Kanchenjunga: Keepin’ the Story Interesting

The world’s 3rd highest peak, my 3rd 8000er, was going to be different. The stories my mind was telling were daunting yet deep within knew that there was potential for greatness to surface from change. It did.

Digging Deep on Dhaulagiri

Climbing atop the 7th highest mountain on earth, Dhaulagiri got off to a jagged start. My second 8 000 er was far tougher mentally than physically. I climb on.

Manaslu Expedition Part 1: Embodying the Soul of the Himals

As I prepare to climber beyond 8 000m, I reflect upon the healing I have found in the himals of Nepal, and how I strive to personify their characteristics.

Part 2: Magical Manaslu ~ a brief look

A glimpse into my first expedition beyond 8 000 m, to the true summit of Manaslu

A HEAVY LOAD: FROM AMA DABLAM TO THE ANNAPURNAS (PART 4)

Grief is an enigma. Ups and downs, twists and turns, it hides in crevices before it surfaces again without warning.

A Heavy Load: From Ama Dablam to the Annapurnas (Part 3)

Room for anything but mindfulness does not exist when maneuvering amidst renowned technical terrain, anchor after endless anchor with frigid fingers and without depth perception, one breath at a time I climbed in body and mind.

A Heavy Load: From Ama Dablam to the Annapurnas (Part 2)

Ama Dablam comes with an extensive packing list; a strong mental game tops the most essential gear as she leaves no space for a wandering mind. Most variables on the mountain are beyond my control yet which direction the voices take is up to me.

A Heavy Load: From Ama Dablam to the Annapurnas

Having been forced down from the Annapurnas and locked out of the mountains, following 8 challenging months, things were looking up. Embarking upon the most technical test of my vision, physical and mental strength, when an avalanche hit.

Letting Go On Lobuche

Letting go of a challenging chapter, I ground myself. Embodying the mountains that surround me, unwavered by storms or winds of change, I climb on.

Success Gets Personal on Ama Dablam

With the weight in my mind heavier than that of my pack, I teetered on the trail and in thought. Rescuing myself from fleeing feelings of failure, success became personal.

A Little Eyesight, A Lot of Insight: A Dance on Island Peak

Among a panorama of giants in the Imja Valley, insight was stronger than a tempting dance between doubt and dark thoughts as I climbed Island Peak.

Padlocking Peaks and Unlocking Opportunity

Backcountry skiing among the highest of the Himalayas felt blissfully surreal. In an instant, the peaks were padlocked and an internal storm was triggered.

A Himalayan Detour: More than Trail Running in Nepal

Pneumonia could have knocked me down. Instead it led to higher trails, new connections and a chapter more dynamic than mountain weather.

Seeing the Trail as it Really Is

A 10-day Vipassana sit was a whole new endurance experience that created new thought patterns and built strength in stillness.

Trails in the Land of Fire and Ice and the Midnight Sun

With ravishing waterfalls among enchanting geothermal mountains, trails taught lessons in geological contrasts and the warmth of Icelanders.

Trails from my Eye: Anecdotes from America

Making the most of what I can do, I checked in with my medical team in Denver and hopped out to trails throughout Colorado. Arizona and Utah.

Trail Running Peru: When Plans and Trails Collide

Spectacular trails throughout the Andes, Peru moved mountains within.

Southern Growth: Trail Running Argentina

My Andes’ adventures, the pearls of Patagonia and colourful gems of Jujuy made for a 6 week magical story of growth.

Trail Running Tales and Musings from Middle Earth

Running ridges above Wanaka, dodging clouds and chasing rainbows, beech forests, mountain peaks, glacial lakes, all mythical, magical, Kiwi memories.

Nepal: Manaslu Mountain Trail Race

A concoction of uncomforts blended smoothly to make for a most memorable run around the world’s 8th highest mountain.

Nepal: Annapurna 50 km Trail Race

Registering to race was huge. I started and finished with a smile as big as the Himalayas yet I was not finished with Nepal.

Nepal: Annapurna Analogously

With more than 11 000 m of elevation gain over 220 km, running the Annapurna Circuit reflected the journey of my recovery.

Not Finding Love in Ladakh

Introducing myself to India and the Himalayas by way of running was a challenging first date. I look forward to trying a second time.

Serenity in Slovenia

A gem in the Julian Alps, with thousands of trails and hundreds of peaks Slovenia had me striding and smiling.

Dodging Demons in the Dolomites

A stunning Italian backdropped yet I struggled on foot and in mind. Rocky came along for a rugged run in the Dolomites.

Apprendre en France

Building confidence on the trails and in my body, I reflect with gratitude following a month in France.

Pyrenees Andorra

Just 6 months out of hospital, my first real trail running since the accident provided an opportunity to challenge demons and discover strength.

Moving Mountains: Perspective and Possibility from Brain Injury and Vision Loss to the World’s Highest Peaks

2023

Thankful for the Canadian Concussion Legacy Foundation who asked me to share as part of their Inspiring Stories features.

Eye Shoulds

New shoulds, eye glasses, and response.

Craving the serenity, simplicity and solitude of life in the Himalayas, where I am disconnected yet connect deeply: inner peace should not be altered. I have work to do.

