lindsey and one other journalist. All throughout the descent, Lindsey would stop and look back, offering positive reinforcement and encouragement. When we hit areas womensadventuremagazine.com

AJ JOHNSON

Since we were all on different travel schedules, the first day I was lucky enough to get personal riding instruction from downhill specialist and AllRide Tour leader Lindsey Voreis (kirtvoreis.com) and the “Queen of Pain” herself, Rebecca Rusch. We headed away from the higher elevation trails on the mountain to do an easier local ride that would gauge my overall fitness but also was an easy intro to the altitude of the Ketchum area. The ride didn’t start out quite as planned when we discovered that I had a broken pedal. After some finagling, I ended up on flat pedals, so we could still get some riding in. We began with practicing some basic skills for the trail, including standing on level pedals and moving forward and back. The side-to-side movement needed to navigate the trail is similar to the way windshield wipers move, Lindsey explained. All week long, I would see how Lindsey and Rebecca incorporated their personal experiences and how they would break techniques down into simple applications and compare skills to every day objects—like windshield wipers as a depiction of how to corner—as part of their bag of tools.

Camps

The details Look for the Gold Rusch Tour at Sea Otter next year and check in at goldruschtour.com for the 2013 schedule, which includes everything from one-day clinics to multi-day camps.

of heavy shale, she would stop at the bottom, give us a quick confidence boost, and be the first to congratulate us when we made it through successfully. As tired as I was, I could have stayed out there forever. I now understand why the locals say that the words “stoked” and “awesome” first came from mountain bikers hitting these trails. We don’t have miles of flowy singletrack within a fivehour drive from where I live in California, and I don’t have the opportunity to learn from the best at home, either. Day three, we headed to the pump track, a circuit/loop of dirt that takes 15 to 20 seconds to get around that has features including berms, bumps, and jumps. After a few quick pedal strokes after dropping in, if you ride it properly with flow and rhythm, your momentum keeps you from having to pedal as you pump the bike around it, choosing from different lines. The “track” allows you to work on bike handling skills, including cornering. Once again, Lindsey and Rebecca were both there to lead the way and provide encouragement.

The first two times around the track, I followed Lindsey’s wheel, navigating the berms and rhythm sections while Rebecca worked one-on-one with another woman. I kept getting tripped up on this one tight, banked corner. So, on our third lap around, Lindsey pulled ahead to give my eyes a place to track around to. Success! Third time was a charm on that corner. The afternoon was open to watch the racing and hit the town. Dinner that night was a ladies’ night in, with delicious food cooked up by Biju from Skratch Labs (skratchlabs.com). Feasting on Brie with honey and bananas, baked chicken, and potatoes with bacon, we shared stories of triumph and failure on the trail with the U.S.A.’s 2012 London Olympics mountain bike athlete, Lea Davison, and accomplished road, cyclocross, and mountain bike racer, Mary Miller. After an evening of good food and good company, one couldn’t help but feel encouraged to hit the dirt the next morning.

skills we had learned earlier in the week. One hour on a swoopy, rooty dirt trail, and we headed back to town to support Rebecca in the single speed division and to see the pros navigate the XC course. A casual dinner with live music capped off the night. After shooting photos of Super D Sunday morning, I joined the group for one final ride. The route was perfect for bringing everything we had learned together—a perfect test for our confidence and newly found skills. A wonderful girls’ farewell dinner left my stomach full and my heart heavy to leave my new friends and the endless trails of Sun Valley. I left the camp feeling “stoked” and “awesome.” In all, the camp really taught me to understand the psychology behind my fears while riding a bike and also gave me the skills and confidence to believe in my abilities beyond my fears. I’m not sure where the trails will lead me next, but I can be sure that I am better prepared to navigate them.

On Saturday we started with a short but fun singletrack ride, where the emphasis was on the

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Ad magnim expelent officient faccum nis aut veratio quost, temperciam fuga. Menihit a vosed et mo maximinia vid modissunt

gear

girls’ getaway in

s a competitive endurance athlete for most of my life, I’m an active traveler and enjoy adventure and exploration over relaxation when it comes to vacations. That said, I’m an admitted hammerhead. With that came a slew of injuries and just as many suggestions to practice yoga. Finally, I stepped into a yoga studio and was immediately hooked. While I never gave up my multi-sport ways, last January was my two-year anniversary as a yogi. To celebrate, I booked a three-week trip to South India. My goal was to experience the hoo-ha of practicing yoga in India and to experience the area’s outdoor adventure, wildlife, and culinary scene.

My fellow fit foodie friend Nancy joined me, though her motivations and travel goals were different. While I travel frequently, Nancy takes only one big trip a year. She visited north India six years ago and loved it. Since then she’s become somewhat of an India devotee, eating Indian food on a weekly basis—the hotter the better—and occasionally donning Indian garb in New York City. So, when I told her about my plans, she jumped at the chance to join me. While Nancy was excited to visit museums and explore cities, she was open to doing yoga and, like me, wanted to be active and explore culinary offerings.

HOW AN ENDURANCE RACER AND A FORMER DANCER BALANCED ACTIVE ADVENTURE TRAVEL WITH RELAXATION AND SPLASHES OF YOGA, COOKING, AND ELEPHANTS

Stefani and Nancy taking an elephant ride in Cochin.

48 WAM • FALL | 2012

Although Nancy and I both kayak in NYC on the Hudson River, we don’t actually paddle together. I’m a former elite bike racer, All-American triathlete, adventure racer, ultrarunner, surfski kayaker who has hoochie coochies in her pants and can’t stand still. Nancy’s more of a recreational paddler from a dancing background who enjoys chilling with her kitties reading a book. She also drops in and out of running phases, so I thought it would be fun to run together in the mornings. But, when she said she was leaving her running shoes home, I suspected we would have different desires for our trip and would end up an odd traveling duo. Our big girls’ getaway Asian adventure began with a 15-hour flight from New Jersey to Mumbai. I was mentally numb by the time I snuggled into my silk sleep sack on the thin, bumpy mattress in our Mumbai hotel around midnight local time. Three-hours later, I was wide awake and fidgety, listening to foot traffic on the street. It was too dark to go running, so, I did yoga in the dark while Nancy slept. An hour and a half later, she woke to find me dripping sweat doing sun salutations and chaturanga on the cool tile floor. She shook her head and tucked back into bed as I dressed for a run to explore the chaotic city as daylight broke. Following two days of shopping and sightseeing, we flew south to Ft. Cochin—called Kochi by locals—a beach town in the Kerala district, to begin our true adventure. While I’ve climbed cold, icy, blustery mountains in Tibet and Ecuador, I still love the summer sun. So does Nancy, who also bronzes in the sunshine and rarely burns. It was a no brainer for us to head south when deciding between the blustery mountains and temples in the north or warm beach, backwaters, and tea plantations. It was also a new territory for Nancy, who was keen to check out the local Folklore Museum—an excursion I skipped. womensadventuremagazine.com

BY STEFANI JACKENTHAL

South India! John Johnson, co-owner of Worldwide Tours and our guide for the next five days, met us with his driver Bobo. We set off early the next morning for the tea plantations in Munnar, in the lush mountainous Western Ghat.

my super tight muscles while physically challenging me with arm balances. At the same time, yoga makes me listen to the instructor’s words, rather than thinking three steps ahead—as I do in my day-today life.

Our first stop was the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre. I was giddy when a half-dozen sinewy men wearing traditional dhoti— think white wrap-around skirts—escorted adorable baby elephants to the river’s edge for their morning bath. Their ears and tails wiggled as we followed, like kids tracking the ice cream truck on a hot summer’s day. Perched on grassy knoll, Nancy and I cooed like schoolgirls as the men scrubbed and tickled the elephants’ backs and bellies using coconut shells.

This class had the zen without the zing. It was unfortunately, a common theme threading across other classes we took in India. Maybe I’m more suited for yoga in the Western world. By our third yoga class, led by a self-involved instructor who spent the better part of the 90 minute class demonstrating “how good he got,” we gave up on yoga. Perhaps, we attended the wrong classes, but we had had enough and decided to spend our time doing things we found more fun and fulfilling, like going to the beach, renting bikes, and visiting a silk factory.

Later, we bitched and moaned jokingly while riding what could be the oldest, wobbliest elephant in all of India. We sat toboggan-style,

I couldn’t stop thinking “ I ’m in India, doing yoga. Yahoo!” crotch to backbone with a wafer thin pad in-between. I’ll never again complain about my bicycle saddle. Riding an elephant in India was one of those touristy must-do things on our list. We knew it would be goofy, but we were in tears laughing as we plodded down the dirt trail, chanting in unison “ba’boom ba’boom, ba’boom, ba’boom” with every crotch-smashing step. It was something we two giggled about throughout our trip.

