Outdoor Mindset

Moving Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:28:00 +0000

Some sad news surfaced the other week that made me really stop and think: Canadian Freestyle Skier Sarah Burke passed away from a traumatic brain injury after crashing at the bottom of the superpipe during a training run in Utah on Jan 10, 2012. A four-time Winter X-Game Champion, Sarah tore her vertebral artery during her crash, which led to severe bleeding on the brain. A leader in her sport, she lobbied to get superpipe skiing added to the Olympic program, and after winning over Olympic bigwigs, the sport was added for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, one she won't live to see. Sarah's achievements and spirit should be celebrated, and will certainly be missed.

Pardon my French, but this sucks. This is horrible and sad that such a young, talented woman has left us too soon from a traumatic brain injury that she suffered, even while wearing a helmet! And unfortunately, traumatic brain injury is no stranger in the skiing and snowboarding sports arena that many of us are gearing up to embark upon now that there's snow in the high country.

But as horrible as Sarah's passing is, I've also been hearing many encouraging and inspirational stories of traumatic brain injury perseverance and domination in the ski and snowboard industry. Take Kevin Pearce, for example, who suffered a traumatic brain injury late in 2009 on what will turn out to be the same half-pipe Sarah injured herself on the other week. Just 712 days after his injury, Kevin got back on the hill at Breckenridge Mountain for his first run after going through intense physical therapy, which started off for the first three months as 8 hour sessions every day.

Kevin says "I think the most important thing that I can share with folks about traumatic brain injuries is that your brain never stops healing. You can heal as much as you want as long as you keep your mind to it and work hard. I think it's really hard for a lot of kids because they think they're in such bad shape that they just give up, and that's been the most important lesson for me: It's hard and it takes a lot of work but you can heal."

Then there's professional snowboarder Danny Toumarkine, who just over a year ago suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding in Montana. A brief bio, according to him, reads: "On January 3rd I suffered a traumatic brain injury; 4 brain surgeries, medically induced coma and paralyzed. 5 weeks later I was released from the hospital and in recovery mode. Now its non-stop physical therapy and physical activities whether it be hiking, golfing, fishing, rock climbing etc."

Check out this trailer about a film about his brave and intense recovery journey:

Moving Forward - Trailer from Shreddy Times on Vimeo.

You can walk the full film here.

One theme that weaves between these two stories is the spirit of determination and positivity these guys have retained while facing their neurological challenges. While staying positive and working hard towards their end goal of doing what they love in the outdoors again, Kevin and Danny have both dominated their recoveries and become great role models for those facing traumatic brain injuries.

So let's all learn from them, knowing this is what Sarah Burke would've done, as well:
Stay positive! Get outdoors! And continue to Live Big!

Happy Monday -
Jill

Take a Moment to Feel Alive and Thankful this Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:20:00 +0000

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF OUR OUTDOOR MINDSET FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

This year, don't let the craziness of the holidays overtake your life. With family coming into town, gifts to find, things to do, houses to clean, and meals to be made, let's all not forget to cherish the little moments during the holidays that should be the primary meaning of this season: to give thanks and spend time with those you love, doing the things you love, which hopefully also includes some R&R in the outdoors, as well.

To help put this in perspective, we have a guest blog from one of our fabulous Outdoor Mindset Guides, Natalie. In her story you'll read below, you'll find that amidst recovery from brain surgery (and you think the holidays are stressful!), Natalie found herself in the middle of a lake in her kayak giving thanks for every second out on the water, feeling alive and thankful for her neurological experience and the new path her life was on. Take this inspiring and amazing story with you this holiday season and give thanks for the many blessings you have in your life, and take on a new appreciation for the little moments we should all be thankful for.

Here she goes: The "New Normal for Natalie"

My journey with neurological challenge began in April of 2005 with what the radiologist report said, "accidental find" - a brain tumor in my right anterior temporal lobe, about the size of a golf ball. It was a Friday morning. I was so confused about the information they handed me on the paper that I went home and began to google all the types of tumors and the impacts to the areas of the brain that may be affected by my type of tumor. What I found was pretty upsetting and I didn't have anyone to talk to about it. I didn't want to scare my family and yet, I needed emotional support. Hearing "brain tumor" is a pretty scary thing and the thoughts of "Okay, now what the hell do I do?" are the ones that come first, finding all the information you can and then of course determining the approach with your doctors is the process that isn't so easy to have patience to endure. I wanted answers quickly and found that in some cases, they simply don't have answers to provide. Plus, everyone and every situation is different. I was thankful cancer was ruled out and still, I had a tumor that caused "mass effect" in my head.

My approach was to rule out some of the serious side affects that "may" happen if we waited and watched my tumor for a while. My wonderful team of doctors (really love them) admitted that they really didn't know much about my type of tumor and given, that it represented less than 1% of all intercranial masses, they were very rare. I truly appreciated their direct, honest feedback and the amount of time they spent with me to understand what I was facing.

With MRI's planned every six months (unless new symptoms appeared) - we "watched" my tumor. We watched it slowly grow. I knew it was growing given the increase in pain I had been experiencing from the intercranial pressure, it's similar to the symptoms of meningitis. I could deal with those and often wondered what a "regular" headache would feel like. My pain tolerance began to increase and dealing with the pain became routine. All this while working full time in a management executive role - and being a single mom to 2 wonderful boys.

We watched it... In the mean time - I continued to do the things I loved outdoors; fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, water/snow skiing, boating, Occasionally, I would be debilitated with the pain and be in bed for a day or two but I was able to get back into the swing of things quickly. I rarely missed a day of work and learned to push through the pain or "nut up" as my sons would say. ;-)

In the fall of 2008 I started to feel different. The painful "headaches" were getting more frequent, lasted longer and I became WAY more sensitive to light and noise. I also noticed my sleep was far more interrupted.

On December 19th, 2008 I experienced my first partial complex seizure. Everything changed on that day. I was alone, had just come down the stairs of my home when out of blue, with no warning my head/neck were rigid and my chin was close to my left shoulder, my left arm was rigid and I couldn't move it. I felt my way to the bathroom with my right hand, sat down and waited. The seizure lasted about 60 seconds but seemed much longer. I was confused - I didn't know what to do. In my post seizure funk, I drove to work.

It wasn't until I was at work for a while that I realized what I had just been through. So, I went back home and called my doctors. I was immediately put on Kepra and a few other drugs. The MRI revealed my tumor had grown to about the size of an egg and surgery was scheduled. I asked for the surgery to be in March of 2009 so that I had time to get my "house" in order. The list of risks from the surgery was long. After you read "death" - all the other ones seem like pretty good outcomes.

The seizure clinic revealed I was having partial complex seizures through the night as well. No wonder I couldn't sleep. And, that the cause of the bigger seizure was the growth of the tumor.

My surgeons did an amazing job with the craniotomy. Prior to the surgery they said there was a 50% chance my tumor would come back. After the surgery, they felt it was less than that and had hope I wouldn't need surgical intervention in the future. But again, we're "watching" it.

I had many challenges to face before, during and after the surgery. The most important message I think I can share is to learn to accept there will be a "New Normal" for you when you're faced with a neurological challenge. Folks would ask me if I was 100% - back to normal. I think it took me a while to realize that through such adversity and challenge I could not help but be changed as a person. After my recovery, I was more grateful for everything from the smallest thing like birds visiting my bird feeders to being able to hold my sons. I looked at everything differently. My New Normal was a gift.

This picture of me in my "cloud" kayak was taken about 9 weeks after my surgery. It was the first outdoor experience I'd been able to have after my surgery. It was a turning point for me in my recovery. I had many weeks of confusion, fear, worry and stress. Because my tumor was pushing on my emotion center - with so much pressure that it actually also thinned the skull wall - I felt confused a lot and I suffered short term memory loss. I would often wonder "Am I feeling the right thing, did I say the right thing, was I empathic, did I even know how to be empathetic any more....... etc." But I couldn't find the words to share that with anyone. I would express that frustration in other ways towards those that I loved. Like complaining that there were no pictures of my recovery. What that really meant was - I need some evidence of what happened, I have no memory of it. But again, I couldn't find the words to say that...

Being on the lake that ONE day in my kayak and my belly boat fishing was the first time after my surgery where I didn't worry. I didn't feel like a victim of a brain tumor. I was ALIVE. I savored the warmth of the sun on my face, I prayed to God and gave my thanks for getting me through my challenge, I dropped my hand in the water and appreciated that my hands worked, I cried at the beauty of the calm mountain lake water and each fish I caught (and released) I would kiss them and thank them for biting my fly. I didn't worry about how to tie my flies or how to cast - it came naturally to me and I was grateful for every single second...

That trip fly fishing was by far the biggest catalyst in my healing. After that trip, my short term memory challenges began to subside. I had renewed hope and strength to fight. I was able to get off most of the meds by June and went back to work. I traveled internationally to Sweden in mid June and kayaked there as well.

Being outdoors, in nature - especially around water and then doing the things that I used to love prior to my surgery helped me realize that I am settling into my "New Normal" and it's pretty damn cool to come out the other side of all this as a survivor.

I was introduced to Kyle, from Outdoor Mindset, by my surgeon - we have the same team of doctors. I am honored to be part of the Outdoor Mindset team and cannot express enough gratefulness for a group like this existing. Being a Guide also helps me by being able to "give back" or "pay it forward" - by sharing my experience.

After all is said and done - when you connect with another person facing a neurological challenge, no matter where they are in the process - you GET IT. There are no words that can be expressed to share what that connection is like - it's deep, powerful and a feeling of relief comes over you that you don't have to try and explain what is going on in your head. It's SO helpful to have someone to talk to - someone who has been there. I hope I can be that "someone" for many folks and I would feel blessed to be next to you in your journey.

