The Evolving Adventurer

Thank you for listening today, friends! We’ve got a treat today, as Corinne Shalvoy, founder of Women Can. shares her inspiring journey of walking away from a high-level career in corporate America because it no longer aligned with her values and passions to creating a movement to celebrate women’s pursuits through all walks of life.The Women Can. Movement symbolizes strength and capability and goes beyond running to celebrate whatever a woman is passionate about going after. Corinne’s journey resonates with many, as she used a simple shirt with the message "women can do anything" as a catalyst for change. The Women Can. shirt she created has become more than just clothing; it is a statement of empowerment and a reminder for women everywhere that they have control over their narratives.Women’s sports, and the narrative around women in sports, is changing rapidly and dramatically, particularly since The Cocodona 250 - a race Corinne commentated for the 4th year in a row. Corinne shares her thoughts on how to increase women’s participation in races, and how men can advocate for and support all women. The Women Can. movement is making an impact in the running world and beyond. Today you’ll discover how Corinne’s passion for running and community building is reshaping perceptions and empowering women everywhere.Corinne Shalvoy is not just an athlete; she is a trailblazer who turned her passion—and an idea from a shirt—into purpose. A lifelong runner who believes her most competitive days are still ahead at the age of 43, you’ll learn how she grew up in the Colorado mountains, overcame challenges with body image, and reconnected with her passion for running. It was while reflecting on her life direction that she initiated a change from corporate America to focusing on what’s truly important to her. Her life experience, including her journey with running and as a media personality, shaped the vision for Women Can.You’ll also get Corinne’s thoughts on the significance of women breaking records in ultras, the power of community and supportive environments, and strategies to increase women’s participation in races and physical activity. She also shares the important role that mentorship and coaching played in her personal journey to where she is today. We also venture into balancing family, coaching and community engagement, the next generation of athletes and ways for men and allies to support women’s endeavors without intimidation.As Corinne shares today, you have the power to redefine your path. Embracing your true self and passions can lead to incredible change. What's out there beyond where you currently are?Women Can. Shopify Women Can. Pressio shopWomen Can. InstagramWomen Can. Substack

Thank you for listening today, friends: we’ve got Brenna Thiessen joining today from Calgary!Brenna shares her journey today from shy non-runner to run club leader hosting weekly events, shooting for a Boston, Chicago and New York qualifying time at the Calgary Marathon. She chats with us about her run journey, relocating to Calgary, stepping away from running, and the improbable way she became a run club host with her club, Fun Frugal Fridays.In today’s episode, Brenna shares how her marathon goals evolved after her first race in Minneapolis, where she pushed through feeling terrible and still crossed the finish line proud. She breaks down her training approach, including navigating Calgary’s unpredictable weather—from chinook warmth to snow in May—and the importance of heat and hydration strategies on race day. The importance of community is a theme that runs strong on this podcast, and today’s episode doesn’t disappoint. You’ll hear the passion in her voice: discover the secret to making big life changes, from cross-country moves to launching a community organization, and how running has helped Brenna overcome shy tendencies and foster a sense of belonging. Whether you’re just heading out for your first run, training for your first 10k or a seasoned runner, remember: it’s all about taking that first step on the journey. Brenna’s story is packed with practical tips on managing training while maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle, including diet hacks, cross-training, and the importance of asking for help. She exemplifies how embracing vulnerability and staying true to yourself unlocks opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.Connect with Brenna and join her Calgary run community on Instagram at @iambthiessen and @FunFrugalFridayRunnerWhat has running taught you about yourself? #EvolvingAdventure #CalgaryMarathon #RunningCommunity #MarathonTraining #YYCRunCrew #BurritoLeagueTimestamps: 02:18 - Her personal best and recent race insights04:14 - Calgary marathon week festivities and community events06:33 - Insights on marathon participation rates and community size08:23 - Brenna’s journey into running and overcoming health challenges11:55 - Starting and growing the Fun Frugal Friday run club13:36 - Managing weather challenges and event logistics in Calgary15:49 - Community engagement and demographic reach of her run groups17:50 - Participation during Calgary Stampede and weather considerations19:27 - Weather impact on training and race day prep21:04 - Tapering, race week activities, and marathon day plans22:37 - Cross-training, alternative activities, and recovery strategies23:37 - Nutrition, hydration, gels, and fueling for races26:35 - Transitioning into trail running and significant trail races29:45 - Challenge of trail running and race experiences like Minotaur35:19 - Embracing new opportunities and future race plans36:34 - Support systems, partnerships, and organizing community events40:40 - Skills needed to start and manage a run club43:36 - Moving from Vancouver to Calgary and lessons on making life changes46:15 - The importance of community, belonging, and personal growth48:22 - Advice to follow passions and staying true to oneself49:47 - Connecting with Brenna and her Calgary run communityResources & Links:Fun Frugal Friday Run ClubBrenna Thiessen on InstagramLululemon CalgaryPrimal Sauna & Cold PlungeRun CalgaryBurrito LeagueMinotaur RaceBMO Vancouver Half MarathonConnect with Brenna:Instagram - @iambthiessen or @funfrugalfridayrunners

