Laurel Creech

Some may be surprised to learn that I did not grow up exploring the outdoors. In fact, I grew up ice skating in Chattanooga, stuck inside a cold ice rink day in and day out, traveling to and from Atlanta every weekend to train. By my freshman year of high school, I decided I had had enough of the competitiveness of skating and decided to head outside to enjoy the fresh air.

Next time you hike at Warner Parks, Radnor Lake, or even Centennial Park, check out the hiking trails and consider what it took to make them. Creating and maintaining hiking trails is some of the most challenging but rewarding volunteer work you can do. If nothing else, it will offer perspective the next time you go hiking.

When heading out for an adventure, don’t underestimate the importance of a continual fuel supply found naturally in healthy snacks. Frequent snacking provides energy for your body so that you can enjoy your exploits to the fullest. And knowing what to eat — and when to eat it — is the key.
   
What’s the Situation?

I was a competitive ice skater for 10 years. I started skating at age 6, shortly after Dorothy Hamill’s Olympic win, and I fell in love with the sport for it’s gracefulness. Plus, it’s the most free feeling when you glide across the ice performing jumps, spins, and dance footwork. By the time I was 10 years old, I had committed my life to competing in the 1994 Winter Olympics, spending eight hours each day in practice. But by age 14, it got too competitive and took away from the enjoyment.

When we were young, snow skis were the most popular down-hill option. It’s time to catch up to the times, though, because snowboarding’s where it’s at!

How better to spend a crisp fall day than hiking some of Middle Tennessee’s gorgeous trails? Hiking is easily accessible and is as adventurous as the routes you choose. Get outside this month, and enjoy November’s crisp, cool air and beautiful fall foliage.

The Benefits

Flying through the air attached to a wire may sound like a circus performer’s stunt, but the zip line experience is something anyone can do. Plus, zip lining tours are offered locally and provide a great outing alternative for friends, families, and co-workers.

Tell Me About It

When asked if they’ve ever been skydiving, many answer, “Why jump out of a perfectly good plane?”. That is a good answer, but the better answer is, “Hell, yes! It was the most exhilarating experience of my life!”

If you’re in the mood for rowing of a different stroke, consider partaking in Nashville’s Dragon Boat Races taking place this month (see sidebar). Not only is the event a fun, team-building experience, but dragon boat racing is adventure fitness at its finest.

When you think about Middle Tennessee water sports, scuba diving may not immediately come to mind. However, this fantastic adventure option is revered by many locals as the water sport of choice. You’ll find a large population of local divers and dive shops around town making it quite easy to get plugged in to this awesome extracurricular activity.

Serenity Now