~Outdoor Mindset Guide, Natalie

I don't think any other words are needed.
Live BIG this Holiday Season and thank you for everything you do,
Jill

Outdoor Mindset Chili Cook-off 2011 - YUM

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Well, they say a thank you is "Better late than Never" and I truly hope you all agree with that statement because we are almost 2 months past our 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off which was on October 23rd at Avery Brewing Company... and we owe everyone who came or participated in any way, shape, or form a BIG THANK YOU, because this event was a huge success for us.

Considering last year we were at a local Boulder park with coolers, an iPod dock, and probably 50 of our closest friends and supporters (and it was STILL awesome), this year's event where

we had around 200 people attend, live music, and AMAZING Avery Beer fresh on tap, we've definitely come a long way!

We also had corn-hole outside and an amazing raffle and silent auction inside with everything from Denver Broncos tickets, Avs tickets, Avery Beer (of course), Moosejaw jackets, Nutcase helmets, Love of Pretty jewelry, SweFish Messages, Kelty Backpacks, a KitchenAide mixer AND coffee pot, and more! The raffle and

silent auction items were amazing!

Then there was the music: Mortimer and Arthur Yoria rocked the house (or should I say tap

room) and were absolutely fabulous. These guys both came out special for this event, so we can not thank them enough!

And THEN there was the Chili: which was DELICIOUS!

Here is where the votes came in for the top 3:

#1: Eric's (or should I say Ember's!) Green Chili

#2: Jill's White Chicken Chili (with a little touch of bacon!)

#3: Kyle's 'Smoked' Texas Chili (his trick was burning the bottom of the pan!)

And, as we promised, here is the recipe for Eric's Award Winning Green Chili:

2011 Turkey Green Chili "Champion" Recipe

2 - Ilbs Ground Turkey

1 - medium onion (chopped)

3 - cloves garlic

1 - green pepper (chopped)

1 - 4 oz can green chilies (diced)

2 - 15 oz cans white beans

1 - 28 oz can medium salsa

1 - jalapeño (diced & seeded)

2 - Tbsp sea-salt (I use closer to 1 - 2 tsp)

2 - Tbsp cumin

1 - tsp coriander

1 - tsp oregano ( I use dried)

2 - cups chicken broth

Sauté garlic & onions with olive oil till "glassy". Add turkey & brown with salt & pepper.

*Crock pot version - Add turkey and other ingredients to crock pot and put on high for 6-8 hrs.

*On the stove version - same as above, except add beans later in cooking process. Cook for 2-3 hrs.

I'm not gonna lie- it was good. Next year we're gonna have to step it up even more. Which means more chili, more beer, more music, more people, and even more love and support (if that's even possible). Again, thank you to everyone who came or supported in every way. All of the Outdoor Mindset crew left feeling so proud and excited to be a part of something that could draw the amazing crowd that attended that event. We had Guides, Travels, Members, Friends, Family, and Supports all in one room and you could feel the strength in our mission to unite and inspire individual people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion for the outdoors the entire night.

And also a BIG thank you to OM Friend Caroline Bridges for being our photographer for the night!

Determination

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:52:00 +0000

Here's an inspiring guest blog from one of our amazing Outdoor Mindset Members - Jonathan Houle - about living an extraordinary life! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday!

And in case anyone is worried, don't fret folks- the winning Chili Cook-off recipe will be revealed soon on this blog. ;)

Enjoy!

Determination
I was 5 years old when my mom told me I was adopted. I thought in that moment that I was different and unique and I was determined at all costs to prove that from that moment on.

She was diagnosed with Cancer in The early 1990’s… I was playing with my toys in the family

room when she collapsed onto the floor. The ambulance showed up. There was obviously something wrong. The next thing I can remember is seeing my mom at Stanford Hospital. I approached her on her Hospital bed as the late afternoon sun shone through her window on to her blue fuzzy hospital comforter. She was weak, and she did not have any hair on her eyebrows. She had some kind of bandage wrapped around her head from where they cut into her temple to take out the tumor. She looked at me lovingly. I was scared and quiet.

She lived like a rock, tempered by the ebb and flow of my dad and my grandiose notions and crazy projects, though virtually unwavering in her views. I remember how she would not budge from her opinions and stood by them even if a different way seemed blatantly obvious to everyone else. We thought she was crazy.

Looking back, I can now see that we were the crazy ones. She simply stood for what she believed in, IN THE FACE OF ANYTHING, including cancer…

I was able to settle this with her the year before she passed. On a Friday morning, I called her and I apologized for being a jerk, and not listening to her. I told her that I loved her and that she was the only mom for me. She told me she loved me and that I was the only son that she could ever have.

To honor her, I will live nothing less than an extraordinary life…

Throughout the second half of her diagnosis I began to give myself over to the practice of Aikido. I wanted to escape as far away from what I considered to be a normal way of life. This is also why I moved to Bulgaria to be an apprentice in the discipline.

When we train in Aikido we push ourselves beyond the limits of our minds and what we think is physically possible for our bodies to accomplish. Bulgarian Aikido is a manifestation of my commitment to my Mom’s life and her perseverance in the face of physically crippling circumstances.

The doctors gave her 10 years. She lived 20 more years after that.

This is why I became a member of Outdoor Mindset…

I met Kyle at a networking event and we instantly connected given who he is and all of the good things that the organization is up to. I immediately saw an opportunity to contribute my experiences and to help people dealing with their own neurological disorders. I became a member of Outdoor Mindset to inspire others and to be a part of something greater than myself.

Jonathan Houle is the owner of Bulgarian Aikido in Boulder, CO and has been training in Martial Arts for 10 years. He is a Black Belt and Sensei. He has a B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Washington University and has been married for three years. Bulgarian Aikido offers discounts to Outdoor Mindset members. He can be reached at jonathan@bulgarianaikido.com.

Ann Nicocelli Part II: What I have learned...and wish I had known before brain surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Today we have part deux of Ann Nicocelli's amazing story and blog. She has twenty points and tips about what she has learned and wished she had known before having brain surgery just over a year ago for a brain aneurysm. She says above all, the most important guidance she has to give is to stay positive and maintain a sense of humor through it all. Plus I've added some shameless Outdoor Mindset plugs along the way in green that tie into her words of wisdom. :)

Here she goes:

1. Your body can only take care of you at the level and quality that you take care of it. The phrase “your body is your temple” gains new meaning. If you take care of yourself, your mind and body will give back to you x100…and you will need it.

2. Everyone taking care of you – from the people in the hospital, your doctors, your family and friends – is human. Although you are the focus, they also have and need their own support networks and friends. It is important to be respectful and appreciative.

3. There is such a thing as too much information at most stages of this process. We live in a world of information frenzy. There are pros and cons to our access as you gather information for a medical procedure. In advance of my surgery, when I went online and looked for similar stories about what to expect, they were hard to find…but there were plenty of scary anecdotes that were not relevant to my situation that were emotionally exhausting to process.
(So instead you should just go to OutdoorMindset.org right from the start and sign up to be a traveler and connect with someone who has experience with a similar diagnosis or neurological experience!)

4. It is ok to protect yourself mentally as you go through the diagnosis, surgery and healing stages. You need your mental strength. It is important to stay strong and keep positive people around you.

5. There is no perfect way to prepare yourself, your family or your friends for your brain surgery. Everyone is different. Do what feels right and is personalized to you. Make sure you have the legal and financial components covered…and from there, it is creative sailing.

6. If your family is involved in the process with you, they may change and your relationship with them may change. This is an intense process and you are not the only one who will be affected. Relationships became much more open, honest and deep. This isnt necessarily a bad thing, but it isn’t always easy at every step. (Have your friends and family sign up to be a part of Outdoor Mindset as well, as a Supporter!)

7. If you have children, they will likely be resilient, but not impervious to what is happening around them. They will take cues from you. Make sure that there is a plan that directly responds to their needs at every stage – before, during, and after surgery. There should to be someone other than just yourself that is sensitive to your children at all stages. The outcome to you surgery is unpredictable, so there should be a plan that can adapt to a variety of foreseeable scenarios. It is important to set this up in advance.

8. Your quality of healthcare and surgical care matters…a lot. Get as creative as you can to get the best surgeons and doctors to help you navigate your journey. Additionally, although your comfort with the lead surgeon is critical, the comprehensive quality of the whole team and all the services of the hospital is very important as well.

9. The way you try to fix your aneurysm the first go around is critical. This is your brain – once a surgeon enters your brain, it will affect your options moving forward – so choosing wisely the first time matters.

10. The surgeons and doctors you talk to will generally give you a solution based on what they know how to do. If they are a specialist in clipping…they will most likely give you a clipping solution. If they coil…they will likely tell you coiling is the best. Remember, medicine is a business. Try to find doctors who can truly give you an assessment of all the options available.

11. Coming out of this you may not be the same or look at life in the same way. This is a daunting statement as it can mean many things. Know that it does not necessarily have to be bad…it can actually be a wonderful thing. Events like this, if internalized, can make you realize what a blessing life is, how to appreciate the small things, and that all those challenges that used to interrupt you from enjoying life, aren’t that significant.

12. If you are single...your social life won't end after brain surgery. I am not sure if it is because you come out more relaxed or if there is some curiosity out there about people who have gone through brain surgery…but there are still plenty of people out there who seem to not really care that you have a scar in your head. It's actually kind of cute. I love my scar, I am proud of it. :-)

13. Most of the healing process is very personal and internal to you. Others are heavily involved, but most of the fight to recover is within yourself.

14. There are many likely scenarios where you can come out of surgery and this process stronger than you went in. Stay strong, remain hopeful, and continue to dream BIG.

15. Lessons Learned about Going Back to Work: Take it slow…if you don’t, your body will make you – there is a reality of how hard you can push yourself, and the limit you had previously is diminished. It will come back, it just takes time.