SW E AT IN G IN SO U T H IN DIA At daybreak the next morning, I slipped on my running shoes, top, capris (it’s a no-no for women to wear running shorts in India), and baseball cap, then headed out for my morning run, trying not to wake Nancy as I left. Huffing and puffing, I struggled up the steep, broken road that required we use four-wheel drive the previous

JOHN JOHNSON, NANCY BROUS

Kaivalyam Retreat, our exotic lodge for the night, was nestled into a steep mountainside and surrounded by 11 acres of lush forest. The secluded stone organic resort is owned by a husband and wife team, former IT finance executives from Tokyo, Japan. Our sparkly clean modern room had a killer deck outside the sliding glass door facing the woods. I was feeling pent up from sitting all day, so I jump roped for an hour to get my ya-ya’s out. Nancy read her book. The jump rope is a perfect, compact, athletic traveling partner. After that aerobic effort, Nancy and I took our first yoga class in India. It was held in a simple open-aired cabana encircled by fragrant flora, which was as soothing as the instructor’s silky voice. We dipped into triangle, forward folds and up dogs. It felt good to be back on the mat. I struggled to touch my shins, while Nancy, who infrequently attends yoga classes, wrapped her leg around her head. I couldn’t stop thinking “I’m in India, doing yoga. Yahoo!” Admittedly, the asana was slower and less physically challenging than I expected, but it hit the spot on the heels of long days of flying and driving. What I enjoy about yoga at home is the fluidity and sequencing of classes that stretch WAM • FALL | 2012 49

girls’ getaway in South India! day. The payoff at the top was big. I turned right and followed the twisting and turning smooth asphalt up the mountain, past scores of willowy tea plants fluttering in the breeze. Birds chirped. Vendors set up fruit stands. The morning sun warmed my neck and face. An hour and a half after setting out, I admired the stunning view of the verdant valley below. Mornings are my favorite time of the day and my time to take care of me without distractions. I love the quietness, the slow pace of life, and the sight of the earth waking up. Getting out for exercise in the morning is my daily treat that allows me to deal with anything that comes my way later in the day. Nancy prefers to sleep. So, by the time we arrived in Kochi for our last week, we had

going to keep a swift pace and not stop too much to chat. Nancy, our unofficial trip photographer, was interested in taking great pictures as well as getting exercise and learning about the tea manufacturing. We were both ready to escape the horn-honking and erratic car traffic. That day, we trekked up a sheer, narrow dirt path into the hills of Munnar on the heels of our muscular and dashing guide, R. Mohan, who is not only a tea expert but also a former Karate World Champion. Leaving the dusty, honking roads, we entered the lush wilderness of Western Ghats. My quads winced a bit from my morning run as I planted my trekking poles and stepped up the hillside. It was just past one in the afternoon, so the puffy clouds

While I love sports massages, one Ayurvedic massage was enough to last a lifetime.

hiding the beating sun provided some relief. A pleasant breeze rustled the canopy above us. As we entered a seemingly endless tea plantation, Nancy and I walked at a fast clip side-by-side, chatting. Our words melded into oohs and aahs as we got deep into the fields filled to the brim with finely manicured quilts of bushes that engulfed us and lined the tiered mountainside for as far as I could see. It was like something plucked out of Alice in Wonderland and I half expected the Mad Hatter to pop out from behind the chest-high tea shrubs offering us some tea. Stepping out of the serene setting, we hoofed up a narrow, damp, twisty trail through the thick, humid wilderness. Unlike the wide, rolling trails cutting through the tea plants, these were hilly and rocky, which made me happy I brought along my Ahnu hiking boots and folding Black Diamond Z trekking poles, which almost got left at home during my pre-trip packing editing. I powered up steep hills on Mohan’s heels—he was one fit dude. Cutting through brush, over logs and slippery rocks, I dodged whipping branches snapping back from Mohan, who charged ahead. My heart fluttered and sweat beads dripped down my brow. But the harder Mohan pushed the faster my arms and legs followed. We strode up that mountainside in sync until hitting a plateau with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush valley below.

our morning routine down pat. I’d wake Nancy when I returned from my morning running adventure and had finished doing push-ups and planks, then we’d have breakfast together. This morning, Nancy was awake, showered, and sending emails when I returned. After quick cleanup, we headed to breakfast where we munched fresh mango, kiwi, and melon and dipped crunchy chapati into flavorful veggie curry—big on flavor, small on protein. Much to Nancy’s horror, I sipped a protein drink that I brought from home. We chatted excitedly about our upcoming overnight hike through the tea plantation and went over our packing list of dried fruit, rain jackets, and bug spray. This was one of the highlights of our trip and something we had both been looking forward to doing since starting our trip planning. I couldn’t wait to get into the woods and move. I was hoping we were 50 WAM • FALL | 2012

Sweet mountain flowers filled the thick, clean air and I sipped in a little extra as we chatted while catching our breath and waiting for Nancy and Ellen. “Let’s go!” I said. Nancy snapped, “I can use a few minutes!” She and Ellen, who was from Sweden and wearing (no kidding) Chuck Taylor hi-tops, were red in the face and breathing heavy. Though Mohan and I were keen to push the pace, Nancy and Ellen seemed game to go along with the program, other than needing a little extra rest here and there.

F O O D A N D C U LT U RE Three hours after leaving, we stopped for lunch on the top of a grassy plateau with a gorgeous 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. I was starving. We munched baby bananas, local chocolate, and oranges as Mohan unpacked four rectangular cardboard takeout boxes. Inside each: three chapati flat breads and womensadventuremagazine.com

was doused in oil while two female “massage therapists” rubbed symmetrical parts of my body in unison—and chanted. When Nancy and I met afterward, clad in the hideous housedresses they supplied, we wore similar stunned looks. We returned to Kochi to wrap up our trip and explore Kerala’s renowned backwaters, often called the “Venice of India.” The first part of our Backwaters Tour was on a 40-foot motorboat that stopped in a petite village so we could taste the local flavor. I chomped succulent, tiny, juice mussels steamed with ginger and spices in a banana leaf, which might have been the best thing I ate in India. We then transferred to small wooden canoes—motored by men with long sticks standing on the stern, as if in Venice. As we wended through silent tree-lined canals peppered with small colorful houses, we passed women and girls washing clothes and saw a bright blue fluttering KingFisher bird, which is a novelty. It’s also the name of a popular—and tasty—beer in India. a small plastic bag filled with cloudy white veggie curry. There were no utensils. It’s traditional for locals to eat with their right hands, a skill groomed since childhood. Our first night in Ft. Kochi, John invited us to his mother-in-law’s modest home for dinner, and I was impressed as he seamlessly scooped soupy curries, fine grains of puffy rice and slim slices of long beans, cabbage, roasted cauliflower, and omelet without missing a morsel. After a serious Purell moment, I attempted to pluck a slimy carrot from the pouch using the chapati. The soft carrot slipped onto the ground. I tried again and again but only got soggy bread. Finally, I dug my hand into the bag, snagging a carrot, potato, and piece of cauliflower. The curry had a touch of sweetness from the fresh coconut, sourness from the fresh tamarind and a welcoming spicy kick at the end.

STEFANI JACKENTHAL, NANCY BROUS

We hiked a couple more hours to CampTop, our slumbering spot for the night, where we met a couple from Australia. Sitting around a campfire made in a metal bucket, we admired the starry skies, snacked on sweet rice, and sipped big bottles of warm beer the camp guides dragged up the mountain. Nancy and I clinked bottles and smiled. This is exactly where we wanted to be—on top of a remote mountain with new friends, away from hagglers and horn honking, and having gotten there under our own power. A few days later we were in Waynard, a lush wilderness region, drinking ginger tea and cleansing at Ayurveda Yoga Villa. In route, we drove though an action-packed animal preserve with families of long-tailed monkeys playing in trees and deer. “Eagle eyes” John spotted not one but three wild elephants in the woods. It was cool seeing elephants in their natural setting. As city chicks, Nancy and I see lots of black squirrels in Central Park and pigeons on the streets—and Nancy does have two kitties—but we don’t get to experience animals in the raw. It was exciting! We hung out of the car windows snapping pictures and every now and again, Bobo would pull over at John’s command and we’d rush out of the car to snap photos of silver monkeys with tails as long as computer cords climbing trees or groups of beige monkeys the size of Yorkshire Terriers sitting quietly on stone walls. While I love sports massages, one Ayurvedic massage was enough for a lifetime. Laying buck naked on an archaic wooden table, I

By the third week, I was an expert in fish curry and flavorful mushy vegetables. I craved bright, crunchy veggies, juicy seared tuna, and a generous glass of Burgundy. Nancy, who eats Indian food regularly and was excited to learn new recipes, was in bliss. But, we both agreed it would be fun to take a Kerala cooking class and learn local spicy secrets. Our instructor Lelu was a cheery, round lady who has a video cooking series on the Kerala tourism website. Using many of the spices we had seen on our tour of a spice plantation, like turmeric, cumin, curry, and tamarind, Lelu taught us to make masala for the fish curry, lentils, sautéed cabbage, and long beans. Plus, we got to roll and panfry our own roti (like chapati but thicker). It was fun. After eating in restaurants, it was a treat to have a home cooked meal—even if we cooked it.

TRAVEL CONTACTS WORLDWIDE TOURS Active travel outfitters in India worldwidetours.in | +91 484 268116 KAIVALYAM RETREAT Munnar, Kerala kaivalyamretreat.com kaivalyam@ymail.com | mail@kaivalyamretreat.com 91 4865 232628 AYURVEDA YOGA VILLA ayurvedayogavilla.com Palvelicham, Wayand Dist. Kerala, S. India 04935-250945 TRACKFINDER ADVENTURES Munnar, Kerala trackfinderadventures.com | 04865 208954 LELU’S COOKING & EAT CLASSES Ft. Kochi, Kerala | keralatourism.org WAM • FALL | 2012 51

HEIGHTS

NEW

womensadventuremagazine.com

“

By Jayme Moye

52 WAM • FALL | 2012

tell that Janae is in tears. We only know that the 24-year-old has been perched

“

First Descents challenges young people with cancer, presenting real obstacles to fear, confront, and conquer.

