Most recently updated December 31st, 2021
Hey, I’m LJ –
Thanks for joining me!
Originally from Minnesota, I’ve made my home in North Carolina since 1996.
As a single mom, I started hiking in this area with my daughter when she was small, and have been leading local group hikes since 2009.
Through the years – in between work and school schedules – we spent as much time as we could hiking across the US and around the world.
In my posts, I share my adventures hiking in exotic far-off locations, and also tell you about unique places you could visit just down the street.
I’ also share tips on good places to hike or just get outdoors with your kids in the Cary/Raleigh area and beyond.
FYI, I only write about places or experiences I’ve actually checked out myself, so you know it’s good information. (I also try to keep the info up to date if things have changed.)
My goal is to inspire you to try some outdoor adventures of your own – both with and without your children in tow.
No matter what your age (or theirs) the best time to start is right now!
Why I’m Doing This
Despite lifelong chronic asthma, I’m still pretty fit and have successfully hiked under some difficult conditions – so I think I’ve demonstrated a certain amount of expertise!
Over the years, I’ve learned about how to overcome barriers to achievement – in this case, to outdoor exercise – and want to share what I’ve learned, so others can do it too 🙂
I don’t claim to be an extreme hiker and now, in my 50’s, I don’t think I’m going to set any records.
But I do have a realistic approach to deciding where I want to go and what I want to do – and how to prepare for those adventures.
I’ll share my planning and training process with you. I’ll also share some strategies that have worked for me in a lifetime of being active with asthma.
You may notice some posts on my site with items for sale.
I am an affiliate of several companies (including Amazon).
But truly and honestly, I make practically nothing from them – and, my affiliate status costs buyers nothing.
I also recently started my own IRW Merchandise shop. I’ve made sure to source all items in the U.S, so there should be no shipping issues.
I design products like mugs, and water bottles and T-shirts both with and without the IRW logo – – and a bunch of other stuff just for fun, too.
I’m especially fond of my snarky T-shirts. 🙂
My product and travel reviews and recommendations – along with all of the articles on the site – are unpaid, and really just a service and a convenience to my readers.
And the hikes I host (posted on my Meetup site) are always free of charge.
To get new blog posts and newsletters directly to your email, click on the Subscribe link below.
You can send any questions or comments at Idratherwalkblog@gmail, and I’ll respond as quickly as I can.
Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ
To get new posts via email Subscribe here!