Ambassador Highlight: Cyndi Wyatt

From an excerpt of "LOWA 100 Years, Meet Our Ambassadors"

Hi! My name is Cyndi, I've recently relocated to North Carolina from Southern California, and mountain running, trekking, and backpacking are my top outdoor activities. I love technical, high altitude trails, and thrive when I’m uncomfortable in the outdoors. I enjoy introducing new outdoor enthusiasts to distances, summits and experiences. Seeing their faces, accomplishing something they thought was impossible or crazy, completes me.



WHY DO YOU DO YOUR SPORT?

It makes me happy. I love to challenge myself to go further, gain more altitude, go a little faster than yesterday. I love the people that it attracts, I love the alpine lakes, sunsets, waterfalls and beauty. I love feeling depleted the next day knowing I did something hard.

WHAT IS A MOTTO THAT INSPIRES YOU?

Ganbatte; It’s a Japanese word meaning. “You can do it!”, “Fight!”, “Never give up!”

HOW DO YOU STAY SAFE OUTDOORS?

I always have my in-reach Garmin, hike with a buddy especially on a trail I’m unfamiliar with, tell people where I’m going and when I’ll return.





WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I’m pretty proud of finishing Angeles Crest 100, 7th place female and receiving the Rhino award (Top runner of 30) I was 49.

WHAT DOES YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?

While the coffee is steeping in the press, I do 5 minutes of planks, with breaks. Coffee is my reward. Then I do a 30–60-minute jog, run, or walk, while listening to an inspirational pod- cast to wake up my brain and body before work.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO TRAIL RUNNING?

Don’t feel you have to “get in shape” before you start. Find a “welcoming for all levels” trail running group and show up. You’ll learn the trails, meet like-minded friends and the miles will be more fun in a group. TIP: Trail running is 50% hiking, stopping to walk is being smart.

HOW DO YOU BUILD MENTAL RESILIENCE?

Mental resilience to run 50+ miles is one thing, mental resilience to overcome life’s curve balls is another. But, maybe it’s the same practice? Spending long days on the mountain, running, hiking, being playful makes me feel like I can conquer any situation. If negative thoughts creep in, I look around at the beauty or visualize where I’ve been, I tell my legs and heart I am grateful for taking me to places only a few see.



Learn more about Cyndi here

Content Courtesy: Cyndi Wyatt