...from the bottom, we can’t

on the edge for much longer than it usually takes...

anae stands on top of a giant boulder nearly fifty feet above the ground, leaning back in her harness, legs outstretched, feet planted on the rock—exactly as our guide has instructed us. She’s about to rappel off Campground Rock in Moab, Utah, her first such descent ever. And she’s crying. Watching from the bottom, we can’t tell that Janae is in tears. We only know that the 24-year-old has been perched on the edge for much longer than it normally takes a new rappeller to summon her courage and go for it. We assume her hesitation means she’s freaking out. We assume correctly. Our group has been in the rockclimbing mecca of Moab for three days now, participating in an adult climbing camp run by First Descents. This is our first major rappel. I’ve already taken my turn, and for me, it was no big deal. But I’m a journalist on assignment who has rappelled before. Watching Janae struggle, I remember my first time at a height that made my heart drop into my stomach. I was the same age as her, and 80 feet above the ground climbing at Summersville Lake in West Virginia, when I got spooked—I’d never been that high. I felt dizzy every time I looked down. “You’ve so got this!” my friend Ken yelled up at me when I stopped climbing, frozen in fear. Looking up at Janae, I wonder if she has the same thoughts going through her head as I did—weighing the disappointment of quitting versus the fear of continuing. I’ve only known her for a short time, but I know she can do it. We all know she can. The question is, what does she believe? “You’ve so got this, Nae-Nae,” I yell, using her camp nickname. The others yell, too, chanting her name, calling out words of encouragement. We watch as one of our guides sets himself up on the rope beside her. He’s getting into position to rap

down with her, coaching her through the entire descent, if that’s what it takes. Maybe his presence is the last piece of reassurance Janae needs. Maybe she decides, like I did that day in West Virginia, that she isn’t going to let fear stop her. She relaxes her brake arm on the rope, and lets out enough slack to take a small step backward over the edge. We shout our approval, high-fiving each other at the bottom. She descends slowly, keeping her feet on the wall, letting out just enough rope to take a step or two down at a time. She pauses often, and looks around, in wonder, she’ll tell us later, that she’s actually doing it. When she hits the bottom, she’s got an incredulous grin on her face. “I did it,” she says quietly, almost a whisper. The others rush forward and engulf her in one hug after another. I stand back and watch, and realize I’m choked up. Someone cranks the ’80s music coming from the van. The lyrics from Scandal’s “The Warrior” make their way into my consciousness. Shootin’ at the walls of heartache, bang, bang, I am the warrior yes I am the warrior and victory is mine. I can’t help but laugh out loud as I step forward and hug Janae. She is the warrior, even if all she battled was her own self-doubt. Her achievement somehow feels like a victory for all of us.

Right before I left for this camp, I watched a documentary titled Finding Joe that articulated the philosophies of the late mythologist Joseph Campbell. One of the many poignant quotes that came from the experts interviewed in the film was “Put yourself in an uncomfortable situation about once every seven days.” That concept is why each of the fifteen participants at First Descents chose to spend their summer vacation, taking time away from families and careers, at a rock climbing camp with strangers. Each is seeking the transformation that comes from pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone. But there’s another reason. The First Descents campers have something else in common, something you can’t necessarily tell by looking at them, or even after getting to know them on the surface level. It’s not something they lead with, or a part of their lives that they share readily—they are all young adults fighting cancer. The camp’s founder, Brad Ludden, started First Descents in 2001, after watching his young aunt battle the disease. His idea was simple: as a professional kayaker, he’d recreate the amazing moments he’d experienced on the water to help people struggling with cancer find a reprieve of fun, and maybe even peace. Ludden’s vision of using the outdoors as a catalyst echoes another famous Joseph Campbell quote: “Find a place where there is joy and the joy will burn out the pain.” What Ludden didn’t anticipate (and what studies on outdoor adventure therapy have since proven) is that many of the negative effects people experience from the stigma of having cancer as young adults—things like anxiety, low self-esteem, and isolation—can start to be reversed by overcoming authentic challenges in an organic setting. All First Descents does is provide the backdrop. The great outdoors provides the challenge.

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And it’s working. In ten years, First Descents has grown from offering one kayaking camp in Colorado, to nearly 50 camps across the country, encompassing kayaking, climbing, surfing, and trekking. Almost 500 campers have signed up in 2012, and the first international camp was held in the spring. “I never expected this,” Ludden says. “It’s been wild to watch this thing grow.”

“ I can’t remember

What’s wild for me is watching how strongly the campers bond. For many, it’s their first time meeting another young adult with cancer. Kim, 26, tells me she has a lot of social anxiety. Looking at her, it’s easy to understand why. Kim is unusually short and thin due to a growth hormone deficiency caused by radiation damage to her pituitary gland. She also suffers a speech impediment caused by radiation damage to her soft palate. A tumor destroyed some of the nerves in her face, disfiguring her smile.

ever feeling

“

so myself.

But those things don’t seem to matter so much at camp, where everyone is dealing with the effects of cancer. What matters is that Kim is one of the best climbers and makes everyone laugh with her unexpectedly wicked sense of humor. “I felt more comfortable there than I can ever remember in a group of people,” she tells me after the week concludes. “I can’t remember ever feeling so myself.” Everyone fits in at First Descents. Ludden tells me that normalization is a key part of the healing process. Because everyone at camp is going through the same thing, no one stands out as a cancer victim (the way they’re perceived, intentionally or not, by their so-called normal peer group). And that’s comforting, and connecting. The community vibe is so strong that it’s even hard for me, as a journalist trained in objectivity, to remain detached. I feel it most profoundly on the second-to-last day. After another glorious morning on the rock, we head down to the Colorado River for some down time. The camp director hands each of us a marker and instructs us to select two flat rocks. On one rock,

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They are just like us: a vibrant mother of two, we write the things we want to be free from, things like fear and pain. On the other, we write the things we want to cultivate, like love and forgiveness. The idea is to chuck your “bad” rock into the river and keep your “good” one. I’m surprised at how emotional I feel as I start to write, and I’m not even dealing with cancer. But I am dealing with divorce, and anxiety disorder. One of the words I write on my bad rock is ANGER. I realize I’m crying as I retrace it over and over. ANGER times ten. I hurl it as hard as I can into the water. I cringe a little at how loud a sound it makes when it breaks the water’s surface. But the others don’t even raise their heads. They get it. Once we’re back in the van heading to dinner, I ask the other women about their rocks. They tell me they wrote things like anger and sorrow and fear. They wrote body image issues. They wrote depression, anxiety, and confusion. They wrote the same things I did. Interestingly, I don’t feel sad. I feel lighter. We all do. And kind of giggly. Maybe it’s because we let go of our bad rocks. Maybe it’s because “Baby Got Back,” Sir Mix-a-Lot’s obnoxious hit from 1992, starts playing on the radio, and every one of us knows every word. I like big butts and I cannot lie!

MATT GLOWINSKY

Or maybe it’s because we realize then that it doesn’t matter what the cause—disease, divorce, death of a loved one—we’ve all got walls. We can choose to let them alienate us, we can choose to let them stop us. Or we can call ourselves rock stars and start climbing together.

a beautiful girl in her 20s, a young athletic guy— with one difference— they have been forced

to face death.

Out Living It —Chris Kassar Michael Brown and the crew at Serac Adventure Films have done it again. Their latest film, Out Living It skillfully weaves together beautiful imagery, truthful interviews, and triumphant moments to create a compelling story about folks who manage to find hope and strength amidst cancer diagnoses. The film takes us on a gripping journey as we follow a group of cancer survivors embarking on a kayak adventure with First Descents. Brown hones in on a few members of the group with particularly poignant stories. They share their fears, their thoughts, their small victories, and their tears with unmatched honesty and we become attached to these courageous women and men. They are just like us: a vibrant mother of two, a beautiful girl in her 20s, a young athletic guy—with one difference—they have been forced to face death. We watch them gain confidence on the river, bond as a group, do things they thought they would never get the chance to do, and most importantly, we see the transformation as they forget about their cares for a week and just live. You won’t see kayaks hucking off waterfalls or swirling through gnarly rapids, but that’s not the point. Brown’s gritty portrayal of the bravery needed to fight cancer and the power of nature to provide a brief respite from this constant battle inspires more than any kayak porn-filled film can. But, be warned—after seeing this film you may find you’re filled with the overwhelming urge to get outside and with a renewed sense of gratitude for each breath.

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Women Veterans By Chris Kassar

The outdoors provides the peace, adrenaline rush, inspiration, escape, and security that helps these women persevere after war. Eighteen months ago, I tromped through snow in Rocky Mountain National Park with a group of men and women who defended my freedom— our freedom—with their bodies, hearts, and spirits. These military veterans gave of themselves and gave up immeasurable amounts to protect our land, our rights, and our way of life. I walked with them and learned that most of them struggle to find peace in civilian life; it is exhausting and mundane, and they feel lost amidst the familiar. Thus, they continue to give, even though they are home. But one thing gives back to them—the outdoors. And they take what they need—whether a sense of adrenaline or security—from experiences in it. That day, we trudged through the forest and frolicked through deep snowbanks and I witnessed something powerful: Smiles returned and shoulders relaxed

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as these vets found solace in the camaraderie and relief in the open space of the Rockies. Since then, I have met a number of incredible women veterans who have used the outdoors to help ease their transition back into civilian society. These women span generations—some have just returned from war and others served decades ago—but they all find a rare peace in spending time outside. Those of us who have not served cannot claim to understand what these brave women have experienced. However, many of us can relate to the incredible healing power of nature. I am grateful to know and work with women vets and am honored they would share their stories with me. Here are the stories of three of these women.

