Anxiety can derail an adventure, sometimes even before it starts. Today's episode discusses eight common sources of anxiety for outdoor adventurers and strategies to navigate and mitigate those uncertainties with confidence.
Together we'll learn how to manage anxieties around getting lost, physical performance, weather, wildlife, injuries, social dynamics, planning and pooping. Thanks for listening, friends!
To give back to the community, I am offering a 3-pack of sessions, focused on anxiety, in October, November and December. One session per month, emailed out as an mp3 for you to listen and relisten to, incorporating such modalities as Linking Awareness, BodyTalk, reiki and more.. These will be for the group energetics of whomever signs up, and available to you for life. DM me for more information.
Whether you’re preparing for something big or small, whether you’re already already in it, whether you’re thinking about it one day, or whether you’re returning from an injury and unsure if you can do it—I offer coaching and energetic support sessions that go beyond the mileage. Let’s talk. I help overwhelmed, injured and burned out adventurers recover their energy, reclaim their spirit, and return to the trail… whether it’s in the wilderness or in life. Check out my website for more information.
You can check out more of my services at www.gregveregin.com or on Instagram @cactusmoose
Links to items mentioned in the episode:
Thanks for listening today, friends!
Y'all may have noticed I haven't been as active on my social media, Cactus Moose recently due to an unfortunate and significant ankle injury.
That injury sparked today's episode of tips for returning to adventure after an injury, and suggestions of strategies to maintain mental resilience during that transition. Injuries are a challenge to navigate both in the physical limitations and in the mental struggles of not enjoying the free movement of the body we may have come to rely upon.
As always, connect with me at cactus moose[aT] protonmail {dot} com with questions, comments and guest suggestions. Enjoy this episode and have a wonderful day!
If you're curious to learn more about sessions or coaching, you can check out my website here.
Alastair Humphreys defined a micro adventure as “short, simple, local, and cheap.” When you're short on time, but still want an outdoor excursion, try a microadventure!
Today's episode breaks down my recent afternoon hike micro adventure. Microadventures are an accessible way for busy persons to get outdoors and are still a potent catalyst for growth.
Microadventures build confidence, capability, and reset both our nervous system and our perspective. I share some examples of micro adventures, some tips to prepare, and encourage everyone to get out on one this week.
As always, connect with me on Instagram @cactusmoose, on my website gregveregin.com or at cactusmoose [aT} protonmail {d0t] com with questions, comments and guest suggestions.
Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for listening today, friends. It's a different format for today's episode: I share my recent experience trusting my gut and healing my thumb
Hey adventurers! Welcome back to The Evolving Adventure(r), where we hit the trails, face the wild, and grow through every challenge life throws at us. I’m gregii, your guide through the dirt, sweat, and soul of outdoor living.
Imagine this: you’re gearing up for a run, putting your shorts on, ready to crush today's training plan, and—boom—your thumb just says, “Nah, I’m out.”
No fall, no injury, just a thumb that’s gone rogue.
That was me in September 2024, staring down a mystery that would test my grit and turn my life upside down. Today, I’m sharing how I told a surgeon’s “no hope” verdict to take a hike, trusted my gut, and healed myself using tools you can tap into, too. From journaling in the desert to energy work that’s straight-up magic, this is a story of taking charge, finding answers, and coming out stronger. So grab some trail mix, lace up, and let’s dive into this adventure—because your body’s got more wisdom than you might think.
Links I mention in this episode:
Thanks for listening today, friends! It's almost the summer solstice, and with summer in North America comes the risk of wildfires. Summer recreation is also here: camping, hiking, paddling, biking, running on the trails away from urban noise. This episode is based on my experiences in North America: I'm sure there are comparable resources for listeners in Europe, Australia, South America, Asia that I'm unfamiliar with... but maybe not Antarctica.
Today's episode delves into fire awareness tips for outdoor recreation: clothing considerations, checking weather forecasts and fire activity maps, route planning and awareness, and what to do if a fire breaks out during your adventure.
