🚴‍♂️ How to Get Outdoors More

What Does “Getting Out” Mean to You? (Updated version)

To get out in nature — what does that actually mean to you?

Are you the kind of person who gets lightheaded from taking too many deep breaths of fresh air on the way from the parking lot to the office?
Or are you the “get up, get moving, get playing, get doing something” type — the one who actually knows how to go outside and play?

Gender doesn’t matter. What matters is that you move, laugh, and live a little.
Go outside. Have fun. Be a kid again. GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY!

Pick Your Speed

“Playing outside” can mean a lot of things.

For me, when I get out in nature, I don’t want to hear the rest of the world — I want to be in the moment. To relax. To breathe. To just enjoy it.

If you’re like many people, maybe your kind of “trail” doesn’t start unless there’s an engine involved — and that’s fine too!

I happen to love both sides of the outdoor adventure. Some days it’s all about hauling ass through the woods on a motorcycle or four-wheeler (still not sold on side-by-sides). But most days?
It’s walking, paddling, or pedaling — slow enough to really see what’s around me.

My theory:

If you’re out enjoying nature, do it at a pace that lets you explore and take it all in. Otherwise, fire up a four-stroke (two-strokes if you like to scream down the trail), twist the throttle, and enjoy every moment of it!

The Real Struggle: Time

Working six days a week doesn’t leave much time for anything, let alone nature.

I’m a firm believer in the four-day workweek — four tens for a three-day weekend. You don’t even need to stick with weekends; a random Tuesday off can be just as freeing.

But with the standard two-day weekend, here’s what happens:

• Day one: You’re wiped out, so you do nothing (and honestly, you’ve earned it).

• Day two: You’re scrambling to catch up on everything you ignored last week.

If that sounds familiar… yeah, me too.
And I’m sorry you also work a job where nobody seems to care about your sanity.

Making It Happen

So how do you actually get out more?
Honestly, I’m still figuring that out myself. But here’s what helps:

Take a vacation day and disappear into the woods.
Don’t overthink it — just pick a nearby park (within 30 miles if possible) with a few trails or maybe a lake for paddling. If camping’s your thing, bring the tent or a hammock.

Pack your gear the night before, load the truck, and be ready to roll first thing in the morning.

And one more important thing — tell someone where you’re going.
Not because you expect the worst, but because stuff happens out there. Twisted ankles, snake bites, bad weather — life loves surprises.

It’s always safer with a buddy (to drag you to safety), but even if you go solo, use common sense and play it smart.

Because the outdoors isn’t just about taking risks — it’s about finding peace, challenge, and a little bit of yourself along the way.

— Until next time, Get Outside and Play!