The best way down isn’t always the easiest way up.

Last weekend, Breckenridge Mountain opened up for the season. It’s always an exciting day when the lifts start running, and ski season officially begins. You can feel the excitement in the air of hundreds of eager skiers and riders ready to hit the slopes. But sometimes it’s getting away from those other skiers and riders, and making your own trail with friends that has the best reward…. Even if there are no chairlifts involved!

After taking a few runs on Peak 8 with nice groomed trails and long lift lines, a crew of us (some OM’ers and some friends) decided we wanted to check out the unopened Breck terrain of Peak 10. We were lucky enough on Saturday to even drive up to the Falcon Chair, which gave us a head start on our hike. Putting one foot in front of another while battling our way up Peak 10 and sweating in our multiple layers despite temperatures in the teens, we climbed around 1000 vertical feet in an hour to get to some untouched snow… POWDER, if you will! J That’s every skier and rider’s dream in early November! Every step of the climb was worth it, when you looked down at the untouched run with no one on it, knowing that you were about to be floating on top of the powder on the way down.

It was so amazing that we wanted to repeat the experience on Sunday (before we watched who was going to get the coveted W between the Bills and the Lions). When we tried to drive up to the Falcon chair again, we found snow guns in our path. The way up wasn’t going to be as ‘easy’ as the day before, but we didn’t let that get in our way. We took a different route, and hiked up to the Peak 9 restaurant to hit some more new snow. Different and more difficult route up, but with another amazing way down. See for yourself:

Here’s to looking forward to more hikes up the hill and more powder on the way down! Can’t wait to see you all on the slopes this winter and get some runs while talking about what Outdoor Mindset is up to!

Jill

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey

When you read this quote, one you’ve heard over and over, what comes to mind? Do you read it and think, “Yeah, I know that” or “Sure, makes sense” or “What-ever, sounds pretty idealistic”.

For me, I’ve read that quote and answered yes to all three thoughts at one point or another in my life. The challenge for all of us I believe though is to be in the present, to challenge ourselves with full life experiences, to relish them while we are doing them and to reflect back on them when we’ve hit our destination. Whether your destination is a hike like mine to the historic, spiritual place of Machu Picchu or a destination like taking control over your diagnosis of a brain abnormality the quote is quite poignant. For Outdoor Mindset and its members, the destination (the large one) is to take control, to understand, to share and to grow. Outdoor Mindset can be the springboard for making those connections with others who have experienced the journey you find yourself or your loved one or friend on right no.

I find myself reflecting back today on a recent trip to Peru. My wife Libby and I set out on a trek, a journey to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. In all the planning and pre-trip wonderment I found myself getting very excited for our arrival at this historic and majestic place. I built up a vision of the feelings I would have when we arrived. Feelings of accomplishment for having made the long journey, feelings of wonderment at how the Inca created such a massive, intricate and connected place with tools made only by hand and moved by man. All of those expectations of mine were met but one expectation that I was missing became the most important of the event. I had spent little time thinking about what the actual trek, the journey, would be like. This was actually a gift I think because as I reflect back on the trip as a whole; the experiences, the sites along the trail, the waking up to breakfast in our tent, the many ruins scattered along the 30+ mile trail, my amazing traveling partner (my wife) were the most rewarding of the entire event.

My hope in writing this is to share how my recent traveling experience started out with me focused on the destination; ready, waiting to be blown away, to be amazed and surprised upon reaching my destination. Now, looking back I fully realize that the experience and the fulfillment which I will remember for a long time came not so much from the destination but from the journey itself. I encourage you to seek to find the joys in your daily journey toward your life, your friends, better health, and a sense of control over your life and your diagnosis. I wish everyone the best and as a side note, I HIGHLY recommend a visit to Peru and a hike on the Inca trail. (my next blog will share the specifics of the amazing hike, the landscapes, people and history of the Inca Trail)

3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . LIFTOFF

Outdoor Mindset has officially launched! Yipee! We have been talking about this day for months now, and I am so proud that we are finally here! Thanks for everyone’s support this past weekend at Foothills Community Park. The Chili Cook-off was a huge success! We raised $2,000 dollars for our organization that unites and inspires people affected by neurological challenges to live big through a common passion for outdoor adventure.

