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Be Proactive. Thrive Now.

Est. 2017

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LIMITED TIME TO UNLEASH LIMITLESS POTENTIAL.

OUTDOOR SOCIAL ADVENTURES AND HIKING LEAGUE

New Jersey/New York/Northeast

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Rooster Comb and Mount Baker were what we decided to climb this past weekend and neither disappointed. 🍁

After last week's Hudson Highlands Tour, this weekend was reserved for putting eyes on the fleeting fall foliage.

Mission accomplished. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #delusionaloptimist #gonorth #highpeaks

Rooster Comb and Mount Baker were what we decided to climb this past weekend and neither disappointed. 🍁

After last week's Hudson Highlands Tour, this weekend was reserved for putting eyes on the fleeting fall foliage.

Mission accomplished. @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #delusionaloptimist #gonorth #highpeaks

Chasing the leaves all the way up to the top of Rooster Comb 🍂 September 2024 @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #gonorth #highpeaks #leafpeeping #autumn2024 #fall2024 #foliage

Chasing the leaves all the way up to the top of Rooster Comb 🍂 September 2024 @proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #hikeadk #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #proactivechallenge #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #hikemoreworryless #fallcolors #fallfoliage #fallishere #autumn #autumnvibes #climbmountains #choosemountains #gonorth #highpeaks #leafpeeping #autumn2024 #fall2024 #foliage

The first official Hudson Highlands Tour - a full, strenuous, challenging day that includes 6 mountains, 8 climbs, a few drives, and a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge - came out to something around 20 miles and 7000 or so feet of elevation.

Our first stop was Mount Beacon, where we started around 7:30AM with a climb up the Casino Trail and then up to the fire tower.

Next, we climbed up the Breakneck scramble and down the Nimham Trail. This actually turned out to be our easiest route of the day. Justin broke off at this point to tackle Bull from the Undercliff Trail.

Then, we were on to Bull Hill, the last mountain we'd climb before crossing the river and heading to Bear Mountain.

Bear Mountain, our 4th climb of the day, was packed thanks to the beautiful weather, the last gasps of summer, and a cross-country event taking place.

From here, we walked across the bridge and up the face of Anthony's Nose, down the AT, and back to Bear across the bridge again.

Finally, we took on 3 climbs up to the top of Pop Torne to finish the day as the sun set. It was a perfectly climactic ending to an amazing day.

Nice job to Brittany, Spence, and Justin, who all had amazing showings out there, and big congratulations to Shynar who hit both her mileage and elevation PRs by completing the Hudson Highlands Tour! 🙌

Days like this are both surreal and grounding, type 2 fun, miserably enjoyable, painfully relaxing, challenging both mentally and physically in the best way, and we live for it.

@proactiveahw

The first official Hudson Highlands Tour - a full, strenuous, challenging day that includes 6 mountains, 8 climbs, a few drives, and a walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge - came out to something around 20 miles and 7000 or so feet of elevation.

Our first stop was Mount Beacon, where we started around 7:30AM with a climb up the Casino Trail and then up to the fire tower.

Next, we climbed up the Breakneck scramble and down the Nimham Trail. This actually turned out to be our easiest route of the day. Justin broke off at this point to tackle Bull from the Undercliff Trail.

Then, we were on to Bull Hill, the last mountain we'd climb before crossing the river and heading to Bear Mountain.

Bear Mountain, our 4th climb of the day, was packed thanks to the beautiful weather, the last gasps of summer, and a cross-country event taking place.

From here, we walked across the bridge and up the face of Anthony's Nose, down the AT, and back to Bear across the bridge again.

Finally, we took on 3 climbs up to the top of Pop Torne to finish the day as the sun set. It was a perfectly climactic ending to an amazing day.

Nice job to Brittany, Spence, and Justin, who all had amazing showings out there, and big congratulations to Shynar who hit both her mileage and elevation PRs by completing the Hudson Highlands Tour! 🙌

Days like this are both surreal and grounding, type 2 fun, miserably enjoyable, painfully relaxing, challenging both mentally and physically in the best way, and we live for it.

@proactiveahw

First signs of fall in the Hudson Valley at Bear Mountain.

