A Talk on the Wild Side
In 2006, Michelle Theall re-launched Dandelion magazine as Women's Adventure magazine. Determined not to fall victim to the weight-loss driven mentality of other outdoor magazines, Theall worked long and hard to develop a publication where women could embrace their passion for outdoor adventure without worrying about their weight. Teen Voices spoke with Michelle Theall about getting outside and giving nature a chance.
Teen Voices:
Do you consider yourself the "outdoorsy" type? If so, would you say you are driven by both a passion to write as well as a passion for outdoor adventure?
Michelle Theall:
Yes, I love the outdoors, and I'm just as passionate about the craft of writing. I grew up in Texas and my family really wasn't into sports. I ran track. I loved moving my body and feeling the accomplishment of what it could do. When I moved to Colorado, my interests broadened to include snowboarding, rock climbing, backpacking, camping, and trail running. I started to take writing seriously in my thirties.
TV:
Why did you decide to create a magazine like Women's Adventure?
Michelle:
In my twenties, I worked with Women's Sports and Fitness magazine in Boulder, Colorado. It never talked about weight loss and was the only title of its kind. It was launched by Billie Jean King the same year as the passage of Title IX* to give women equal participation in sports. After that, there was a real void in the market. Active women might be fit, but there's so much more to why they participate in sports (particularly outdoor sports). I was tired of seeing so much of the media focus being on fitting into a size two dress. Skinny doesn't equal healthy. Why not focus on the joy of getting outside and into our beautiful world instead? Live life to its fullest and you'll probably look and feel great.
TV:
How is Women's Adventure different from other outdoor adventure magazines?
Michelle:
Most of the outdoor titles skew* male in terms of their target audience and readership. They seem to be more single-sport focused. Women care more about the journey than the destination. We want to be happy while we're doing it. And, we usually are involved in 4-6 different sports activities, rather than obsessing about one. We have an emotional attachment to places and events. This is reflected in our editorial angle.
TV:
What is the craziest outdoor activity you've ever done?
Michelle:
I just got back from Katmai National Park in Alaska which has a concentration of over 4,000 grizzlies. One loped down a trail at me. The slap of his paws on the dirt has stuck with me more than anything else. I wouldn't trade the memory of it at all. It was such a gift at the time (because it turned out just fine).
TV:
What is your greatest accomplishment as an outdoor enthusiast?
Michelle:
In 2003, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.* I had a few emotional hurdles to overcome at that point in order to wrap my brain around an unknown physical future. My greatest accomplishment is that I remain dedicated to living life to its fullest and to sucking the marrow out of each day. The more active I stay, the better I feel.
TV:
What advice do you have for teen girls looking to become more active in the outdoors?
Michelle:
Find out what you like. Try something once or twice and see if it makes you smile. Take a lesson first (not from a friend, parent, or boyfriend). There's so much out there: surfing, climbing, ice climbing, snowboarding, dog sledding, mountaineering, paddling, trail running, hiking, biking, and more.
TV:
What are the benefits of spending time outdoors?
Michelle:
There's something really centering about it. I think it's that there's so much wonder around you when you're out exploring. Surprises around every corner. Whether it's the first flowers of spring poking their heads through the soil, or a baby deer with its mom, or a rainbow when it's raining with the sun out. Plus, it's healthy for you.
TV:
What do you have to say to girls who are afraid of roughing it outside?
Michelle:
There are so many ways to explore the outdoors. Start just a little outside your comfort zone and go from there. Research items which will make your adventure pleasant regardless of the weather and other things. Gear is everything. A rain jacket that doesn't leak. Layers of clothes. Insect repellant. Sunscreen. Be prepared, and you're luxury camping!
TV:
What opportunities are there for girls to meet other outdoor enthusiasts?
Michelle:
There's an amazing organization called The Women's Wilderness Institute which offers girls' programs along with some scholarships. They're at www.womenswilderness.org. You can also check into local clubs, rock gyms, and local sports stores to find like-minded souls and events.
TV:
How can girls living in an urban setting become active in the outdoors?
Michelle:
Most urban areas have great parks and even wilderness within an hour's drive or less. If a drive is out of the question, start at the local rock gym and go from there.
*Title IX: a law passed in 1972 which prohibits sex discrimination in high school and college programs that get money from the government.
*Skew: to distort or depict unfairly; to give bias to
*Multiple sclerosis: a chronic disease that damages the central nervous system and can affect muscle control, strength, vision, balance, sensation, speech, and mental functions
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Do have an outdoor adventure you would like to achieve some day? What would it be?
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