In concepting our first event, the marketing team pitched many ideas to the board, but in the end, everyone agreed on the Chili Cook-off idea. Every board member was to bring a chili and we would invite friends and family to come and “vote” for their favorite! Uniting food, friends and the outdoors was a perfect fit for our Launch event. “Let the competition begin!” was heard from Boulder to Breckenridge. And then of course the trash talking began . . . .

The day of the party came, the weather was perfect and everyone was a buzz with excitement! The crock pots were lined up and labeled - ready for the competition to begin!

THE CONTENDERS
1. Boyd’s Heart Healthy Turkey Chili
2. Jill’s White Bean Green Chili WONDER!!!
3. Brian’s White Chicken Chili
4. Kyle’s Hot + Healthy Bubblies!
5. Adam’s Insanity
6. Kellyn’s Turkey - NO BEAN
7. Sara’s Texas Bowl O’ Red
8. Heather Tarantula Tom’s Steak Chili
9. Eric’s Turkey Green Chili

Many guests at the OM Launch event took their sampling very seriously. One tester event brought his own notebook to take notes so he could profile all the flavors and make a serious contribution to his favorite! I just loved it! Everyone got to taste the chili’s, sample the sides, devour the desserts, play corn hole, Frisbee with the dogs or go for a quick hike under that gorgeous Colorado blue sky! The day way just perfect.

As the Cowboys defeated the Texans on the mini flat screen TV, the chili’s began disappearing one by one. So who came out the VICTOR in this race? Green vs. Red? Beans vs. No Beans? Steak vs. Tofu?

And the winner is . . . . . . KYLE! with a close second going to ERIC.

Congrats gentleman!

Thank you to our sponsors who helped with the event. The OM board members for providing chili and condiments, New Belgium for providing the frosty beverages and Eco Cycle for the composting containers- keeping the event zero-waste!

Thanks again to everyone who came and donated! We are already looking forward to the next OM event to come so stay tuned . . .

Hut Trip Recipe’s from the Board Retreat

Contributing to a team is one of the most fulfilling activities. As part of the Outdoor Mindset board, I was proud to volunteer as the dinner chef for our 1st annual Board Retreat to the Froelicher Hut. Many people pack freeze dried food easy for backpacking on these overnight excursions, but I refuse (to my boyfriend’s dismay). The fresher the ingredients the better! This may take more time planning and prepping, but I love the process and creativity. Cooking and entertaining is one of my favorite activities. Not a minute goes by that I do not think about what I am making for breakfast (strong coffee included), taking for lunch or chef-ing for dinner! Many people find comfort on the couch or outdoors on a porch swing. My favorite place is in the kitchen! With wine glass in hand, the ladies and I prepped the nights feast in no time. After a long successful day of brainstorming, goal planning and dancing to Michael Jackson (please attach video here), everyone was starving! The cold Asian Cucumber Salad and Spicy Thai Rice Noodles was a perfect “family” meal! I wish I had pictures, but you will just have to imagine the most delicious meal complimented by great friends in a magical mountain top setting that the hut provided for us.

I would like to thank Cooking Light for the inspiration and recipes below. I tripled these recipes for the 12 of us. For the hut trip and ease of transport in our packs, I made the sauces & dressings ahead of time and prepped most of the veggies and chicken. Don’t forget to hand out a bag of ingredients to each hiker to “spread the love” of additional weight. Also never forget wine for the chefs while they are cooking!

Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients (Serves 4)
2 Cucumbers (seeded)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup Rive Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Preparation
1. Cut Cucumbers. Mix next 5 ingredients for dressing. Top with sesame seeds.
2. Cover and chill for 20 min.

Thai Rice Noodles with Chicken (Hut Trip Style)
Ingredients
1/4 cup fresh lime juice, divided
1 rotisserie chicken. Shredded.
8 ounces 1/2-inch-thick rice noodles
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chile paste with garlic (such as sambal oelek)
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
3 tablespoons thinly diagonally sliced green onions
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup torn fresh cilantro
½ cup of each carrots, onion, bell peppers, napa cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms
2 cup spinach

Preparation
1. DAY AHEAD: Shred rotisserie chicken and pack in zip locks, then freeze overnight (best for transport and food safety!)
2. Soak noodles in hot water 15 minutes or until somewhat soft but still slightly chewy. Drain well.
3. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice, sugar, and next 4 ingredients (through chile paste). Stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt.
4. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add green onions, ginger, and garlic; stir-fry 45 seconds or just until golden and fragrant. Add the rest of the veggies in order from longest cooking times to shortest. I did carrots and bell peppers. Then steam the broccoli, napa cabbage, mushrooms & shredded chicken in the same pan as everything else. Last but not least for the veggies- the spinach! Add noodles; cook 30 seconds, tossing well. Stir in sugar liquid mixture. Top each with 2 tablespoons cilantro.

