Many challenges occupied our lives in 2020, and it appears they (and now even more) will accompany us through 2021. Looking back at the chaos of last year, work became hectic and stressful the second the pandemic took hold, and that fast and intense pace has continued right into this year. In my personal life, however, 2020 was packed with a variety of adventures that I was grateful to have the opportunity to undertake. From skiing the Tetons to summiting Mt. Shasta and the Grand Teton to hitting two national parks to crossing skydiving off my bucket list, I was fortunate to have these activities on the calendar to provide a healthy distraction and a temporary escape from the chaos and stress that surrounded us all.
As I say in many of my blog posts, these adventures were a lifeline, a goal to focus on and train for, offering a natural Covid-19-free outlet to combat the craziness of the world. They brought some balance back into my life despite the uncontrollable external circumstances. These activities also forced me out of the house, providing a change of scenery and routine.
This past year didn't have many silver linings, but since Covid-19 limited the ability to travel, many people took to the outdoors. It was the one safe destination available for the taking, and it was, for the most part, right in our backyard. Never have I seen so many people at our national, state and local parks as I did in 2020, opting to get outside and explore the beauty that our parks have to offer.
My goal for 2021 is just that: to get outside and explore. Since it looks like a ski trip out west isn't likely due to the ongoing pandemic, and my permits to climb Mt. Whitney are still pending with the U.S. Forest Service, I've adjusted my plan and will mix things up locally!
My goal is to explore the local parks that I have driven by a million times but never been to, and to put some activities on my radar that are drivable, such as backcountry skiing in New Hampshire. Since the outdoors are the biggest deterrent of Covid-19, the difference this year for me is having people to do these things with, which helps keep me motivated while maintaining my sanity and friendships.
Thanks to my buddies and former cycling teammates, Dave and Bito, I've been able to do just that. Dave and I turned in the bikes for the winter and have adopted trail running at some of those parks I had never previously been to. One of those parks is Green Lane Reservoir. It's been great exploring a really beautiful park and its extensive trail system around the reservoir. But the best part has been catching up with Dave and shooting the shit on just about anything, providing a great escape from the usual boring solo runs or workouts. The one thing that hasn't changed over the last 15 years is that whether we're on the bike or running on the trail, Dave is always 20 feet ahead of me, although he would probably tell you it is more like 50!
And although Bito lives in New England, our conversations about backcountry skiing videos and hitting the White Mountains of New Hampshire keep me excited to train and learn as much as possible about the sport. What is cool is that I hiked or climbed many of the backcountry ski routes back in the '90's. It would be awesome to return almost 30 years later and do them in the winter (this time with the luxury of skiing down them). Just like running with Dave, I'm most excited to hang out with Bito and enjoy the outdoors with a good friend. What scares me is if we're able to convince Dave to join us--that 20-foot lead Dave has over me on the trails will turn into 200 with those two hammerheads. Although I guess it's nice to know that even in these crazy days we now live in, some things don't change!
My point to all of this is it is up to us to make 2021 a great year. Yes, the world seems out of control right now, but we have the power to make it what it is. Like with mountaineering, there are many uncontrollable circumstances in life, but with a little planning, agility and vision, we can control more things than we realize. Getting out to the parks in my backyard, getting a run in with a friend or putting a road trip on the calendar instead of jumping on a plane are things that I can control and will continue to do to stay motivated, focused and fit both mentally and physically, making 2021, personally, another great year.
So phone a friend, schedule some things on the calendar and get out and explore what REI calls "the biggest gym in the world!"
For me, mountains are in in my forecast for 2021...figuratively at work as well as literally to be skied and climbed (specifically what mountains will be determined at a later date). In the meantime, I will continue my local escapes (hopefully with friends) to keep my body and mindset in "peak" performance for whatever comes my way.
Climb On!