Thank you for listening today, friends! Today we’ll learn how Megan Flanagan combines her passion for running, community, and personal growth to create spaces for meaningful connection, including her innovative new app called BelongNow, Strong Runner Chicks (and upcoming retreat), and develop supportive networks. We explore her inspiring journey, plans for fostering meaningful human connections beyond the trail, and some mental skills that are helpful in both endurance sports and life contexts.Megan is the founder of Strong Runner Chicks, host of the Evolve Your Path podcast and coaches multi-passionate professionals and high achievers to redefine success on their own terms through Evolved Potential. Is there something holding you back from making a change? Follow along for inspiration and anecdotes from Megan’s inspiring story! Be sure to like and follow Megan, the Evolve Your Path podcast, me @cactusmoose and The Evolving Adventurer podcastJump to:02:18 - Megan's non-linear running journey from childhood to ultra races04:43 - The explosion of ultrarunning and women's mental health advocacy06:45 - The challenge of making new connections after moving, and in adulthood07:44 - Megan’s mission with the BelongNow app to foster social connection and belonging10:00 - How BelongNow promotes local events, shared interests, and network growth12:44 - Gamification and incentivization for organizing community meetups14:24 - Creating inclusive spaces that accommodate various paces and personalities18:00 - The power of community in trailrunning and retreats for deep bonds22:37 - Parallels between endurance racing and life's unpredictability25:11 - Using mental reframing and visualization during races and setbacks27:19 - Lessons learned from job layoffs and career transitions29:34 - Managing stress, success, and expectations in high-performance environments32:12 - Megan’s professional background in workplace well-being and holistic health35:24 - Reflecting on personal growth, vision boards, and future goals42:46 - Insights into organizing retreats: structure, community and lasting impact50:03 - Building lifelong friendships through shared adventures and vulnerable conversations52:53 - The subtle power of outdoor, trail, and group activities to enhance connectionResourcesEvolve Your Path PodcastEvolve with Megan InstagramEvolvedPotential.coStrong Run Chicks InstagramStrong Runner ChicksConnect on LinkedInBelongNowBelongNow Instagram

