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Month: October 2010

The Roaming Gazelle

Posted on October 21, 2010October 2, 2016 by Flies on a Wall

My wish came true. I am no longer a caged bird, but a roaming gazelle. Okay, I am not really a gazelle. I am just a simple (dramatic) American girl in Afghan clothes who has been admitted to a little-known world; the world of Afghanistan, circa now. Initially, I thought I would be stuck in[…]

Posted in Afghanistan Tagged adventure, Afghanistan, culture, travel 3 Comments

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Larry and Jaala climb, surf, ski, paraglide, run, travel, explore, teach and help others. We love real estate investing 🏕🏠🏢

What happens when you mix a wet slide designed for What happens when you mix a wet slide designed for kids, with a Gore-Tex jacket, then add a sharp bend in the middle? "OMG it's so fast!".
** PHOTO BY GORUCK ** Jaala is currently competing ** PHOTO BY GORUCK ** Jaala is currently competing in one of the hardest endurance events in the world, GORUCK Selection. 47 men and one woman started, and after 8 hours half are gone. In a typical year 0 to 3 people make it to the 48 hour mark standing. Everyone is pulling for you Jaala, give it your best!
On popular hikes and climbs, often times the early On popular hikes and climbs, often times the early bird catches the worm. That was the case yesterday on Old Rag Mountain, VA. A summit sunrise with nobody else in sight. 

#goruck 
#girlswhoruck
#ruckup 
#gr1
The cherry blossoms of Washington DC mark the comi The cherry blossoms of Washington DC mark the coming of Spring. Thousands of people come to see the beauty, but solitude can still be found before sunrise for those willing. #cherryblossom #washingtondc #travel2021
There's just something about exploring a place on There's just something about exploring a place on earth you've never been before. It doesn't have to be exotic foreign travel, it could be as simple as walking on a trail you've never ventured on close to your house. My wife and I have climbed all over the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado but never on this particular sliver of rock, and there was something to the newness.
If you need a dose of motivation, listen to Jaala' If you need a dose of motivation, listen to Jaala's recent Black Diamond podcast interview (link in bio) where she talks about what life was like as a woman living and working abroad in China, Jordan, Afghanistan, and Micronesia. Jaala also talks about her mindset when training and competing in ultra-endurance events like the grueling #GORUCK Selection. 

#womenathletes #badassbabes #ruckup #travel2021
I have to talk up my wife Jaala for a moment. She I have to talk up my wife Jaala for a moment. She is a natural athlete by nature, and a coach at heart. She was a National Level swimmer in her youth, and a Division I cross country and swimming athlete through college, 2x CrossFit Regionals athlete and has a passion for ultra-endurance events. She is also CrossFit HQ Kids Seminar Staff, and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified.

I’m so excited that Jaala has started her own online fitness and nutrition coaching business Drop by Drop Fitness. If you, or some you know is struggling to meet their athletic or nutrition related goals, I encourage you to check out dropbydropfitness.com and @dropbydropfitness on Instagram. Jaala is the best coach and mentor I know, and her passion for helping others paired with her knowledge of athletics and nutrition can help anyone achieve their goals.

#dropbydropfitness
#crossfit
#ruckup
#fitnesscoach
#goruck
When you think of amazing European cities with a m When you think of amazing European cities with a midevil feel, what's the first place that comes to mind? For me it's Prague, followed by Tallinn. A stroll across the St. Charles Bridge is like taking a step back in time. 

#travel2020 #praguestagram #prague🇨🇿 #czechrepublic #praha🇨🇿 #eurogram #stcharlesbridge
Jerusalem has some of the richest history, and mo Jerusalem has some of the richest history, and most contested land in the world. Walking the markets in the quarters brings history alive. The Church of the Holy Sepulture is where Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. Several blocks away is the Mosque of Al-Aqsa where Muslims believe Mohammad ascended to heaven. The Western Wall and Temple Mount are Holy sites of many faiths, and Jewish believers gather to pray. No matter what your beliefs, there is no doubt that Jerusalem is a special place, and worth exploring. 

