America’s midwestern states… They’re called the fly over states because people from the mountains and the coasts think they’re bland and boring. Truth is, most of the people in those states think so, too.

I’ve lived in Kansas and Missouri for the majority of my life and I beg to differ. I’ve discovered places of breathtaking beauty, even confined within the Kansas City limits. Places I imagine most of KC’s residents don’t even know exist.

Fitness is the vehicle that guided me to these places but let me rewind a bit. It all starts with perspective.

When I started running, I would drive up to the park 0.5 miles from my house. There, I would run a 1.38 mile loop around the park and drive back home. Doing this before work was a thrill. It was an adventure because I was pushing my comfort zone and my conceptual limits of what could be done in the morning before work.

I can still remember the first time I decided to take on the extra challenge running to the park, running the loop, and running back. What a thrill! Pushing my conceptual boundaries further. I was afraid I might fail half-way, walk back and be late to work.

I didn’t fail.

I began running further and further after that. Each new distance or new route was an exciting new challenge and thrill. An adventure.

Then I started biking and experienced that same excitement. You can cover so much ground on a bike! It’s an outstanding way to explore your city or hometown. There are places not accessible by car that are worth seeing. Bike trails are usually laid alongside creeks, which makes them full of beautiful scenery and neat topography. Then I discovered the mountain biking trails and oohhhhh boy.

Exhilarating.

Mountain biking trails are amazing! These trails are labor intensive and time consuming to make, so city planners don’t waste time making them just anywhere. It's a pretty safe bet that these trails uncover some of the most beautiful wilderness in the area.

I found out that I could run these trails, too, that it was wildly adventurous and easier on the joints. Flying over fallen logs and whizzing past narrow trees was a whole new feeling of freedom. The best part: Kansas City had a ton of different trails. I didn’t need to travel to the mountains; these trails were in my backyard. Large rock outcrops, waterfalls, MASSIVE trees, and wide-open vistas. Pounding along over rugged terrain, rocks, and roots.

I was hooked.

Things have evolved from there. The thrill still comes from pushing limits, and while I still love running in the woods, my limits are what have changed.

Now, I enjoy the challenge of packing for longer undertakings. Setting up my bike rack and tuning my bike. Packing my camelbak tight with as much water as it can hold, an extra bike tube with CO2 canisters for air, gels and other fuel, bike shoes as well as running shoes, and a hand-held hydration receptacle for running.

Longer distances and durations require more precision, especially in the summer months of extreme heat. You have to be well prepared and even conserving water becomes a consideration. It’s a lot more work nowadays, but I truly love it, and the reward remains the same.

Ultimately, the point is this:

Adventure is all about perspective.

The feeling I got when I drove to the park and ran just a little more than a mile is the same feeling I get today. I’m still pushing boundaries and it is still just as exciting. Still taking risks, and reaping the rewards. Fall is coming in hot and there is no better time to get out and explore.

Get out there and try - it’s the human spirit afterall.