How many people start their summers eager to go out and enjoy the outdoors, be active, and make the most of all our extra sunshine? I certainly do! But even when you’re excited about all of the outdoor possibilities, sometimes it helps to have some extra motivation. Two local businesses, Active Soles and Backcountry Bike and Ski have organized a community wide challenge to give people of all ages, abilities, and aspirations more incentive to be healthy this summer. If you’re needing an extra push this year, participating in their program ‘Soles in the Backcountry’ might be just the thing for you. 

Active Soles and Backcountry Bike and Ski have come up with a list of target adventures for people in the community to do, including everything from climbing a mountain to participating in a triathlon. The only thing you need to do is share your accomplishments with others. At any of their store locations, go in and pick up your ‘Soles in the Backcountry’ adventure card, and when you’ve completed an activity show them your photos and get a stamp on your card. Upload your photos on their facebook page to encourage others and spread the movement of healthy living this summer. The challenge ends October 15th, with a party to follow where your cards will be placed in a drawing to win awesome prizes.

Monika: Age 56

How did you decide to start getting active?

Monika:  I developed diabetes and realized I didn’t want to live the rest of my life with it.

What did you choose to do to get started?

Monika: I started walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes every day and taking my dogs for longer walks.

What was your motivation?

Monika: I didn’t want to be sick for the rest of my life, I want to be around to meet my grandchildren someday.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Monika: I learned how to XC ski this past winter and I have also made it almost to the top of the Butte.

How much weight have you lost since you started getting active?

Monika: I have lost 45lbs

What is your goal this summer?

Monika: I would like to bike from town to the Butte, also hike a trail in Hatcher Pass.

How will you work toward this goal?

Monika: I plan to start taking my dogs for longer walks, and buy a good bike.

Do you think Soles In the Backcountry Challenge will help?

Monika: Yes! It has already given me goals to work toward that I know I can achieve.

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Lara: Age 27

How did you decide to start getting active?

Lara: I was tired of being unhealthy and overweight, and overall not feeling good.

What did you choose to do to get started?

Lara: I bought a very expensive jogging stroller, an investment that held me accountable, then I started walking with it. Also, I bought a gym membership and started to take their classes.

What was your motivation?

Lara: I wanted to show my kids a healthy lifestyle, I didn’t want to be a lazy mom on the couch.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Lara: So far I have made it almost to the top of the Butte and also a little ways up on the Marmot Peak Trail in Hatchers Pass.

How much weight have you lost since you started getting active?

Lara: I started about a year ago, and I have lost 65lbs total.

What is your goal this summer?

Lara: To make it to the flag on Marmot Peak and also to the 1st picnic table on Lazy Mountain.

How will you work towards this goal?

Lara: Join more groups that are active and can help to hold myself accountable.

Do you think the Soles in the Backcountry Challenge will help?

Lara: I really think it is going to help me set goals, and seeing others in the community do it helps me to realize I can do it also.

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Kate: Age 26

How did you decide to start getting Active?

Kate: I was inspired by people that I work with, they had an amazing sense of community and joy.

What did you choose to do to get started?

Kate: I bought a pair of running shoes and joined some groups on Facebook who were inspirational.

What was your motivation?

Kate: My Father died at a very young age of cancer, I wanted to make something of my life for him and for myself. I had a strong desire to become healthy and see what this world has to offer.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Kate: I think waking up every day is an “achievement.”  I have had the privilege of backpacking to some very amazing peaks right here in the valley. I would say my favorite is Pioneer Peak, also I competed in my first Marathon last summer in Anchorage.

How much weight have you lost since you started getting active?

Kate: In the last 5 years I have lost a total of 43lbs.

What is your goal this summer?

Kate: I am going to ride the Fireweed 100 miler, I would also like to compete in my first triathlon.

How will you work toward this goal?

Kate: I think the more groups I join and more motivational people I am around will help me to get involved and keep pursuing my goals.

Do you think Soles in the Backcountry Challenge will help?
Kate: Absolutely! When you start to get people in the community involved in being active, you start to feel a great change in yourself and the people around you. Getting involved in the challenge has already gotten me to sign up for things I never would have dreamed of, also meeting people who have the same goals and are trying things for the first time gives me inspiration.

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Audry: Age 33

How did you decide to start getting active?

Audry: When I first moved here I didn’t know anyone, after some time I made a friend who was active and she opened my eyes to the outdoor recreation available here, I started to join her on some adventures. (Even though it was difficult in the beginning).

What did you choose to do to get started?

Audry: I joined a spinning class @ Body in Balance Physical Therapy and also bought a swim pass at the Palmer Pool.

What was your motivation?

Audry: I have always participated in fad diets in the past and they would never really work, I wanted to find something that I could make a lifestyle and that would help me to the weight off and never let it come back.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Audry: I have started to run now and I have made it to the top of the Butte twice!

How much weight have you lost since you started getting active?

Audry: My weight has varied over the past year, but so far I have lost a total of 10lbs with the help of a personal trainer.

What is your goal this summer?

Audry: To run the twilight 6k (my first race ever) and to make it to the flag on Lazy Mountain and to take crazy pictures standing up there.

How will you work towards this goal?

Audry: Keep working with my personal trainer and get outside as much as I can.

Do you think Soles in the Backcountry Challenge will help?

Audry: Yes, I have already set goals from the challenge and I cannot wait to start getting my card stamped when I complete one of my goals!