Ultra-Conscious Terry Egge
Terry Egge’s off grid refuge
After decades of working in Corporate America across Minneapolis, Terry Egge now finds refuge in an off-the-grid log cabin in northern Wisconsin. And we mean Off. The. Grid. She talked with us about learning to follow the rhythm of nature and inspires us to rethink the concept of luxury.
Terry is not unlike the ultra athletes we’ve interviewed at We Do This For Fun. She sought to try something new, challenge herself and reach new heights. But instead of doing the Arrowhead135, she bought an off-grid cabin. In Terry’s case, the cabin provides both physical and mental challenges, offers her lots of opportunities to problem solve and ways to create new habits- just like an ultra-endurance athlete. This cabin has helped to shape her into an ultra-conscious human being.
Being in nature and in a place where resources are scarce, she’s learned to do things differently. She noticed her patterns and challenged herself to change them. The cabin is not accessible by car, so a long hike or a short swim is involved to reach the front door. Since everything must be carried in, one must very intentional about what is brought and consumed. Water is only used when necessary. Trash is minimal. She lets the greenery grow and nature responds with flowers’ exotic displays. The less is more concept shines here. This lo-fi, simple approach seemed to make good things happen. So she brought it home too.
She credits this beautiful log cabin with changing her approach to life. In her experience, the rhythm of nature provided to her at this place, slowed and calmed her and once she got to know the feeling she “can recreate it anywhere”. What was her comfortable life of previous years has become uncomfortable- what a wonderful way to experience growth.
Kate the Great
Oh, Kate Coward, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways.
While you may not believe us, Kate is a mortal being
Record breaking ultra endurance athlete Kate Coward has experienced imposter syndrome? What? Imposter syndrome plagues many of us, but we can overcome it. How you might ask? Kate says we need to take action. It’s easy to say “it’s not the right time”, “I don’t have the right body”, “I need to train more” and then I’ll <fill in the blank>. Let’s stop doing that. Days become months and months become years....
What’s that “thing” you’ve been wanting to do, that thought that keeps entering your brain and you keep pushing it away? That may be a good place to start.
Kate is a deep thinker
“Outdoor adventures are the great equalizer.”
So you decide to take on an outdoor adventure. You’ve trained, prepared and feel confident in your approach. There’s just one more consideration, variables. Kate has thought deeply about how variables can make or break you. You can train, optimize your nutrition and have the clearest mindset and if the weather induces an asthma attack there is very little you can do about it. Our success or failure isn’t always based upon our preparation, inputs or exertion- weather, technicals, experience, mental blocks, health conditions, and everything else play into the outcomes. These aren’t excuses, it’s reality so let’s go a little easier on ourselves.
That said, “I can’t” should be used in very few circumstances, per Kate. “People have so much potential they don’t even know what’s inside them”.
Think again about that “thing” you want to do that you’ve been ignoring… yes, you can.
Kate believes in abundance
We knew we loved Kate, but she threw a big love zinger at the end of our interview that bonded us to Kate for life.
“The alpha female is out. Be cool and raise other women into the light.”
As many of us can relate, a weird female behavior rears its ugly head at a surprisingly young age. Undermining, gossip, condescension, envy and fake smiles. Hostility that burns designed to make other women feel inadequate and to keep them small. Where does it come from? Where does this get us as women? It gets us lower pay, feelings of resentment and unmet potential. It divides us and gets us nowhere.
Ladies, it’s time to raise one another into the light.
Kate expressed her gratitude for the community of women who race and how honored she feels to hold their company.
What if we were hell bent on getting what we want, but ditched the passive-aggressive (or just plain aggressive), unscrupulous behaviors? What if we embraced abundance and lifted one another up? What if we didn’t fear judgement from others? Think of might we achieve.
We Do This For Fun is all about lifting one another up for TRYING . Let’s meet every attempt by a woman with an equal accolade of support. You know where that will get us? More confidence, untapped joy, synergy, infectious energy that spurs action and ultimately met potential- who’s in?
Share with us one woman you admire for TRYING to help all women attempt that “thing” that’s tapping them on the shoulder.
Who run the world? Let’s make the answer to this question a reality.
Bare Essentials (Let’s Get Naked)
Enjoying one of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes
Something beautiful happens when you spend more time outdoors and specifically camping. One realization you may have is how much time you spend on needless vanity, worries and bullshit. A new image of yourself emerges, as absurd and time consuming beauty routines fall away. Mirrors become unnecessary. Majestic beauty is found IN yourself. You notice and appreciate the way your body moves- the strength of your legs, the muscles in your arms, and the force of your core. You might even get comfortable with the uncomfortable- like skinny dipping or pooping in the woods. The freedom that follows is nothing short of magical.
Our conversation with Leah Dussault was pure exhilaration. From getting back to her roots at Camp St. Croix to chatting about Diva Cups to the liberation of skinny dipping -it was all about the freedom the outdoors provides. So many ways to continue, but let’s cut to the chase, because Leah’s top tip is TRUTH and a researched fact. My friends, it’s time to “GO SKINNY DIPPING!”. While that thought might be stress inducing, research shows naturism (a.k.a. nudity) actually reduces stress, improves well-being and has a positive effect on body image. Just like Leah said. Really, was a study needed?