16. Time has a new horizon. Healing and evolving past brain surgery is not about taking days or weeks, it is about taking months and years. The days matter a lot, but how I handle the months matters too. You may have higher expectations of yourself than others do around you. It is ok to take it slow, don’t be hard on yourself. Give yourself time.

17. No matter what you feel about your life, you will likely feel like you need to go through an entire life assessment…because what happened during surgery was just “that” big. You may end up staying in exactly what you are doing…or you may completely change…it is less about the change than the need to assess and make sure that what you are doing is worthwhile in your own mind.

18. My own personal experience was that I needed to go back to the same job just to prove to myself that I could do it. It became a way to compare and judge if I was any different on any skill. If I would have done something different right away, I would have never truly known or had a way to assess nuanced capabilities.

19. When you are digging deep in racing or training, you will pull from places of strength that were discovered in the brain surgery process. This is a wonderful feeling and makes the process poetic.

20. ...And at one year - I still have the post surgery euphoria. Life is an amazing thing and there is really not much I am afraid of at this point. You learn to deal with phenomenal adversity and see the strength of human character from the front row....or maybe even the stage. (Like Outdoor Mindset always like to say - KEEP LIVING BIG!)

- Ann Nicocelli

Amazing words of wisdom and insight for all of us, especially those going through a challenging neurological journey.

Thanks so much Ann!

jill

A Journey Worth Traveling - Ann Nicocelli

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Today we have a guest blog from Ann Nicocelli, an Outdoor Mindset Member in Washington DC who does not believe in limits. Ann was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and had brain surgery just over a year ago. She is a dedicated athlete, mother, and lover of the outdoors and she has not let her diagnosis define or limit her throughout her journey. She has worked back to amazing strengths after surgery (back at 200% she says!) and continues to compete in triathlons. She is an inspiration to us all.

In Retrospect: One Year After Brain Surgery...

A Journey Worth Traveling

My one year anniversary since brain surgery was two days ago - on September 10, 2011. Trying to wrap my arms around everything that has happened over the last year is a bit surreal. It has been quite a journey. In a way, I feel like it has been a lifetime. I will begin with where I am today, but I must share that the road to getting here has been full of twists, turns, bumps, and near misses.

Nothing was lost and much has been gained through brain surgery...really. I feel extremely fortunate to be here with all of my mental and physical function back at 100% and I actually feel like I am at 200% compared to how I felt prior to surgery. This is due to unending support from family and friends, tremendous medical skill and effectiveness, being physically and mentally fit, a deep passion for the outdoors and a significant amount of luck that the stars aligned to bring it all together.

The mission of Outdoor Mindset resonates deeply with me. My connection and love for the outdoors brought me through my most challenging elements of brain surgery. When I was looking for hope prior to surgery, it was hard to find. Outdoor Mindset brings this all together in one place. It is an organization where you can find information, hope, and friends who have traveled a similar path with common inspiration from the outdoors.

Here is my story...

July 16, 2010: My daughter sat in the corner on a stool in a private room in the emergency area of the hospital. She was occupying herself in a very mature way for a 5 year old, while I went for tests and spoke to the doctors and nurses. After what felt like hours (ok…it was hours), the ER doctor came back in and said that the severe vertigo that I had been experiencing was likely due to stones in my inner ear being out of place.

I didn’t know what this meant. I just wanted to understand what would make the intense nausea and dizziness go away. He then offered that the results of the CT of my head had come back and the blood flow from my neck to my head was normal. This information gave me a split second of relief when he paused, looked me in the eye and added, “the CT also showed that an aneurysm was found in your brain.”

My foggy, pained, nauseous head thought, “What?? an aneurysm? What is that? I am a healthy athlete; it can’t be that big a deal. This is about vertigo and getting rid of it as quickly a possible.”

I heard the doctor. He explained what it all meant in technical terms and then softly said that I didn’t need emergency surgery but that I should set an appointment with a neurosurgeon as soon as possible. He went on to say that it was small…4 millimeters…on the left side…and again he observed that I did not need emergency surgery. I think this last reflection was supposed to provide relief.

I look back on that day and the weeks that followed and a flood of thoughts, emotions and memories come to mind. One thought that is very clear is that I know that being an athlete and my connection to the outdoors has made me stronger, kept me centered, and continues to play a pivotal role in successfully taking me through tremendous adversity. It has truly saved my life.

Surgery:

The more I learned about aneurysms, the more I realized how serious and life threatening this condition was. In preparing for surgery you need to plan for results as varied as death, permanent brain damage, or what is hoped, coming out of surgery stronger than when you entered.

After researching the best neurosurgical facilities, I ended up going with Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Ironically my lead surgeon, Dr. Alexander Coon, was also a triathlete. His strength as a surgeon combined with his training as a triathlete and connection to the outdoors became important to my success. Dr. Coon dealt with the severity of my condition while also understanding the approach that an athlete might take going into surgery and coming through it.

I had signed up for the Luray and Nations triathlons prior to surgery. They were supposed to be my first races. I had been a cyclist but decided to jump into tri training to see how it felt. I was ready to go but I ended up storing all my gear and canceling my participation in both tri's. In order to avoid the aneurysm rupturing, I couldn’t do anything that would increase blood pressure in my head prior to surgery. Even though I canceled (or in my mind postponed) the races, I kept training at a scaled down level up until the day before surgery. I swam, biked or ran regularly. Because my surgeon was also an athlete, I was able to manage this under his watchful eye. The training was essential. It kept me balanced, focused, and strong.

I approached surgery almost as if it were race day. I knew it would be hard, that there was an element of unknown, and that I had to be stronger than I ever had been in my life to get through it in a positive way. The surgery ended up being more challenging than expected. I almost lost the ability to speak, understand language, and control the right side of my body. This path was fortunately averted. Instead, I came out of surgery with all of the brain function that I went in with, along with euphoria and an acute awareness that comes from a near death experience. It turns out that the original vertigo, which put me into the hospital, was unrelated to the aneurysm. Additionally, the wall of the aneurysm was so thin that it would have likely ruptured very soon without surgical intervention. I am blessed that the aneurysm was found and forever thankful to my surgical team for bringing me through it so successfully.

Building Back Better:

The memories after surgery of relearning to walk up stairs with a physical therapist are very recent. I made the decision to focus on endurance training because it not only made me happy, I felt like it was the best way to put the fatigue and post surgical healing behind me. It is important to know that after surgery, your brain can heal. Surgery is a traumatic process. There is an evolution that you and your brain will go through of reconnecting. It is actually a beautiful thing to experience. The healing power of the brain is inexplicable in words.

Although I worked out right up to the day before surgery, I suffered a significant loss of strength and endurance through this process. This is typical. My upper body strength disappeared. Under doctor’s orders, I was not allowed to lift anything heavier than a milk carton for 3 months. I went from being able to comfortably perform full push-ups before surgery to not even being able to do one push-up on my knees after surgery. In addition, after the surgery my ability was depleted to the point of not being able to swim 10 meters in a pool or run half a block without being winded. (This is rather traumatic to a self described triathlete!)

I have had a lot of "first's" since surgery...the first time I walked again, the first time I ran, the first time I put a bike helmet back on my head (ouch!), my first triathlon, and so much more. In retrospect, I have learned a lot and healed in a way that has been better than I could have imagined...admittedly fighting every day to build back stronger. I have kept a journal which tracks my daily developments. It also tracks the fun, comical stories like when I went into the bike store a week after I arrived home from the hospital - yes, the true sign of a diehard gear geek! I still had 28 staples in my head and thought it might be the only place I could go and not be stared at...and maybe even be cool if they thought the staples were from a bike jump. I also decided at that point that I could have had the best costume and should have scheduled surgery closer to Halloween. I digress...

Severe fatigue post surgery is common. For me multisport training was a way to look straight in the face of it all and say “that is not going to be me.” Twelve days after the operation, I went for my first run and have been training ever since. I ran a 10k thirteen weeks after surgery in just less than an hour. Completing the race was a triumph. I used this run to qualify for the National Half Marathon in Washington, DC. My first triathlon was Columbia International Tri (1.5k Swim – 41k Bike – 10k Run) on May 22. I raced this with my surgeons Drs. Coon and Geoffrey Colby, also known as A1 and G6 when they are ripping up the roads. I also raced the Luray International Tri, the same distance, on August 13. This was a huge victory as this was a race I had cancelled a year ago to prep for surgery. Yesterday morning (September 11) I raced the Nations Tri in Washington, DC. The swim was cancelled due to flooding, but it was still a great bike and run! It felt awesome to join the two races that I had cancelled last year. In a way it became closure on a year of building back. I can now think big in a new way and define my race schedule based on what will be fun and where I want to take multisport training moving forward.

Healing is an arduous process. There are challenging days and easier ones. You realize there are times in your life when you need to ask a lot of your body. It is so clear to me now that your body can only respond at the level that you take care of it. I am now having fun indulging myself, pushing the athlete in me forward, and seeing what my body and mind can do. I feel stronger, more focused and self realized than when I went into surgery and it is invigorating. Training for me used to be just a way to stay healthy. It has now become an integral part of my life.

CycleLife invited me to join their tri team. The team environment provides tremendous support and our team is a fabulous group of athletes. I spend more time now focused on my nutrition and recovery in between workouts. It has made all the difference in my overall quality of life. I am looking forward to adding cycling and running races to the calendar to supplement the tri's. This will all be coordinated with Steve Dolge, my ever supportive coach.

Life After Brain Surgery:

It would be cliche to say that my life has gone back to normal. There really is no such thing. I am back to being a dedicated mom, to working in the international corporate world, to enjoying time with family and friends, and to living an active, athletic lifestyle. I have been medication free since a week after surgery and I enjoy a life with a sweetness, beauty and calm that comes from facing your own mortality in such an intimate way. There are daily challenges that life brings that now seem easier to put into perspective.

