The Thing About Community

I’m doing something that’s way outside my comfort zone.  This is my first week working out at Ragin Crossfit.  Let me say first off that I hate working out.  This morning the workout was a 3 mile run and 100 sit ups.  I’ve got no problem with running.  In fact I love it.  But when I saw 100 sit ups on the workout board all I could think of was “You’ve got to be kidding me”.  I love running, hiking, paddling.  Anything outside.  But I have really never liked working out in a gym.

After the run it was time to put my silly putty abs to the test.   I won’t say it was impressive in any way – but I got them done.  There’s a certain crew that shows up at Crossfit at 6am.  Everyone survives the workouts together and shares a common bond though the struggle.  Without this little community I doubt I would have completed (or even attempted) to do this work out.

On my way home, I was thinking about  the community at Cross Fit.  And how other communities have made a

Our Trail Family Finishes the AT

difference in my life in the outdoors.  Becky and I led an outdoor adventure group for teenagers from 1999-2005. The community of leaders and kids pushed us to take many challenging hikes and paddle trips.  Many of the special people in our lives came out of that time.  When we hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2006, the journey would have been much more difficult without our “Trail Family”.   Hiking for 5 1/2 months pulls you together as we struggled towards Mt. Katahdin.

Then I thought about the outdoor community that centers around Pack & Paddle.  All the “regulars” that come on trip after trip – braving heat, cold and bugs to discover our local trove of outdoor adventure.   I’ve greatly enjoyed the camaraderie   and challenge of kayak fishing with the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club.  It’s pushed me to compete and fish in weather and places I would have never gone on my own.

Adventure crew in the High Sierra

That’s part of what community is all about.  Stretching yourself to do things you might not have done on your own.  Supporting new folks who are just getting started – or are pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.  Lending a hand to people who need it.  And being willing to be the person that accepts that hand of help.

We’re hoping to pull the outdoor community together for a special Potluck Party this coming Thursday night (October 27th).  Our annual Potluck Slideshow combines an Outdoor Community of Lafayette Get-together with some fun, quick 5 minute slideshows.  It’s social and creative.  You’ll see lots of people you’ve adventured with this past year and meet some new folks that you may go with in the coming year.  You’ll be able to support some outdoor folks that are pushing their comfort zone by presenting a slideshow.   Bring any type of potluck dish and join in on the fun!