Life Journeys with Laurie Bagley

Four Legged Motivation

Laurie Bagley — Sat, 28 May 2011 15:53:08 +0000

Laurie and Sam! Klamath River

On the thread of training with a buddy I realized I had overlooked a very inspiring and motivating component, the added incentive created when you have a 4 legged friend that needs to get out and move as well. Not everyone has the lifestyle or desire to bring this into the mix but if you do all the more reason to get out and move and make someone else happy in the process. I have a lab/retriever mix who lives to go exploring. In her younger days we ran or did long steep hikes and on days when I was feeling less inclined there was always the nudge to get out even if it wasn’t for me. In the end I certainly benefited. As time has gone on my dog is not able to run for as long a period of time or to hike on the steeper terrain so I have made adjustments. It is still a grounding activity for me to take her for a walk and though it may not be part of my fitness training it is a time of reflection and an opportunity to take a breath, appreciate my surroundings and either shift to my work day mode or move out of it. So, if you don’t have a pet and are considering it there are a lot of pieces to weigh and my experience has been taht dogs are so grateful to have a home, take a walk, go for a hike/run or be included on longer adventurer like backpacking and in my case even river rafting(wearing a life jacket of course).

In support of whatever fits your lifestyle, fitness and health.

Namaste,

Laurie

Create a Team or Train with a Buddy!

Laurie Bagley — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:00:12 +0000

One of the strategies that I have found to be invaluable is the power created by training with a buddy or a group. There are lots of reasons for this but some of the most profound are: built in accountability this strategy can create , shared goals, support and an added element of fun. Further, if your highly competitive having another person or a team to push you can make a huge difference in performance. This idea can also be used as a way to connect with friends and family. This is a creative another way to share time together. Sometimes our schedules are so busy or sporadic that making time for a buddy or training with a group is a challenge. I have to admit that for the most part I train alone only because it is what makes sense for me time-wise. That said about once I week I do get together with someone else and am reminded that my fitness routine is more balanced when I share nature and an activity with someone else. I realize that for some of use our workout times are opportunities to be alone which can be rejuvenating and sometimes the fitness activity we are engaged in involves a group of people that you may or may not interact with. These times are valuable so the trick is to gage balance , benefits and outcomes when it comes to training alone, with a group but not engaged or with a buddy/group in an interactive capacity. My suggestion is to explore all the above and see what works as well as being open to different variations based on your available time, emotional state and fitness/health goals. I can recall that when I was training at a very high level it was necessary to train with others part of the time in order to push myself and to get an accurate picture of my progress or lack there of. Further, because some of us really do use our workout time to regroup it is important to make sure we build in enough alone time to accomplish this.

In support of your program and what keeps you inspired, engaged and on track.

Namaste,

Laurie

In Honor of Moms!

Laurie Bagley — Mon, 09 May 2011 00:32:35 +0000

I just had the privileged experience of presenting and participating in The Women’s Wellness Retreat sponsored by the YMCA of the East Bay in San Fransisco http://arroyo.ymcaeastbay.org/events. It was a powerful and fulfilling way to spend my Mothers Day weekend and I was lucky enough to be sharing the time with my daughter as well. My excitement around sharing this is two fold. The concept of a retreat and especially one that combines relaxation, life balance, physical challenge and fitness is a unique approach to most peoples experience of Mothers Day. The weekend revolved around great healthy food, class choices like Yoga, Zumba, the 40 foot high outdoor climbing wall, several ropes course options, a heated swimming pool, several hiking options just to name a few. There was also down time built into the schedule and no pressure to do any of the activities if you so choose. As the presenter for this event my time was not all play but as I consider presenting an honor it was certainly a high to be at this event and to contribute as well. In honor, support and appreciation of mom’s everywhere and if your looking for a way to celebrate this journey consider an opportunity to take care of yourself, relax and perhaps challenge yourself in a new way. The idea of a retreat whether

Mother's Day with Avriel

it is hosted or you create it yourself could be the magic your looking for.

Namaste,

Laurie

Do What’s Fun!

