Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 28 The Bridger Ridge Run is a 20-mile adventure run along the ridgeline of the Bridger Range, north of Bozeman. This run is unmarked; the only requirement is to start at the Fairy Lake Campground at the north end of the Range and end up at the southern end of the range at the "M" Parking area. Non-participants can watch the finish. There are four checkpoints along the ridge to verify that those who start are still on the course. Cut-off times are strictly enforced to make sure everyone is off the mountain by 3 p.m. The 2019 BRR is on August 10th. Sign-ups open in May. Every runner must go through a lottery selection process, since the Forest Service imposes a limit of 250 runners. Details about the run can be found on www.winddrinkers.org. 7 8 10 9 LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND TO ITS CONSTANTLY CHANGING NEEDS (AND COMPLAINTS). SAFETY ITEMS. On longer outings, I usually take a whistle, a compass (I know how to use one), a penlight, a simple single-bladed knife, and a weightless space blanket. How often do I use those things? Not often, but I'm more likely to share them with people in need. e penlight got me safely off a mountain when I ran out of daylight. BE YOUR OWN COACH. Life can be much simpler if you take responsibility for your own life in the moun- tains. Seeking advice from others can be tricky. You know who you are more than anyone else can. Develop your own plan, and modify it all the time. Listen to your body and to its constantly changing needs (and complaints). I'm talking about deciding when NOT to go out, when to add a mile or two, when to do a steep trail, when to do the 'ole sidewalk walk, or when to see a movie instead. CHOOSE YOUR COMPANY WISELY. If you can find a fellow traveler who has positive vibes, your experience will be more uplifting and exhilarating. Frankly, that is a rare occurrence, darn it all. So walking/running alone is usually what happens. For the "unwanted" company (bears, moose, mountain lions), consider a small bear spray canister. If bears are known to be out, most trailheads will post a warning, or consult your local Forest Service Ranger Station. KEEP A LOG. What? Okay, maybe this is a bit much but it can be an amazing incentive to boost your self-confi- dence. It can help train the brain to accept what you're doing to your body. I suggest a "month-at-a-glance" calendar, and mark down every outing, no matter the distance or time. It all has to do with self-encouragement. Cresting Mount Baldy coming off Bridger Peak Okay, there you go. Except in the east end of the state, a mountain range is not too far away from you. Any mountain will be your best teacher. Mountains have an allure all their own, and nudging you into spending more time discovering their charm.

• Cover