Technology Hiker

Comfort in Uncomfortable Places: Arc’teryx Stanford Center Presentation

On February 27, 2020, I participated in an Arc’teryx Stanford Center store event focused on how individuals find comfort in uncomfortable places in the outdoors, at work, or at home. The store invited Daphne de Jong (climbed Everest 2019, to kite skiing Greenland in 2020) and me to share our stories. Brie & Carlos also shared their experiences and how the new Nuclei FL jacket brings comfort in the mountains. Below is a web version of my powerpoint presentation

Argentina Patagonia ( Nahuel Huapi National Park )
  • Arc’teryx Thank You
    • Outstanding Community – #arcteryxstanfordcenter
    • Outstanding Gear
    • First Arc’teryx Piece – Theta Hard shell in 2007

Guilin, China
Type 1 FunType 2 FunType 3 Fun
Thoughts During
Activity
Good timesEndureWill I Survive?
Thoughts After
Activity
Good timesNot So Bad
Kinda Fun
I’m Retired

  • Finding Comfort in Uncomfortable Places (Tips for Persevering & Succeeding)
    • 1) Make Time
    • 2) Do Not Be Afraid to Fail
    • 3) Bring Versatile Gear
    • 4) Be Positive
    • 5) Dig Down
    • 6) Minimize Worry at Home
    • 7) Bonus – Bring Gifts
  • 1) Make Time (Increase opportunities for a positive outcome)
    • Scheduling
      • Calendar It (e.g., Google Calendar critical)
      • Set expectations with family & work
      • Reservations (e.g., Sierra, Milford Trek)
    • Time Savers
      • Fly early / late in the day
      • Uber to a location / run back
      • Find activities that overlap (work, family, volunteer)
      • Be Ready – Running shoes at work
Mount Lyell & Lyell Glaicer from the JMT in Yosemite National Park

  • 2) Do Not Be Afraid to Fail (Change your expectations for success)
    • In Your Control
      • Effort
      • Attitude
    • Outside Your Control
      • Weather
      • Other People
    • Only Achieve Goal % of Time
    • Adjust goals / expectations
      • Cascades vs. Sierra
      • Cotopaxi, Ixta 1, Ixta 2
Mexican Volcanoes – Ixta Climb 1 – post hurricane
Mexican Volcanoes – Ixta Climb 2 – slightly better weather
  • 3) Bring Versatile Gear (Adjust when conditions change / deteriorate)
    • Flexible Gear (Multiple Uses)
      • Shell & Trail Jacket (Theta, Beta, Incendo)
      • Insulation – plane / outdoor (Proton, Atom)
      • Phone – Maps, GPS, Light
      • Cough Drops for throat / candy
    • Lightweight Gear
      • Trail Shoes, Vapor Barrier Socks & Traction
      • Backpacks
    • Back-Up Systems
      • Headlamp & Phone
      • Cash & credit card (change)
      • Map & Phone –Battery Systems
Tokyo, Japan
  • 4) Be Positive (Laugh at Yourself & Go with the Flow)
Lake Tahoe
  • 5) Dig Down (Challenging for a reason)
    • Know When to Push
      • I Think I Can, I Think I Can –Summit Push
      • Tahoe Shortcut (Mistakes)
    • Know When to Wait Out
      • Gale force winds on Mt Hood
      • Sequoia NP zero visiblity
    • What Keeps You Going
      • Music
      • Repetition
      • Food / Water
Sequoia National Park, CA
  • 6) Minimize Worry at Home (Set Right Expectations / Be Smart)
    • Set Right Expectations
      • Departure, Return
      • Checking In: SPOT
      • Only check in with issue
    • Be Safe
      • Aware of Weather / Avalanche Danger
      • Go With Partner
    • Share Right Level of Details
      • Locations
      • Contacts
Freel Peak, Lake Tahoe
  • 7 Bonus) Bring Gifts
Istanbul Spice Market
  • Finding Comfort in Uncomfortable Places (Tips for Persevering & Succeeding)
    • 1) Make Time
    • 2) Do Not Be Afraid to Fail
    • 3) Bring Versatile Gear
    • 4) Be Positive
    • 5) Dig Down
    • 6) Minimize Worry at Home
    • 7) Bonus – Bring Gifts
Rocky Mountain Naitonal Park, CO
  • Thank You
Sequoia National Park, CA