{"id":50364,"date":"2022-10-14T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T22:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=50364"},"modified":"2022-11-07T15:29:08","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T04:59:08","slug":"trail-running-mtb-and-mountaineering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/trail-running-mtb-and-mountaineering\/","title":{"rendered":"So You Want to be an Adventurer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For me, sport has always been about growth, challenge\u2026 and adventure!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Collins dictionary defines an adventurer as: <em>a person who enjoys going to new, unusual, and exciting places.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the last three years, I have gone from being a \u2018runner\u2019 to an \u2018adventurer\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you too want to be an adventurer, or have a go at a new sport, here are my top three tips for starting trail running, mountain biking, and mountaineering \u2013 as well as my opinion on the pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/The-Joy-of-Running.jpg\" alt=\"A woman is running away from the camera, poised in mid-air, wearing a hot pink singlet. Ahead of her are mountains, and blue sky.\" class=\"wp-image-50368\" title=\"I have gone from being a \u2018runner\u2019 to an \u2018adventurer\u2019!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/The-Joy-of-Running.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/The-Joy-of-Running-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/The-Joy-of-Running-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/The-Joy-of-Running-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>I have gone from being a \u2018runner\u2019 to an \u2018adventurer\u2019!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trail Running<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Oh, the places your feet can take you!<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Trail running will always be my first love. It has taught me so many lessons about myself, and life. No other sport for me offers the same feelings of freedom, joy, and limitlessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For me, simply donning a small backpack and a pair of shoes to explore forests, summit mountains, and become fully immersed in nature, is simply the most special thing in the world. My two feet have taken me to the most breathtaking and spectacular places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Views.jpg\" alt=\"A woman is running up a mountain wearing a red t-shirt and a purple cap. Behind her is a vast, blue lake, mountains, and a cloudy sky. \" class=\"wp-image-50369\" title=\"Trail running will always be my first love.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Views.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Views-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Views-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Views-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Trail running will always be my first love.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top tips to get started:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li>Find a local trail running group or directory for local knowledge<\/li><li>Start small, and work your way up<\/li><li>Invest in quality gear. It lasts, and provides a much better experience<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Easy to get started<\/li><li>Minimal gear required<\/li><li>Great community vibe and friendly people<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Injuries are common when people do too much, too soon<\/li><li>As your body adapts, running can initially feel strenuous<\/li><li>Not all communities have accessible trails; travel is required<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest lesson I\u2019ve learned from trail and ultra-running is that our bodies are precious and deserve to be treated with respect. If we treat our bodies well, they will serve us by growing and developing beyond our wildest dreams. If we ignore them, however, they will break. We need to find the space where we both push and revere our bodies in balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trail running is a sport for everyone, and it can offer the most expansive experiences. But, like all good things, should be done in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Friends.jpg\" alt=\"Two women are running up a grassy hill. One wears pink sunglasses, the other wears a blue jacket and blue visor. \" class=\"wp-image-50370\" title=\"Trail running offers a great community of friendly people.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Friends.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Friends-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Friends-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Trail-Running-Friends-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Trail running offers a great community of friendly people<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mountain Biking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Do the hard work to get to the top, and enjoy coasting down the other side!<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What I discovered when I got on the bike and on the trails was that many of the things I loved about running were present in mountain biking. I could be free in nature, I could move fast down hills, and I could feel the burn of muscles working just as I could when I was climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also discovered a way to cover distance without breaking my body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Overbridge-Dunstan-Cycleway.jpg\" alt=\"A bike rider is riding across a bridge. Beneath the bridge is bright, aqua blue water, and in the background is green shrubbery patched across the mountains. \" class=\"wp-image-50371\" title=\"Mountain biking is a good way to cover distance without breaking my body.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Overbridge-Dunstan-Cycleway.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Overbridge-Dunstan-Cycleway-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Overbridge-Dunstan-Cycleway-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Overbridge-Dunstan-Cycleway-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Mountain biking is a good way to cover distance without breaking my body.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top tips to get started:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li>Find yourself a good quality bike, new or used. The most important thing is that it\u2019s the right size.<\/li><li>Check the grade of your local tracks; start easy, and work your way up<\/li><li>Just get out and do it. Practice makes perfect.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Great for any fitness level<\/li><li>Gentle on the body<\/li><li>You can cover a lot of ground in a short time<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Initial start-up costs<\/li><li>Risky when riding on roads<\/li><li>Punctures etc. while out and about<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>My biggest lesson from mountain biking is that obstacles and bumps can be fun and challenging \u2013 it\u2019s all in the way you see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mountain biking is a sport that is accessible to everyone \u2013 no matter your age \u2013 and electric bikes have made it more inclusive than ever. It\u2019s an amazing way to get out in nature, and feel the freedom and joy of moving your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Cycleway.jpg\" alt=\"A bike rider is riding along a dirt road, with a blue lake to the left and steep, rocky slopes to the right. The sky is cloudy. \" class=\"wp-image-50372\" title=\"Mountain biking is an amazing way to feel the freedom and joy of moving your body!