Thank you for listening today, friends! We about to have a candid and humours chat with Jen Laughlin about her journey through menopause, unexpected growth as she supports women in midlife, and adventures in ultrarunning. You'll learn how honesty, humor, communication and community-building can empower women, and help tackle the physical and emotional challenges of aging, fitness, and life.Some of the topics we cover include:The unexpectedly viral success of funny social media reels highlighting women's shared experiences in menopausePractical insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), its effects, and how to manage changing hormonesThe connection between menopause, mental health and relationship dynamicsBody and brain changes during menopauseTips for getting more women into trail and ultrarunning, and to sign up for races and hard eventsA candid comparison of Tushars 100k and Mogollon Monster 100 miler including technical terrain, elevation, trail features and logisticsThe importance of community, inclusivity, and addressing safety concerns in women’s races and outdoor activitiesThe evolving landscape of race organization, volunteer roles, and race safety logistics, including supporting and increasing women’s participation in endurance sportsJen's InstagramUltraSignUp Race Results & ListingsMogollon Monster race infoTushars Mountain Runs infoJavelina JundredAravaipa RunningSquirrel's Nut ButterHormone Replacement Therapy InformationTimestamps:02:15 - Going viral: menopause humor that connects women and is building a community03:37 - The impact of social media on women’s mental health and shared experiences05:03 - Insights on hormonal treatment, HRT, managing side effects, and body changes06:14 - What men need to know about menopause and how to be supportive through the adventure09:44 - Relationship dynamics during menopause and the importance of patience and communication11:36 - The growth of women in endurance sports and strategies for more female participation16:24 - The physical and mental benefits of adding testosterone, race training, and recovery20:44 - Overcoming injury setbacks, mental health, and race goals in ultrarunning27:45 - Race comparisons: Mogollon Monster versus Tushars 100k including trail features and difficulty levels36:58 - The logistical and scenic aspects of iconic races like Mogollon Monster 100 miler and Tushars 100k44:54 - Race records, course variations, and the importance of supporting diverse racers51:34 - A behind the scenes look into volunteer opportunities, race organization, and the spirit of community support65:14 - Strategies for encouraging more women to start ultrarunning, hiking, and trail running77:36 - Promoting inclusivity, handling social media content, and supporting safe women’s events81:14 - Behind the scenes at races: videos, social media evolution, and race day moments84:42 - The importance of men understanding and supporting their partners through menopause85:45 - Final thoughts: community, humor, and resilience in endurance sports and life

We’ve got a fun episode in store today, friends! Maia Detmer shares her inspiring journey from a childhood rooted in sports to becoming a dedicated trauma nurse and an accomplished ultrarunner. She started running to improve her health, and shares with us the intense experiences of last person standing race, the vibrant community fostered through Across the Years, Jackpot Ultras and Burrtio League. Maia has some big goals this year, and is an inspiring figure in the world of ultras where she competes with support from Aravaipa Running and Ultraspire."Honestly, you can trick your brain. If you put a smile on your face, you're actually doing better or feeling better than you think. It's all temporary." - Maia DetmerMain Topics Covered:Maia’s athletic origins in soccer and transition into ultra trail runningHow ultrarunning has transformed Maia’s health and mindsetInsights into last person standing races, mental resilience, and camaraderieThe organization and behind-the-scenes of Burrito League and Across the YearsThe role of community, sponsorships, and creative race supportMaia’s upcoming races, coaching journey, and future goalsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Maia’s multifaceted background 02:34 - Transition from sports to ultrarunning for health 04:14 - Maia’s positivity and the power of smiling 05:20 - The mental game in ultra races and faking it till you make it 06:26 - Race interactions and mutual support in ultra community 08:00 - Experiencing UNLV and shared memories 09:02 - Reflections on Across the Years 2020 and race experiences 10:02 - Personal milestones, emotions, and finishing strong 11:27 - The significance of community encouragement during races 12:33 - Notable race moments and avoiding injuries 14:10 - Recovery and Maia’s health updates post-race 16:18 - Deep friendships and community bonds formed in ultras 17:54 - Maia’s experience supporting and pacing friends 18:40 - Reflection on Jackpot and race fatigue 19:21 - Training and preparation for upcoming races 22:18 - Creating race support atmosphere with memorable moments like kazoo interruptions 24:25 - The impact of community support and surprises during the race 26:44 - Memorable race antics and rivalry banter 28:33 - The camaraderie of recurring participants and race traditions 30:41 - Maia’s involvement with Burrito League and community organization 33:54 - Challenges of race organization and future plans 36:01 - Behind-the-scenes of race management and community engagement 41:38 - Upcoming ultra races and Maia’s coaching journey 46:15 - How Burrito League served as training for longer races 52:57 - Maia’s future ambitions in the ultra distance scene 58:58 - Maia’s race day photos and candid moments 61:45 - Post-race recovery and injury management 63:17 - Future goals including Tahoe 200 and beyond 64:18 - Follow Maia: social media and upcoming adventures 65:47 - Closing thoughts and upcoming races like Trail TrashedResources & Links:Maia Detmer on InstagramMaia's Strava profile - StravaCorinne’s Company - Women Can MovementUltraSpire - Official SiteChipotle - Official WebsiteSparkle Lab Art - InstagramConnect with Maia Detmer:InstagramStrava

