Greetings Fellow Adventurers

Topic 1 of 7: New beginnings - Limitless possibilities

August is the month when college campuses bounce back to life. This is a magical time ... a new beginning with limitless possibilities. Everyone is an "A" student and epic growth opportunities are imagined. Research by Katherine Milkman and co-authors show that “temporal landmarks” (such beginning of semesters, birthdays, and New Years' day) cause people to more seriously consider new directions. These temporal landmarks act as pivots for “nudging” or influencing an individual’s behavior.

We can create our own new beginnings by adding an adventure to the calendar. We can think of an adventure in a general sense, but basically it is a journey of curiosity and discovery with the right combination of challenge and "story." Having adventures on the calendar can nudge us to incorporate behaviors and habits that we seek (e.g., getting in shape to trek in the mountains or to adjust our diet). An interesting book about the role of fresh starts is Katy Milkmans How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. Add adventure.

Above photo was taken at Jasper National Park by Clayton Pummill. Check out our previous newsletters.

Topic 2 of 7: Books and a beverage

Outlive by Peter Attia

Wednesday August 23: 6:00 PM CT.  RSVP here

Join us for an engaging discussion of the ideas from the book Outlive We will meet at 6655 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130. The goal is to share ideas and consider how we might incorporate ideas into our life journey. Bring your preferred beverage and any snacks. After the book discussion, we plan go to a Delmar loop restaurant for a bite.

It is not necessary to have read the book to participate.

Topic 3 of 7: Hiking / Rucking trek in Forest Park

Forest Park on Saturday 8/26/2023 at 9 AM CT RSVP here

Two options

• 4 mile Hike / Ruck (pick your own pace) or

• 6 mile (10K) Fitness Hike / Ruck (roughly 17 min/mile pace)

Join us for a hike/ruck. Rucking is hiking with a weighted backpack. Many find that rucking is better that walking/hiking for gaining fitness. And, compared to jogging/running, there is a reduced risk of injury. It is a great way to get in shape for your hiking adventures this summer. You start with light weights and build up as you gain fitness. See Dr Peter Attia's discussion on the benefit of rucking.

Topic 4 of 7: Informational meeting for our trip to Devil's Tower - Zoom

Zoom - August 21: 7:00 PM CT.  RSVP here

Join us for an informational meeting when we provide an
(1) introduction to visiting Devils Tower and
(2) overview of our planned October 2023 trip

Everyone welcome, even if you do not plan to join our 2023 trip.

Presenters include Helga and others. We will share photos, stories, and plans. Plenty of time for Q & A.

Topic 5 of 7: Member spotlight

Clayton Pummill, man of many adventures

Clayton writes in his member profile:

"I’m passionate about sharing the beauty of our world, depths of ourselves, and love we share through connecting with nature. My favorites are scuba diving with my wife and exploring the mountains with the family. I hope to join you all on an adventure soon!"

See our Facebook group for other MAC member adventures.

Topic 6 of 7: Info session for our 2023 Colorado 14ers Alpine weekend

Zoom - August 22: 7:00 PM CT.  RSVP here

Join us for an informational meeting when we provide an
(1) introduction to hiking 14ers (peaks in excess of 14,000 feet) and
(2) overview of our planned September 2023 trip

Everyone welcome, even if you do not plan to join our 2023 trip.

Presenters include Ron and others. We will share photos, stories, and plans. Plenty of time for Q & A.

Topic 7 of 7: Medallion One Day Conference: Embracing Wellness

We are planning a one day mini-conference on Enhancing Wellness

Date: November 11th 2023

Time: 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: University City Library, St Louis

Topics discussed: Framework from Peter Attia's book Outlive / Exercise / Mindfulness / Emotional health / Self-care.

More info to come. RSVP after 8/23/23

About us: MAC is a non-profit learning organization. We help members increase wellbeing with active outdoor exploration, life-time learning, like-minded community, and healthy habit development. It is a whole-person perspective built on the proposition that adventuring happens one step at a time and is most appreciated when done with other like-minded people.

Thanks for your interest in this MAC newsletter. Click here for previous newsletters.

Please let me know if you

• have anything you would like included in the next MAC newsletter

• would like to be added to the newsletter mailing list or you know of someone who would like to be added

I can be reached at Ron@MedallionAdventureClub.com or a text in MAC Slack. 

To Adventure

Ron King

Medallion Adventure Club