I haven't posted anything to this blog in more than 10 years, but have been thinking it might be time to get back into it. I stopped posting when life got very busy and when Facebook seemed to take over Social Media. At the time, it felt like everyone was posting about everything, and I did not see the need to spend time writing up reports on a weekly basis. Also, YouTube was getting popular at the time. I tried making a few YouTube videos to promote the Traprock 50K. It was fun making the videos, but also a lot of work scripting, shooting, and editing. It was a lot more effort than I could commit to at the time.
With that being said, I am at a different point in my life. I am quickly approaching retirement from a 40 year career, my children are adults and have their own families, and I am looking forward to getting back to the adventurous life I love. Running, rock climbing, cycling, skiing, hiking and other self-propelled adventures are on my near term agenda. I have a lot of ideas and "bucket list" items, and hoping I have time to experience many of them while my body allows it.
For anyone who has read this blog in the past, thank you! I did not make one penny on this blog (not enough of a following to get monetized by Google), but enjoyed posting my adventures and thoughts, and appreciated there were some folks who enjoyed it. Now that I look back at previous posts, I am so happy to have these archived for my own sake. Perhaps my grandchildren will get a kick out of reading it someday.
Anyway, I am thinking about blogging, podcasts, and videos, and contemplating doing something to hopeful share information, educate, and collaborate on various topics going forward.
To catch you all up on a few things for those who are curious:
Still running for the last 15 years, but slower due to the accident and just getting older. Hips are getting sore among other things.
Char has a goal of doing a half marathon in all 50 states. We have completed approx. 20 states.
Started climbing again in the gym after a long hiatus. Happily climbing better than I expected. Hoping to get on real rock this Spring.
Skiing - Sadly, I have only been skiing a few times in the past 15 years. I got spoiled on BC Backcountry, and just can't get too excited about East Coast skiing.
We bought a lake house in 2019, and have spent a lot of the last 6 years renovating. We built a cool pontoon boat powered by a stationary bike. We spend a lot of time on it in the summer.
More to come on these subjects at some point.
Parting thought:
At my 60th birthday party, people were asked to provide quotes of their favorite "Steve-isms". My oldest grandchild came up with one that I hold dear to my heart. Apparently, I had said to her the following: "In this world, there are givers and takers...be a giver!" Wow! I had no idea I could have such an impact with just a few words. I had to think about it. Was I right to say it? While I don't think people are permanently cast in one category, I do think it is a choice we make on a daily basis. I find that I personally feel better about myself when doing things for others (provided I am in a healthy situation and in a position to give time, knowledge, financial, or moral/spiritual support). It is said that we always get back something when we give...often it seems like we gain more by giving. I sure feel that way in most cases. In fact, I had an opportunity to help a sweet elderly lady with her car while I was in the middle of my long run today. She needed help parking it in preparation for the impending snowstorm, and I was more than happy to back it into her driveway for her. It really made my day! I am not saying it to pat myself on the back...just thought it might be some good food for thought. In the crazy, tense world we live in today, I think it is more important than ever to help our relatives, friends, neighbors, and the random stranger on the street. What do you think?
Please give a thumbs up or leave a comment if you enjoy this post. Thanks for reading.
Peace,
Steve