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When she was little, Pam Chapman fell in love with nature. “I could entertain myself for hours by playing in the dirt. I loved the smell of warm pine needles, wet dirt, and the sound of the wind. I thought, this is what peace and happiness sounded and smelled like,” she explains. During college, Pam discovered a passion for ice and rock climbing. She was scared at first, but loved the adrenaline rush. Pam left school and followed in her father’s footsteps by enlisting in the Army. She wanted to serve her country, see the world, and figure out who she was and who she wanted to become. “I learned so much—what camaraderie means and how much I love being part of something bigger than myself. I never thought I would be able to go to South Korea and live for a year or be able to shoot a 50 caliber or throw a grenade. I was completely out of my comfort zone and I loved it.” In 2003, during the beginning of the invasion, Pam deployed to Iraq. “It was interesting, to say the least,” she says. “So much unknown, advancing into Iraq from Kuwait and being in the middle of the desert and seeing nothing but a single convoy. It was surreal to lock and load my weapon and know that I needed to use it if necessary.” Pam, who also dealt with sexual harassment during deployment, admits that when things got tough, her connection to the outdoors served her well. “I’m thankful for that. It was something to hold onto when I felt I was slipping away from everything I had been prior to joining the military and prior to deployment to Iraq. The quietness of the outdoors gave me peace. I

“The quietness of the outdoors gave me peace. I could sit and feel my troubles fly away with the wind.” band, Pam fought her way back. “It took me a few years to wake up and realize I needed to be outside. I haven’t looked back.” She started hiking and fishing and found climbing again. “I go outside for both peace and the adrenaline rush,” she admits. “It’s enough for me to be outside, in the fresh air and know I am living, but I also love doing things that scare me. Being outside is the only time when my mind is silent, where I can be present and at rest. Climbing helps shut everything else out and, when I’m sitting on a peak seeing nothing but wide open space, I’m finally at peace.” Pam just finished her Master’s in social work and hopes to work as a clinician counseling combat veterans.

Pamela Chapman

14T PATRIOT Missile Operator and Maintainer, Crew

“

Army, 2000–2004

could sit and feel my troubles fly away with the wind.” Like so many of those who serve, Pam returned changed. “I was not the same person and it showed. I was angry. The harassment wore me down and I began to have nightmares and to struggle with depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress. The transition home was so much harder than I ever thought it would be. I was surrounded by people who loved me, but they had no idea who I was. I had never felt so alone.” Feeling lost, Pam struggled to find her place and identity outside of the Army. Sometimes, she even struggled to walk out the door. “I was afraid the outdoor-loving person was gone forever. I didn’t think I’d ever climb again. “ With the help and patience of family, friends, and a loving hus-

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“

58 WAM • FALL | 2012

Illinois National Guard 1992–1996, Sergeant, Military Police and Paratrooper

“The biggest challenge was proving myself as a woman and soldier and being taken seriously as a leader. It took a lot longer for women to gain respect from the men and you had to do a better job to be considered equal,” says Vanessa Meade of her time in the Army. “Once you were seen as a hard worker, they respected you, but you had to be pretty tough to make it through that time when they were testing you.” Vanessa credits three older brothers and her penchant for being a tomboy with helping her to fit in more easily. In 1991, Vanessa chose an assignment that she knew would land her in the middle of Desert Storm. She worked as military police and spent a good part of her deployment transporting and detaining enemy prisoners of war. She lived in a tent in the desert in Saudi Arabia where SCUD missile alerts woke her almost every night. “We’d wake up, put on our gas masks, and wait for the all clear to take them off before going back to bed.” As the air war intensified, Vanessa would wake to bombing just over the border and anti-aircraft artillery tracers flying through the sky. “There were times we were really scared and other times we had so much fun. I think that’s hard for people outside of the military to understand. On deployments, you become a family, but when you get back, you lose that connection with the people you went through such life-changing experiences with, people who you depended on and trusted with your life.”

Vanessa Meade

““We’d wake up, put on our gas masks, and wait for the ‘all clear’ to take them off before going back to bed.”

Army, 1988–1992

Vanessa returned home and started college. “It was hard being out of the military. I missed the people I served with and being connected to something so much larger,” she explains.” I felt like an outsider and like no one understood what I had been through. ” To ease the transition, she started hiking, camping, and kayaking. “It was definitely a way to ‘get away’ from things and it was where I felt most relaxed,” says Vanessa. “Going from having to put on a gas mask or being woken up by explosions shaking your cot to being back at home in a short period of time was really overwhelming. Being in a kayak or hiking helped me get away from the materialistic world that didn’t mean much anymore. It still does that for me. ” The self-reliance Vanessa gained from her military experience furthered her relationship with nature. “It made me feel much more confident to spend time and do things in the outdoors on my own that I may not have felt like I could do before.” In search of even more wild space to explore, Vanessa moved to Alaska where she found her true home. Vanessa wanted to help others and, when she noticed a lack of veterans’ groups supporting women in the state with the highest population per capita of female veterans in the nation, she founded the Alaska Veterans Organization for Women (AVOW). “It’s been really refresh-

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Stacey Holley

Specialist, Military Police

ing to connect with other women veterans and spend time hanging out together and talking about our experiences, and even better— spending time outdoors!”

Stacey Holley

Stacey Holley admits with a grin that joining the military was one of the only rebellious things she’s

done in her lifetime. Raised abroad, Stacey joined the Army so she could return overseas. Ironically, she spent her entire service in the Sierra Nevada Mountains preparing for and coordinating heightened security readiness scenarios. “In the process of serving though, I came to realize the seriousness of honoring and carrying through on commitments,” she says. Overall, Stacey’s military experience was positive. She excelled as a leader, learned skills she could carry back into civilian life, and had a thick enough skin that she was able to leverage when she needed to, to maneuver through that male-dominated profession in the 70s.

make a difference in the lives of others. Making a small difference in another’s life can actually make the biggest difference in our own,” says Stacey. Amidst the pain, grief, and healing, time outside has remained a constant for Stacey. “There is an incredible strength in the mountains or the crashing waves of the ocean. … There is a great sense of peace when I’m out and about exploring new trails, sometimes with my husband, sometimes with friends, and sometimes alone in the presence of God.” This year, Stacey has her sights set on some larger mountains; she has begun training for an autumn climb of Pikes Peak and a 2013 climb of Mt. Whitney.

“In November of 2005, Stacey received news that no mother should.. “

Army, 1978–1982

“My biggest challenge with the transition was only that it took me a bit of time to relax and not have such a structured approach to each day,” she says. She returned to civilian life with little fanfare and set about making a life without any knowledge of how war would touch her in the future. In November of 2005, Stacey received news that no mother should: Her 21-year-old son, Matthew, had been killed serving in Iraq. “It’s fair to say that when my husband, John, answered the ring of the doorbell at our home, nothing could have prepared us for the event that would forever change our lives.” From an early age, Stacey sought time in nature for solace and healing; after the death of her son, the mountains became her refuge as she tried to come to grips with the “worst grief any parent will ever experience.” She spent hours and hours hiking. “I find myself most at peace with the emotional struggle of grief when I’m hiking among the glory of God’s kingdom,” she explains. “It’s been a great way to escape the busyness of the everyday world and to simply put things in complete perspective.” Despite their utter sorrow, Stacey and her husband found strength in helping others. “We came to understand the value of an important life lesson that we had raised Matthew on, so we took our eyes off ourselves and put them onto the families that would follow in our footsteps.” They channeled their emotions into actions by fighting for the “Holley Provision,” which ensures that fallen U.S. service members are transported home with honor, and they wrote a book that they hope will “serve as a guidebook for others who find themselves in the storm of their lives.” The Holleys have chosen to honor the death of their son by reminding others that his sacrifice and the sacrifices of all veterans will never be in vain. “At some point we each have the opportunity to

Organizations Getting Women Vets Outside There are 1.2 million women veterans already living in the U.S and women make up more than 15 percent of today’s active duty military forces. It is difficult to avoid becoming overwhelmed when you add this to the fact that, of the 2.2 million Americans who have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly 300,000 are women—most under age 30. As a result, our country is about to experience an unprecedented influx of veterans who need our help. When these women return home over the next few years, they will likely face challenges with the transition. In fact, statistics show that more veterans are homeless, unemployed and incarcerated than their non-veteran counter parts. Women develop Post Traumatic Stress at more than twice the rate of men, and female veterans (ages 18–34) are three times more likely to kill themselves than non-veterans. Many veterans turn to substance abuse, violence, even suicide to cope with the overwhelming difficulties faced after service. Organizations like these are helping veterans—both recently discharged and those who served decades ago—find a different way by creating community and camaraderie through wilderness retreats and expeditions. • Alaska Veterans Organization for Women: facebook.com/ AlaskaWomenVets • Challenge Aspen: challengeaspen.org/challenge-aspen-militaryopportunities • Sierra Club Military Family Initiatives: sierraclub.org/military • Soldiers to Summits: soldierstosummits.org • Sun Valley Adaptive Sports: hgvets.org • Veterans Expeditions: vetexpeditions.org • Adaptive Sports Foundation: adaptivesportsfoundation.org/ sponsored-projects/warriors-in-motion Other Resources for Female Veterans: • American Women Veterans: americanwomenveterans.org • Grace After Fire: graceafterfire.org • Service Womens Action Network: servicewomen.org • Women Veterans Network (WOVEN): womenveteransnetwork.org

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aster 60 WAM • WINTER | 2011

CAMRIN DENGEL

Katie Harris takes a moment for headstand yoga surrounded by the Cirque of the Towers in Wyomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern Wind River Range.