Laurie Bagley — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:53:21 +0000

Lake Siskiyou and the Sun

The other day I was driving home from my teaching position with my bike in the back of my car and a plan to ride on my way home. As I approached the parking lot for the trail jump off I noticed a storm settling at the exact location I was planning to ride. Off in the opposite direction I noticed sun shine and blue sky. The sunshine/blue sky area was not my planned ride but as I gave it more thought realized I could come up with a ride that would accomplish my goal of getting outside and getting some exercise. As I examined my options: ride in the rain/snow and bundle up, not ride at all or change my direction the thought that came to mind was, “What would be fun?” You guessed it, changing my route and riding in the sun! My point is how many times do we have a plan and as we get closer to execution something comes up that requires us to take a step back or can even derail us altogether. I am learning to pay more attention to not only the original activity but what my options are in the event that circumstances, motivation or other obstacles take a front seat. It is more work sometimes to change gears rather then follow the original plan and certainly more work than deciding to skip your workout altogether. In the end I have found it to be very satisfying to know that I did get out and take care of myself and I looked for that third component “Fun” and made it a priority as well.

In support of your fitness program!

Laurie

Back From the Edge of the World.

Laurie Bagley — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:40:51 +0000

Home Sweet Home Everest Base

When I think about the journey to Nepal, specifically the Himalaya’s, it really does feel like I have been to the edge and back. Things are so different in the mountains of Nepal, in many ways unaltered from 100 years ago with a few exceptions. As I integrate back into the main stream of life in the U.S. there is a pull to remain at a slower pace, to reflect on how simple life is when the goals are to eat, sleep, trek and wake up and do it all over again. I am also reminded of how lucky we are in our country. For the most part we have clean water, medical care, access to food, access to shelter. I realize that not everyone receives all these services but when you walk around a third world country and see many people that don’t have any of these things it makes you take stock. I think that is one of the benefits of adventure travel, noticing the differences. Yes, you get to have an amazing, challenging opportunity and perhaps you also get to see how much of the rest of the world lives on a day to day basis. I always feel to lucky to get to see the high mountains, breath the clean air and am also reminded to give back what I can to those less fortunate given the gift I am receiving. I am offering a few pictures from the edge specifically Everest base camp. Lets keep our fingers crossed for a safe season this year.

Namaste,

Laurie

Up in the High Country

Laurie Bagley — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:53:09 +0000

After a 30 hour flight, 5 hours rest in Kathmandu and another 8 hours at the Lukla airport the trek in finally under way and I am up in the hills soon to be mountains with our group of trekkers/climbers. I am never disappointed and constantly reminded of how much I love being in the presence of the Himalayan mountains, villages, Nepali people and all that goes with this particular experience. So far the weather has been amazing, a bit cold and crystal clear. We are in Namache which is the gateway to many of the most famous peaks including but not limited to Mt. Everest. Computer access is hit and miss so I will be posting on my blog as frequently as I can which may be every few days at best and once a week otherwise. Moving up to Dangboche tomorrow and 14,ooo feet.

Namaste,

Laurie

Getting Ready!

Laurie Bagley — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:53:31 +0000

Everest Base Trek

Even though I have been to Nepal a few times I am always excited and joyful when the time comes to pack my bags and consider trekking in the high country.I believe there is so much opportunity to change when we get out of our comfort zone and embrace a different way of life. I used to be motivated by the physically challenges associated with guiding climbs or treks and though I still love that part one of the bigger benefits I experience is being in places totally different then my home base. I say this only to encourage you to consider where on earth would you like to go? What is stopping you if you have not gone there? As I begin the process of gathering my gear, clothing, and other essentials I am always reminded of how little we really need to have the experience of a life time. Trekking is unique in that you need a backpack and what will fit into it. In a place like Nepal where porters depend on trekkers for their livelihood the pack you carry can be as small as a day pack. I find that my essentials change from my life here in the U.S. to my time in other countries. No longer is my cell phone a constant fixture. I tote around books and a journal instead of a computer. My clothing options are limited to 4-5 outfits instead of a closet full and shoes are down to 2-3 choices instead of 20. There is a beauty in this simplicity. When you find yourself ready to take off on your dream adventure travel trip I encourage you to think lite, simple and useful. I do love having a camera and the ability to share the experience whether this happens immediately or after the fact. There is a lot of information out there related to the logistics of getting ready for a trip like a trek in Nepal. My goal is to share some of what the lists will not cover. Traveling lite and being open to all the gifts of the experience are great metaphors for other areas of life. It is a great way to enjoy the journey.