#travel2020 #jerusalem #Churchoftheholysepulture
Some places are best explored at night, away from Some places are best explored at night, away from the crowds of people. The soft light and quiet atmosphere is well worth the early wake up. Washington D.C. is definitely one of those places to breathe in history. #travel2020 #goruck #ruckup #dc #washingtondc #marines #dcmonuments #sunrise_sunset_photogroup
Boulder, Colorado is an outdoor lover's paradise. Boulder, Colorado is an outdoor lover's paradise. With the highest density of athletes in America, you simply have to knock on your neighbor's door for someone who can challenge you. Although they appear small in the photo, the Flatirons are over a thousand feet high and one can climb the face in 5-6 climbing pitches. If you love outdoor sports, Boulder is the place for you.

#bouldercolorado #colorado #travel2020 #flatirons #travelcommunity
Climbing combines exploration, rapid decision maki Climbing combines exploration, rapid decision making skills, and the need to push through physical and mental barriers when the time calls. When you are fully engaged in a process like this, nothing else in the entire world matters. Your mind and body are fully engaged, and you seek a primal state of optimized flow to solve the problem in front of you. Just like so many things in life, there is a problem, and you must find the optimal solution by balancing risk and reward, conserving resources, and being creative and bold when the time calls for it. In some ways, activities like this are an intense microcosm of work, or even life. micro aims paired with long term goals give a greater reward, and a greater meaning in life. What are you aiming at this week, and in what way does that aim tie in with your life goals? 
#travel2020 #climbing_is_my_passion #climbon #climbing_pictures_of_instagram #climbing_worldwide #climbinglife
Indonesia is a great place to experience a new cul Indonesia is a great place to experience a new culture without paying a small fortune. Renting a scooter and a surfboard will keep you occupied and smiling for quite some time. I asked a taxi to take me to this temple at 6 AM. The driver looked puzzled... nobody goes at 6AM... Exactly my friend. 
#travel2020 #travelblog #canon #Indonesia
There are so many cultures and wonders to explore There are so many cultures and wonders to explore in the world. For those given the wanderlust gene, it makes understanding the world through travel and first hand experience  one of the Joy's of life.... Rice fields in Indonesia. 
#travel2019 
#travelbloggerlife 
#travelbloggers 
#traveltheworld 
#canon5d 
#wearewildtribe 
#radseason
Exploration can be done in many ways. You can lear Exploration can be done in many ways. You can learn about new cultures, and explore new parts of the world. Exploring physical and mental limits is another way to push boundaries and learn more about yourself. Recently Jaala competed in @GORUCK Selection, one of the hardest endurance events in the world with a typical pass rate of less than 2%. It’s important to challenge yourself with worthy objectives. Click the link in the bio to read Jaala’s thoughts after the event, and take a sneak peak at what’s next!
Photo Credit @gallowaytimothy Check out this Michigan based photographer’s account for more great shots of the event.

#ruckup
#goruck
#crossfitgirl
#crossfitcoach
#travel2019
#radseason
#womenathletes
#gorucktough
#crossfitsanitas
#ocrtraining
#ocrlife
#ocrgirl
#wearewildtribe
GORUCK Selection is one of the toughest individual GORUCK Selection is one of the toughest individual endurance competitions in the world. Typically less than 2% (1-2 people per class) pass the multi-day event. Competitors are pushed to their absolute physical and mental limits repeatedly with little food and sleep. The physical standards are the same for male and female competitors, and Jaala is up for the challenge this October in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. @GORUCK is a company owned and operated by former members of the Special Operations community that bridge the gap between the military and civilian population through team events. If you want to learn more about the GORUCK Selection event just type "GORUCK Selection" into the YouTube search bar or follow the link in our bio for a story about the last time Jaala attempted the event. 
#goruck
#ruckup
#redrocksamphitheater
#coloradolove
#coloradogram
#crossfit
#crossfitgirl
#crossfitcoach
#travel2019
#radseason
#womenofgoruck
#gr1
#womenwholift
#womenathletes
#gorucktraining
#gorucktough
#goruckgirl
#goruckhq
#crossfitsanitas
Canada is the place we go to both challenge oursel Canada is the place we go to both challenge ourselves in the mountains, and calm our minds. What part of the world is your outdoor playground?

