Thanks to you

So as you all know by now, OM is in the middle of our huge March Madness event to raise as much money as possible in March through all sorts of creative activities. We've got a big Adventure Race, a couch potato-thon, a mustache growing event, the list goes on. Jill and I talked over and over about what we wanted to do. We tossed around the idea of running a marathon but decided that it might be a tad ambitious given the fact that we were both averaging about a mile a day. We decided a 5K might be a better place to start!

Next, we had to decide which 5K to run. Being the procrastinators that we are, we waited until about April 31st to get on the computer and really search one out. By this time our options were slightly limited. Out of the 5 available in March, we could both attend 2 of them. There was one that started at a bar and ran around the side streets of Denver, and then there was the "Stop TB" Trot. Although the bar run had its own unique advantages, we collaboratively decided that running for a good cause was more important to us. We also figured out that although Tuberculosis is mainly a disease of the lungs, it can also have strong impacts on the BRAIN as well. We were thrilled to figure this out and obviously excited about finally making a decision about our March Madness event.

Throughout the entire process of trying to find an event and then raise money for OM through these March Madness events, the best thing for me has definitely been receiving the feedback and support from so many people. I mean, the grueling training has been great too, but the enormous amount of people who have come out and shown their interest in OM has definitely been the best. I am constantly overwhelmed by how much care, interest, and support I receive from friends, family, and strangers when OM comes into conversations. At Outdoor Mindset meetings, we always talk about how great we think the things we come up with are, but we sometimes wonder how everyone else will feel? I must say that the feedback and support that I have received alone with my one event has been amazing. It confirms the fact that OM is on the right track and we really have something special going on here, and not just from the boards perspective, but from yours as well! So what I am trying to say is that Outdoor Mindset appreciates you! Thank you all for being who you are and supporting what you believe in. We are all so lucky to be a part of an organization that means something to us personally. It means so much to us that you are a part of OM too!

Team Outdoor Mindset Goes to Moab

So...this is how I was going to start:

Outdoor Mindset will have a presence as “Team OM” in the Adventure XStream Moab Adventure Race. Just as we’ll be navigating our way through the race using nothing but a compass, map and a trust in our designated navigation point person; Outdoor Mindset’s Guide Program has great hopes to inspire our Guides to leverage their own experience in facing a neurological challenge to help navigate OM Travelers through a new diagnosis.

But then I decided that while it’s a good one, I rely on metaphors WAY too much when writing blogs, so forget that idea. Next, I thought about writing this:

While I’ve participated in a few races in the past, for me, the Moab Adventure Race that Team Outdoor Mindset will be competing in will be the most difficult challenge to date, by far. Over 50 miles of kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, rappelling and navigating takes another level and different style of training than I’m used to. However, as will be true during the race; when I’m on my last few miles of any given training day, what pulls me through is thinking of the many people we hope to serve through our Guide Program that find it difficult (or impossible) to enjoy these sports due to the limits of their neurological condition.

Now, while its absolutely true that a week ago I wanted to stop hammering my mountain bike up the hill to take a break; but literal flashes of people unable to get on a bike due to a neuro disorder pushed me through; I realize that this perspective of “why we race” has been done. [que Lance Armstrong]. So then I decided to cover logistics:

We’re pumped to have a team in the Moab Adventure Race on Saturday March 26, 2011. 50 miles, 8 hours, multiple disciplines, a 4 person team (made up of 3 board members, 2 of them brain tumor dudes) and plans to have a hell of a time; or goal is to raise awareness and funds for Outdoor Mindset. Check out our Crowdrise Page. Training is an 8 week minimum and includes all disciplines at various distances as well as core strength work outs. Here’s a snapshot of the typical Training Plan. Sometimes we train individually, sometimes as a team; but having a specific goal in sight with an entire team relying on each other is motivation enough. For a quick video of what’s in store:

Huh...while we think it’s pretty cool, the details might not be the most engaging topic of conversation.

So in the end, I included it all; why not cover what I was thinking when writing about our upcoming Adventure Race and let you pick the story that resonates. Come on...don’t act like you’re not a fan of the Hardy Boys.



We'll be tracking our progress, snapping photos and filming video the whole way. So, stay tuned-in to this blog, Facebook and Twitter to follow along. It's going to be a blast and it's the first of many events that we'll be participating in this summer.

-KM