So Leah gave you a tip- now we’ll give you the trick!
First, what is skinny dipping?
Skinny dipping is swimming in the nude.
So how should you go about experiencing this life altering freedom? Here are some pointers on how to skinny dip:
Sobriety is key
Lots of us need liquid courage to do things out of character, but it’s dangerous to swim while intoxicated. Don’t do it. End of story.
Be smart in choosing a location.
Make sure he location is private and safe. Use your brain and intuition. Skinny dipping is illegal most places so there is the chance that if you are caught you could get into trouble with the authorities- but you know that.
Make sure there are no children around
If minors are around, you haven’t found the right location. Keep looking.
Keep your clothes close
Don’t veer too far from your clothes. Imagine them being stolen or needing to make a quick escape. Feeling trapped isn’t fun for anyone.
No pictures
Zero. None. This is a moment to experience, not document. Plus it’s weird.
Don’t stare
Skinny dipping is about non-judgmentally loving in the moment. Avoid comparing yourself, it just feels bad.
Skinny dipping is not sexual
It’s about intimacy with yourself or others you trust. Intimacy, trust and relationship building are the goal, not the other thing.
Ladies, your period is not an excuse
Diva cups. Tampons. We’ve evolved.
You should know how to swim
If you aren’t a confident swimmer, only go as far as feels safe and comfortable. Be aware if there are any currents or drop-offs that could surprise you. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself.
Be confident
Easier said than done. Remember this experience is about being unapologetically you and who you are in your body. It’s about freedom…your freedom.
What might happen if you ditched self-doubt, modesty, and clothes and embraced your inner Leah? We can’t wait to hear! Try it and let us know what it was like to do this for fun.
Outdoor Gear
We’ll be updating our lists and recommendations often. If you need a consult, just give us a shout @wedothisforfun and we’ll happily help you make smart choices on what you need for your outdoor adventure.
These old Danners got me a few compliments while shopping at Anthropologie… huh?
We turn to google for advice, suggestions and guidance for pretty much everything, including what to purchase. What could go wrong?
“What gear do I need to go camping?”
“What are the best hiking boots?”
“Best tent for a family”
“Top rated canoe”
In the gear space, marketing wins. Watch out for those top 10 lists that pop up after your searches for adventure and camping gear. Be cautious when viewing those beautiful instagram posts of adventurers in “gear” who look like models having outdoor experiences (they pretty much are). Companies pay influencers and publications big money to get your eyes on their products. This is called micro marketing and we’re all being targeted. Perfect storytelling, gorgeous people and incredible photography are tools to get us to buy what they want us to buy, not necessarily what we should buy.
At We Do This For Fun, we’re dedicated to providing you with REAL talk and product recommendations that really work. Our team (aka the Twins) can help you think about your purchases and determine what’s necessary, marketing or impulse. A gorgeous white Fjallraven jacket gently called out to me at a store this week. I carried that beauty around the store for a half hour, before I put it down. Seriously, how do I justify a white jacket for camping? That said, we’re not against buying something just because you like it- we all deserve to feel good. Our goal is to help you with the functional purchases and omit the surprise malfunctioning gear. Better to buy right the first time.
Certain products you can buy because you just like the look of them, others you should buy for their functionality and ability to meet your adventure needs. Here’s a couple of sites we trust, products we admire (or desire) and things we love just because:
Cooke Custom Sewing (lots of nice camp gear)
Backcountry (great gear for all)
Wintergreen Northern Wear (handmade gear from Ely Minnesota)
We’ll be updating our lists and recommendations often. If you need a consult, just give us a shout @wedothisforfun and we’ll happily help you make smart choices on whatever you need for your next outdoor adventure.
The Great Outdoors
Join us each week for inspiration to take that first step outside your front door or to build the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.
Jodi never thought she’d find herself at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, now she can’t stop thinking about when she can go back
Do you have the desire to spend more time outdoors, but aren’t sure where to start? Are you interested in learning how to camp, but feel a little clueless about camping gear, camp cooking, how to make a campfire or even how to choose a campsite? You’ve landed in the right place.
We Do This For Fun is a podcast and community about thriving in the great outdoors. It’s for outdoor experts and novices alike and a place to help you find the unique ways that you can connect with nature. We bring you ideas, tips and tricks, inspirational humans and transformational experiences to help guide your path to increased time in the outdoors.
We share ideas that may seem counterintuitive, like “it’s important to be uncomfortable”. Why? Because the accomplishment you feel after discomfort builds your strength and confidence and flows into all aspects of life. Slowly, you may find you have a new perspective on “fun”, the courage to say yes to things you’d never considered for yourself and heightened resilience that eases your day to day existence.
What we can promise you- you will discover something if you go outside. Something that moves you, changes your perspective or even transforms your life. It’s your curiosity that will help you find your outdoor “fun”. Maybe it’s van life, an RV or a tent. Maybe it’s a bike, cross country skis, or a canoe. It could be the Boundary Waters, Glacier or a rainforest in Belize. Maybe it’s simply a campfire in your backyard. Until you get out there, you don’t know what your “thing” is. Join us each week for inspiration to take that first step outside your front door or to build the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.