Hiking for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Did some hiking at Stebbins Canyon this afternoon. It was very very crowded by the time we got there. Usually we go early in the morning to miss the crowd but we decided it wouldn't be so busy on a Monday holiday since not everyone gets it off. Uhh schools are closed! So there were lots of people. Lorrie and Jambo took their time and went a little faster so that it could be a training hike rather than just a leisurely hike. It feels strange to rush up a hike without stopping much to look around. But that's
what I need to be doing right now.

Some fact from the National Wildlife Federation

http://www.nwf.org/be-out-there/why-be-out-there/health-benefits.aspx:

Body

• Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese⁷ get fit.
• Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.⁸
• Being out there improves distance vision and lowers the chance of nearsightedness.⁹

Mind

• Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.¹⁰
• Schools with environmental education programs score higher on standardized tests in math, reading, writing and listening.¹¹
• Exposure to environment-based education significantly increases student performance on tests of their critical thinking skills.¹²

Spirit

• Children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces.¹³
• Play protects children’s emotional development whereas loss of free time and a hurried lifestyle can contribute to anxiety and depression.¹⁴
• Nature makes you nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships.¹⁵


Please donate to give urban youth the option of the outdoors: http://support.bigcitymountaineers.org/goto/summitjourney

Fundraiser Planning

We met with Jill and Jillian last night and I feel SO optimistic about being able to raise the entire $4000! There are so many possibilities for raising money when you have the right people on board. When you need someone for the background to help things run smoothly, I am totally you're person. When you need people who know people and like talking to people, that would be someone other than me! lol I think we have a good fundraising team on board at this point!

Some things to be looking forward to are:

• Spaghetti dinner
• Re-Art Sale
• Wine Tasting

And possibly a flag party. Though I'm not as sure about that one.

We are trying to figure out locations for the Spaghetti dinner and the Re-Art Sale so if you have suggestions in the Davis/Woodland/Sacramento area, feel free to contact me.

During our planning, we were also treated to an incredible "adult mac & cheese," which included noodles, various cheeses and crab. SO delicious! We also shared a mixed kale salad and Jillian's dad's bread pudding.

Please donate to give urban youth the option of the outdoors: http://support.bigcitymountaineers.org/goto/summitjourney

Back into the Swing

It's been such a long month! It culminated in a trip to Montana for a conference at which I presented bright and early on the first day. That made my planning and traveling more stressful but at least I was done right away and could enjoy the conference and get some rest while also enjoying the snow.

Now it's time to really start focusing on my training and fundraising. I trust the training because it's up to me. I can control what I can control! The fundraising? I feel little to no control over that aspect so that is a bit more stressful. I am planning to meet with some friends a little later in the month to talk about a fundraising event that they want to host. I am so thankful for those kinds of friends!

More information will be forthcoming!

Please donate to give urban youth the option of the outdoors: http://support.bigcitymountaineers.org/goto/summitjourney

At 7000 Feet

I went cross-country skiing at about 7000 feet today. I got to Big Sky, Montana yesterday and haven't had any issues with headaches or any other altitude issues. I've been drinking water like crazy so I'm sure that is helping. I'm also not drinking coffee after my usual one in the morning. In the past when I've been here, I've had coffee all day. Uhh… why? So anyway, I skied for a couple hours with quite a bit of climbing and did just fine. I'm very happy about that. Now I just need to go that high as many more times as possible and get up a little higher as well. I have a bit more free time on the weekends and evenings… let the training begin!

Please donate to give urban youth the option of the outdoors: http://support.bigcitymountaineers.org/goto/summitjourney