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Cycleway.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Cycleway-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dunstan-Cycleway-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Mountain biking is an amazing way to feel the freedom and joy of moving your body!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mountaineering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>There is something about that place where beauty, fear, and achievement meet; it is indescribable.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I would like to say that mountaineering is only for the brave; but that\u2019s not completely true.&nbsp; Mountaineering is for those who are prepared to walk with fear and learn the skills. Mountaineering makes my armpits damp, my throat tight, and is the only sport guaranteed to cause tears on every single trip\u2026at least to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So why do it, you might ask? Remember that my values are growth, challenge, and adventure.&nbsp; Well, as far as I know, no-one said living your values would be easy or comfortable \u2013 and my values by their very nature are such that I am often living outside my comfort zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountaineering-at-Temple-Basin.jpg\" alt=\"A mountaineer with a purple backpack is climbing a steep, snowy slope. Behind her is rock, dripping with icicles. \" class=\"wp-image-50373\" title=\"No-one said living your values would be easy or comfortable!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountaineering-at-Temple-Basin.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountaineering-at-Temple-Basin-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountaineering-at-Temple-Basin-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountaineering-at-Temple-Basin-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>No-one said living your values would be easy or comfortable!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top tips to get started:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li>Learn from the experts, and take courses<\/li><li>Take your time to build the skills<\/li><li>&nbsp;Learn to read weather forecasts and avalanche advisories, and plan well<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You will visit the most spectacular places<\/li><li>You will learn valuable skills and knowledge<\/li><li>There is a great sense of achievement in planning and executing an objective<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>High cost of entry; a lot of high-value gear is required<\/li><li>Risk: there is an inherently higher risk in high-alpine terrain<\/li><li>Time commitment \u2013 both to learn and execute objectives<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest lesson I have learned from mountaineering is patience, and the ability to say no and turn around if conditions aren\u2019t favourable. It is human nature to push and strive. Mountaineering requires a balance of drive to complete, and drive to survive. It is said that there are bold mountaineers, and old mountaineers \u2013 but not both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mountaineering is truly a unique sport, and not for the faint-hearted.&nbsp; However, if you are prepared to put in the time, skills, and effort, the return is something quite phenomenal.&nbsp; Keep in mind too that mountaineering doesn\u2019t have to be all high peaks and summits; there is room in the sport for us risk-averse people too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountainnering-the-Approach.jpg\" alt=\"A group of mountaineers are looking ahead, each wearing blue clothing and blue backpacks. Behind them are snowcapped mountains. \" class=\"wp-image-50375\" title=\"There are bold mountaineers, and old mountaineers \u2013 but not both!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountainnering-the-Approach.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountainnering-the-Approach-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountainnering-the-Approach-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mountainnering-the-Approach-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>There are bold mountaineers, and old mountaineers \u2013 but not both!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Practicing-Dry-Tooling.jpg\" alt=\"Three mountaineers wearing red are climbing a steep rocky cliff with spiked soles and speared tools. There are patches of snow to their right. \" class=\"wp-image-50374\" title=\"Mountaineering requires a balance of drive to complete, and drive to survive.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Practicing-Dry-Tooling.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Practicing-Dry-Tooling-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Practicing-Dry-Tooling-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Practicing-Dry-Tooling-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Mountaineering requires a balance of drive to complete, and drive to survive<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrapping Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many sports to choose from, and to help me decide, I like to ask myself these five questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li>If I say \u2018yes\u2019 to this, what am I saying \u2018no\u2019 to?<\/li><li>Does what I&#8217;m doing align with my values?<\/li><li>Who is the person I get to become by doing this sport? Brave, strong, confident?<\/li><li>Is the reward worth the effort?<\/li><li>Who can I ask to find out more?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>In answering these questions, you can be more intentional around your choices. A sport then becomes more than just a sport \u2013 it becomes a life-changing experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Front-Pointing.jpg\" alt=\"A mountaineer is a front-pointing, wearing a bright green jacket and red helmet. The sky is blue and the sun is shining. The snow is bright white. \" class=\"wp-image-50376\" title=\"A sport can be more than just a sport \u2013 it can a life-changing too!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Front-Pointing.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Front-Pointing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Front-Pointing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Front-Pointing-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>A sport can be more than just a sport \u2013 it can be a life-changing experience.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What adventure sport have you always wanted to try?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style1 like-50364 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='50364' data-nonce='9cf63ce4a2' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Liked it' \/><span class='lc-50364 lc'>3<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div> <div class='status-50364 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flexing her kick-butt grit with a free spirit, Tanya Bottomley is a fast-paced adventurer. Read on for her top tips on how to start from the bottom. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1454,"featured_media":50382,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1591,1589],"tags":[1554,1551,1550,1194,1557,1558,1377],"class_list":["post-50364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-hiking","category-how-to","tag-howtostartmountaineering","tag-mountainbikeriding","tag-mountaineering","tag-mtb","tag-prosandconsofmountaineering","tag-prosandconsofmtbing","tag-trailrunning"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50364"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1454"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50364"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50579,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50364\/revisions\/50579"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}