I am proud of being a brain aneurysm survivor, thankful for my wonderful medical team, family and friends, and excited for the future that has been given to me. That precious box that holds the meaning of life has been opened, and I will treasure it every moment.

My connection to the outdoors and endurance training has made me heal faster, stronger, and in a more well rounded way than I could have ever imagined. If you have brain surgery on the horizon, from my heart, I wish you all the very best. A friend who is a cancer survivor told me that this process would make me a warrior. It will do the same for you. You are stronger than you realize, make sure you smile and even laugh a little - or even a lot, and know that many others are with you.

- Ann Nicocelli

WOW - talk about an amazing story!

Stay tuned because later this week we'll be posting 20 things Ann has learned from surgery, and what she wishes she had know before surgery.

Happy Monday!

Jill

People who give are cool - especially Libby Boyd!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:10:00 +0000

Today we have a guest blog from Libby Boyd - a friend and 'family member' of Outdoor Mindset - who recently committed to donating a portion of each sale she makes as a Realtor for Pedal to Properties to our one and only Outdoor Mindset. Some people say they're going to do something this awesome, but Libby is so committed she put it in writing, too!

"Donations" come in many forms: volunteering, hosting an event, setting a goal and fundraising through Crowdrise, or donating a little off the top of your income, etc. The possibilities are endless. Whatever you're able to do, know that it's appreciated a million times over and goes a LONG way for little non-profits like us. So thank you, thank you, thank you to the amazing Libby Boyd and all the other inspiring individuals who have already helped us and will help us in the future.

Here's what Libby has to say:

“If you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life.” I completely agree with that quote since I spend my days finding the perfect home for my clients. Being the conduit that results in happy home owners is most rewarding. Getting paid to help in their purchases is “the cherry on top” for me.

This income provides for my family but once the essentials are taken care of, I wish to give back to my community. This is why I am donating a portion of each transaction towards Outdoor Mindset. I believe the organization really helps newly diagnosed people with neurological challenges through the power of nature, exercise and personal connection.

The only way to connect as many people as possible is to gain presence at events and on the internet. The organization also must have someone dedicated to overseeing the connections and ensure everyone is getting what they need. By donating a portion of my income, I will be providing funds to support this valuable service. If my financial contribution gains Outdoor Mindset entry to one more event in which they connect one individual in need of this outreach, that will be extremely rewarding.

Spending money is easy but I find few ways that are as rewarding as giving to develop a non-profit that I feel so strongly about. I would encourage everyone to see if there’s room in their personal budget to donate to Outdoor Mindset. Perhaps consider passing on a cute new pair of shoes or dining out and do something that will make you just as happy and positively affect the lives of one or many people. I am blessed that I get to do what I love every day allowing me to donate to a such a valuable cause.

- Libby Boyd

She's pretty fabulous- right? We sure do appreciate her for everything she does for OM (and not only for her donation commitment, but also for things like whipping up an antipasto platter in the middle of the wilderness on our Board Retreat). I don't know what we would do without active, engaged, dedicated supporters like her. Now what are you going to do? No pressure or anything... ;)

Don't forget to enjoy the sunset,

Jill

Play Your Cards Right- Like Channing

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:18:00 +0000

Today we have a special guest blog from one of the most inspiring, awesome almost-18 year olds I've ever met! Channing, who lives in beautiful Basalt, Colorado, contacted us at Outdoor Mindset about some ways to get involved and help spread the good word about Outdoor Mindset. We thought the perfect Step 1 would be sharing her amazing story of LIVING BIG with epilepsy and continuing to get outdoors as a form of inspiration and solace in her life.

Here's a little background on Channing before she jumps in: She was born and raised in Aspen, her favorite colors are orange and purple, loves almost all things outdoors, and is interning with Glenwood Vet Clinic. Oh yeah, and she's a killer when it comes to Texas Hold'em!

Here is what she has to say to you all:

"Everyone is dealt a bad hand in life. It’s what you do with that hand that makes one so unique. This can be anywhere from being rich to divorce, epilepsy to quadriplegic, homeless to starving. Everything in life may not happen for a reason, but without the bad in life, we cannot experience the good. I graduated high school on the 28th, so I am no expert, but I do know, I would not be the person I am today without it.

My dreams about becoming a veterinarian technician-possible vet, an EMT, and ski coach came earlier than I thought. I started riding horses when I was five years old and started competing in hunters at the age of seven. However, three years later I was diagnosed with epilepsy after having multiple tonic clonics. My passion, what my life revolved around seemed to be gone. Epilepsy didn’t take anything away from me. My family and I, instead, created a solution. We got a titanium helmet, and in the event I fall off, we got an inflatable air vest that protects not only my head and neck, but all of my internal organs. My first epileptologist didn’t like the idea of an epileptic riding horses and thought I should have collected stamps. 1) Every horseback rider falls off, 2) horses have an amazing connection and sense with their rider and in the end will come to a halt if they sense something is wrong… I’ve had two tonic clonic seizures on my horse and as well myoclonic jerks, and 3) I’m not the only one falling off their horse, it could happen to anybody, maybe people I ride with will have a seizure on their horse unexpectedly out of the blue. Because of my horsing habit, I believe in animal therapy so much. Now I jump four feet and compete against professionals in more advanced shows that go on for two weeks all around Colorado. I have a crazy dream of going to the Olympics.

I work for the manager at the ranch (Cozy Point Ranch) I board my horse at. There I have learned not only about good horsemanship, but how to care for horses if they are injured. I found my interest in veterinarian medicine there when we were caring for a horse that had fell down a cliff and its owner asked Cozy Point Ranch help take care of him. The manager asked me to clean its wounds out, wrap him, put gauze on his back, and scrape the scabs off that I could. That’s where I started out. Today I do ride along's with one of our local vet clinics. Now I get to do post mortems on cows, castrate calves, and do pre purchases on horses, look for arthritis in horses’ legs, and much more hands on.

I’ve always loved blood and guts, but twelve years of medical school wasn’t for me. I was able to take a first responder course and get certified in October of 2010. Since then I follow up with once a month refresher medical classes through the fire department. This fall I hope to get my EMT.

Skiing has been a large part of my life living in the mountains. I knew how to ski before I knew how to walk. Later I joined the freestyle program at a ski club we have. I started competing in small competitions around Colorado. When I stopped competing because it wasn’t for me, the director of the program asked if I wanted to be the club’s first coach in training. Three years later I was an assistant coach, and next thing I knew, I had my own group as a ski coach. I wear climbing harness with no legs, connected to a daisy chain with a carabineer on the chair lift. It acts like a seat belt in the event I would have a seizure on the chair, I wouldn’t fall off. The harness goes through the belt loops on my ski pants, I throw the daisy chain over the back of the chair and under, and then the carabineer connects to the harness. The group I teach knows how it works. At the beginning of each year, I tell the kids what epilepsy is, and what to do in the event I have a seizure. I give a lecture to the parents at the beginning of each year as well.

This past winter I did an internship with ski patrol. I loved how they took me out of bounds, under closed ropes, showed me avalanche areas, and did training with me. They taught me how to drive a toboggan and showed me the ropes.

It’s not what cards you are dealt; it’s what you do with the cards dealt to you. You can find a solution, or become isolated. But you only live once, and you don’t want to ruin all the potential you have.

“The idea being to accept fully what you are.”

~ Mattox

Outdoor Mindset is a great example of living life to its fullest despite having a neurological disorder. Still using a safe environment, this organization is just one of many that shows you can still lead an active lifestyle, pursue your dreams, and be an everyday person, while living with epilepsy or another neurological dis-order. It gives those who are isolated a chance to be “normal”, whatever “normal” means… Don’t waste talent or any goal for that matter, because I guarantee there is a solution that allows you to keep your hopes up.

- Channing Seideman, almost-18 (yes, that's right, just 18)

Now who wants to talk about limits? Let this story remind us that there are no limits in life, just obstacles we need to work around and dominate. Outdoor Mindset can be there to help with this journey every step of the way.

Over and Out,

Field of Dreams - Website Update

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Boyd) — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:19:00 +0000

For just over year we've been focused and moving towards building an enhanced Outdoor Mindset website program engine. You might be saying, "Engine, what are you talking about engine, I thought this was about the website?" Well, let me explain a bit more. We on the board look at the website as much more than a static thing that people may come to visit, look at and move along. Our primary focus is to create and foster successful and life enhancing matches between guides and travelers and we see the website 'engine' as a way to bring this to a large group which scales well as interest and participation grows.

As you can see with our current site, we do have an 'engine' which is helping our organization accept new guides and travelers into the OM family. Our next big initiative is to enhance the 'engine' through the use of the Force.com (salesforce.com) platform which has been donated to us by salesforce.com. The new platform will allow us to streamline data gathering for guides, travelers, volunteers and those who support OM through their generous donations. The matching of guides and travelers will still take place at the hands of our experienced staff volunteers but the information will live in one place, allowing us to streamline the flow of data and to provide efficiencies in the way we run the organization.

We are in the RFP gathering phase and have quotes from some very qualified vendors who specialize in implementing salesforce.com for non-profit groups like OM. They will be assisting us with the build out and customization of the salesforce.com platform. In the coming months we'll be migrating to this new salesforce.com 'engine' and through this we expect to be delivering more to our guides and travelers on behalf of those wonderful folks who have donated funds to OM.

Thank you all for your continued support of OM.

Chris Boyd

I HEART CURRY (and the brain benefits of Turmeric!)

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Nordquist) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:50:00 +0000

It was brought to my attention while I was slaving in the kitchen cooking my first Curry, that “Turmeric is good for your brain”. Wow! I know science, doctors, surgeries, scans, tests and more tests could be helpful in fixing F’ed up brains, but could my little Curry recipe help as well?

