Slow Down and Be Present
Lauren Jacobs, University of Maine
Should we always be striving to go harder, go faster, be better in our outdoor endeavors?
If we do, what kind of message is that attitude sending? Whom are we impacting when we model those behaviors and goals?
What other things do we do or say in an outdoor adventure setting that might impact others’ willingness to try something new or join us on a hike or paddle or bike ride?
We are diving into these questions with Lauren Jacobs. Lauren is a lecturer in kinesiology and physical education (KPE) with the College of Education and Human Development at University of Maine. She also coordinates the outdoor leadership concentration and minor within KPE.
Before landing at UMaine, Lauren worked in the nonprofit sector helping increase outdoor sport opportunities and access for Maine kids, and was also a PE teacher, which wound up informing her masters thesis research into recess weather policies in Maine schools.
Lauren’s list of outdoor leadership credentials is noteworthy: a registered Maine Guide; a certified paddling instructor; a cross-country ski instructor; a registered yoga instructor. And yet, she is also someone who has spent the last several years ‘recovering’ from the intensity and relentless drive she developed as a professional nordic ski racer. As Lauren puts it, “there are other kinds of improvement, and there are other kinds of engagement,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Instead of fixating on FKTs or Strava trophies, maybe it’s time to focus on expanding opportunities and improving accessibility in the outdoors. Maybe it’s time to advocate for more outdoor time and physical activity in public schools. That sounds like the kind of ‘performance enhancement’ I can get behind.
Links to some of the things Lauren and I talked about:
Outdoor Leadership Program online, and on Instagram
Lauren’s thesis on recess and physical education weather policies
Act Out with Aislinn Sarnacki - One Minute Hikes (archive here)
And if COVID-19 still has you feeling boxed in and stir crazy, you’ll enjoy this special bonus I found - click here to access ‘Physical Activity in Small Spaces’, a fantastic resource developed by MaineHealth using Lauren’s content. While the resource is focused on providing kids with more opportunities for physical activity, the exercises presented are perfect for ‘kids’ of any age who want to improve their functional strength, flexibility, mobility and overall health - and the only equipment required is yourself!