Anxiety can derail an adventure, sometimes even before it starts. Today's episode discusses eight common sources of anxiety for outdoor adventurers and strategies to navigate and mitigate those uncertainties with confidence. Together we'll learn how to manage anxieties around getting lost, physical performance, weather, wildlife, injuries, social dynamics, planning and pooping. Thanks for listening, friends!To give back to the community, I am offering a 3-pack of sessions, focused on anxiety, in October, November and December. One session per month, emailed out as an mp3 for you to listen and relisten to, incorporating such modalities as Linking Awareness, BodyTalk, reiki and more.. These will be for the group energetics of whomever signs up, and available to you for life. DM me for more information.Whether you’re preparing for something big or small, whether you’re already already in it, whether you’re thinking about it one day, or whether you’re returning from an injury and unsure if you can do it—I offer coaching and energetic support sessions that go beyond the mileage. Let’s talk. I help overwhelmed, injured and burned out adventurers recover their energy, reclaim their spirit, and return to the trail… whether it’s in the wilderness or in life. Check out my website for more information.You can check out more of my services at www.gregveregin.com or on Instagram @cactusmooseLinks to items mentioned in the episode:Kula Cloth

Alastair Humphreys defined a micro adventure as “short, simple, local, and cheap.” When you're short on time, but still want an outdoor excursion, try a microadventure!Today's episode breaks down my recent afternoon hike micro adventure. Microadventures are an accessible way for busy persons to get outdoors and are still a potent catalyst for growth. Microadventures build confidence, capability, and reset both our nervous system and our perspective. I share some examples of micro adventures, some tips to prepare, and encourage everyone to get out on one this week.As always, connect with me on Instagram @cactusmoose, on my website gregveregin.com or at cactusmoose [aT} protonmail {d0t] com with questions, comments and guest suggestions. Have a wonderful day!

Thanks for listening today, friends! It's almost the summer solstice, and with summer in North America comes the risk of wildfires. Summer recreation is also here: camping, hiking, paddling, biking, running on the trails away from urban noise. This episode is based on my experiences in North America: I'm sure there are comparable resources for listeners in Europe, Australia, South America, Asia that I'm unfamiliar with... but maybe not Antarctica. Today's episode delves into fire awareness tips for outdoor recreation: clothing considerations, checking weather forecasts and fire activity maps, route planning and awareness, and what to do if a fire breaks out during your adventure.I also share a bit about a fire patrol experience two summers ago, and what I learned from putting out a wildfire in the forest that started two days after a lightning strike. Crazy!Below are links to some of the sites I mention:InciwebWildfire MapHiking Guy - wildfire infoThe Trek - wildfire infoCaltopo - fire layer information

Thank you for listening today, friends! We're back, this time with an episode detailing my running journey.It hasn't been linear, and has involved nearly a dozen uses of the phrase "you'll never run again." The journey has taught me patience, courage, determination and perseverance to reach my goals. I've struggled to finish a one-kilometer run, watched the entire PE class move on to the next activity before I completed the Cooper test (6 lap run of 1.5 miles/2.4km), and DNF'd my first two 100 milers. Focusing on strength, flexibility, nutrition and overall wellness, being open to trying new things such as barefoot shoes, throwing away my orthotics, and incorporating yoga into my routine has kept me healthy to compete in ultras twenty-plus years after the first "you'll never run again." I've had an interesting and non-linear journey as a runner from that first 10km race with WAY too many people, to an injury at a marathon 3 short weeks later to finishing the hottest Javelina Jundred on record. Tune in today to hear about the journey, the decision to become a UESCA ultra running coach, and the training philosophy I offer. I'm here to get you to the finish line with a smile on your face. As always, connect with me on Instagram or through my website.

