Diva and Conquer

Outdoor Diva Susan Spencer, California

March 7, 2007, I open the flap of the tent and crawl outside. It's perfectly still and the only sound is from my own movements. I stand up and the cold air surprises me. As I pull my Mountain Hardwear hat over my ears, I hear footsteps and feel the arm of my adorable husband circling my waist as he slides a cup of coffee into my hands and whispers, "Happy Cinquenta Birthday my love". I follow his gaze to the lake, and a small gasp escapes my lips as I see in the lake the perfect reflection of a golden Mount Fitzroy bathed in the early morning light. I'm in Patagonia on my birthday! A place I have longed to visit for 30 years.

Celebrating my 50th birthday trekking in Patagonia is both far and near from my daily life in the San Francisco East Bay. It's far because at home I have cell phone, e-mail, car and house--jjuggling time and responsibilities--my wonderful family, my awesome friends and my new and inspiring job at the Richmond Hilltop YMCA. Patagonia is near because I'm committed to time outside--hiking and biking. Ten years ago I returned from trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp* and realized that I spent way too much time indoors! Sierra weekend ski trips and sporadic hiking vacations weren't enough time outside.

Today juggling time and responsibilities includes time outside - my husband and I walk in the evenings. If it rains, we pull up the hoods of our Mountain Hardwear coats. Friends call, we walk and talk at an East Bay Regional Park. At the Y, I'm finding ways to introduce my clients to the outdoors as well. My indoor cycle class is planning a ride outside. And I'm spear heading a 5K and 10K run/walk fund raiser at the Richmond Home Front Festival. The money raised will help fund youth and family programs - thanks for being a sponsor, Mountain Hardwear!!!!!

My life is best when it's outside in Mountain Hardwear.

*50 degrees below zero and I "the thermal weenie," was cozy in my Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag. My ski house nick name is "thermal weenie" because I'm cold unless I'm in my Mountain Hardwear power stretch.