Stories

Backyard Adventure #2

When my brother hears a certain chuckle from me, he knows what’s coming—an adventure that promises plenty of suffering before the fun kicks in. This was the ultimate example of a Type 2 adventure, pushing us to the limit and lining up perfectly to be nothing short of “Un-Fricken Believable.”

In the Isolation of COVID-19, I Found True Connection

During the pandemic, I faced the difficult reality of closing my business for three months. Instead of succumbing to panic, I made a conscious decision to use that time to connect deeply with the people who matter most to me. As Victor Frankl once said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Though this period was devastating for so many, I found that even in the hardest moments, there is room for experiences that reshape our perspective on life. It became a time of growth, reflection, and connection—a reminder that beauty can emerge even in the midst of chaos.

We Lost Our Haute Route Due to CoVid19, But We Found Ourselves in the LaSals

After two years of intense training to ski the iconic Haute Route from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, our plans came to an abrupt halt when COVID-19 shut down the borders. But we weren’t about to let that stop us. Instead, we pivoted and found an epic ski adventure closer to home, exploring the remote and stunning La Sal Mountains. It wasn’t the Haute Route, but it turned into an unforgettable journey of resilience, adventure, and breathtaking backcountry skiing.

Backyard Adventure #1

In this video, I share my take on “backyard adventures.” These aren’t just casual outings—they’re physically grueling and technically demanding challenges that push me to my limits. From rugged terrain to unexpected obstacles, these adventures take everything I’ve got.

But for me, they’re more than just a test of endurance. They’re part of a personal countdown—a way to embrace the wild while my body still can. I know there’s a clock ticking on how long I’ll be able to take on these intense experiences, and I want to make the most of every moment. These adventures remind me to seize the time I have and to find the thrill of exploration close to home, while I still have the strength to do it.

A Tribute to 21 Years as a Fitness Trainer

Over the years, I’ve developed a fitness philosophy that’s a little different—but it works. It’s not just about training; it’s about creating a lifestyle that opens the door to incredible experiences. In this video, I share how this approach has shaped my adventures and helped me connect with amazing clients and friends along the way. Check out the article below to dive deeper into the mindset that fuels my journey.

Living the Adventure: My Unique Fitness Philosophy

In my article, “Create Joy First and Your Health Will Follow,” I share how pursuing passions like whitewater kayaking, skiing, and biking has profoundly shaped my life. These adventures have not only brought immense joy but have also built resilience, healthy mindsets, and problem-solving skills. I explore the concept of becoming a “BUM”—a Becoming Ultimate Master of creating joy—and how following one’s heart leads to personal growth. By focusing on joy, we naturally make lifestyle choices that enhance our health and well-being. I invite you to read the full article to discover how prioritizing joy can transform your life and health.

Where Water Meets Stone: Our First Packrafting and Canyoneering Journey

I’m a river rat at heart, and there’s no better way to elevate an adventure than by adding packrafting into the mix. This 5-day journey took us deep into the Escalante River, exploring its breathtaking side canyons along the way. Carrying packs weighing around 70 pounds, we knew this trip would be demanding, so major fitness training was a must. The effort was worth it—but it came at a cost. The energy exerted was so intense that we couldn’t keep up with the caloric demands, with each of us shedding about 10 pounds by the end.

Untamed Waters: Conquering Remote Rapids in the Idaho

Some places are so remote that the only way to experience them is by water, and that’s exactly what drew me to the Jarbidge River. Out here, the nearest road is 70 miles away, and when you’re this deep in the wilderness, there’s no room for mistakes. The river was at near-flood stage—perfect for the kind of challenge I was looking for. This was a true unsupported adventure, taking on the wild waters of the Jarbidge and Bruneau Rivers.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

Discover how embracing a growth mindset has transformed my life, and how it can do the same for you. In my article, “Embracing the Journey to a Growth Mindset,” I share personal insights from over 15 years of guiding clients through transformative adventures. I’ve learned that true growth happens not in the end goal but in the process of facing challenges, conquering fears, and pushing past limitations.

Through these experiences, I’ve cultivated resilience, solved complex problems, and uncovered potential I didn’t know I had. This article isn’t just about theory—it’s about my journey and how you, too, can embrace challenges to unlock your best self. Join me in exploring what it means to grow through the adventure of life!

Testing New Limits

I’ve been canyoneering for several years, and the experience never ceases to amaze me. The breathtaking beauty of the red rock canyons is unmatched. Recently, a movement has emerged to reduce our impact on these natural wonders through a technique called “Ghosting.”

Ghosting is a “leave no trace” approach to canyoneering that avoids using bolted anchors. Instead, we rely on natural anchors like rocks, sandbags, and other creative methods. This video documents our first adventure using the Ghosting technique—a step toward preserving the pristine landscapes we love to explore.