Fat Girl Hiking

I've posted my thoughts on the word "fat" on Instagram before, but with the start of my blog, I am getting some of the same comments that spark my desire to address this again but in more words, so here goes. Things that people say to me when they hear or read my social media handle: "You're not even fat!" "Why can't you call yourself something nicer? Like, chubby? or Husky? or Phat? or Plus size? or Curvy?" I have my reasons, and here they are. 1. Fat as a negative term is a social construct In 2012, I traveled to Ghana in Africa as part of a study abroad program through Eastern Washington University (GO EAGS) to learn about disabilities in a third world country. I was called fat multiple times, or my size was brought up in comparison to others in the group by Africans multiple times.  And looking back at pictures, I feel like I was skinny!! But that's beside the point. Views from the Elmina Slave Castle in Ghana We we...

Lexi @ Mount Ranier National Park If you want to get into hiking but are anxious because you are new, slow, overweight, out of shape, afraid, not sure where to start, read this.   I think the number 1 question I get asked on my instagram is people asking for advice on how to "get into hiking" or just general advice for beginners.  This list is meant to give you some motivation and some simple ideas for just starting, but I don't delve deeply into anything.  Ask me questions! Just Go Don’t overthink it. Just do it . Don’t go buy fancy gear. Find a friend (or don't,) lace up your shoes, fill up your water bottle, and google a hike nearby and just frickin do it.   I'm not joking.  Go do it.  After you read this. Obviously. Choose an easy hike with a good pay off Don’t go too hard too fast. It’ll be too hard, you’ll be miserable, you’ll hate yourself, and you’ll never want to do it again.  A casual trail walk or a w...