As everyone knows (from my two blog posts which both happen to be cooking and recipe related- humm) I love to cook! I cook for Brian and I, but cooking for a crowd & entertaining is even more fun! Last week I decided to take the plunge into international waters and test of my first home made curry- from scratch I might add.

I will have to admit it was a little more involved that I had originally anticipated. Step One: Make the Curry Sauce, then add the other sauce ingredients & Turmeric, plus don’t forget to marinate the chicken tikka, (ooops). But in the end after making 3 different pages of recipes for one dish- it finally made it onto the plate at 9pm! (Thanks for your patience boys). I am proud to report; all of my dinner party guests were a part of the clean plate club . . . after their second helping of course.

Post dinner conversation, I was very intrigued on the health benefits of the Turmeric I had just added in my curry and why it was good for the brain. Can we include things in our diet to prevent future disease and promote brain health?

Turmeric derived from the plant Curcuma longa, is a gold colored culinary spice, a major ingredient in Indian curries, the source of American mustard's bright yellow color and a relative of ginger (I learn something new every day). Curcumin, which gives the yellow color to turmeric, was first isolated almost two centuries ago, and its structure as diferuloylmethane was determined in 1910. Since the time of 1900 BC, numerous therapeutic activities have been assigned to turmeric. Curcumin exhibits activities similar to recently discovered tumor necrosis factor blockers - which is just what we are looking for! Tumor Blockers for that puncus uncus! Evidence suggests this spice is a promising preventive agent for a wide range of diseases, probably due largely to its anti-inflammatory properties. After my little research session, the bottom line is that the advantages of turmeric (and more specifically Curcumin) are too numerous to list! An overview published in Advanced Experimental Medical Biology in 2007 states that, "Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and other chronic illnesses." That is the most “anti” ingredient I have ever used in my kitchen!

Looks like I will be making lots more Indian Curries in my lifetime. They promote “anti” everything! Did my little Curry recipe help us build better brain health? I think so.

Spring! A season for learning new languages…

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanie) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:07:00 +0000

I recently started the last term of my first year of medical school. Our new course directors reminded us of two medical school analogies:
1) Medical school is similar to drinking from a fire hose. The material in essence is not the difficulty; it is the rate at which we have to learn the material.
2) Medical school entails learning new languages. In other words, we are barraged with not only new information but words we have never heard before and have no idea how to pronounce.

I am finding the course directors credible. In three weeks and in only one course (neuroscience), we have learned about generating and propagating action potentials, what happens at the synapses, the topographic anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, the vasculature of the brain, the blood brain barrier and how the brain makes cerebral spinal fluid, the morphogenesis of the brain, the organization of the brainstem, glial biology, how the somatosensory system works and audition. Ummmm…what was that you ask? Yes, spring has arrived and it is my season for learning new languages and new information! So, while I learn about the telencephalon, funiculi, and sensory homunculus, I thought I would share a few interesting tidbits with you:

• Did you know the brain develops from a tube? It’s why we have spaces or “ventricles” in our brain around which lies the cerebral cortex and brainstem. Brain development starts early on for the fetus – around the third week and before one might even know she is pregnant.
• The brain weighs around three pounds yet receives almost 20% of total cardiac output. One fifth of the blood that our heart pumps goes to the brain!
• We have around 1,000,000,000,000 neurons in our brain and each one can communicate with multiple other neurons so that the information it sends on is the sum of many inputs. Our brain is complex!
• We have cells in our inner ears called outer hair cells that change their lengths based on electrical signals generated originally by sound and protect our ears from damage. Check out this video (and yes – this is the cell dancing to music)! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo9bwQuYrRo.

As spring announces itself, I hope you all enjoy lots of time outdoors and take advantage of the vegetables coming into season. After all, we can’t forget to nourish our brains and bodies! Check out our friend Kristin McCurdy’s new food blog at http://daysfork.com/. Not only does she have an outdoor mindset, but she also is a kick-butt chef who has spent years getting dirty on organic farms. No one can make salads like her (yeah – delicious and she has yet to bring the same salad to a dinner I have been to with her). Kristin posts other recipes too (and when our classmate Brooks brings leftovers to class, we all salivate).

Here’s to spring and nourishing our minds and bodies with good food, the outdoors and new languages!

Thanks to you

noreply@blogger.com (Kellyn) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:19:00 +0000

So as you all know by now, OM is in the middle of our huge March Madness event to raise as much money as possible in March through all sorts of creative activities. We've got a big Adventure Race, a couch potato-thon, a mustache growing event, the list goes on. Jill and I talked over and over about what we wanted to do. We tossed around the idea of running a marathon but decided that it might be a tad ambitious given the fact that we were both averaging about a mile a day. We decided a 5K might be a better place to start!

Next, we had to decide which 5K to run. Being the procrastinators that we are, we waited until about April 31st to get on the computer and really search one out. By this time our options were slightly limited. Out of the 5 available in March, we could both attend 2 of them. There was one that started at a bar and ran around the side streets of Denver, and then there was the "Stop TB" Trot. Although the bar run had its own unique advantages, we collaboratively decided that running for a good cause was more important to us. We also figured out that although Tuberculosis is mainly a disease of the lungs, it can also have strong impacts on the BRAIN as well. We were thrilled to figure this out and obviously excited about finally making a decision about our March Madness event.

Throughout the entire process of trying to find an event and then raise money for OM through these March Madness events, the best thing for me has definitely been receiving the feedback and support from so many people. I mean, the grueling training has been great too, but the enormous amount of people who have come out and shown their interest in OM has definitely been the best. I am constantly overwhelmed by how much care, interest, and support I receive from friends, family, and strangers when OM comes into conversations. At Outdoor Mindset meetings, we always talk about how great we think the things we come up with are, but we sometimes wonder how everyone else will feel? I must say that the feedback and support that I have received alone with my one event has been amazing. It confirms the fact that OM is on the right track and we really have something special going on here, and not just from the boards perspective, but from yours as well! So what I am trying to say is that Outdoor Mindset appreciates you! Thank you all for being who you are and supporting what you believe in. We are all so lucky to be a part of an organization that means something to us personally. It means so much to us that you are a part of OM too!

Team Outdoor Mindset Goes to Moab

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Martin) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 01:15:00 +0000

So...this is how I was going to start:

Outdoor Mindset will have a presence as “Team OM” in the Adventure XStream Moab Adventure Race. Just as we’ll be navigating our way through the race using nothing but a compass, map and a trust in our designated navigation point person; Outdoor Mindset’s Guide Program has great hopes to inspire our Guides to leverage their own experience in facing a neurological challenge to help navigate OM Travelers through a new diagnosis.

But then I decided that while it’s a good one, I rely on metaphors WAY too much when writing blogs, so forget that idea. Next, I thought about writing this:

While I’ve participated in a few races in the past, for me, the Moab Adventure Race that Team Outdoor Mindset will be competing in will be the most difficult challenge to date, by far. Over 50 miles of kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, rappelling and navigating takes another level and different style of training than I’m used to. However, as will be true during the race; when I’m on my last few miles of any given training day, what pulls me through is thinking of the many people we hope to serve through our Guide Program that find it difficult (or impossible) to enjoy these sports due to the limits of their neurological condition.

Now, while its absolutely true that a week ago I wanted to stop hammering my mountain bike up the hill to take a break; but literal flashes of people unable to get on a bike due to a neuro disorder pushed me through; I realize that this perspective of “why we race” has been done. [que Lance Armstrong]. So then I decided to cover logistics:

We’re pumped to have a team in the Moab Adventure Race on Saturday March 26, 2011. 50 miles, 8 hours, multiple disciplines, a 4 person team (made up of 3 board members, 2 of them brain tumor dudes) and plans to have a hell of a time; or goal is to raise awareness and funds for Outdoor Mindset. Check out our Crowdrise Page. Training is an 8 week minimum and includes all disciplines at various distances as well as core strength work outs. Here’s a snapshot of the typical Training Plan. Sometimes we train individually, sometimes as a team; but having a specific goal in sight with an entire team relying on each other is motivation enough. For a quick video of what’s in store:

Huh...while we think it’s pretty cool, the details might not be the most engaging topic of conversation.

So in the end, I included it all; why not cover what I was thinking when writing about our upcoming Adventure Race and let you pick the story that resonates. Come on...don’t act like you’re not a fan of the Hardy Boys.

We'll be tracking our progress, snapping photos and filming video the whole way. So, stay tuned-in to this blog, Facebook and Twitter to follow along. It's going to be a blast and it's the first of many events that we'll be participating in this summer.

-KM

Let’s get crazy!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:00:00 +0000

With intense winter weather pretty much all across the US in the past few weeks, it’s easy to get in winter hibernation mode. But not us at OM! Instead we’re gearing up to do some great things in March. In fact, we’re doing things that are SO great that we’re calling it March Madness and the goal is to raise $25k by March 31st. Sheer madness you may say? Nope… we know we can do it, but we need the help of other great people to reach our goal (as is true for many things in life!) so we’ve started the March Madness fundraising campaign on Crowdrise, an online community that helps pull people together to start projects that all help reach a common goal for non-profit organizations. We need to raise $25k to get our Guide Program up and running on a new online platform that will better match Guides and Travelers, which is one of our main goals at OM – so of course we want to be GOOOOOOD at it!
On our March Madness Crowdrise event, there are many options. First, you can donate directly to the overall campaign. Second, you can create your own project to help raise money for March Madness, and ultimately Outdoor Mindset. Third, you can join other people’s projects, and become part of their team if you like what they’re doing and want to do the same thing.