#travel2019 #canadagram #mountainwomen #banfflife #albertacanada #goruck #ruckup
Our dream living situation is a remote cabin surro Our dream living situation is a remote cabin surrounded by nature. I stumbled on this small structure deep in the Koli National Park of Finland, and it reminded me of our dream cabin. Simplicity, nature, and a slower way of life are all great ways to reset the mind. What's your ideal abode? Where would you be most happy living? Is that what you are driving towards today, or do you already live in your dream house?

#logcabin #logcabins #travel2019 #visitingfinland #hiker #backpacker_photography #travelbloggerlife
My first skydive in Jordan was AMAZING!! I'm sure My first skydive in Jordan was AMAZING!! I'm sure I ate all the bugs :O

#skydive
#firstskydive 
#goruck 
#wearewildtribe 
#radseason 
#middleeast 
#travel2019 
#travelbloggers 
#adventuretravel
We had never been to Bryce Canyon, Utah, so what b We had never been to Bryce Canyon, Utah, so what better way to see it than the Bryce Canyon 50 mile (80km) Ultra race! The course is mostly between 8,000 and 9,000 feet above the sea and has some amazing single track trail that weaves through the sandstone “Hoodoo” spires of Red Canyon. Thanks to @ultraadventures for putting on a great race. The aid stations were well stocked with goodies and I’d recommend the 50km or 60km race for someone’s first ultra. Also, thanks to @endurobites for making bars that I can eat when my mouth is as dry as sawdust. Amazing experience with great people, and what a great way to explore an amazing part of the world.
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#radseason
#wearewildtribe
#Ultratrail
#ultratrailrunner
#trailandultra
#runnergirl
#runnerlife
#runnercommunity
#runnerworld
#goruck
#ultragirl
#runnergirls
#utahphotographer
#utahgram
#utahisrad
#utahrocks
#utahhiking
#brycecanyon
#brycanyonultras
#brycecanyonnationalpark
#nps
We love each of the four seasons, and there is a d We love each of the four seasons, and there is a definite change in the air this week. Time to get outside and get after it! We have way too many outdoor hobbies to focus on just one, what are some of your go to activities?
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#hurley #quicksilver #ripcurl #oceanlover #oceantherapy #waterlust #oceanlove #Saltysoul #cstreet #californiaholics #ventura #surflife #surftravel #surfporn #Surfart #Surfstyle #Surfline #surferparadise
Some people are drawn to the mountains while other Some people are drawn to the mountains while others gravitate to the sea. People are social creatures, but still need an even dose of peace for an equilibrium. This beach near Sydney was juxtapose to the urban expanse near by. Are you drawn to the seas, the mountains, or the expanse of large cities? 
#wearewildtribe

#radseason

#travel2019

#travelblogging

#sunriseoftheday

#sunrise_and_shorelines

#sunrise_shotz

#shorelines

#beachphotos

#beachphotographer

#sydneyaustralia

#sydney_insta

#australia_oz

#australia_shotz

#australiabeaches
Jaala loves training for athletic goals when the w Jaala loves training for athletic goals when the weather conditions are at their worst. It helps her get a mental edge by self-motivating during training. Training is the time to master mental games so they come more naturally when it is time to perform. Jaala was recently featured by @goruck about why she trains. Check out the link in our IG bio to read the article. It doesn’t hurt that Carmen our half golden half husky puppy loves the worst weather; she is the best training partner!

#goruck
#ruckup
#ruckyeah
#goberian
#huskypup
#girlswhoruck
#wearewildtribe
#radseason
#bouldercolorado
#travel2019
#ocrathlete
#crossfithq
#ocrtraining
#ocrlife
#rucking
#boulderresevoir
#dogworkout
2019 will be an amazing year, no doubt about it. 2019 will be an amazing year, no doubt  about it. The new year brings career changes, athletic challenges, and travel... all of the things we enjoy most. Jaala is spending the winter enjoying Colorado before traveling to Italy in spring. Larry is exploring Central Asia before joining Jaala. Jaala will be competing in @GORUCK Selection, one of the hardest endurance events in the world. Larry will be pushing his rock climbing limits around the world. Both will also be competing in ultra trail marathons in the new year. 2019 will also bring career changes that will keep us doing good works abroad for many years to come. 
#wearewildtribe #radseason #utah #zion #nps #travel2019 #zionnationalpark #utahphotographer #travelblogging #goruck #ruckup #5diii #5d3
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