Thursday, November 27, 2014

My Dream Job!

I've spent the past few days putting together an application to Backpacker Magazine to become an Ambassador for their Get Out More Tour.  The job includes traveling around the country, speaking at retail locations and outdoor festivals.  Can you imagine?  Getting paid to travel and talk about hiking?

To get the job, I first need to convince them that I'm an experienced hiker.  I could tell them that I'm a Triple Crowner (AT 2011, PCT 2012, CDT 2014) but I'm prouder, still, to have been the first to hike the 924-mile Ironwood Trail as well as being the first to hike the Great Lake to Lake Trail. During those hikes, I interacted with more than just other long distance hikers; I had the chance to influence people I met along the way and encourage them to get out and hike. That led to me being nominated for a Governor's Fitness Award and the opportunity to spread my message about the health benefits of hiking to a wider audience.

I think my experience with public speaking will really help me as a Tour Host. I've been honored to have been asked to speak at the Caroline Kennedy Library a couple of times as well to smaller groups like the Scouts and some hiking clubs.  Coming up, I'll be at the Berkley Library on January 20th and I'll be heading to Spokane, WA later that same month to speak to the Burning Boots Trail Club.

As part of my application for the job, I even filmed a video and posted it to YouTube.

If you think this job is right up my alley, please leave a comment below.