Thank you for listening, friend! Today I'm talking about my experience training for a 100 miler, Javelina Jundred, while working a physically demanding job. A coach help me achieve my goal of completing the 100 miler, in what was my third attempt at the distance. That supportive coaching catalyzed my decision to also pursue ultramarathon coaching through the UESCA certification process. My challenge was to not overtrain while working a job in which I am on my feet all day and burn over 5,000 calories with physical activity. Recovery was a challenge for me, as was fitting in all the life things.In this episode I share my experiences over the summer of 2024, as well as my new process now that I am self-coached. It's an evolving process in which I am using myself as a guinea pig to see how my theory works. Researching strategies for athletes working physically demanding jobs yielded some tips but not a lot of data or personal experiences of the training process. I found resources from CTS Coaching, UESCA, RunningShoesGuru online and combined that with what I am currently doing.Some takeaways from this episode include tips to avoid overtraining, tips to enhance recovery from training, the importance of realistic goals, the benefits of working with a coach, how to maximize training sessions and what cross-training methods can be more supportive.It's an evolving adventure as a self-coached athlete... and one who trains solo at least 95% of the time. If you're in a physical job and looking for support and coaching, I'm happy to chat with about your life situation, goals and current training. I am accepting athletes, and look forward to helping you achieve personal success in whatever form that takes. Remember, you can always contact me through Instagram or at cactus moose[at]protonmail[dot]com with questions, comments, guest suggestions and ultrarun coaching.Enjoy your day, friends!

Hello! Thanks for listening, and welcome back. Today's episode is one that's a lot more in-depth than the title suggests.I chat about why it's good to learn new skills... which can also be construed as why it is good to suck at something new. The episode is inspired by my acquisition of a 360 camera--the Insta360 X4--and the adventures of trying to document my outdoor adventures.It's been a steep learning curve for me between learning new camera programming, editing software, export settings and filming angles. It has in no way be as easy as I thought it would be, but it has been a fun challenge. Knowledge from a photography course in high school, learning a digital camera a decade ago, and having ideas in my brain have combined so that I'm mediocre at bringing my vision to life... but I'm getting better.I wanted to share my experiences to diminish the stigma around learning new things, particularly as one is over 30. There's a lot of naysayers out there, but it turns out that learning new skills is a wonderful way to work your brain, mitigate against dementia and Alzheimers ,and to increase confidence.The episode also details some benefits of learning new skills, and addresses common fears that can prevent individuals from trying something new. From fear of looking stupid to fear of wasting time and money, the conscious and subconscious programming we received can limit our potential. Overcoming these fears and being okay with being a beginner can lead to greater happiness, build confidence, grow your social circle, expand your comfort zone and improve resilience. Take a listen today to learn how my journey with the camera is going, plus some ways to move through any resistance you have to trying a new things. Our life experience can be enhanced by moving beyond our limits and learning new skills.Resources for this episode include my personal experience and thoughts, a GrowthHackers post, Alicia Clark article entitled "Why it's okay to suck at something new" and a Central Connecticut State University article. Enjoy!As always, connect with me on Instagram or email me cactusmoose[at]protonmail[dot]com

Courage can be defined as taking any action that involves facing a fear. An example would be asking someone out on a date despite facing the fear of rejection. Today's episode focuses on how to build courage. I share some tips from personal experience as well as from sources such as Kripalu and BetterUp. Thank you for listening! Connect with me on Instagram or via cactusmoose@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions.

Thanks for listening to this solo episode today! Grief can be a complicated experience: even finding a definition can be challenging. Grief is the sense of loss that develops from a loved one or something close to our heart being gone from our life. Today's episode discusses grief, and strategies to be aware of if you're experiencing grief, or someone you care about comes to you for support. I go through some of the physical symptoms, emotions, situations in which grief can experienced, the Kubler-Ross framework for grieving process, and strategies to navigate grief using nature. Family or friends can be an invaluable resource when navigating the grief process, as can support groups, nature, and professionals such as counselors and therapists. If you are experiencing grief and struggling with it, please contact someone or connect with me and I can help you get started. Connect with me via cactusmoose@protonmail.com or on Instagram with questions, comments and guest suggestions.