Social Connections and the Internet: the OM healthcare reform

Remember a few weeks ago when I said there was more exciting research to come...well I've got the lowdown for you all, and it is GREAT news! Like I said before we wanted to focus our research on the three areas that Outdoor Mindset most incorporates in our mission and goals, physical activity, social support, and internet connections. Since I already told you about physical activity, I'll get right to the point with our results from social support and internet connections.

Many studies have been conducted on the roles that social support and networks play in a persons health over time. The results have consistently found that people who have more social support live longer, report having less stress, and have higher levels of physical activity. Social isolation is a common risk factor in people suffering from chronic illness. Many programs that are aimed at behavioral and mental health have used social support groups to increase benefits. Support groups have become a well-known and popular strategy for patients suffering from illnesses. So all in all, having support from people will help create happier and healthier mindsets able to conquer the hardships of life.

The internets role in healthcare is a bit of a newer trend, so not much research has been conducted in this area. However, the research that has been done has great implications for the future and for Outdoor Mindset. In a study conducted to find out how people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were using the internet it was found that people were using the internet for information seeking, social connection, advocacy, and escape. People using the internet found that having others to talk to via internet gave them support at a level that was very non-invasive in the beginning when they felt vulnerable and scared. People were able to disclose as much information as they chose. This study also exemplified the aspect of how having up-to-date information on the web gave them the availability and access to be most in control of their diagnosis. Participants reported that the internet gave them a sense of freedom to express themselves and to take responsibility for their treatment. This responsibility and control of the diagnosis is what OM is determined to give our members. In this quote from from a person diagnosed with HIV, he says it all, "(the internet) generates an ‘encouraging effect’ because it puts me in contact with men and women who have become infected and who’ve somehow decided to take that on as a challenge, instead of some kind of personal embarrassment or defeat”.

The internets ability to connect like individuals is its greatest asset to healthcare. Like-minded individuals are likely to be more understanding, accepting, capable of supporting, and better equipped to to give accurate information and advice in regards to the diagnosis. The connection that internet gives to people is a sense of support to those that otherwise might be socially isolated. The internet also gives patients the 24 hour a day, 7 days a week availability to information regarding their diagnosis, and in the privacy of their own home. The internet allows people to access information that would not otherwise be available to them outside of a doctor office. The social connection implications that the internet provides are undeniable and most beneficial for people diagnosed with any illness, disease, or disorder. The bottom line is that the internet is changing the way healthcare is available to it's patients. It is changing the relationship between doctors and patients. Patients are now able to take better control over their diagnosis and have a more solid connection with other like individuals. The internet is empowering patients all over the world and most clinicians are jumping on board with the new developments and internet connections. Clinicians are able to recommend websites for their patients to best serve their purpose.

After all this reading and researching, I am happy to say that the results couldn't be more in-line with the mission and vision of Outdoor Mindset. I know I enjoy research more than most, yes I am a nerd and proud of it, but all this info is definitely worth getting excited about! Outdoor Mindset is definitely headed in the right direction and we can't wait to get these connections and benefits going for our members!!

Thinking big at 11,700 feet!

After a long climb up to the cabin outside of Leadville CO, the board got to work. Twelve minds came together over two days to work hard and play hard. The retreat opened with a bang! Our fearsome leader set the tone by unveiling his fresh dance moves to Michael Jackson's inspiring song, 'man in the mirror'. The group was raring to get down and dirty in setting goals, objectives, and strategies for Outdoor Mindset. And get dirty we did, in more ways than one! When we weren't brainstorming details that would transform a dream to reality, we were outside venturing above tree line. While some spent their free time fly fishing for cutthroat trout at an alpine tarn, others bagged a summit via headlamp under the bright milky way and shooting stars that spanned the sky.

In two short days what started as an inspiring idea became a living, breathing organism full of action and identity. Last night at our board adopted a formal strategic plan that will guide the organization for the next three years! I think it's the fastest I've ever seen this process completed! It's funny how well our brains performed despite the lack of oxygen at 11,700', isn't it......