#HikingMyFeelings speaking tour comes to Bozeman, among other REI talks
With the sunshine finally deciding to stick around, recreationists are reminded it’s high time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! REI Bozeman continues to host outdoors-based presentations this summer. Here’s a look at a few of the upcoming events and courses.
Wildlife biologist Brad Bulin will present Chasing a Phantom: the Secret Lives of Cougars on Wednesday, August 7th from 6–7:30pm.
Topics will range from the cat’s natural history to current research and will be illustrated with rare footage and photographs of cat behavior. Brad will share his extensive knowledge and firsthand experience tracking and studying these large carnivores around the Yellowstone area. Also an experienced wilderness guide, Brad has spent several years following the cougars through the wilds of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Speaker event #HikingMyFeelings: Healing Your Mind and Body on the Trail follows on Wednesday, August 14th from 6–7:30pm.
After surviving two of the hardest years of her life, Sydney Williams was standing in an REI dressing room trying on hiking gear for her first backpacking trip. Looking back in the mirror was a woman (and body) she didn’t recognize. She looked herself in the eye and simply asked, “GIRL, how did we get here?” It was a rhetorical question for the dressing room, but two thru-hikes across Catalina Island helped Williams establish the mind-body connection that was necessary for her to be able to face her trauma head-on and leave everything on the trail.
The first hike on the Trans-Catalina Trail was the hardest physical challenge Williams had ever tackled; it taught her how to love her body, and reminded her that she could do hard things. Nine months before her second journey, she was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. By the time she hiked the island the second time, Williams was 60 pounds lighter. What would be possible if the hike itself wasn’t the hard part? The second hike was a complete emotional excavation, examining and releasing the weight of expectations she had placed on herself while reclaiming her shine. Get inspired and learn more about how to heal your mind and body on the trail.
Looking ahead, get a handle on Trail Running Basics on Wednesday, August 28th from 6–7:30pm.
Trail running can be a great change of pace from the jog around the neighborhood. This session will cover what you need to get on the trail. Learn about technique, training, clothing and footwear specific to the sport of trail running.
Many REI classes and presentations are free and open to the public, but registration is required as space is limited. Reserve a spot now at www.rei.com/learn, where you can find more information about these and other upcoming courses and events. •