I also share a bit about a fire patrol experience two summers ago, and what I learned from putting out a wildfire in the forest that started two days after a lightning strike. Crazy!
Below are links to some of the sites I mention:
Hiking Guy - wildfire info
The Trek - wildfire info
Caltopo - fire layer information
Cocodona! It's an adventure, a journey, a transformative experience for not just those who attempt the 250 miles from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, Arizona, but for all who are helping crew, pace and put on the event.
Today's episode focuses on lessons learned from observing the 2025 Cocodona race. Being behind-the-scenes, watching the livestream cameras, talking to runners at the finish and following the leaders with a camera lent a unique perspective to observe and absorb.
The livestream broadcast can be found on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.
You can always connect with me on Instagram or at cactusmoose [At] protonmail {dot} com
Enjoy, and have a wonderful day!
Thank you for listening today, friends! We're back, this time with an episode detailing my running journey.
It hasn't been linear, and has involved nearly a dozen uses of the phrase "you'll never run again." The journey has taught me patience, courage, determination and perseverance to reach my goals.
I've struggled to finish a one-kilometer run, watched the entire PE class move on to the next activity before I completed the Cooper test (6 lap run of 1.5 miles/2.4km), and DNF'd my first two 100 milers.
Focusing on strength, flexibility, nutrition and overall wellness, being open to trying new things such as barefoot shoes, throwing away my orthotics, and incorporating yoga into my routine has kept me healthy to compete in ultras twenty-plus years after the first "you'll never run again."
I've had an interesting and non-linear journey as a runner from that first 10km race with WAY too many people, to an injury at a marathon 3 short weeks later to finishing the hottest Javelina Jundred on record. Tune in today to hear about the journey, the decision to become a UESCA ultra running coach, and the training philosophy I offer. I'm here to get you to the finish line with a smile on your face.
As always, connect with me on Instagram or through my website.
Recovery from participating in endurance activities is imperative for those who desire longevity in their career, passion and/or hobby. But what is it, and how do we go about it?
Recover can be defined as the exercises, modalities and therapies that are used to reduce soreness, promote healing, reduce the risk of injury, and increase range of motion. Put another way: it's what we do to repair, rebuild and strengthen the body to maximize performance and support health.
Today's episode details the various methods that I use to recover from sustained physical efforts and why I use them. I'm sharing this information today to help others find what works best for them.
My wellness philosophy includes several modalities eschewed by proponents of the allopathic treatment system in place in North America. Some of these may seem unusual, questionable and unreliable, but they have given me results that the allopathic model could not produce. I encourage everyone to listen to the episode with an open mind: what worked for me may or may not be of interest to you, but it did work.
My journey through these modalities is a direct result of being told by Western medical doctors and practitioners multiple times that I would never run again, that I would never run without orthotics, and that surgery was necessary if I dared even hope of running again.
The good news is that I followed my intuition to avoid surgical interventions and have not just returned to running, but running pain-free, AND completed 8 ultramarathon races and counting. There is magic in the power of belief, courage, perseverance and the ways that holistic modalities work.
In no particular order, the modalities that I have used follow in the list below. If you are curious for recommendations, and live in an area that I mentioned during the episode, please contact me on Instagram or through cactus moos[aT] protonmail[DoT] com. Note that I ONLY refer to people who I have paid for their services, and from whom I have had results.
-massage gun
-nutrition: electrolytes, protein increase
-acupuncture
-dry needling
-chiropractic
-massage: deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial release
-yoga: heated power, yin, haha, kundalini
-meditations
-cross-training: cycling, strength training, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, stair mill, mobility
-prioritize sleep
-barefoot grounding
-removed alcohol
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please pass it along to a friend, click the subscribe or follow button, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice.
-gregii
Thank you for listening, friend! Today I'm talking about my experience training for a 100 miler, Javelina Jundred, while working a physically demanding job.
