Today if you ask my friends and family, they will probably tell you I’m “a little crazy, super dedicated, cut from a different cloth or have figured out some magic” when it comes to adventuring and exploring the great outdoors. I wasn’t born this way… It has been a journey of many ups and down with a lot of learning along the way.

I grew up in the country so being outside was just what you did. We didn't have cable tv or any of those things kids today sit on their butts inside on. It was get outside and do something, which a lot of time had to revolve around farm chores, but it also meant walking the creeks, going in the woods, or playing in the field.

I then went off to college, graduated from undergrad and started my first big girl corporate job, with JCPenny in North Texas, out in the real world. As you can guess I went from a little outdoor fun as a college student to a deskbound corporate job while going to graduate school at night which meant my outdoor time became also none existence. I remember I kept telling myself when things settle down I will get back to the outdoors. Sadly, this didn't happen for many many years. The new group of people I was spending my time with in the big city didn't really do the outdoors, unless it was a beach vacation with drinks. Which I did do a few of those but it always felt like something was missing.

Later came, I graduated from undergrad and started my first big girl corporate job out in the real world. As you can guess going from being at least a semi-active college student to a deskbound corporate job while going to graduate school at night meant my activity level tanked. And if you also guessed that my eating wasn’t great either you’d be right. I either ate whatever was easiest or during this time I came up with the grand idea that I will try to eat as little as possible in calories. Boy, was I wrong and so stupid. But we all have been there.

Then I had the opportunity to go work for Cabela's in their corporate office in Sidney, Nebraska (yes, it is the middle of nowhere). I was surrounded by people that LOVE the outdoors and it allowed my fire to burn bright again. I embraced this flame and went wild going out hiking on weekends at many State Parks and Natural Areas in Nebraska. I then planned and executed two long weekend to the Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Wind Cave National Park. I was hooked y'all! I had big dreams of many more areas to explore and the first time I had the thought I should by a camper for my adventures. But the world had different plans.

I moved back to Texas with all the commitment that I would continue my explorations with a long list of National Parks I wanted to go to. Well the job to took when I came back to South Texas didn't give me any time to have a free life. I loved what the company stood for but overall it wasn't a right fit. I was lucky when I presented an opportunity with HEB, the grocery store of Texas. My plan was to get settled into this new company and position and then get back on track with my adventure goals. Well we all know what happened in 2020 and 2021. But come the end of 2021 when things started to get back to normal (what does normal mean)  I was like "the time is NOW!"

I wasn't going to let anything hold me back from getting my adventure on, get back to exploring, find my happiness again, fill my heart with joy, and become one with nature. I started planning where I would go and booked the reservations and put the time off on the calendar for 2022. Again, "the time is NOW!"

During 2022 I also shifted from road running, which I found and fell in love with during the VID. I got a little crazy as in 2021 I ran my first road half marathon and full marathon. But after my full marathon I lost my love with running. But y'all I found it again when I made the choice to move to trail running. It combines the love I found in running and the passion I have for being our in nature. FYI road running is being outside NOT in nature. I am so excited to see where trail running takes me in the coming years. I have already ran a 15k and a half on the trail and I am currently training for my first 25k. But the seed is already planted for doing a 50K in 2023 - yikes!

Oh and by the way. Yes, I do these trips solo, well I mean Dolce (my cat) comes with me but I don't let that stop me. I don't wait for others. I don't wait for the perfect time. I don't wait for when it feels right. I don't wait! Do it now. Do it scared. Do it with all your heart!

You are probably wondering when I will start talking about strength training. Well y'all, it has always been a part of my life. It was my first true love, when it comes to working out, and will always be my main love. I would say the past 7'ish years I have been "hard-core" into strength training. What does "hard-core" mean... it means I get it done at least 4 times a week no matter what. It is how I start my morning. It is what brings me joy. My friends say I should never skip my morning sweat session because they don't know what I would be like without since they know there is no reason I miss it. I always feel like a badass after throwing some weights around and I know it has made me a stronger runner/hiker. I want this for everyone!

I shifted my perspective on what doing this solo means. What matters is what I think and believe. Other won't get it and that is ok. Others will be scared for you and that is ok. Other will call you crazy and that is ok. I'd rather follow my true self and my passions. I never want to regret not going on that trip, that hike, that trail run, etc. I will never regret time in nature.

I want this feeling for everyone else. So, I am here to be your guide and cheerleader as I write about trail tips, education about the way of the trail, help you find the confidence, and get you trail strong through strength training. Then you will be trail fabulous!

Y'all can call me RJ!

I found the confidence to explore the great outdoors solo and it allowed me to find inner strength, courage, and my true self.