Stage race, who me? Yes, you! Stage racing, where an event is divided into stages of designated lengths, usually meant to be completed over multiple days, provides the opportunity to become blissfully lost in your sport—race, eat, sleep, and repeat, with no daily life distractions. You spend days running on predetermined courses, and meeting up with other racers at days’ end. Events vary from fully supported with catered meals to self-sufficient, from morning 10Ks with afternoons spent adventuring to dawn-to-dusk treks. The challenge and fun comes in choosing the right adventure for your abilities and desires.

By Allison Pattillo

Stage Racing

m Stage Racing

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“One of my favorite things about stage racing, is that it becomes like summer camp,” says Ashley Arnold, who has run both the Desert R.A.T.S. and the GORE-TEX TransRockies Run. “You meet a lot of like-minded people on the trail and in camp, and are able to make amazing friendships.”

Training is Different To be able to complete a stage race and have some fun in the process requires more than long miles. Total body fitness, a solid core, and mental preparedness are also critical for success. In addition to being a doula and practicing Pilates and yoga, Caitlin Smith is a trail runner, and winner—with her running partner Devon Crosby-Helms—of the women’s division 2009 GORE-TEX TransRockies run. Now, she’s our sounding board for solid training advice. •

hile training, do your best to replicate conditions and course of your race. The more W you can prepare for heat, altitude, climbing, or descending, the better prepared you’ll be for your event.

•

I f the idea of long, solo training runs sounds boring, consider using races as training runs. They are a great way to get in miles and get used to frequent racing.

•

n important part of training for a stage race is getting used to running on tired legs. A Include back-to-back hard efforts to replicate what you’ll feel on days two, three, and beyond.

•

isten to your body! When training, take into consideration how you are feeling; adjust L workouts accordingly. If I start to feel exhausted, I make sure I’m getting enough sleep and eating quality food. Plus, I use it as an excuse to visit my massage therapist.

•

I n addition to including Pilates and yoga in my training, if I start to feel run down, I also incorporate pool running one day a week. It’s been great for building my strength and endurance without breaking down my body, like a repeat run could.

•

nd, most importantly, show up for the race feeling healthy, rested, and ready for your A adventure.

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Stage Racing

Working With a Partner

hen selecting a race, an important consideration from race to race is whether you want to run on your own or with a partner. Ashley Arnold partnered with her sister Lauren to run and win the 2011 GORE-TEX TransRockies Run. “Being able to run with my sister was such an incredible experience and made for one of the best races I’ve ever run.” Arnold was kind enough to share some of her valuable insights into a successful partnership.

— Working with a partner is very different because you no longer focus on just your needs. So goes the old adage, “You’re only as strong as your weakest link.” — As far as working together, make sure you both go into the race with the same goal. — The key of a good partner is someone who can offer balance—to pick up the slack when you are tired and vice versa. Partners should be able to work together to be stronger as a unit. — If it’s allowed in your race, don’t be too proud to accept a rope tow!

On-the-Go Nutrition

CHRIS HUNTER/HUNTERIMAGERY.COM

Smart fueling becomes all the more important in a multi-day event because you are refueling and recovering simultaneously. For nutrition advice, we consulted with Devon Crosby-Helms, a runner and certified personal chef. üü E at early and often during each stage. Don’t let yourself get behind in fueling or you will feel it in later stages. üü P lan for post-stage recovery fueling. You may need to bring it with you. Even if you aren’t hungry after a stage, it’s critical to take in recovery calories; otherwise your performance will suffer in later stages. üü Stay hydrated! Drink, drink, and drink some more. üü K eep fueling post run. You are working hard, not just running, but also recovering and getting ready for the next stage. Eat, nap, then eat again!

“Being around so many people doing the same thing helps build enthusiastic energy and a sense of camaraderie.” —Caitlin Smith

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m Stage Racing

Smith and CrosbyHelms both stressed how important it is to, “Enjoy the views!” Essential Gear Required gear will vary depending upon the event, location, and level of support. But a few basic favorites will elevate your experience. Big Agnes Women’s Edna SL Sleeping Bag and Dual Core Sleeping Pad Long, hard days make a good night’s sleep critical, and the women’s-specific system from Big Agnes fits to a woman’s shape, while providing stay-put, cush comfort. $469.95 and $119.95. bigagnes.com Hydration Pack

“Remember, you’re doing this because you love to run!” —Caitlin Smith Recovering on the Run or Ride Competing in a stage race means doing your best each day, even when your body doth protest. Thankfully, our experts shared their experiential tips for recovering on the run.

— Smith always brings a foam roller or massage stick to loosen up muscles before her ice bath or chilly dip.

Gore-TEX TransRockies Run August in Colorado Fully supported 3-day solo event or 6-day partner event transrockies-run.com Desert R.A.T.S. June 16–22, 2013, Colorado to Utah 148 miles from Grand Junction to Moab on the Kokopelli Trail geminiadventures.com Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race June in Tennessee Three days of racing, averaging 20 miles a day rockcreek.com

Recovery Sandals

Montrail Molokini’s. These heat moldable flops provide cushiony comfort—almost a massage— for race-weary feet. $60; montrail.com Running Skort

Brooks Glycerin Skort. Featuring lightweight fabric (and not too much of it), dainty pleats, and silicone grippers at the boy short’s leg opening, this skort is simple, cute, and durable enough for a full day on the trails. $46; brooksrunning.com

CHRIS HUNTER/HUNTERIMAGERY.COM

— Crosby-Helms uses compression and cold to make tired legs feel fresh, or at least better. “I like to soak in an icy river immediately after each stage to help reduce inflammation. I also put on compression tights to help improve blood flow to my legs.”

Races to Run

Taking it with you is ideal for stage racing. Having your own food, water, and an extra layer in a hands-free pack lets you concentrate on the task at hand. And packs are an even more personal decision than selecting your sleeping bag. Go check out women’s-specific packs and test them to find the best fit. But, in case you were wondering, the Salomon XT Advanced Skin S-Lab 5 features a slim, vest-like fit and is comfortable for the longest of days. salomon.com

Coastal Experience Costa Rica 2013 date TBD thecoastalexperiences.com

— Elevating feet for a few minutes during daily recovery time is another one of Smith’s recovery tactics.

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By Courtney Johnson

Cyclocross

Why Try Cyclocross? Beginning in Europe as a way for road riders to keep fit in the winter months, cyclocross has seen expediential growth worldwide. “The ‘cross scene is like a big party with lots of energy, excitement and enthusiasm,” says Georgia Gould, LUNA Chix Pro Team rider and bronze medal winner in the 2012 London Olympics. “Spectators and racers alike are frequently wearing costumes, acting rowdy, and—my personal favorite—heckling each other. (Read on for how to handle the hecklers.) Cross racers are the kind of people you hear say, ‘Cold rain and mud? Miserable conditions? I’m in!’ So, it’s a really fun group of people.” The classic cyclocross circuit is a closed course between 1.5- and 2-miles long that riders will loop around for a designated period of time. Usually that means 30 minutes for a beginner and up to an hour for more experienced racers. The terrain and surface will vary between grass and dirt to pavement and sand, with flat and hilly sections.

Your competitors will do doubletakes at your Nutcase Bavaria helmet—and hopefully slow them down. Pair with a beer. $60; nutcasehelmets.com

Gear List •

COURTNEY JOHNSON

• • • • • • • •

Cross-specific bike or mountain bike without bar ends for beginners Mountain bike shoes Mountain bike pedals Cycling clothing to handle the weather Helmet Gloves Cowbell for cheering on the other racers Chair Beer or other indulgent

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m Cyclocross The Fundamentals—Master these key skills Flying mounts and dismounts: Although you don’t have to execute the flying mount and dismount, knowing this skill will make you more competitive. Barriers are a common obstacle on a cross course. Some lucky and talented riders can bunny hop over these typically wooden planks, while most riders have to quickly dismount.

While keeping a good level of momentum, clip out with your right foot. Swing that leg around the back of the saddle, sliding it between the frame and your left leg. Grab the top tube with your right hand; coast for a short amount of time; clip out of your left pedal; and step off the bike. Always dismount to the left on the non-drivetrain side. Some racers start by unclipping the left foot and resting it on the pedal before swinging their right leg around the back of the saddle. “Dismount sooner than later, so you are comfortable getting off the bike before the barrier,” says Dorothy Wong, pioneer of women’s cyclocross racing in southern California. “Look ahead, past the barrier. Square your shoulders to the barrier. The more you can keep moving forward and the less you take the time to look down at your pedals, etc., the more seconds you gain in the race,” says the SoCalCross Prestige Series director.