The Corona Blues

When Mother Nature sent us to our rooms, the imposition was all too familiar. Thoughts of being alone with only the voices in my head was daunting. I welcomed an unanticipated energy surge, yet nothing lasts forever. The Corona Blues are deep yet a spark flickers.

Hooked: Peace on Ice

Something powerful takes over when hanging by an axe hooked into ice, crampons and a collection of carabiners. Presence is where I find inner peace.

Falling into Place

I once thought that my TBI and vision loss meant my life had fallen apart, yet today I feel it beginning to fall into place.

Letting Go of the Trail Behind

When I create space for new possibilities, I flow with renewed courage, thankful for the strength I have learned from my scars.

Impermanence of Luminance

Heading towards a Swiss peak long before the light of day, a dark trail became a bright, reflective classroom. The teacher, a headlamp.

The Power in Pause Plus Perspective

Tears flowed throughout this tale which depicts the power of intentions, perspective and pausing in the art of conversation.

Waves in the Wilderness

When I thought I was on solid ground, an unanticipated wave rocked me. I work to ride the waves, each one an opportunity to learn from.

A Trail of No Comparison

Life is not about dwelling or craving change. Embracing life is about being the best I can possibly be right now.

The Trail Exposed

Vulnerability has led to conversation, connection and immeasurable growth that would not have unfolded had I kept my falls and fears within.

Seeing Light

An open heart and an open mind, opens doors and light appears. An unanticipated week in the hospital with pneumonia, I found light.

Breathing through a Stormy Trail

Up five stitches, down a front tooth, the sky was laughing at me as tears fell through the wrath of thunder on a new September 3rd.

A Trail of Learning: Lessons from my TBI

Deep, dark emotions that held me in misery, have become lessons. The more I learn, the less I fear.

Prevailing Winds of Worth

Though physical scars are permanent, self-belief changed. From hospitals to mountains, I am healing, rediscovering, not fixing, myself.

The Trail of Vulnerability

Vulnerability has led to new connections, experiences, growth and gratitude. Opening up has sparked new light on my trail.

The Story Continues: Extending the Trail

13 massifs during 1 trip arounds the sun: 12 months later, I am just getting started. Run, reflect, and grow through what I go through.

Where Gratitude Grows

From going to bed hoping to not wake, to being stoked about my trails ahead, though my eyesight has narrowed, my perspective has widened.

Fuelling Beauty on the Trails

North America triggered reminders of TBI losses. I struggled to find what I needed in my toolbox.

The Trail that Cracked

An unanticipated crack of a baseball bat in Flagstaff was nothing any therapy had prepared me for.

Running Trails through Thought Traffic

Arrival in the USA was accompanied by overwhelm. Rather than letting stumbling stones trip me up, I chose to let them strengthen and motivate me.

Sight Unseen: Blind Empathy

Sharing my story with a team of blind and visually impaired runners, the inspiration that transpired shone far brighter than the stars in the evening sky.

Silent Trail towards Acceptance

After years of one-to-one care, I cherish being alone in silence. Challenging days of stillness and silence proved to be powerful movement.

Rocky Trails

My body was on death’s doorstep such a short time ago. Now, being kind to it seems so straightforward yet through rocky terrain I struggle.

Limited Eyesight not Limited Expectations

Bloodied knees and hands and another smashed pair of sunglasses. At times I can laugh off falls. Today, getting back up was difficult.

Navigating a New Relationship

New relationships can be challenging. In my case, the new relationship is with myself. Like any relationship, it takes work.

Picturing Acceptance

What I cherish and celebrate in others at times is a challenge for me to appreciate in myself. I strive to focus on the look of inner strength.

Far from a Fairy Tale

A fairy tale might include a pretty alpine picture with my face glistening in the setting sun. Though many rainbows and golden stars, this story is real.

An Unanticipated Uphill: Andorra to the Alps

Transitioning from the Pyrenees to the Rhone Alps, nostalgia took a surprising toll. The learning curve is all uphill.

TBI in Common Language

A glimpse of acronyms intended to make sense of my injuries, diagnoses and complications along the way.

A Collection of the Latest

Keeping my community updated with how I am navigating life's trail, where I am finding light and the goals I am working on.

Teaming Up with Mountains of My Mind

2021

As a visually impaired adventure athlete, along with unique content and inspiring goals’, contagious energy is fabricated into my story, which I would be grateful to have allies become part of.

A Story of Serendipity

From the first set of stairs to adventuring in the highest of the Himalayas, come along on a visual story of serendipity.

Lost on the Trail (6/6)

After more than 2 years, 3 countries, 7 hospitals, I was dropped at Denver airport with no direction. 70% blind, it was up to me to create a vision.

The Overseas Trail (5/6)

The comorbidity my TBI served stirred confusion within. From Germany to Canada to Colorado, no vacation, no hope.

Running on Empty (4/6)

Skull fractured and brain severely damaged, I needed fuel to heal yet I had none to give. I withered.

The Puzzling Trail (3/6)

From intensive physical training, teaching and coaching to being bedridden in an instant; how could the puzzle pieces ever come back together.

The Complex Trail (2/6)

With a Black Eye, I went home trusting the doctors. My head felt like it was going to explode. I was not too far off.

The Trailhead (1/6)

A brief synopsis of the day that started like any other; then my life changed in an instant.