Hi I’m Steph, a 37 year old woman on a journey to feel better mentally and physically by spending more time outdoors and moving my body more.

*Me with my dog Tess on a weekend camping trip, Ontario, May 2025*

For as long as I can remember, I’ve battled with my weight and body insecurities. There have been times when I’ve been relatively fit and active, and others when I’ve found it really hard to stay on track. Even at my fittest, I’ve still struggled with body confidence and how I see myself.

Now, as I get closer to 40, I’m feeling a real need to shift my approach. I’m not looking for short-term changes, but rather to become the healthiest, happiest version of myself for the long run. I’m tired of putting things off until I’m ‘thinner’ or ‘fitter’. That mindset doesn’t help, and I’m ready to leave it behind.

That’s why I’ve started this blog, Move More Outdoors. It’s a space for me to document this journey and hold myself accountable. If it happens to help someone else along the way too, then that’s a bonus.

In the past, I’ve tended to do well when I’ve had something to train for, like a race or a challenge that pushes me out of my comfort zone. But once the event is over, I often lose motivation and end up back at square one.

*Crossing the finish line of my first Half Ironman, Maine, July 2024*

What I need now is something more sustainable, something that just becomes part of my way of life. I want to move in ways that make me feel good, and actually make me want to keep going. I want to be active in ways that energize me and bring me happiness. And for me, that usually means being outside. When I’m in the fresh air, out in nature, that’s when I feel most like myself.

*Beast-moding a portage on a canoe trip on the French River, Ontario, July 2025 (I’ll explain the ‘joys’ of portaging in another post!)*

This isn’t about strict routines or chasing big transformations. I get bored with too much structure and honestly I just don’t stick to it. What I think might work better for me is variety, flexibility, and movement that feels fun and makes me happy. So instead of setting a big fitness goal right now, I’m focusing on one thing: moving more outdoors.

*Enjoying an early morning swim in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, July 2025*

So here I am, sharing my journey in the hope it keeps me going and maybe helps someone else who feels the same. I’ll be tracking some simple things around my health and wellness along the way, and trying out different activities that feel fun and bring me joy.

Let's see how it goes!

Follow along on Instagram for more: @movemoreoutdoors

Moving More Outdoors: The Start of My Feel-Good Journey

A Week Into Moving More Outdoors: Starting Simple and Easing In