To learn the remount, start with your bike at a standstill. Stand next to your bike on the non-drive side, hands placed on the hoods. Start running and jump onto the saddle, your right thigh landing on the saddle first. Find the pedals with your right leg and then your left. “I like to practice on flat, open, grassy areas, like soccer fields or parks,” Georgia says. “When mounting, I like to aim for landing (gently) on the inside of my thigh and rolling onto the saddle rather than jumping up and landing hard on my crotch.” This motion takes commitment and practice, but, once you do it right, it gets much easier.

1. Quickly dismount.

Practice makes perfect in the art of the mount and dismount, so take some time to go over this skill throughout the season. “The best way to get over the barrier and on and off the bike is to practice just that skill. Repetition will build your muscle memory,” explains Dorothy.

t 3. S lide your right foot between the frame and your left leg.

t 2. C lip out with your right foot. Swing that leg around the back of the saddle.

t t

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4. To re-mount the bike, start running and jump onto the saddle.

womensadventuremagazine.com

Cyclocross Run ups and Shouldering the Bike: Even though cyclocross is a two-wheel sport, getting off and running with your bike is a part of every cyclocross course. Courses will use natural and man-made obstacles that you will need to negotiate. Execute the dismount as described earlier, putting your left hand on the hood and your right hand on the top tube. After you clip your left foot out, you can either run with the bike on the ground, pick up the bike to clear a smaller obstacle, or shoulder it if you’re facing a long run up. “If it’s smooth, I usually push my bike; if it’s muddy or really bumpy, I shoulder it,” notes Georgia. During practice laps, try either running with the bike or shouldering it, to see what feels most comfortable. Shouldering the bike is awkward at first, but Georgia has it down. “I put my right arm through the front triangle and around the head tube then grab the lower part of the left handlebar. This keeps the bike snugly on my shoulder for long running sections.”

Navigating through the mud and sand: Not

all courses will feature mud and sand, but these obstacles can wreak havoc on your race if you aren’t prepared. Speed and momentum are your friends when getting through the mud and the sand, whether the sand is wet or dry. Riding through these obstacles is a strength skill. Keep your speed high; don’t touch the brakes. You want to make sure your weight is on the back of the saddle, allowing the front wheel to remain light. Make sure the wheels align when you enter the sand. Let the bike go where it wants to go; trying to over-steer can be detrimental. Take advantage of the lines that have already developed in the sand and use those to muscle through the section. Running through the pits isn’t against the rules, but it is slower. You’ll want to practice that difficult skill as well.

#heckleme

Dealing with Hecklers: Heckling is a major part of the cyclocross experience. Be prepared for anything from funny costumes and signs to nonstop in-your-face rants. The key is to embrace the heckling and not let it bother you. “Smile and enjoy it,” suggests Wong. “That’s why we love ’cross!” Georgia kids about it, too, through her #heckleme Twitter contest.

“If possible, get some momentum, then look ahead and keep your weight off the front end of the bike,” recommends Georgia. “Your bike will move around a bit, and it will feel squirrelly, but just go with it. Trying to steer too much will usually make you crash.” Wong advises, “Keep pedaling. Spinning more can help keep you rolling. Keep looking ahead, at where you want to go.”

Whatever You Do, Don’t •

COURTNEY JOHNSON

Avoid These Beginner Mistakes:

• Not focusing on form “Don’t rush it,” warns Wong. “You are faster if you don’t trip or fumble getting on and off the bike.” • Not getting in a proper warm up Cross races are short and hard enough that a good warm-up is crucial. “I make sure to get in at least 45 minutes of riding with a few hard efforts,” says Georgia. “I like to do at least one really hard effort (between 30 seconds and 1 minute), so I get that painful one out of the way before the race.”

etting off the bike too late and/or getting back on the G bike too early

“While you are still perfecting your dismount and remount, give yourself a few extra steps before and after obstacles,” recommends Georgia. “This will save you time in the long run, and you avoid things like tripping over the barriers. Taking a few extra steps allows you to be smoother, and smoother is faster!” •

A too-serious mentality

“Just have some fun,” says Wong. “The rest will come.”

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Harvest Your Potential. Try Yoga. You keep saying you’re going to get into yoga, but for some reason you repeatedly put it off. Maybe it’s because you’re intimidated by all those extremely calm, scantily clad yogis waiting outside the studio or perhaps it’s because you have too many other hobbies and think you don’t have time for another. Well, procrastinate no more! The season of change is here, and it is the perfect time to give yoga a shot.

By Chris Kassar

Yoga for Fall

m Yoga

Joy Kilpatrick demonstrates Tarasana (Star Pose).

After the hurried pace of summer, you may find that by turning inward you can allow things that no longer serve you— like burdens, bad habits, and negative thoughts—to actually “fall” away. 68 WAM • FALL | 2012

Yoga 101

hances are that when I say “yoga” you immediately either picture an old man in India sitting cross-legged or a woman who has twisted her limbs around her torso in such a way that even looking at it makes you hurt. Yoga encompasses a lot more than these images imply and, before you give it a whirl, it’s good to understand the basics. Yoga, which means “to join or yoke; union,” originated thousands of years ago in India. People seeking health, a long life, and selfunderstanding knew that a strong body needed a strong mind and vice versa. These ancient luminaries formed the system of yoga in an effort to create union between the body, mind, and spirit. Thus, yoga is much larger than just a set of physical exercises. In fact, it consists of eight “limbs” and only one of these limbs— called asana—focuses on the postures or poses we all consider yoga; the other limbs all focus on breath work and practices for mental and spiritual well-being. As a result, it would be more accurate to say, “I’m going to asana” than to say, “I’m going to yoga.” However, in the West, we often use these words interchangeably. womensadventuremagazine.com

Yoga

“As we transition to fall, the sap of the trees begins to dry up, and the leaves change color and wither. The wind begins to blow in change and instability,” says WAM yoga expert Joy Kilpatrick. Why Fall?

n autumn, days get shorter, temps drop, trees shed their leaves, and animals gather the bounty of summer and stock up for winter. These happenings in nature signal that it is time for us also to slow down, turn our gazes inward, and release the things that block our light. Fall is prime time for physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Just as Earth goes through a drastic change, we can, too. Yoga can serve as both a catalyst and a stabilizer during this transition.

“According to Ayurvedic theory (see our “Yoga Speak” sidebar below), by the time fall arrives, we have accumulated a tremendous amount of heat in our tissues from summer,” explains Joy Kilpatrick, a certified and registered Yoga teacher, Thai Yoga therapist and Wholistic fitness coach, and fitness professional with more than 20 years of experience. “As we transition to fall, the sap of the trees begins to dry up, and the leaves change color and wither. The wind begins to blow in change and instability,” she says. If we are to stay grounded during this tumultuous time, Kilpatrick recommends taking a cue from nature and pointing our senses inward— known as Pratyahara. This requires withdrawing attention from the external environment and focusing inward on the breath and sensations. By doing so, we still the mind and increase our

What a Yogini Wants • Patagonia Nouli Tank. Silky soft with a built-in bra so it stretches and supports through every move. $60; patagonia.com • Moving Comfort Urban Gym Capri. Oh-so-soft frabric with a flattering, stay-put waist band and feminine, adjustable ruching at the calf. $60; movingcomfort.com • Wholistic Fitness DVDs. Try a variety from the series by Steve Ilg and Joy Kilpatrick. wholisticfitness.com • Recycled Prism Skidless Blanket. A hygienic layer that stays in place and keeps you from slipping and dripping all over your mat. Plus, it’s made from eight recycled water bottles. $70; yogitoes.com • Gaiam Radiance Collection Yoga Mat and Bag. ShopGaiam.com

awareness. “Give me beauty in the inward soul: May the outward and inward be at one,” Kilpatrick says, quoting Socrates. After the hurried pace of summer, you may find that by turning inward you can allow things that no longer serve you—like burdens, bad habits, and negative thoughts—to actually “fall” away. Our minds and hearts experience shifts with the seasons, but so do our bodies. “Since our mental and physical selves mirror nature, we may experience an internal shift that stresses our adrenals and nervous system. This can then slow down our natural detoxification process, resulting in dry skin, digestive challenges, and an overwhelmed liver. Taking nature’s cue, use yoga to tune into your own rhythm.” The physical practice of certain postures can help ease your transition into fall by balancing your body and strengthening your mind so you can remain grounded, regardless of what is going on around you. Kilpatrick suggests the following sequence for fall, but she reminds us that, “the practice and lifestyle of Yoga is a personal exploration and journey that requires self-inquiry and self-participation.” Therefore, consider how your body and mind typically responds when the seasons shift. Taking time to investigate this kind of question yourself is called svadhyaya (Sanskrit for “self-study”) and oh-so-critical.

Yoga Speak These key yoga terms will help you keep things straight. • Asana: “seat,” a physical posture • Ayurveda: life science—one of India’s traditional medicinal systems • Hatha Yoga: a major branch of yoga that emphasizes the physical aspects including postures, cleansing techniques, and breath work • Pranayama: breath control • Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses; turning inward by shifting attention from the external environment and focusing on the breath and sensations • Sanskrit: the ancient language of India • Svadhyaya: self-study • Yoga: to join or yoke; union

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Yoga

Skills

(continued) Asana Practice Kilpatrick suggests practicing the following Asana sequence three times a week to raise the internal thermostat. It’s simple enough that you can do it in the privacy of your own home. “The heating and twisting sequence will help move toxins from the tissues through the lymphatic and digestive systems,” she explains. “Remember, our breath moves our body from the inside out. So any movement is preceded by either an inhale or an exhale. Remain open to the exploration of your body and mind. Enjoy!”

