Our Passions and Being Active YEAR-ROUND!

I hope your Wednesday is a great one!  Today I am sharing some pictures from a gorgeous day in the mountains.  This post is sponsored by Backcountry.  I have an awesome discount code for you at the end of this post.

(What I am wearing: Backcountry Trailweight Rainjacket, Alo Yoga High-Waist Lounge Leggings, Adidas Flashback Shoe, Fjallraven Byron Hat. Brooke:  Patagonia Girls Beanie, Nike Free Shoe Girls, Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Girl’s. Skye:  Patagonia Baby Furry Friends Hat, TNF Perrito Hooded Jacket Infant Girls.  Knox: Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket Boys, TNF Waffle Beanie Kids)

Running has absolutely changed me for the better.

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is or where I live or what struggles or triumphs I am experiencing in life, running is always there for me.  It is a constant in my life that I adore.  It’s one of those things that absolutely lights me up inside when I am talking or thinking about it.  Running is that thing that I feel extremely passionate about.  I’ve been known to lay in bed at night dreaming of different running goals that I have set for myself.  Running is something that finds my weaknesses quickly while at the same time uncovers many of my strengths.  It has taught me to push my limits and it is something that makes me excited to get up out of bed in the morning.

I want my kids to have these same feelings about whatever passions they develop over the years.  I want them to have activities that motivate them each day.  I dream for them to have something that makes them excited to jump out of bed.  I hope for them to experience often the joy that comes from getting out of their comfort zones.

I want to give Knox, Brooke and Skye as many opportunities as possible to get outside to find what they are passionate about.  I want to give them experiences to try new things often.   There isn’t much better out there than feeling fresh air on your face while your heart is pounding from doing whatever movements you love doing.  Providing those opportunities for them is so important to Andrew and me.

I wouldn’t hate if they are someday passionate about running;) like I am but I’ll support them in whatever things drive them to better themselves.

Andrew and I think it is so important to get outside with our family year-round to experience this gorgeous world.  I want our kids very first memories to include us being outside, trying new things in the summer, fall, winter and spring!

Even Skye has a thing for fresh air and moving around (actually I don’t think she stops moving unless she is asleep:).

When I moved back to Utah five years ago I promised these mountains I would never move away from them again.  Luckily, Andrew feels the exact same way about them so we will be raising our kids here and spending as much time as possible in these canyons of ours.

Last week we had the kids try something brand new.  I LOVED watching them experience it.   Andrew has rock climbed his entire life so we had the kids try it out for themselves to see what they think.  Knox was definitely nervous before he started but once he got going, he couldn’t stop smiling.

(Black Diamond Kids Harness)

Andrew was pretty proud as he watched Knox climb.  When Knox got back down to the bottom he put his arms up in the air and screamed because he was so proud of himself.  I’m pretty sure Knox was picturing himself as Spiderman throughout the entire experience.

Doing hard things, it is just good for us.  It brings us so much growth and confidence.  I absolutely see that in these little ones of ours.

(Andrew is wearing: Alo Yoga Hoodie Men’s, Backcountry Flat Brim Hat)

Brooke loved the experience but she was way more into doing some yoga with me at the climbing, parking area.  This little girl is so flexible and strong.

(Hugger Mugger Yoga Mat and Backcountry Matilda Baselayer 1/4 Zip) 

This break from running after the marathon has helped me to really appreciate different forms of movement even more.  We are NEVER EVER EVER too old to keep finding things that we are passionate about.

We love using Backcountry for our outdoor adventures.  They make it so easy for us to find exactly what we need for the whole family no matter what season we are in.  We love the fact that Backcountry offers free 2-day shipping anytime you spend $50 or more and they ship across the country.

I can’t even handle the gorgeousness of this area and these two.

I really love that Backountry has partnered with The Nature Conservancy since 2008. Their mission is to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.  You can also donate to The Nature Conservancy at checkout at Backcountry.  Keeping this world gorgeous for our kids and future generations is incredibly important.

I want them to continue to experience the same love that I experience whenever I am in nature.

It’s always a good time to get outside (as runners, we know that best—>  Runner’s do not hibernate:) and Backcountry has the best outdoor brands and items for us to get out and grow these passions of ours.  PS the countdown is on and in just 5 more days I’ll be running again.  I’m going to go straight to the trails.

(Fjallraven Raven 20L Backpack and Fjallraven Mini Backpack Kids)

This afternoon that we spent outside together as a family was definitely a GOAT memory.  The kids had been in school most of the day and Andrew and I had been inside doing work/school/unpacking for awhile.  I can’t tell you how refreshing it felt for all of us to get OUT and see our world.

It’s amazing how even the simplest things in nature can bring our souls so much gratitude and fullness.

(Backcountry Chase Your Goat T-shirt)

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Use the code RUNNER15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com.   This post is sponsored by Backcountry!

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Have you had any outdoor GOAT worthy (greatest of all time) moments lately?  I want to hear about something you’ve done outside recently that you loved!

How has running shaped you?  How has running made you better?

Besides running, what are you passionate about?

If you have kids, I’d love to hear what their passions are so far in life!