I was a born and raised in a small, rural community in central Montana. I have fond memories of my brother and I playing and exploring in the outdoors together. We’d spend countless hours turning over rocks to catch water bugs and crawfish in the creek near our house, playing yard games like wiffle-ball and “homerun derby” with the neighbor kids, and building epic snowmen and snow-forts. During summer vacation, our family would spend long weekends camping in the nearby mountain ranges. These times spent in the wilderness and hiking as a family are what developed my love for nature and the desire to continually explore wild places.
College and subsequent job opportunities landed me in northwestern Montana where I currently reside. Here, I get to call Glacier National Park my backyard, and I definitely do not take if for granted. I still get awestruck every time I see a moose, drive or bike Going-to-the-Sun Road, or stand on the summit of a 10,000 ft mountain peak.
I love to hike, and I’m addicted to the feelings that bubble up inside me whenever my feet hit the trail. The anticipation of what I might see, hear, or smell awakens and excites every cell in my body. My husband (Jake) and I have explored thousands of miles of trails together, and the National Parks definitely hold a special place in our hearts.
Staying active and prioritizing my health is a huge part of what keeps me feeling and looking so young. I’m incredibly thankful for this body that has taken me to so many amazing places, especially the remote locations that can only be accessed by foot. I am proud of the many fitness goals that I’ve set and achieved (some requiring an immense amount of mental and physical training and toughness). But, I also know what it’s like to “start over” and build physical fitness from ground zero.
In late August 2017, I fractured my right foot during an unfortunate slip from a ladder at my house. The injury required that I not bear any weight on that leg; which meant that I was unable to walk. For several months I hobbled on crutches or cruised around on a kneeling scooter (which isn’t as much fun as it looks, especially during winter in Montana). I was devastated. I wondered if I’d be able to walk normal again, and I deeply feared that I would not be able to hike or do the things I enjoyed. The healing process was incredibly slow and frustrating. And when the orthopedic surgeon finally cleared me to walk again, well, let’s just say it wasn’t a “Chariots of Fire” moment. I was elated to have both feet on the ground, however it was another long process to regain the ability to walk normal and without discomfort.
I remember the first few hikes Jake and I did in the spring of 2018 following my injury. The mix of emotions made my head spin. I was thrilled to be hiking again, but at times I would find myself paralyzed by the fear of a new injury or the possibility re-fracturing my foot. I was trying to learn how to trust my body again. Although the fractures had healed, I was facing new issues and limitations. I had a significant decrease in my cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, ankle and hip mobility, balance, and I developed several muscle asymmetries. I didn’t feel confident and capable on the trail like I had in the past. It was obvious that I had more work to do prepare for the hiking season, and to keep myself adventure ready for many more decades to come. And so it began, my personal mission and journey to regain my “hike-ability”.
“hike-ability”
- Confidence, resilience, and fitness for the trail;
- Knowledge and skills that expand & enhance the hiking experience
Fast-forward to today, and you’ll find me exploring trails and seeking new adventure with unrestrained joy, confidence, and ability. I reflect on my personal journey often, and I’m so grateful for the body’s ability to heal and become stronger. I am back to doing all the things I enjoy, but it wasn’t without work, dedication, and consistency.
I’ve taken my love of hiking, first-hand experiences, and knowledge as a certified personal trainer to create HIKE-ABILITY. A program that is designed to help people, of any age and any level of ability, build resilient bodies for life on and off the trail.
Cheers to 4 more decades of exploring and hiking!
Kristen
MY FITNESS PHILOSOPHY
- A year from now you can be older, fitter, and more capable… or just older; you get to decide! YOU have control over how your body feels and moves. You can train for an active lifestyle and combat the “effects of aging” by restoring better movement.
- DON’T let aches, pain, stiffness, or fear of injury hold you back from enjoying life or keep you from taking on new adventures.
- DON’T wait until you get injured to start building a more resilient body.
- “The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine” -Unknown. I take care of my body to the best of my ability, because I want to continue hiking and exploring well into my “golden years”.
