An Athlete, Undefined

When I first started at Wild Earth nearly five years ago, I was greeted with the usual first day questions:

Q: “Where are you from?” 
A: Michigan.
Q: “Do you have any pets?” 
A: enthusiastically - Yes! A dog.
Q: “What do you like to do for fun, any hobbies?” 
A. ……….I glance around the office and see desks adorned with shiny medals from ultramarathons, photos from the Camino walk, Nepal, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Overland track, and posters with free solo rock climbers. Suddenly I am struck with the all-too-familiar panic of imposter syndrome and my mind goes blank. I forget every hobby I enjoy except for one - and so to a room full of extreme athletes, I proceed to say -  “I like Zumba”. Welp. 

While I was met with a brief silence, my friendly, new co-workers followed up with polite questions on how I got into Zumba and how often I went. I answered obligingly but let the conversation quickly slip away. 

Why couldn’t I have just said bushwalking or camping? Anything a little bit more on-brand for my new job. Don’t get me wrong, I love Zumba - I still attend a weekly dance class and stand by the fact that it’s great cardio. But I also love hiking, having had recently completed a 10-day overnight hike in one of the most secluded U.S. National Parks - Isle Royale. Not to mention spending nearly every weekend on the Gold Coast exploring different trails. However, I lacked the confidence and the knowledge to define my interests. How did I fit in this outdoor, adventure community? and when would everyone discover my dirty little secret - I like to coordinate my sunnies with my socks and have been known to put on a little makeup before a hike. By the classic definition, I was, and still am, a girly girl. 

What I hadn’t anticipated, however, was just how welcoming and accepting the Wild Earth and greater Australian outdoor community is. 

A big turning point came when professional Ultrarunner, Lucy Bartholomew came to Wild Earth Burleigh to host a screening of her 2021 film, Running Out. I was able to spend some time with Lucy that day. She asked me if I was a runner, and I sheepishly replied, “No, I jog a couple of times a week around the block with my dog.” to which she slyly responded, “That sounds a lot like running.”

In that moment, despite her having recently completed the gruelling 231km of the Larpinta Trail, this insanely skilled runner was interested in my little jaunts around my neighbourhood. Lucy even offered to take me on a trail run. The kindness and openness she showed me on that day, free of judgment, changed my entire outlook on myself and the role I played in this community. Reflecting on her approach and then seeing the film itself later that evening, I decided from then on, if someone asks if I was a runner, or a dancer, a climber, a - fill in the blank to whatever it might be - , if it was something I was genuinely interested in, instead of saying a flat “no”, I’d respond with “not yet”. It was a subtle change that made all the difference. 

Over the past five years, instead of being held back by my lack of experiences, I have let my “beginner’s mindset” become my superpower. I have tried so many new things, and asked countless questions, all because I finally let my guard down and stopped putting myself in a box. I have participated in trail running events (very slowly), competed in the GC Raw Challenge (very muddily), climbed a few walls (very cautiously), I still like to boogie on Thursday nights, and am a proud Frank Green-carrying pilates gal on Tuesdays and Sundays. These days, however, my list of hobbies is never-ending. 

I now realise that in this community - I can be feminine, I can be playful and over-the-top, I can be tough, I can be slow, I can fail spectacularly -  but what I can’t do, is not try. I can be all things if that’s what I want. I am an athlete, undefined, and I belong here. 

I’d be terrible at my job as e-Commerce Coordinator if I didn’t include a few of my favourite products. Without further adieu and in no particular order: 

Frank Green Reusable Ceramic Bottle - Pistachio Green - Hard to put a price on hydration, especially when it can act as a hand weight as well :). Yes, they are a little heavy but gosh are they cute and my water stays icy cold.

Speaking of water - Bix Recovery Hydration Tablets - these taste so good, zero sugar if that’s what you’re into, plus 150 mg of magnesium to keep the muscle cramps at bay. 

On Running Performance Mid Womens Socks - wearing these as I type this, a bit more subdued to my usual colour choices but I love the cut of these and they are so breathable and lightweight without feeling too thin on my heels. 

Blame it on me being from the States but a hike wouldn’t be a hike without snacks. That’s where the KOOEE! Organic Beef Sticks come in, organic, grass fed beef. These are so damn tasty. 

Last but certainly not least - any and all of the Ruffwear dog range. I have a 1 year old whippet named Dov, who goes everywhere with me, including the Wild Earth office. We have the Webmaster Harness and because of how adjustable these harnesses are, he’s been able to wear the same one since he was little. It is easy to clean and great for sighthounds with long skinny necks and snoots. 

Got questions? Don't hesitate to come in-store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! We’ll see you outdoors. Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.

About the contributor:

 Abby is the self-proclaimed office comedian here at Wild Earth. When she is not performing her Monday morning stand-up routine to her peeved coworkers, she steps into her role as the Ecommerce Coordinator. In her free time, you will catch her exploring the Gold Coast capturing endless photos of her Whippet puppy, Dov. She's also known for enthusiastically showing off the photos to strangers and oversharing with anyone in earshot. If you see her out and about, come say hi.... you'll know it's her by the American accent, gaudy sunnies, and cute slinky dog. Follow her and Dov’s adventures on Instagram.