Author: Caroline

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

Nine years ago, I spent my summer doing an internship for Ted Wilson, the environmental advisor to Utah Governor Gary Herbert. I was getting ready to graduate from college and trying to decide whether to go to grad school or pursue my career as an adventure athlete/ski mountaineer working in the outdoor industry. I had a deep desire to make an impact on the world and do whatever I could to protect the environment and advocate for social causes.⁣•⁣I learned so much working for Ted about how to bring people together to find common ground over controversial issues. At the end of the summer, I attended the Outdoor Retailer show, and realized that my calling was as an athlete, at least for the time being. I may go into politics someday.⁣•⁣Government is one way to create positive change for environmental issues, but I also believe businesses have a huge power. I realized my next step was to create an impact by partnering with brands that were committed to social and environmental responsibility.⁣•⁣I’m glad I trusted my intuition to pursue the path I have. This story is why I’m so excited to be working with @fattire, helping to spread the word about their latest campaign to protect public lands. This summer, they are donating up to $250k to environmental organizations. This is huge! I would be so stoked for you to learn more about this campaign by checking out the link below or in my profile, and sharing the videos on Facebook and Twitter!⁣•⁣Publiclandsforall.com⁣•⁣#FindingCommonGround⁣•⁣@backcountryhunters @accessfund @treadlightlyteam @trustforpublicland @americanwhitewater @nationalwildlife

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⁣Just a few more weeks until I get to marry my best friend! What a journey it has been getting to this point. I think that marriage will be our greatest adventure yet.⁣•⁣I used to think that I would find my Prince Charming and he would sweep me off my feet. Movies, TV shows and popular culture do a lot of damage to our perceptions about love and romance. ⁣•⁣I don’t think that there is “the one” anymore. There isn’t one person who will come sweep us off our feet and change our life. The only person who can change your life and make your dreams come true is you. Only once you take care of yourself and do the hard work can you find someone who will enhance your life and share a deep companionship.⁣•⁣@rob.lea and I have been together for almost five years. In 2017, we broke up for a few months. During that time apart, we realized we add a lot to each other’s lives and we are better together. I believe that love and marriage will require making that choice every day. ⁣•⁣Relationships are a lot of work. They require you to explore your wounds and insecurities, to be vulnerable and to let down your walls. And there is no happily ever after. It will take commitment and a constant choosing of being together over being alone. I’m excited for the challenge. Photo: @thehearnes

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As athletes and active outdoors people, we always talk about training but we rarely talk about tools for recovery. I’ve learned that it’s not about how hard you can train but how efficiently you can recover from workouts and stress.⁣⁣I’ve added @gaiaherbs hemp to my recovery plan and it’s quickly become one of my favorite recovery tools because I find I sleep better. It also helps me relax and adapt to a different mindset, one that is not “go, go, go,” but that allows me to take a breather. ⁣⁣What are your favorite tools for recovery and how do supplements play a role?

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

Sending good vibes to my friends @carla.perez.ec, @estebantopomena and @adrianballinger as they are on K2 and heading for the summit tonight. Carla, pictured here, is the first South American woman to climb Everest/Chomolungma without oxygen and is attempting K2 without oxygen. ⁣⁣She guided me to the summit of Everest, and I was so delighted to share the mountain and the summit with her! I love climbing with people of all genders, but there’s a special place in my heart for the energy women bring to the mountains. Having a female guide on our trip changed the dynamics and reinforced how important it is to have women in positions of leadership! ⁣⁣I’m sending all the best wishes and prayers for good weather and safe passage. Go team! #climbforequality ⁣

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

I’m 33 and I have arthritis in my knees and ankles. It is from years of skiing, running, hitting jumps when I was younger, and because my patellas are slightly crooked. Arthritis pain is something I’ve learned to live with. When I was younger, it would bug me and I’d get super depressed about it. But now, I’m able to cope with a two-prong solution. 1) just don’t think about it. 2) remember it could be worse. I’m grateful for everyday I get to be outside, especially after this recent ACL surgery. I was so stoked to be able to hike up to the top of Ben Nevis last week!!! You have no idea how good it felt. And I don’t know what I would do without my @lekiusa poles, in the summer or the winter. They are one of the items I take with me year-round because it makes everything I do but easier and better. They were one of my first sponsors ever, and I’ve been an athlete for them for about a decade! If you’re looking for a way to take some of the load off your knees on the trails this summer, I highly recommend checking out their trekking and running poles (and their super sweet Wanderfreund “cane” style pole if you are recovering from an injury or just need some support). Thanks Leki for always believing in me from a young age, and for all the support. Photo: @rob.lea