A coach help me achieve my goal of completing the 100 miler, in what was my third attempt at the distance. That supportive coaching catalyzed my decision to also pursue ultramarathon coaching through the UESCA certification process.
My challenge was to not overtrain while working a job in which I am on my feet all day and burn over 5,000 calories with physical activity. Recovery was a challenge for me, as was fitting in all the life things.
In this episode I share my experiences over the summer of 2024, as well as my new process now that I am self-coached. It's an evolving process in which I am using myself as a guinea pig to see how my theory works.
Researching strategies for athletes working physically demanding jobs yielded some tips but not a lot of data or personal experiences of the training process. I found resources from CTS Coaching, UESCA, RunningShoesGuru online and combined that with what I am currently doing.
Some takeaways from this episode include tips to avoid overtraining, tips to enhance recovery from training, the importance of realistic goals, the benefits of working with a coach, how to maximize training sessions and what cross-training methods can be more supportive.
It's an evolving adventure as a self-coached athlete... and one who trains solo at least 95% of the time.
If you're in a physical job and looking for support and coaching, I'm happy to chat with about your life situation, goals and current training. I am accepting athletes, and look forward to helping you achieve personal success in whatever form that takes.
Remember, you can always contact me through Instagram or at cactus moose[at]protonmail[dot]com with questions, comments, guest suggestions and ultrarun coaching.
Enjoy your day, friends!
After a brief pause for station identification, we're back! It's been awhile since the last episode due to some life changes. Today's episode details my experience running the Moab Red Hot Ultra, the 55k race, produced by Mad Moose Events.
It's a fun course in a gorgeous location--truly, one of my favorite places to explore in North America. I go through my race experience, the terrain, and decision to run the race.
This episode also covers how to use an ultra as a supported long run. My training had slacked due to life circumstances and an unfortunate rib injury that limited both running and strength training. I chose this race to have fun, meet new people--and maybe make new friends--and to film it using my 360 camera. It was fun to go out and be part of the community, see the pride, joy, pain and relief on the faces of finishers, and remember that there are multiple reasons people run ultras.
If this episode inspired you or you learned something, please consider sharing it with someone who will benefit. We're all here to help each other out when we can.
A video compilation of my race is in the works, and will be available soon on my Instagram page and YouTube channel.
You can always connect with me on Instagram @cactusmoose with questions, comments and guest suggestions.
Hello! Thanks for listening, and welcome back. Today's episode is one that's a lot more in-depth than the title suggests.
I chat about why it's good to learn new skills... which can also be construed as why it is good to suck at something new. The episode is inspired by my acquisition of a 360 camera--the Insta360 X4--and the adventures of trying to document my outdoor adventures.
It's been a steep learning curve for me between learning new camera programming, editing software, export settings and filming angles. It has in no way be as easy as I thought it would be, but it has been a fun challenge. Knowledge from a photography course in high school, learning a digital camera a decade ago, and having ideas in my brain have combined so that I'm mediocre at bringing my vision to life... but I'm getting better.
I wanted to share my experiences to diminish the stigma around learning new things, particularly as one is over 30. There's a lot of naysayers out there, but it turns out that learning new skills is a wonderful way to work your brain, mitigate against dementia and Alzheimers ,and to increase confidence.
The episode also details some benefits of learning new skills, and addresses common fears that can prevent individuals from trying something new. From fear of looking stupid to fear of wasting time and money, the conscious and subconscious programming we received can limit our potential. Overcoming these fears and being okay with being a beginner can lead to greater happiness, build confidence, grow your social circle, expand your comfort zone and improve resilience.
Take a listen today to learn how my journey with the camera is going, plus some ways to move through any resistance you have to trying a new things. Our life experience can be enhanced by moving beyond our limits and learning new skills.
Resources for this episode include my personal experience and thoughts, a GrowthHackers post, Alicia Clark article entitled "Why it's okay to suck at something new" and a Central Connecticut State University article. Enjoy!
