One Step at a Time: Hobbies of Exadellers

When life presents you with a rocky trail, put one foot in front of the other and keep going! During the 2020 pandemic, Exadel’s Senior Consultant in Seattle, Cathy Dino, transformed isolation into a newfound passion for hiking. This journey became a metaphor for her life and a guiding principle in her professional journey.

Are you curious about the Hiking Mindset and how it can enhance your performance at work? Check out Cathy’s inspiring story.

Discovering The Trail

I started hiking during the 2020 pandemic, as an outlet for me to recharge outside while remaining socially distanced. I’ve always loved the outdoors and wanted to try hiking, but life was always so busy that I never took the time to pursue it. During quarantine days, everything slowed down, so it was the ideal time to try it. What started as a few attempts with short hikes became a passion, and it’s now my favorite hobby.

Secret Trail Power

There are so many rewards coming with these adventures. I feel a sense of peace and calm when I’m in the mountains and marvel at the surroundings. When a hike is particularly challenging I feel a sense of accomplishment when I reach the summit, then start planning for when I will do this all over again! Hiking lifts my spirits while providing a fun form of exercise.

It also helps with my overall health and energy levels. I see hiking as a metaphor for life. It’s definitely a mindset—put one foot in front of the other and keep going. This mindset has many parallels, useful both at work and in my personal life.

Unexpected Meetings

The first time I brought bear spray with me, I inadvertently set it off at the beginning of the hike and depleted its contents. As luck would have it, my hiking group ran into a young bear cub on the trail who stopped to stare at us. We froze in our tracks and prayed the mamma bear was nowhere around. Fortunately, the cub was disinterested and ran back into the woods.

So far, my most challenging hike was a 12-mile, 8-hour hike/climb/scramble through boulders, rocks, and exposed roots with ongoing switchbacks and steep 45% inclines. The most memorable experience was hiking through the Swiss Alps. I was mesmerized by the sheer beauty, scale, and immense magnitude of the mountains. It was beyond what I had imagined, and I hope to explore more in the future.

Tips for Beginners

Start slow on easier trails that can be located on trail apps. Wear comfortable, durable shoes and dress in layers that can be removed and added back during the hike. Bring plenty of water. And most importantly…Enjoy the scenery and the experience!