We already have some AWESOME projects up there. Tony Stafford, a friend of Outdoor Mindset and founder of Boulder Sports Performance (which helps other athletes train to reach their ultimate fitness goals) is trying to break the World Record for the fastest marathon while wearing a 40 pound pack at the Baatan Memorial Death March. MADNESS!!! A group of OM’ers and some friends are doing a Moab Adventure race that includes at 275 foot rappel off a cliff. CRAZY! Kellyn and I are going to run a 5k or 10k… ok that sounds a little more calm and reasonable, but still, we’re doing it for OM and showing that we’re getting outdoors and getting active in March and it’s all for Outdoor Mindset. If all else fails, you should at least donate the money you win from your NCAA March Madness tournament bracket to Outdoor Mindset. All you had to do was drink beer, watch TV, and make educated guesses to win that… I’m just sayin’.

So here’s to raising $25k by March 31st and loving every second of the process: from getting outdoors, harassing our friends and family to donate, and putting it all towards the goal of connecting newly diagnosed individuals with someone else uniquely familiar to the neurological experience they’re going through. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from us soon, so just go ahead and pass the word along now.

Let’s make this 2011 March Madness campaign as cool as this highlight video from the 2010 NCAA Tourney. Now help us 'WIN'! (I especially like those MSU clips...)

New Years Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Shinn) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:32:00 +0000

Friday we posted the top ten New Years resolutions to our Facebook page. In case you missed it, here they are.

10: Get Organized 

9: Help Others 

8: Learn something new 

7: Get out of Debt 

6: Quit Drinking 

5: Enjoy Life More 

4: Quit Smoking 

3: Tame the Bulge 

2: Fit in Fitness 

1: Spend more time with Friends and Family

As I read this list, I couldn’t help but think of the times in my life where I chose to resolve one of these items in one way or another. Some were more difficult tasks than others, aka-quitting smoking (best decision of my life!) But as I finished reading the list, I began to think about how my resolutions have evolved in conjunction with my lifestyle choices and values.

In 2006, I traveled west of Chicago for the first time in my life and found myself immersed in the Rocky Mountains. From this point in my life until now, the outdoors has been a very inspiring and therapeutic place for me. How could it not be though? Each year, getting outside more than the year before has been tops on my list (especially fly fishing!)

As I gear up for 2011, getting outside more makes the top of my list once again. Having a connection to close friends and an organization such as OM has instilled an appreciation for being able to embark on each adventure the outdoors provides. For this I am thankful.

So here’s to an active and adventurous 2011, no matter what kind of obstacles may arise!

See you on the river!

~Cood

On the Right Track

noreply@blogger.com (Jake Quigley) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:43:00 +0000

I arrived in Denver last week and traveled to my previous hometown of Breckenridge, CO for some days of fun and time with friends before heading into the hospital for surgery. I was fortunate enough to meet up with a lot of special folks in my life there, ski into a mountain hut for a night, and enjoy five unbelievable powder days on my tele skis!

I’m replaying all these things in my mind as I type from my hospital bed. I have been in University of Colorado Hospital’s Neuro Monitoring Unit for the past six days after a successful craniotomy to place electrodes on the surface of my brain. Pretty amazing stuff.

I won’t lie, coming out of surgery feels like crap! You have to tough it out. My new costume has some pretty interesting perks and characteristics too. Imagine a hybrid character influenced by Lawrence of Arabia’s turban, Lord Gandolf’s beard, and the infamous droid C3P0’s intricate wiring. Yeah, that ought to paint an accurate picture of my get up.

Since arriving at the hospital I’ve been reflecting on the journey that brought me here. It’s been a humbling experience. My professional career has always been about serving others and now my situation is turned around. These past several months I have been extremely lucky to have my wife, family and friends helping me through every step.

My Guide Diane has always steered me straight from her own experience with her temporal lobectomy. She’s never once sugar coated things or held back important information. “It’s gonna hurt like hell Jake,” she told me once. Those words raised my nerves for a long time while traveling down this road. Now I’m here with a couple of floating sections of skull with wires poking out of my head, and glad she put things so bluntly! I’m prepared to face whatever the docs throw at me.

I’ve been telling every doctor, nurse and technician about Outdoor Mindset (OM) since I got my room here. Kyle brought over OM business cards and a way cool poster that our marketing folks have been working hard on. My wife Jeanie has put those things into good use while giving our room a holiday touch. We have lights, stockings, and ornaments!! Our room is now OM central. It’s pretty hard for the specialists not to ask about it. When they inquire, all the feedback I get is positive. Most are uniquely drawn to the Guide Program we are establishing.

Last week Kyle, my brother, and I patiently awaited ski patrol’s opening of the Lake Chutes at Breckenridge Ski Resort. If you hit it right, and are willing to boot hike up a steep ridge to access the terrain, there are plenty of fresh tracks to make in untouched snow. On that day I took advantage of everything I could get my hands on. As we descended the chute that day, each laying down our own set of tracks, a few things became really clear. I’m on the right track was my first thought. I couldn’t be in a better position going through this neurological surgery procedure thanks to Outdoor Mindset, my wife, family and friends. The second realization that hit me was just how impressive a set of tracks Outdoor Mindset is making as it starts choosing its own path as a non-profit organization. The board of directors has spent the last year working its tail off to make this organization real. We can see the first summit and the organization is on its way to helping a lot of people.

Great Expectations

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:09:00 +0000

As of today, I am 7 months pregnant. Pregnancy has been great - aside from the normal side effects like morning sickness and mood swings - and it has been an experience unlike any other. It is amazing to take care of myself with purpose and feel the resulting human being growing inside of me. I often think of all the possibilities for my son and it is fun to imagine what he will look like, what he will be interested in, and the adult that he will become. Unfortunately, it is also terrifying to anticipate and prepare for the possibilities like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, autism, and a whole host of other potential neurological challenges that infants may face.

The prospect of having a child born with any neurological disorder is scary, and being associated with an organization like Outdoor Mindset has made me realize why it is so important to have a strong community of support. It is invaluable to have the perspective of someone that has shared the same fears and been through all the ups and downs that go along even with a healthy pregnancy. I continue imagining all the great things my new son and my growing family will do, and I know that we will continue to have the support that we have been blessed with so far. Although Outdoor Mindset connects people during challenging times, we also celebrate the connections we have during the most joyous times. This is what we wish for all of our guides, travellers, supporters, employees, friends, and family. I am excited to bring a new life into the world because he will be greeted by unparalled love and support. I know that this support will be magnified as we approach any challenges that we are sure to face.

Heads up doc, I’m ready to go!

noreply@blogger.com (Jake Quigley) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:06:00 +0000

More than a year has passed since the idea of Outdoor Mindset was tossed around by founder Kyle Martin. It has been a privilege and a lot of fun to be a part of the journey to turn an inspirational idea into a functioning organization. The folks who have made it all happen are a special crew, and I feel lucky to be part of the team behind the vision! All the hard work is paying off and Outdoor Mindset is on its way to affecting lives everywhere with its new Guide Program!

My participation and belief in the vision and mission goes way beyond fulfilling a personal philanthropic ideal. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was eleven. My family figured it out when I fell off a horse as a kid. My dad is a doc, and he was pretty sure he just witnessed a seizure. When they took me to the neurologist and ran some tests, sure enough, I was diagnosed epileptic. At the time, the diagnosis didn’t really affect me. I went on living my life, doing all sorts of crazy stuff on bikes, skateboards, snowboards, and playing hockey with no limitations.

Having epilepsy never had significant negative effects on my life since the majority of my seizures happen while sleeping. I won’t lie to you. The ones I do have while awake are pretty embarrassing. Particularly when I’m on the ice during a hockey game, drop in front of a crowd unexpectedly, slide across the ice shaking, and slam hard into the boards! Well, I guess for spectators it could be rather entertaining.

My epilepsy has never been controlled. I have failed medication after medication. Weekly seizures have been a part of my life for the past twenty-seven years. About two years ago I began to notice some changes in the presentation of my seizures and things that were WAY out of the ordinary for me. My memory began to fail, I had trouble concentrating, and I started having anxiety and panic attacks. Something was definitely up! I was referred to a team of specialists in Denver, CO. They put me on a ‘cocktail’ of multiple meds, but the seizures persisted. Then they mentioned brain surgery as the best next option. They wanted to take out a part of my brain. Now that freaked me out!!

After a long indecisive contemplation of which way to move forward, I opted to have the surgery. To my surprise, a few board members at Outdoor Mindset knew someone who went through the same situation I am facing now. Her name is Diane Van Deren and she had a temporal lobectomy ten years ago. Diane is currently a professional adventure athlete sponsored by The North Face. Now fully recovered, she travels the world and competes among an elite field of endurance athletes. I can't tell you how valuable her friendship, advocacy, and first hand experience has meant to me over these past several months. Diane's support, spirit and determination are an inspiration to me. She shoots me straight from her own experience in what to expect from the surgery, what to anticipate throughout the recovery process, and how it has impacted her quality of life.

The new Guide Program that Outdoor Mindset is launching is the real deal! Diane’s and my relationship is a testament to what a difference it makes to have support from someone who knows the ropes of neurological diagnosis.

Diane, Kyle, and I are headed on a hut trip in the central Rocky Mountains of CO for a day of backcountry skiing the night before I head into the hospital. I figure after that I can walk through those front doors with an ear-to-ear grin, goggle tan, and powder burned face that says ‘BRING IT ON’! Once it all goes down I hope to become a Guide myself, and offer my own experience to someone who needs support. Check out Outdoor Mindset and our Guide program - we’re gonna be big!

The Book: Mindfulness by Ellen J. Langer, Ph.D

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:28:00 +0000

This year I was at home for Thanksgiving and found an old book that I had from my college years. One that I bought with good intentions I'm sure but then never read it. I decided that I should see what it was about.

