Doing hard things 💪🏻

Good morning, Bluubirds ☕️ 

Today was the first day to enter for a chance to run the TCS NYC Marathon in November. It is an incredibly difficult race to enter (only 4% of non-guaranteed entries got a bib in 2024!) but also an incredibly exciting event for runners and spectators alike (does anyone else cry watching marathons?). My sister-in-law and I have our hopes set on an entry this year - I say that on this newsletter mostly for accountability. For my entire running career, I have comfortably resided in my half-marathon-happy-place. The idea of doubling my distance is daunting, but I am excited for a new challenge and grateful for a body that is able to run.

I took a peek at the website today and watched as the queuing system managed the enormous volume of humans trying to access the site. I couldn’t help but think — how amazing is it that so many people love to challenge themselves to do really hard things? How cool is it that so many people want to run 26+ miles that there needs to be systems in place to avoid the website crashing? That so many people want to dedicate time, energy, and emotions to training their body for months to do something incredibly difficult.

I have loved (and sometimes hated) running for a long time, and it’s an activity that has really shaped me as a person. For those who know me well, you’ll know that my brain is often…busy. Running provides a space to literally meditate while I move - it’s precious time I get to spend alone with my thoughts, my breath, and the space around me. Running trains my brain to set, meet, and beat goals, and it also trains me to listen to my body when it’s talking to me. That “do I want to quit, or can I keep going a little bit further?” inner dialogue is something that has been incredibly powerful to practice when I’m faced with anything challenging.

So, my little birdies, I encourage you to do one single thing that challenges you today. It could be running, it could be reading, meditating, cleaning, a to-do item that you loathe - choose your own adventure. Notice that moment when you want to quit, when you want to distract yourself or give up, and ask yourself - do I want to quit, or can I keep going a little bit further? The space after that is where the good stuff happens. 😊 

—Katie x

Spotlight ☀️ 

Today’s spotlight features someone I have known for 30 years. We have so many things in common, including parents, as he is - yes, indeed - my brother!

Richard is the cooler, more adventurous Begando. He taught himself how to build furniture before he turned 20, he taught himself how to play most string instruments by 25, and recently taught himself how to sew. Richard was tagged as a “hazard” as a child during ski school (not to be confused with my “wandering risk” tag) because he is fearless - something I have always admired about him. He is curious, hilarious, brave, and a pretty damn good skier. There are probably a number of readers out there who still have a headboard or coffee table from Athens Woodworks (iykyk). I’m excited for you to learn more about him!

Richard Begando

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado

Loves: Backcountry Skiing, Fly Fishing, Mountain Biking

Describe yourself in 10 words or less: A curious and creative outdoors enthusiast.

What is your favorite outdoor activity, and why do you love it?

Backcountry Skiing - With the chaos and expense of resort skiing these days, backcountry skiing introduces a new perspective to the sport. You replace the lifts with a pair of skins, the crowds with nature, and earn your turns all day long.

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had outdoors? (Good or bad?)

In 2019, I traveled solo to ski in northern Japan. While I wasn’t too sure what I was getting into, I met a great group of folks from all around the world at the hostel I was staying at, and we spent 10 days boot packing and skiing throughout the Japanese Alps.

Are you curious about a particular activity you haven’t tried or location you haven’t visited? What’s holding you back?

Alpinism has always piqued my interest. Combining hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, and even skiing/skinning is a brutal symbiosis of exploration and risk. That risk, however, is the main holdup. Avalanches, ice/rock falls, and hypothermia are just a few of the deadly consequences that come with the sport.

What do you consider when you look for outdoor gear? What is important to you?

I always like to pick the brain of folks around me when we’re out doing activities. It’s nice to get an unbiased perspective from someone with experience using the gear.

Richard’s Picks 💥 

Apparel

Wells Lamont Leather Mittens - $30 and warm/dry as hell!

Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 6’s

Accessories

Smith Wildcat Sunglasses

Equipment

DPS Wailer 112’s (not the same, but these are similar)

Location 

Hakuba Valley, Japan — Great snow, better food.

Business

Confluence Kayak & Ski in Denver, CO

Product Updates 🚀 

We are hosting user interviews to better understand the problems you face when searching for, buying, and using outdoor gear.

Want to help shape the future of outdoor gear? Schedule a user interview here!

Upcoming Events 📆 

We are officially 2 days away from EARLY BIRD RUN CLUB! You heard that right, Atlanta friends - make your way to Perc Coffee VAHI at 7am on Friday morning and join us for a 3-5 mile run with cool people and good (free) coffee.

Sign up here and see you there!

See you next week 🤘