About
Why Does Shanna Go Outside?
I used to hate being outside.
I sunburnt easily, I didn’t like bugs, and I was always too warm or too cold. I didn’t like the inconsistency of the sounds and the temperatures. As a kid, I would much rather be inside with my nose in a book, creating my environment in my mind without the distractions of a sudden, cold wind or buzzing fly. My parents would get frustrated with the amount of time I spent on the couch; I would have to remember to move myself and my book around to different places in our house throughout the day because if I was in one place for too long, I would hear the dreaded words, “Shanna, go outside.”
So what changed?
Honestly… Not much. I still sunburn easily and I’m not a huge fan of bugs, but I do a much better job layering my clothing so the wind doesn't bother me as much. Somehow, now I find peace and gratitude in the outdoors rather than discomfort.
After high school I started running. I found that my brain could get lost in music the same way it could get lost in a book. I started going to the gym and found the same peace in my mind. This eventually translated to small hikes and indoor climbing, which turned into scrambles, outdoor climbing, cross country skiing, and paddling. What do all of these things have in common? I could do them by myself or in a small group, and they all required enough quiet focus that I could reach that same state of peace in my mind that I craved from books.
These days, I genuinely enjoy being outside. I run in temperatures up to 35 degrees and cross country ski in temperatures down to -40 degrees. My favourite place to read is outside, surrounded by mountains instead of hidden inside. I’m able to find peace by being present in my surroundings. Instead of dreading the thought of going outside, it’s now the highlight of my day, everyday.
If you’re looking for route beta, you’re unfortunately in the wrong place. I thought about sharing specifics about routes for certain hikes, scrambles, or climbs, but ultimately I don’t want to be responsible for your your route planning for two main reasons: (1) I suck at giving directions and they will most definitely be wrong, (2) as a solidly intermediate climber, hiker, paddler, etc., more experienced outdoors-folk will be able to give far better instruction than I can. However, beta for most of what I am choosing to share will be easily accessible to find on other blogs and apps. If you see something you want to try, there will be lots of other reliable sources to give you directions. Please stay safe in everything you do and practice leave no trace as you enjoy the outdoors.
Instead of sharing beta, I’m sharing my personal motivation and experiences, which I hope is also valuable.