Namaste,

Laurie

Change is Good!

Laurie Bagley — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:45:33 +0000

Rain, rain go away!

Having lived in mountain towns for many years I am very familiar with the process of waiting for winter to subside and spring to arrive. It is around mid March to the first part of May that many of us loose a bit of interest in our winter fitness activities and long for the warm weather options! So what are some ideas to liven up your workouts, whether they are outside or in the gym especially when you are ready for sun, warmer temps and shorts? One of my strategies is to begin the process of changing gears even when the weather is cold and rainy. That means I gather my pile of rain gear and vow that at least a few times a week I will get outside protected, warm and ready to tackle the elements. We all have our preferences and for some reason rain is a bit more challenging for me then snow. That said I have yet to melt and know that as soon as I have warmed up for a few minutes I forget about the water and enjoy the experience. My point here is that when you start to feel like you need a change and mother nature is not quite there a shift in your mental attitude may make all the difference. The other thing I begin to do is pull in activities that I don’t normally do, like indoor swimming. Right about now I reflect on what I enjoy doing, what I need a break from and what I have not done in quite some time. It can be very refreshing to pick up a long lost activity even for a short time or isolated workout just to change your patterns and introduce something different.

In support of whatever keeps you on track.

Namaste,

Laurie

Know What You Want!

Laurie Bagley — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:40:22 +0000

In my book Summit! chapter three is called “Lacing Your Boots-Know What You Want! I find this practice extremely valuable because so often in life we do what other people want us to do and we loose site of what it is that we really want. When I think about this in my own life I can say that at times I have known what I wanted and because I also wanted to be the best parent I could be or be financially responsible or be present for someone or something in need, I have done things that made sense for these parts of my life. The actions may not have been the first things on my list of desired activities but they served a purpose. I think we all run into these situations but my question to you is beyond that do you know what you want in areas like: your health, your career, your relationships, your level of fitness, the amount of fun/play you have in your life? If you feel like there may be places that you are not sure of what you want but are exploring this idea, I encourage you to stay the course. Clarity is not easy. Often we have to take a few steps backward in order to move forward. The concept of knowing what you want is key in goal accomplishment because it is only with this in place that you can begin to cover the ground needed to get where you want to go! Further, I have found that with clarity and commitment everything in your life will support your forward momentum! This also allows you to jump in with both feet so to speak and fully commit to your journey! If you are having trouble finding your clarity you are not alone. Sometimes just sitting with the possibilities can assist in this process. Sometimes the reality of weather or not you are sitting alone with no momentum can be a sign. Often I find that clarity is supported by events and opportunities that fall into place with little or no effort.

“If You Know What You Want ,HAVE IT!”-Gita Bellin

Namaste,

Laurie

Life in the Fast Lane

Laurie Bagley — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 23:15:10 +0000

Time to regroup!

Having just finished a whirlwind 2 days of travel and presenting I am remained of how fast our culture moves and the constant demands to stay up with the relentless pace. Sometimes this speed is important or even necessary in order to accomplish all that we want to accomplish and at other times I find it very taxing. I am learning that when I reach a place of overload the best thing I can do for myself and others around me it and “Get Outside!” Sometimes this means in a less intense way physically and other times it means really pushing myself. The past few days is a perfect example of this. After 3 days of teaching, a long drive to Reno and a wonderful opportunity to do my Everest Presentation/book signing I was beat. Three hours in the back-country, skiing some of the most amazing powder this season up on Mt Rose Wilderness area and Hour Glass Bowl to be more specific, I am a new women. I realize that most of us do not have the flexibility or freedom to strap on our skis and go when we feel like it, when we need a break or when we need to revive our spirits. However, I do believe that we can all build in this support to some degree based on what is available to us related to time, location and desire/energy level. As a client I am currently coaching reminded me sometimes what we thing we are after is a workout and what we are really craving is balance and tools to find our way back to our center. I encourage you to look at your weekly fitness/health/wellness plan with more then a cardio goal in mind. You may feel newly revitalized. In health and support.

Namaste,

Laurie