Resting in Neutral: Lie on your back with your knees bent, hip distance apart. Allow your knees to rest toward one another. Arms resting down by your side, allow the weight of the body to release into the floor.

Surrender to gravity and grace, bringing awareness to the sensation of the feeling body, while relaxing the monkey mind to the breath. Breathing only through the nose, begin to deepen and lengthen your conscious breath evenly. This velvety, generous breath creates space and relaxation throughout as your parasympathetic nervous system activates. Stay here for 5 minutes.

Apanasana (Knees-into-the-Chest Pose): On an inhale, hug your knees into your chest, wrapping your arms around your knees. Allow your sacrum to stay in contact with the floor, spine extending out through the crown of the head. This is a nice release for the lower back and compresses the internal organs. Stay here for a minute.

Jathara Parivatanasana (Lying Spinal Twist Pose): Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the floor, your arms out to the sides for support. On an exhale, allow your knees to fall toward the floor on your left while keeping the right side of your upper back and shoulder weighted toward the floor. If the knees do not rest on the floor, use a folded blanket to catch their weight. This is a good suggestion if your lower back is sensitive or has been injured. Head can remain neutral or look away from the knees. Hold 3 minutes. Inhale to bring your knees back to center. Repeat to other side.

Abbreviated

1. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) with Lunges 2. Janu Sirsasana (Head-of-the-Knee Pose) 3. Marichyasana (Sage Twist) 4. Tarasana (Star Pose) 5. Savasana (Corpse Pose)

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SKETCHES BY SARAH FULLER

If short on time, you can modify your practice to the following asanas (postures) without sacrificing your commitment to consistency.

womensadventuremagazine.com

Yoga

Balasana (Child’s Pose): Kneel with your back straight and your feet pointing in toward each other, arms at your sides. Sit back by moving your hips toward your feet, your knees slightly apart, and your forehead relaxing toward the floor. Rest your hands either by your sides or stacked like a pillow under your forehead. Stay for 1–2 minutes.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) with Lunges: Mindfully move through 5 rounds. (See womensadventuremagazine.com for a video demonstration.)

Janu Sirsasana (Head-of-the-Knee-Pose): Sit with legs stretched in front of you in Dandasana (Staff-Pose). Place the sole of your right foot into the left inner leg. If your right leg doesn’t rest on the floor, support it with a block or rolled blanket. Inhale, lengthen spine, ground through the hips. Exhale, extend spine over the leg, allowing the arms to come to rest wherever they can reach without pulling. Let that left inner thigh hug the right foot and relax your shoulders. Hold for 3 minutes. Repeat on other side.

Marichyasana (Sage Twist): Sitting in Dandasana again, bend your left leg toward your chest. Inhale, rotate your torso toward your left knee. Exhale, wrap your right arm around the left knee, positioning the knee in the crook of the right elbow. Clasp your hands. Keep your spine elegant and straight. Relax any gripping in the back muscles. Forehead stays neutral. Breathe here for 2 minutes.

Tarasana (Star Pose): Sit with the soles of your feet together and your heels 16-20 inches in front of your groin. This will create a diamond shape with your legs. Inhale to lengthen the spine and ground down through your hips. Exhale, allow the body to cascade over the shins, ankles, and feet. Let your back and neck rest. If the back stretch feels too intense, rest your head on a block. Stay for 3 minutes.

Sucirandhrasana (Eye-of-the-Needle Pose): Lie on your back with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Place your right ankle on top of your left knee. Draw your left knee toward your chest, reach your hands around your shin, and interlace your fingers. Reach your left arm around the outside of your left leg and your right arm between your legs. As you draw your knee toward you, keep your sacrum down and your shoulders and head on the floor. Relax your left ankle and softly close your eyes. Remain for 3 minutes, and then switch sides.

10.

Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lie on your back, keeping your shoulders down away from your ears and your arms resting down by your sides, palms facing up. Move your head gently side-to-side to find a balance of weight on the back of your head. Move your legs apart wider than your hips and allow your buttocks, legs, and feet to relax completely. Give everything over, physically and mentally. This posture can be experienced as the most nourishing posture of all if you allow yourself to completely surrender. Enjoy this natural quieting and calming experience.

WAM • FALL | 2012 71

gear

Cold-Weather Running Icebreaker LS Quest Crewe. This long-sleeved merino tee fits athletic bodies perfectly and never stinks—seriously. Plus, the thumbholes ensure your wrists stay covered when it’s time pull on your gloves. $100; icebreaker.com

Skirt Sports Ice Queen Ultra Skirt. The skirt is windproof and water-resistant, as are panels on the front of the pants, extending to below your knee. Drawcords adjust the waistband and leg length, adding a chic and customized look. Reflectivity and a flattering, functional style add up in these go-to fall and winter running bottoms that you can wear around town after your workout. $135; skirtsports.com

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket. This fully waterproof, breatheable, compressible, reflective jacket fits your womanly shape and allows you mega mobility. $150; outdoorresearch.com

Point 6 Compression Ultra Light. Graduated Compression Technology increases the ﬂow of un-oxygenated blood from the lower legs to alleviate tired muscles, shorten recovery time and improve overall performance. Available in black and white merino wool. $38; point6.com

Princeton Tec Bot. For running safety: a mini headlamp in fun colors. $10; princetontec.com

72 WAM • FALL | 2012

Outdoor Research Ultra Trail Gaiters. Fall’s colder, wetter weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the route you love. Just strap on this trail-specific gaiter and keep running. $45; outdoorresearch.com

womensadventuremagazine.com

ISIS Chantilly Crew A top that carries you from the running path to the bars and then out to the Nordic trails the next day. $59; isisforwomen.com

Moving Comfort Urban X-Over. High-impact and customizable support for those C and D cups keeps them secure and comfortable with sassy style as a bonus feature. A/B $42, C/D $44; movingcomfort.com

gear

Cold-Weather Running

Scarpa Spark. Scarpa’s debut into trail running shoes made a splash, as this lightweight, protective shoe features a low-profile midsole and a forefoot strike plate for use on gnarly terrain. $115; scarpa.com

Ibex Women’s Energy Free Tight. Made from Ibex’s heavyweight stretch wool, a combination of New Zealand merino, nylon, and Lycra, that blocks wind and keeps you dry. Translation: You’ll stay warm. Hidden envelope pocket, flatlock seams, and a wide waistband. $125; ibex.com

WAM • FALL | 2012 73

gear

Hiking Boots and Shoes KEEN Sunriver. Use this waterproof, insulated boot for snowshoe hikes, walks in the park, or treks through fresh powder. With 200 grams insulation stitched under heavy-duty fabric and topped off with faux fur, this feminine boot is as tough as you are! $130; keenfootwear.com

Vasque PowPow UltraDry. This winter-geared boot easily conquers snowy trails while protecting your feet from water, cold, and ice with a waterproof suede upper, 400 grams of insulation, and faux fur trim. $140; vasque.com

Zamberlan 760 Steep GT. WAM gear tester and freelance designer Sarah Fuller says, “My favorite feature on these boots is the designed-to-work gusset. I also like how easy it is to sink my sock into its lining. They are great for a woman like me, who wants a waterproof hiking boot with plush Italian-leather comfort built onto a stiff tank-like sole.” $285; zamberlanusa.com

Chaco Vika. Our tester adores the support in this shoe built for the active adventuress with versatility and style in mind. The classic Chaco footbed is integrated perfectly into this light hiker ideal for your everyday outdoor pursuits. $110; chaco.com

74 WAM • FALL | 2012

womensadventuremagazine.com

gear

Hiking Boots and Shoes Asolo Khumbu. This Italian-made multi-day backpacking boot is light enough that you won’t mind wearing it during shorter, quicker efforts. Its waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX and suede upper is circled by a robust rubber bumper for protection. Asolo is the only shoe company that makes genderspecific lasting boards, which means this shoe fits really well. $295; asolo.com

RUBBER BUMPER

VIBRAM® SOLE

Tecnica Dragon X-LITE. A light hiker and trail runner all rolled into one. The mixed-bag approachtype shoe features a resilient suede upper, a wider platform for stability, rocker that will literally propel you along the trail, and lots of cushion—all in just 260 grams. $115; tecnicausa.com

{a maintenance mainstay}

Patagonia Peak Sneak. Casual look, technical application. This shoe is as durable as they come, thanks to suede leather, a microfiber upper, and reinforcement at the toes. Its recycled outsole grips on varied terrain, while its cushiony insole provides shock protection and sturdy support. So use the Peak Sneak as a go-anywhere hiking shoe and stick it in your travel bags for comfort while playing tourist around town too. $110; patagonia.com

Nikwax waterproofing wax for leather. Bought new hikers last year? Have a pair you’ve used for years and just can’t discard? Keep them! Treat the shoes you love with Nikwax’s waterproofing wax for leather, which adds water repellency, reduces absorption, and maintains breathability and suppleness. The wax will even aesthetically refresh your shoes. $8; nikwax.com

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gear

Staff Picks B-Skinz. Active wear in patterns to dye for. ‘Nuff said. $20; bskinz.com

CHOOZE! Spin in Zen. Jennifer and I recently learned about a women-founded and women-run shoe company called CHOOZE that makes seemingly mis-matched pairs of shoes. Sometimes the fabric differences between each foot are subtle; other times, they’re bold. The goal is to inspire the power of choice. Founder Sharon Blumberg created the company because it combines her love of fashion and art but also instills in her kids the confidence to be creative. It all started with her daughter’s love of choosing to wear two different shoes as a pair. First, CHOOZE just made kids’ shoes, but the company expanded to include a women’s line after getting requests from moms. Their mission goes further: They also are a Good Returns company, which allows them to invest in a cause. They CHOOZE to invest their profits in an anti-poverty program that provides training, support, education, and loans to women so they can start their own businesses and lift themselves out of poverty.

