Welcome to Really Big Outdoors

This is a brand new project for me and I am assuming few people will actually see it.  So why am I doing it?  I have set a goal for myself to get over some of my hangups about what I can and can't do.  I used to be a fit, outdoorsy type- I spent my summers hiking and canoeing and rock climbing and just being outside.  But as I got older, I spent less time doing anything active.  And so although I built a solid career and eventually had kids, I lost that part of myself that loved being outside.  My twins are 6 now and we've always done outdoor activities with them- we started hiking with them in backpacks when they were 6 months.  But it's pretty easy to keep up with a 2-year-old.  Now that they are 6, I'm finding that they are getting to be pretty strong and I am getting to be pretty weak.  And now that they don't require every single ounce of energy I can summon (just most of it!), I really want to get back into the things I used to love.  I may never be a whitewater kayaker again, but I can certainly spend time in a boat.

A lot of my hesitation is about body size as much as fitness.  I worry someone will see me out on the trail and make fun of me.  So this project is my way of saying FAT PEOPLE CAN!  My doctor knows what I'm doing; she is all for it.  I may be big, but I can still get outside with my family and enjoy myself.

So here, in this space, I'm hoping to keep track of my progress toward my goal as well as document some of the trips my family takes to be outside together.  If anyone's out there reading this- welcome and I hope you love being outside too, even (especially!) if you are also really big like me.

Quechee Gorge, Vermont.  One of our favorite places to go for a walk.