The books title: Mindfulness by Ellen J. Langer, Ph.D. A Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and the author of The Power of Mindful Learning. As I started reading it, I was quickly hooked. I often find myself doing things out of habit, or mindlessly. Some days I make it to work without even really remembering the drive. This book speaks about being mindful of your actions and surrounding. It has some fantastic real world examples of what can potentially happen if you are mindless (or on autopilot). Below is a quick excerpt from the book. No lead in necessary, it will tell you the story.

“My first experience of the grave risks of mindlessness occurred while I was in graduate school. My grandmother complained to her doctors about a snake crawling around beneath her skull and giving her headaches. Her descriptions were vivid and figurative, not literal. That was just the way she talked. But the young doctors who took care of her paid little attention to what this very old lady from another culture was telling them. They diagnosed senility. Senility comes with old age, after all, and makes people talk nonsense. When she grew more confused and unhappy, they recommended electroconvulsive therapy (“shock treatment”) and convinced my mother to give her approval.

Not until an autopsy was performed did anyone detect my grandmother’s brain tumor. I shared my mother’s agony and guilt. But who were we to question the doctors? For years afterward I kept thinking about the doctors’ reactions to my grandmother’s complaints, and about our reactions to the doctors. They went through the motions of diagnosis, but were not open to what they were hearing. Mindsets about senility interfered. We did not question the doctors; mindsets about experts interfered.”

Just think about it.

~Kelli

Muchos Gracias

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Martin) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:38:00 +0000

While Outdoor Mindset’s official incorporation date is April 15th (ish), those closest to the action realize the wheels were in motion starting November 2009. Reflection of the last year and being thankful for all that it has been is key during this holiday week. My health challenges and Outdoor Mindset are no exception to this. How did it all go down from my perspective? Last year, a few strange things, mostly related to numbness in my right arm and leg, led to a doc visit that wasn’t your typical turn your head and cough type of day. When I was told there was a possibility of Multiple Sclerosis, then later diagnosed with a brain tumor (Punkus Uncus *not an official term); I knew my brain was officially BUSTED. Anger and self-pity did not exist, but I did have an ever present fire in my gut that was not about facing my own mortality, but was about the reality of dealing with a neurological challenge that could potentially hinder the active way of life that I love. It was personally life-changing and tough to absorb, but even more so it was mind boggling to think of the many others that are faced with that reality every day. So many folks share an addiction to live life to the fullest, enjoy the outdoors and strive to find adventure in every moment. This core lifestyle and the fear of losing these opportunities is top of mind anytime a medical challenge involving the brain is diagnosed. As I traveled the journey of owning my diagnosis and the process involved, a void of an easy way to connect with others that have gone through a similar challenge while continuing to enjoy an active way of life surfaced. I was lucky enough to have a great friend (OM’s lead finance dude, Eric) guide me through the process. We now share the same neurosurgeon, continue to bike together and sit on the OM board with this experience in our back pocket. I can truly say that having Eric as my Guide helped direct my situation towards a positive path.

Now, the true roots of how Outdoor Mindset was built. For several weeks after my first doctor visit, connecting the dots was a focus. I continued to see how random occurrences would collide and shed light on some type of master plan. As I met with several friends, a few big items surfaced:
• Holy smokes I’m lucky to have such great friends
• Each have their own talents to bring to the table
• All have a sense of altruism, a tie to people facing neurological challenges (or face one themselves) and share a love for outdoor adventure
• Sometimes we’re inappropriately funny....even more of a reason to start an organization.

Over the last year, then entire group worked together to build OM. Jake would talk about his will to encourage people to overcome the stigma of a diagnosis by living big, Eric would tell stories of how the opportunity to give back to someone with a similar diagnosis has been a driving force since a tumor changed his life, Chris would discuss how being outside and active tunes him into the world and inspires...the list goes on and we were 13 people strong, nothing was going to stop the brain train. Through these “brainstorming” (sorry, I can’t stop) sessions, a couple of needs surfaced:
• When you’re addicted to an active, outdoor-loving, adventurous life and you are hit with any diagnosis of the brain; immediately you’re confronted with the question “can I continue to live this way of life that I love so much? bike, ride, run, climb, etc... How do I really know?
• Then, many begin searching (mostly on the Internet) for information on next steps. What are the doctor conversations going to be like, what now, treatments, relationships, how do I tell my friends/family, etc. Tons of research papers, forums, support groups, and statistics are out there. But, how do I truly navigate?

We realized the first opportunity for inspiration wasn’t about research papers or statistics, but it was about connecting with someone that has the same diagnosis and a mutual passion for the outdoors. I’m a sucker for quotes and one of my favorites is “Don’t measure the size of the mountain, talk to the one who can move it.” Or in this case....has moved it....or is moving it.

We’re trying really hard to make sure newly-diagnosed folks (Travelers) never feel like they are all alone locked in an outhouse.....sort of like Kellyn was during our board retreat back in July:

Outdoor Mindset is an organization focused on building programs (our “Gear”) around those needs and embracing that opportunity for inspiration. We will do that through our Guide Program, an Online Community, Adventure Programs and Regional Events. We’re using this day of thanks to officially launch our Guide Program. Check out www.outdoormindset.org/gear for more information. Join the brain train (there I go again) and either register now to become an OM Guide/Supporter/Traveler or spread the word!

Many people believe in the route we’re taking and have joined us by Donating as well. If you are one of those folks, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and brains) and guarantee that every dollar, every cent, will go towards our Gear focused on our Summit/Powder Day/Big Fish of envisioning a community of individuals affected by neurological challenges leading active lives with no limits. We strive to change people’s perspectives of a neuro diagnosis! And dog gonnet, we plan to do it.

To our friends and family, thank you for not saying those 11 little words when this all began:: “Are you freaking crazy? Starting a non-profit in this economy...seriously?”

To that original group of folks that built OM and continue to volunteer their time and money (you know who you are), I can’t thank you enough for being along for the ride, believing in our mission, acting on it with such passion and building an organization that I know, I know it in my heart, is and will be amazing with the ability to help so many.

With my serious face on a for a bit, I look back with a heavy heart remembering how many people were affected by my personal situation. Friends, family members, work colleagues, etc.; all of which stood beside me over the last year. My journey continues, but my appreciation for this support is unexplainable. Btw, not necessarily the let’s sit in a room and talk about it support; but the let’s climb a mountain, travel to New Zealand, snowboard behind a horse and live it up support! I’m humbled my how lucky I am in this amazing life.

We give thanks for powder days, killer mountain bike single-tracks, fly hatches that yield big fish, high mountains that instill a sense of accomplishment, rapids that provide a gateway for kayak thrills, winding mountain roads that make it cool to wear spandex and for access to the outdoors that allow all of these things to be possible.

We give a huge thanks to all of those folks that provide inspiration to us. The list is long, but includes the many people that have either beaten a neurological diagnosis or currently manage their situation successfully by continuing the way of life they love despite whatever challenge is tossed their way. Through commitment and strong will, so many people ensure an obstacle related to their health is not who they are; but merely something that exists as part of their life. I often blurb that some people have a bad back or knee; I just happen to have a bad brain. To me, that is the key; realizing we’re all part of something bigger and embracing the amazing opportunities that any obstacle places in front of you. To the inspirational people that make this a reality; thank you so much for your determination. Oh yea, we think a shared passion for outdoor adventure is a core element to this type of mindset as well. Get it? Outdoor Mindset...

Here’s to exploring, enjoying and being thankful for the journey.

KM

The best way down isn’t always the easiest way up.

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Last weekend, Breckenridge Mountain opened up for the season. It’s always an exciting day when the lifts start running, and ski season officially begins. You can feel the excitement in the air of hundreds of eager skiers and riders ready to hit the slopes. But sometimes it’s getting away from those other skiers and riders, and making your own trail with friends that has the best reward…. Even if there are no chairlifts involved!

After taking a few runs on Peak 8 with nice groomed trails and long lift lines, a crew of us (some OM’ers and some friends) decided we wanted to check out the unopened Breck terrain of Peak 10. We were lucky enough on Saturday to even drive up to the Falcon Chair, which gave us a head start on our hike. Putting one foot in front of another while battling our way up Peak 10 and sweating in our multiple layers despite temperatures in the teens, we climbed around 1000 vertical feet in an hour to get to some untouched snow… POWDER, if you will! J That’s every skier and rider’s dream in early November! Every step of the climb was worth it, when you looked down at the untouched run with no one on it, knowing that you were about to be floating on top of the powder on the way down.

It was so amazing that we wanted to repeat the experience on Sunday (before we watched who was going to get the coveted W between the Bills and the Lions). When we tried to drive up to the Falcon chair again, we found snow guns in our path. The way up wasn’t going to be as ‘easy’ as the day before, but we didn’t let that get in our way. We took a different route, and hiked up to the Peak 9 restaurant to hit some more new snow. Different and more difficult route up, but with another amazing way down. See for yourself:

Here’s to looking forward to more hikes up the hill and more powder on the way down! Can’t wait to see you all on the slopes this winter and get some runs while talking about what Outdoor Mindset is up to!

Jill

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Boyd) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:08:00 +0000

When you read this quote, one you’ve heard over and over, what comes to mind? Do you read it and think, “Yeah, I know that” or “Sure, makes sense” or “What-ever, sounds pretty idealistic”.

For me, I’ve read that quote and answered yes to all three thoughts at one point or another in my life. The challenge for all of us I believe though is to be in the present, to challenge ourselves with full life experiences, to relish them while we are doing them and to reflect back on them when we’ve hit our destination. Whether your destination is a hike like mine to the historic, spiritual place of Machu Picchu or a destination like taking control over your diagnosis of a brain abnormality the quote is quite poignant. For Outdoor Mindset and its members, the destination (the large one) is to take control, to understand, to share and to grow. Outdoor Mindset can be the springboard for making those connections with others who have experienced the journey you find yourself or your loved one or friend on right no.

