"When you are on the mountain you often find that your limits aren't so black and white. You can push them and that's the great thing about mountains. I don't think I had the confidence in myself to do a lot of things until I started spending time in the mountains. I just love the mountains." - Matthew Lilley In this episode, I had the pleasure of phone interviewing Matthew Lilley (@crestone_ on Instagram), a Colorado adventurer, runner, long distance biker, occasional mountaineer, and incredible photographer. Matthew has learned so many lessons over his years adventuring and we are fortunate to have a sliver of them noted throughout this podcast. Trip preparation is key and Matthew learned this the hard way in his early 20's. We talk about: A preparation mishap as a 20 year old with his father on a Colorado 14er that led to a night spent under a tree during a snowstorm and some hospital time thereafter. Overpacking vs. underpacking for mountaineering, hiking and cycling and how to find the balance of gear that is right for YOU. The importance of social media as it relates to connections, public lands, answering questions, and whether or not social media will ultimately be positive or negative for the outdoors. The outdoor values and lifestyle Matthew would instill on any future kids he may or may not have some day. A bicycle trip across Alaska at age 25. If you found value in this episode, please subscribe on whatever platform you listen on and bring over at least one friend who would enjoy the content! Take a screenshot and share this with your friends. If you'd like a shot at being the guest of the week, leave a review and rating on your podcast app. Like, comment, share and spread the positivity and lessons that grow in the outdoors! Adventure on! This podcast episode’s affiliate partner is the ninth project company. If you love activewear that performs well, looks awesome, and inspires us to get out and explore, then the ninth project company is for you. I have been wearing my long sleeve escape often shirt on many of my recent adventures and fully back this company as an awesome activewear company. Guys, they are totally worth the check out. For being a to summit up podcast listener, you get 15 percent off of your order by using code TOSUMMITUPBLOG at check out. Head to ninthproject.com to get your awesome activewear. Music today was courtesy of free music archive by Scott Holmes (Driven to Success). You can find more of his music at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/. The To Summit Up theme song was produced by friend Jordan Wolf.