For a long time, I’ve said that “one day” I might run a half marathon. This year, I decided that “one day” needed to get scheduled. I signed up for a half marathon on April 15, giving myself a full 20 weeks to train (most plans are between 10 and 16 weeks). I’m officially at…
Beginner’s guide to headlamps, lanterns, and campground lighting
Not to state the obvious, but it gets pretty freaking dark when you’re out in the woods. I’m a big advocate of using what you have, but if your phone’s flashlight is no longer cutting it for you, it could be time to get a headlamp or lantern. They’re way brighter and are a pretty…
Beginner’s Guide to Grand Teton National Park
I remember seeing Grand Teton in a textbook as a kid, and the image of the insanely rugged but also beautiful snow-capped mountains stuck with me since. They seemed like they were on another planet that I’d probably never get to. I think eight-year-old me would be pretty excited to know that I finally got…
Beginner’s guide to staying hydrated while hiking
Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to make sure you enjoy yourself outdoors, no matter what season it is. Hiking is 100 times more enjoyable when you have water…and you actually remember to drink it. I can’t even count how many times just drinking some water has taken care of feeling like…
You missed the point of this blog.
When people have talked to me lately about Outdoor Beginner, I’ve noticed more and more often they say some variation of “I love your blog, but I could never do that.” Or, “I’ll never be at your level” or, “what you do is so far beyond me.” And if you think that, you’ve missed the…
Beginner’s Trail Guide: Mystic Falls at Yellowstone National Park
There is no shortage of waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park, but if you’re looking for a shorter hike that’s beginner-friendly, Mystic Falls is your best bet in the southwest section of the park. The trailhead is located at Biscuit Basin, a 10-minute drive from the Old Faithful Inn. After 2.5 miles (round trip), you’ll have…
Beginner’s Campground Guide: Signal Mountain at Grand Teton National Park
Like Yellowstone, cheap hotel accommodation is not Grand Teton’s specialty. The Signal Mountain area of the park is home to both a campground and a lodge, both of which are awesome, and one of which I would consider affordable. It’s fun to splurge, but so is camping and saving some dollar bills. Signal Mountain Campground…
Beginner’s Gear Guide: Two easy, cheap upgrades to make riding your bike better
If you’re considering biking to work, start here. If you need to know what basics to get started with and how to avoid helmet hair, start here. If you want to affordably pimp your ride, keep scrolling! Finding a new seat Getting a new seat since arguably has the biggest impact on how comfortable it…
Gift guide for the injured runners in your life
It can be difficult to find a gift that strikes the balance between, “This will be helpful to you in your athletic endeavors” and, “Remember how you can’t run right now? Because I’ve just given you a gift for running? Which you can’t do right now. Because you’re injured.” But rest and recovery come with…