I find myself reflecting back today on a recent trip to Peru. My wife Libby and I set out on a trek, a journey to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. In all the planning and pre-trip wonderment I found myself getting very excited for our arrival at this historic and majestic place. I built up a vision of the feelings I would have when we arrived. Feelings of accomplishment for having made the long journey, feelings of wonderment at how the Inca created such a massive, intricate and connected place with tools made only by hand and moved by man. All of those expectations of mine were met but one expectation that I was missing became the most important of the event. I had spent little time thinking about what the actual trek, the journey, would be like. This was actually a gift I think because as I reflect back on the trip as a whole; the experiences, the sites along the trail, the waking up to breakfast in our tent, the many ruins scattered along the 30+ mile trail, my amazing traveling partner (my wife) were the most rewarding of the entire event.

My hope in writing this is to share how my recent traveling experience started out with me focused on the destination; ready, waiting to be blown away, to be amazed and surprised upon reaching my destination. Now, looking back I fully realize that the experience and the fulfillment which I will remember for a long time came not so much from the destination but from the journey itself. I encourage you to seek to find the joys in your daily journey toward your life, your friends, better health, and a sense of control over your life and your diagnosis. I wish everyone the best and as a side note, I HIGHLY recommend a visit to Peru and a hike on the Inca trail. (my next blog will share the specifics of the amazing hike, the landscapes, people and history of the Inca Trail)

3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . LIFTOFF

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Nordquist) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Outdoor Mindset has officially launched! Yipee! We have been talking about this day for months now, and I am so proud that we are finally here! Thanks for everyone’s support this past weekend at Foothills Community Park. The Chili Cook-off was a huge success! We raised $2,000 dollars for our organization that unites and inspires people affected by neurological challenges to live big through a common passion for outdoor adventure.

In concepting our first event, the marketing team pitched many ideas to the board, but in the end, everyone agreed on the Chili Cook-off idea. Every board member was to bring a chili and we would invite friends and family to come and “vote” for their favorite! Uniting food, friends and the outdoors was a perfect fit for our Launch event. “Let the competition begin!” was heard from Boulder to Breckenridge. And then of course the trash talking began . . . .

The day of the party came, the weather was perfect and everyone was a buzz with excitement! The crock pots were lined up and labeled - ready for the competition to begin!

THE CONTENDERS
1. Boyd’s Heart Healthy Turkey Chili
2. Jill’s White Bean Green Chili WONDER!!!
3. Brian’s White Chicken Chili
4. Kyle’s Hot + Healthy Bubblies!
5. Adam’s Insanity
6. Kellyn’s Turkey - NO BEAN
7. Sara’s Texas Bowl O’ Red
8. Heather Tarantula Tom’s Steak Chili
9. Eric’s Turkey Green Chili

Many guests at the OM Launch event took their sampling very seriously. One tester event brought his own notebook to take notes so he could profile all the flavors and make a serious contribution to his favorite! I just loved it! Everyone got to taste the chili’s, sample the sides, devour the desserts, play corn hole, Frisbee with the dogs or go for a quick hike under that gorgeous Colorado blue sky! The day way just perfect.

As the Cowboys defeated the Texans on the mini flat screen TV, the chili’s began disappearing one by one. So who came out the VICTOR in this race? Green vs. Red? Beans vs. No Beans? Steak vs. Tofu?

And the winner is . . . . . . KYLE! with a close second going to ERIC.

Congrats gentleman!

Thank you to our sponsors who helped with the event. The OM board members for providing chili and condiments, New Belgium for providing the frosty beverages and Eco Cycle for the composting containers- keeping the event zero-waste!

Thanks again to everyone who came and donated! We are already looking forward to the next OM event to come so stay tuned . . .

Hut Trip Recipe’s from the Board Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Nordquist) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:47:00 +0000

Contributing to a team is one of the most fulfilling activities. As part of the Outdoor Mindset board, I was proud to volunteer as the dinner chef for our 1st annual Board Retreat to the Froelicher Hut. Many people pack freeze dried food easy for backpacking on these overnight excursions, but I refuse (to my boyfriend’s dismay). The fresher the ingredients the better! This may take more time planning and prepping, but I love the process and creativity. Cooking and entertaining is one of my favorite activities. Not a minute goes by that I do not think about what I am making for breakfast (strong coffee included), taking for lunch or chef-ing for dinner! Many people find comfort on the couch or outdoors on a porch swing. My favorite place is in the kitchen! With wine glass in hand, the ladies and I prepped the nights feast in no time. After a long successful day of brainstorming, goal planning and dancing to Michael Jackson (please attach video here), everyone was starving! The cold Asian Cucumber Salad and Spicy Thai Rice Noodles was a perfect “family” meal! I wish I had pictures, but you will just have to imagine the most delicious meal complimented by great friends in a magical mountain top setting that the hut provided for us.

I would like to thank Cooking Light for the inspiration and recipes below. I tripled these recipes for the 12 of us. For the hut trip and ease of transport in our packs, I made the sauces & dressings ahead of time and prepped most of the veggies and chicken. Don’t forget to hand out a bag of ingredients to each hiker to “spread the love” of additional weight. Also never forget wine for the chefs while they are cooking!

Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients (Serves 4)
2 Cucumbers (seeded)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup Rive Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Preparation
1. Cut Cucumbers. Mix next 5 ingredients for dressing. Top with sesame seeds.
2. Cover and chill for 20 min.

Thai Rice Noodles with Chicken (Hut Trip Style)
Ingredients
1/4 cup fresh lime juice, divided
1 rotisserie chicken. Shredded.
8 ounces 1/2-inch-thick rice noodles
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chile paste with garlic (such as sambal oelek)
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
3 tablespoons thinly diagonally sliced green onions
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup torn fresh cilantro
½ cup of each carrots, onion, bell peppers, napa cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms
2 cup spinach

Preparation
1. DAY AHEAD: Shred rotisserie chicken and pack in zip locks, then freeze overnight (best for transport and food safety!)
2. Soak noodles in hot water 15 minutes or until somewhat soft but still slightly chewy. Drain well.
3. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice, sugar, and next 4 ingredients (through chile paste). Stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt.
4. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add green onions, ginger, and garlic; stir-fry 45 seconds or just until golden and fragrant. Add the rest of the veggies in order from longest cooking times to shortest. I did carrots and bell peppers. Then steam the broccoli, napa cabbage, mushrooms & shredded chicken in the same pan as everything else. Last but not least for the veggies- the spinach! Add noodles; cook 30 seconds, tossing well. Stir in sugar liquid mixture. Top each with 2 tablespoons cilantro.

Social Connections and the Internet: the OM healthcare reform

noreply@blogger.com (Kellyn) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Remember a few weeks ago when I said there was more exciting research to come...well I've got the lowdown for you all, and it is GREAT news! Like I said before we wanted to focus our research on the three areas that Outdoor Mindset most incorporates in our mission and goals, physical activity, social support, and internet connections. Since I already told you about physical activity, I'll get right to the point with our results from social support and internet connections.

Many studies have been conducted on the roles that social support and networks play in a persons health over time. The results have consistently found that people who have more social support live longer, report having less stress, and have higher levels of physical activity. Social isolation is a common risk factor in people suffering from chronic illness. Many programs that are aimed at behavioral and mental health have used social support groups to increase benefits. Support groups have become a well-known and popular strategy for patients suffering from illnesses. So all in all, having support from people will help create happier and healthier mindsets able to conquer the hardships of life.

The internets role in healthcare is a bit of a newer trend, so not much research has been conducted in this area. However, the research that has been done has great implications for the future and for Outdoor Mindset. In a study conducted to find out how people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were using the internet it was found that people were using the internet for information seeking, social connection, advocacy, and escape. People using the internet found that having others to talk to via internet gave them support at a level that was very non-invasive in the beginning when they felt vulnerable and scared. People were able to disclose as much information as they chose. This study also exemplified the aspect of how having up-to-date information on the web gave them the availability and access to be most in control of their diagnosis. Participants reported that the internet gave them a sense of freedom to express themselves and to take responsibility for their treatment. This responsibility and control of the diagnosis is what OM is determined to give our members. In this quote from from a person diagnosed with HIV, he says it all, "(the internet) generates an ‘encouraging effect’ because it puts me in contact with men and women who have become infected and who’ve somehow decided to take that on as a challenge, instead of some kind of personal embarrassment or defeat”.

The internets ability to connect like individuals is its greatest asset to healthcare. Like-minded individuals are likely to be more understanding, accepting, capable of supporting, and better equipped to to give accurate information and advice in regards to the diagnosis. The connection that internet gives to people is a sense of support to those that otherwise might be socially isolated. The internet also gives patients the 24 hour a day, 7 days a week availability to information regarding their diagnosis, and in the privacy of their own home. The internet allows people to access information that would not otherwise be available to them outside of a doctor office. The social connection implications that the internet provides are undeniable and most beneficial for people diagnosed with any illness, disease, or disorder. The bottom line is that the internet is changing the way healthcare is available to it's patients. It is changing the relationship between doctors and patients. Patients are now able to take better control over their diagnosis and have a more solid connection with other like individuals. The internet is empowering patients all over the world and most clinicians are jumping on board with the new developments and internet connections. Clinicians are able to recommend websites for their patients to best serve their purpose.

After all this reading and researching, I am happy to say that the results couldn't be more in-line with the mission and vision of Outdoor Mindset. I know I enjoy research more than most, yes I am a nerd and proud of it, but all this info is definitely worth getting excited about! Outdoor Mindset is definitely headed in the right direction and we can't wait to get these connections and benefits going for our members!!