As always, connect with me on Instagram or email me cactusmoose[at]protonmail[dot]com
Hot Springs is today's topic, friends! I love going to soak in hot springs, preferably when it's just myself and a small group enjoying their ambiance.
Today's episode details some of the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of taking a trip to a hot springs. From absorbing trace minerals to reconnecting with a sense of peace and tranquility, hot springs can truly rejuvenate the soul. Listen in for more benefits... and even one of the places I visited in 2024.
I decided against sharing a list of my favorite locations to visit hot springs: if you're really curious you can contact me on Instagram or email to inquire.
Courage can be defined as taking any action that involves facing a fear. An example would be asking someone out on a date despite facing the fear of rejection.
Today's episode focuses on how to build courage. I share some tips from personal experience as well as from sources such as Kripalu and BetterUp.
Thank you for listening! Connect with me on Instagram or via cactusmoose@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions.
Motivation!
Motivation:the internal state that drives persons to engage in goal-directed behavior.
What are some tips and strategies for accessing the internal force that guides behaviors? How can we stay motivated? Listen to today's episode to find out more.
Connect with me by email at cactusmoose@protonmail.com or on Instagram
Thanks for listening to this solo episode today!
Grief can be a complicated experience: even finding a definition can be challenging. Grief is the sense of loss that develops from a loved one or something close to our heart being gone from our life.
Today's episode discusses grief, and strategies to be aware of if you're experiencing grief, or someone you care about comes to you for support. I go through some of the physical symptoms, emotions, situations in which grief can experienced, the Kubler-Ross framework for grieving process, and strategies to navigate grief using nature. Family or friends can be an invaluable resource when navigating the grief process, as can support groups, nature, and professionals such as counselors and therapists.
If you are experiencing grief and struggling with it, please contact someone or connect with me and I can help you get started.
Connect with me via cactusmoose@protonmail.com or on Instagram with questions, comments and guest suggestions.
Thank you for joining another episode of The Evolving Adventure(r) podcast!
Today's guest is Sophie Rouge, recording with me from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sophie is an ultrarunner, musician and vegan who has completed several 100 mile races in the past 4 years. Her first ultra was completing Rim to Rim to Rim (R3) of the Grand Canyon after a friend invited her along.
Sophie shares some of her adventures with us, and talks about how time spent in nature has helped with her mental health. Shifting into gratitude for being able to run has been key to her growth. Balancing risk in nature is a challenge, and Sophie offers some tips for how to navigate situations from solo running in the bosque to being on exposed ridgelines during hailstorms.
Our original recording was lost to technology: this is a second take at covering the topics we first discussed. Luckily on this episode, we chatted more about Sophie's music and her experience volunteering to play music at a hospice. Sophie can be found on Instagram or in her band Catcalling Canines. Sophie has a great lineup of races for 2025 including Jackpot Ultras 48 hour, a 100 miler near Albuquerque and more. We met in Cuba, New Mexico during the Deadman Peaks trail race in 2022.
Some of the topics we discuss include:
Ultra Cheei Relay & Solo (Albuquerque, NM)
Catcalling Canines is playing at Launchpad Albuquerque on Wednesday, January 29
It's a treat today to chat with ultra runner and acupuncturist Talia Chevassus!
Talia talks about her adventures as a run coach, how her interest in running developed over the past few years, and about future goals. She's rearranged her schedule and life to fit her outdoor passion, while balancing acupuncture clients, yoga and making the majority of her food from scratch.
Our discussion also covers Quebec trails (hello, technical!), nutrition for endurance sports and for recovery, using yoga to cross-train and stay injury-free, hiring a coach, and Talia's love of travel to explore on her own two feet.
It's an inspiring and empowering episode: as she says, the easiest way to keep progressing is to just do what you need to regardless of the weather. That advice holds true no matter which avenue of life we're considering.