Mountain Khakis Amanda Sweater. Ideal for shoulder season mountain or coastal excursions, this cozy modern cardigan is packable and versatile. $200; mountainkhakis.com

Sharon typically designs the fabrics for all CHOOZE collections, but designer Anna Maria Horner created these fabrics for the Spin in Zen (pictured). $60; choozeshoes.com —Sue Sheerin

Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel. This Durango-based company has developed a sports endurance drink that addresses problems endurance athletes commonly encounter, like stomach problems, electrolyte imbalance, and energy throughput. We can attest to the potency and effectiveness of the formula. Editor Jenn calls it her magic potion on long runs and rides. $10 per 3-pack of single-serving pouches, $35 for a 3-pound bag (50-servings); tailwindnutrition.com

{ no more matchy-matchy! } 76 WAM • FALL | 2012

womensadventuremagazine.com

Sierra Designs Tov jacket. Just try wetting the The Green Garmento Bag. Just how many bags does a gal need? In this case, four. The Green Garmento is a 4-in-1 reuseable hanging garment bag that converts to a laundry bag or a duffle bag or a tote bag. Made from recyclable material, The Green Garmento is water-resistant and roomy enough to hold a load of laundry or dry cleaning (10 – 14 garments total). It has a carrying strap, and also features a full-length side zipper, allowing for easy access to hanging garments. $10-13; thegreengarmento.com

down in this jacket—you can’t. Sierra Design’s DriDown insulation is down treated with a hydrophobic finish that ensures it stays dry longer than un-treated down in dumping snow or rain, lofts better in wet environments, and dries faster in instances when it does get damp. $259; sierradesigns.com

gear

Staff Picks

Shredly mountain bike shorts. When Ashley Rankin couldn’t find mountain biking shorts with the features and fit she needed, she designed her own. And she made enough for you—in pattern personalities to match your own. $125; shredly.com

MSR SureLock UL-3. New this fall, the SureLock UL-3 trekking poles are light (14.4 ounces, to be exact), small, and easy to use. What more could you want? $110; cascadedesigns.com/msr

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Partners

turn your passion into your profession Join Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition at these events and network with peers in the outdoor industries.

The Breast Cancer Fund is working to protect you and the environment you play in from toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer. Together we can stop this disease before it starts.

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SUMMIT FOR SOMEONE

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JOIN US AND CLIMB THE PEAK OF YOUR DREAMS!

This is the year to live your dreams while making a difference. Your Summit for Someone climb instills critical life skills in underserved urban youth through Big City Mountaineers wilderness mentoring expeditions. Beginner or advanced, take your pick of 11 epic peaks, a professionally guided climb, and a mountain of free gear. Top Climbs include: - Mt. Rainier - Grand Teton - Kilimanjaro

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We climb. We hike. We fight ovarian cancer one step at a time.

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SFS climbs are conducted by AMGA certified guides with permits and approval of their respective land management agencies. ©2011 BCM. All rights reserved. Summit for SomeoneTM is a fundraising program owned by and to benefit Big City Mountaineers.

WAM • FALL | 2012 79

It’s Personal

The Eve Syndrome What do you do if a suitor tries to tame a strong, wild woman like you? By Adam W. Chase

was lucky enough to share several months training with an incredible female athlete, my only local teammate on a four-person squad heading to New Zealand to race Eco Challenge, a seven-day adventure race involving a variety of disciplines. My teammate, let’s call her Eve, was also one of the most sought-after single women in town. So, as her fellow adventurer and training partner, I got a front row seat as more than one man wound up in a pool of his own tears, having failed to capture Eve’s heart.

From my objective perch, it didn’t take long to realize that these failed suitors were doomed from the beginning, that their own desire ultimately crushed them. They had created a trap for themselves from which they could not emerge unscathed, because these men—seemingly rugged outdoorsmen who were climbers, cyclists, runners, and skiers—were not what they appeared to be or what Eve wanted them to be. While they were certainly physically strong, they didn’t have the strength to “man up” when it came to maintaining an equal friendship with a strong, independent woman with unconventional tendencies (like adventure racing), much less supporting her in a romantic affair. The problem was that the men chasing Eve didn’t really want what they thought they desired. Initially, the blokes who tried wooing my teammate were attracted to her strength and independence, but those were eventually the very qualities that brought them to their knees. It was as though they were cowboys, lured by a wild mare in the pasture and intrigued by the challenge embodied in the muscle striations of her strong gallop, who itched to tame the powerful creature and make her theirs. Yet, unable to break her, they sat in the dust, feeling defeated in their britches. Not that Eve took any satisfaction from the situation. She didn’t have anything to prove but didn’t want to be manhandled, seeking instead, an equal who would be a gentleman with the security to embrace and encourage her strength rather than feel threatened by it. Had the suitor succeeded in taming Eve’s wildness, what would that have accomplished? Weren’t these men attracted to her because of her wild strength and independence? She’d no longer possess those traits they first admired, her tendencies that drew them toward her. Did these men really want a subservient woman? And what sort of woman wants a guy who needs to feel like a dominator? A mutually supportive relationship is not a negative thing. I like to think of the fox in The Little Prince who defined love as being tamed, and there is something reassuring and even wholesome about a mutual dependence.

loves. Rather than viewing her strengths as his weaknesses, he’ll celebrate and admire her power and feel it is something to share and even nurture and promote. The Eves of today would likely find it easier to stay clear of mountainsexuals if there were a greater supply of secure men, but it now requires some real frog kissing before finding a true counterpart and not one who wants to break you like a horse because he suffers from insecurity. As these power struggles indicate, even successful couples are not equal in all respects. There are areas where one partner may be stronger and the other weaker, and that balance makes a synergic connection that is functional and much stronger. There are certainly ebbs and flows. Sometimes, one person will be the stronger and the other will rely on that strength, then it will reverse. Yet, relationships premised on a unilateral dependence will face cataclysmic challenges if the dominant partner suffers a fall. A balanced couple is much less likely to hit a tailspin in the event of a role reversal. A psychologist friend says that people seek in relationships that which they are unable to produce on their own. If that is so, what is it in the competition with his lover that an insecure male feels he needs? Is it the element of control? Is it dominance? A mountainsexual may be drawn to the strength of an Eve, who is strong from her core instead of merely appearing strong, the way he does. He craves her internal strength but is unable or unwilling to develop it in himself. It’s a trend I’m noticing lately, so I’ll reflect on my own relationships through this lens. I know from personal experience that I’ve gained from relationships with strong and stronger than me women. My girlfriend pushes me to run up hills at her steady pace. She’s a master at making the time and energy to eke out training sessions, despite her inflexible schedule as a podiatry resident. More importantly, she’s schooled me in maintaining equanimity when getting in a workout is simply not possible. An ex-girlfriend, who was one of the nation’s top mountain bikers, taught me how to ride up technical and steep terrain. I still try to mimic the way she’d ride a challenging climb when I confront one. I could never keep up with her on wheels, and she couldn’t hang with me on foot. But, on skis, we were the fluid duo, whether the boards were skinny or fat. The only negative to an evenhanded relationship is that they can become rather fungible, given the almost ready availability of an exit strategy. When both parties stand on their own, walking out is a rather easy option. But, that shouldn’t pose a real threat to secure couples, where each party is genuine and communicative with the other. If you find a partner who admires you for your real strengths and doesn’t want to cultivate your weaknesses in order to get you to rely on him, then quit while you are ahead and give him an apple, Eve.

My Eve-like friends have honed their detection skills to spot signs of the type of men who seek to break or tame them. They exercise caution around men who gravitate toward peacocking with symbolic or perceived indicia of strength, like those who drive SUVs in the city, ride crotch rockets or amass bulky muscles that serve no real function. Those are often the guys wanting a mate who has a rugged veneer but docile interior. These types crave arm candy of an outdoorsy sort but feel defeated by a partner who can match them at the crag.

Author’s note: This is written as from a heterosexual angle because that was the context, but the mountainsexual cowboy could just as easily be a cowgirl.

I’ve labeled these chameleon-like guys “mountainsexuals,” and spotting one comes down to sensing insecurity. A man who is comfortable with his world and his role in it won’t need to exercise control over the woman he

Adam has and will continue to get his ass handed to him by many an Eve, having grown up with two Eve sisters, being in a relationship with an Evesque girlfriend, and having majored at a women’s college full of Eves. He’s okay with that.

80 WAM • FALL | 2011

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