Climb Mountains, Kick Ass

For years one of my biggest goals is to be climbing mountains and kicking ass when I’m in my 80’s. My mountains are both real and metaphorical. That personal goal is reflected in my coaching.

While I know I won’t be bagging 14ers on a regular basis (altitude tends to hit me over 11,000 feet), there are still plenty of mountains to climb. The point is to continue to challenge myself as I age, both physically and mentally.

The inspiration for my personal mantra came from an amazing woman named Joanne. I met Joanne on a guided hiking trip in the all of 2018, A group of women, most strangers, spend a week slackpacking parts of the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota. In her early 80’s, Joanne was the oldest hiker of the group and one of the strongest. She was usually at the front of the line, always ready to farther and faster. Over the course of the week, as the group of strangers got to know each other, Joanne became an inspiration and role model for all of us.

After spending the week with Joanne, I knew that’s how I wanted to be in my 80’s. Still active, engaged and doing what I love. While I sadly did not maintain contact with Joanne, I often think of her when I think of my mantra.

What are your mountains? How do you want to be living your life in your 80’s? What can you do now that will help you climb those mountains?