Talia is active on Instagram, sharing her run, yoga and food journey as she pushes herself physically while traveling frequently.
Talia and I met during the first loop of Javelina Jundred in Fountain Hills, Arizona this fall. Thank you for doing the podcast to share your story, Talia!
You can contact me at cactusmoose [at] protonmail.com or through Instagram with questions, comments and guest suggestions. I can also be found at www.gregveregin.com.
enjoy!
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Topics mentioned in this recording include
Brix maple syrup endurance fuel
Xact nutrition bars
Black Men Run offered space in their crew tent
UESCA Endurance Sports Coaching certifications
UTMB Nice will be Talia's first 100 miler
Desert Rats by UTMB is the 100k Talia is running
Masboquera, Spain is where Talia is doing a month-long training camp
Resilience... what is it, and, more importantly, how can we build it?
Resilience is often thought of as the ability to bounce back, or return to a previous "normal" point after a challenging, stressful situation. Generally, the stressor takes the form of an external stressor related to work, relationships, family, health or finances. Resilience can also be how one adapts to life's stressors... and include a component of personal growth to thereby change from who they were before the stressor into a new person.
I share some strategies on how to build resilience and what you can do to move through a major life stressor in today's episode. These strategies and tips are from a variety of sources including personal experience, Department of State, American Psychological Association, and Positive Psychology. The focus is more on growth than on returning to where one was pre-stressor, as I think we are always presented with chances to learn and grow.
Thank you for listening! Please pass the episode along to someone who could benefit if you vibe with the information and strategies that are shared.
You can contact me at cactusmoose@protonmail.com or through Instagram with questions, comments and guest suggestions.
Ashley is an ultrarunner with an incredible track record of outdoor adventures in the Sierras. Moving from marathon training to lose weight for college credit to winning ultramarathons after starting on dirt to better exercise her dog off-leash, Ashley is a badass on trails.
We talk about some of the opportunities she has living in the Great Basin with access to the Sierra in less than an hour, exploring the mountains with her dog, then her dogs, camping trips to hot springs, and point-to-point adventures she has her sights on. Ashley has completed a number of epic races, and just as many big adventure days in the Lake Tahoe area. Mindset is a key theme of our discussion, including how to press on in an adventure despite pain and mental challenges, and what it was like exploring, solo, with paper maps.
This episode covers Ashley's experience at Javelina Jundred 2024, which featured an entirely runnable course with 105 degree temperatures in the open desert, how to troubleshoot long adventures and ultramarathons when nutrition, weather or injuries take things sideways, and some future experiences on her "one day" list.
Ashley frequently explores trails in Tahoe, and shares some of the learnings from her Tahoe Rim Trail Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt, big future goals, and volunteering at races to give back to the run community. Some of the invaluable wisdom she shares: take baby steps toward your goal then add on. She first started running ten minutes, then added time the next run. Now, she's going after sub-20 hour 100 mile races and pondering some of the most challenging events in North America. If there's a will, there's a way!
Ashley can be found out on the trails with one or both of her dogs, or on Instagram at @ashleyyayoutside
You can always connect with me on Instagram @cactusmoose or through my website.
Hello friends, and thank you for listening today! We've got a fun episode with Coach Sarah as we discuss our experiences at the Dead Horse Ultra 50 mile race in Moab, Utah on November 16.
It was a fun to chat about our learnings, challenges and successes at the race, and to provide information and advice to anyone considering a fall race in the beautiful slickrock around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Dead Horse State Park. We recorded the episode from a hotel room just before taking our own recovery advice and heading for the jacuzzi.
Some of the topics covered include our different clothing choices for the weather, the surfaces encountered, cutoff times, navigating challenges and troubleshooting when things go sideways, and how to come back from adversity. Gaining experience, and using that experience to build resilience for the future is a theme that comes out from our discussion.
Coach Sarah can be found on Instagram or her website. You can find me on Instagram or through my website.