@proactiveahw

#fallfoliage #signsoffall #proactiveahw #bearmountain #fallcolors #foliage #hudsonvalley #hvny #autumn #leaveschanging #bearmountainstatepark #lastofsummer #summersover #falliscoming

First signs of fall in the Hudson Valley at Bear Mountain.

@proactiveahw

#fallfoliage #signsoffall #proactiveahw #bearmountain #fallcolors #foliage #hudsonvalley #hvny #autumn #leaveschanging #bearmountainstatepark #lastofsummer #summersover #falliscoming

Schunemunk Tour is the first of four strenuous hikes in a series of seasonal routes that will earn finishers a patch and a big chunk of Challenge points (if you're playing the game).

This hike, generally considered the easiest due to its lack of high elevation gain, ramps people up to NGT, Beacon Bully, and GOTH, all of which pack more mileage and more elevation.

Nevertheless, you shouldn't underestimate Schunemunk. The heat of August always catches up with the group, and the relatively easy route and endless final stretch make it feel harder than it really should..

This year, a long-time member of the group, @cerceaux_flyer777, completed her first patch hike with us and exceeded her own expectations by crushing the route with relative ease. 💪

@scrubboi and Bryce also earned their first patches as well. The others Vanessa, Brittany, John, Phil, and Rosette have all completed the tour before.

Schunemunk Tour has been especially interesting due to how many people have mentioned that completing the route as part of the Challenge has introduced them to the mountain and that they may never have through to go there! I'm happy to see people see new places!

Schunemunk Tour ✔️ Complete

@proactiveahw

Schunemunk Tour is the first of four strenuous hikes in a series of seasonal routes that will earn finishers a patch and a big chunk of Challenge points (if you're playing the game).

This hike, generally considered the easiest due to its lack of high elevation gain, ramps people up to NGT, Beacon Bully, and GOTH, all of which pack more mileage and more elevation.

Nevertheless, you shouldn't underestimate Schunemunk. The heat of August always catches up with the group, and the relatively easy route and endless final stretch make it feel harder than it really should..

This year, a long-time member of the group, @cerceaux_flyer777, completed her first patch hike with us and exceeded her own expectations by crushing the route with relative ease. 💪

@scrubboi and Bryce also earned their first patches as well. The others Vanessa, Brittany, John, Phil, and Rosette have all completed the tour before.

Schunemunk Tour has been especially interesting due to how many people have mentioned that completing the route as part of the Challenge has introduced them to the mountain and that they may never have through to go there! I'm happy to see people see new places!

Schunemunk Tour ✔️ Complete

@proactiveahw

This past weekend, we held the PROACTIVE BBQ 2024 - an incredible day with amazing people, a celebration of everything we've accomplished, and how much everybody has grown over the previous year!

It also included a ceremony to award the winners of the 2023-2024 Challenge! Vanessa V. was awarded with her second PROACTIVE championship belt, a custom trophy, and a giant check representing her $1000 cash prize!

Justin L., Phil L., and Brittany all took home trophies for their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes, respectively! In addition, Jackie C. was surprised with her Rookie of the Year award for the 2023-2024 season.

Aside from the award ceremony, the entire day was an absolute blast! The energy was palpable, and the camaraderie was on full display. With some new faces and many familiar faces, it was special in so many ways!

There are so many people to thank for making this possible, but there are too many to mention individually here - so I'll just say THANK YOU to all who made it out to the BBQ and to all who contributed their time and effort! We have built such an amazing community, let's keep it going!

Looking ahead, we now start a new year, and I'm excited to see what everybody achieves by the time next year's BBQ arrives! Let's keep being proactive...

@proactiveahw

This past weekend, we held the PROACTIVE BBQ 2024 - an incredible day with amazing people, a celebration of everything we've accomplished, and how much everybody has grown over the previous year!

It also included a ceremony to award the winners of the 2023-2024 Challenge! Vanessa V. was awarded with her second PROACTIVE championship belt, a custom trophy, and a giant check representing her $1000 cash prize!

Justin L., Phil L., and Brittany all took home trophies for their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes, respectively! In addition, Jackie C. was surprised with her Rookie of the Year award for the 2023-2024 season.

Aside from the award ceremony, the entire day was an absolute blast! The energy was palpable, and the camaraderie was on full display. With some new faces and many familiar faces, it was special in so many ways!

There are so many people to thank for making this possible, but there are too many to mention individually here - so I'll just say THANK YOU to all who made it out to the BBQ and to all who contributed their time and effort! We have built such an amazing community, let's keep it going!

Looking ahead, we now start a new year, and I'm excited to see what everybody achieves by the time next year's BBQ arrives! Let's keep being proactive...

@proactiveahw

The BBQ is fast-approaching, next Saturday, 8.17! We can't wait to be with everybody at Pelton Pond in Clarence Fahnestock State Park next weekend!

Yes, we're a hiking/running group, but life gets busy, and it becomes hard for everybody in our community to attend dozens of trips throughout the year. That's why events like the annual BBQ and end-of-year Dinner are so special.

Next weekend's BBQ is a celebration...
• It's a celebration of everything that we've all accomplished, both individually and collectively, over the previous 12 months.
• It's a celebration of friendship, shared interest, and camaraderie.
• It's a celebration of the great success of the 2023-2024 Challenge.
• It's a celebration of life and being alive...

We'll be assembling at the Pelton Pond pavilion at 12PM. At 5PM, we will come together at the pavilion to award the winners of the Challenge and present Vanessa with her second championship belt. At 8PM, we will begin clearing out...

@proactiveahw

The BBQ is fast-approaching, next Saturday, 8.17! We can't wait to be with everybody at Pelton Pond in Clarence Fahnestock State Park next weekend!

Yes, we're a hiking/running group, but life gets busy, and it becomes hard for everybody in our community to attend dozens of trips throughout the year. That's why events like the annual BBQ and end-of-year Dinner are so special.

Next weekend's BBQ is a celebration...
• It's a celebration of everything that we've all accomplished, both individually and collectively, over the previous 12 months.
• It's a celebration of friendship, shared interest, and camaraderie.
• It's a celebration of the great success of the 2023-2024 Challenge.
• It's a celebration of life and being alive...

We'll be assembling at the Pelton Pond pavilion at 12PM. At 5PM, we will come together at the pavilion to award the winners of the Challenge and present Vanessa with her second championship belt. At 8PM, we will begin clearing out...

@proactiveahw

Bear Den, Colden, Hurricane - a trio of ADK hikes from our summer 2022 trip - the appetizer, the main event, and the goodbye. It's never enough. @proactiveahw

#adirondacks #proactiveahw #upstateny #adkhighpeaks #hikeny #highpeaks #mountcolden #colden #bearden #hurricanemountain #Hurricane #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmoutains #mountaintopview #mountainviews #getoutside #grouphike #grouphiking

Bear Den, Colden, Hurricane - a trio of ADK hikes from our summer 2022 trip - the appetizer, the main event, and the goodbye. It's never enough. @proactiveahw

#adirondacks #proactiveahw #upstateny #adkhighpeaks #hikeny #highpeaks #mountcolden #colden #bearden #hurricanemountain #Hurricane #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmoutains #mountaintopview #mountainviews #getoutside #grouphike #grouphiking

August 5, 2023 • Breakneck 7.5 • One year ago today, as part of the PROACTIVE Challenge, we held Breakneck 7.5 as a social hike. That day, Joe finished the route.

Later in the 2023-2024 season, Justin, Brittany, and eventual champion Vanessa would go on to complete this rough route as well.

Though many hikes consist of more miles and pack more elevation, climbing Breakneck seven times (one time being to and from the Beacon fire tower) is made even more difficult as you pass your car (your escape) several times...

Coming soon...Breakneck 🔟

@proactiveahw

#breakneckridge #proactiveahw #breakneck
#hikethehudsonvalley #hvny #coldspring #repeats
#rockscrambling #scrambling #climbmoutains #climb #hillrepeats #hardhike #hikeny #upwego #upward #getoutside #outdoorcommunity #proactivechallenge

August 5, 2023 • Breakneck 7.5 • One year ago today, as part of the PROACTIVE Challenge, we held Breakneck 7.5 as a social hike. That day, Joe finished the route.

Later in the 2023-2024 season, Justin, Brittany, and eventual champion Vanessa would go on to complete this rough route as well.

Though many hikes consist of more miles and pack more elevation, climbing Breakneck seven times (one time being to and from the Beacon fire tower) is made even more difficult as you pass your car (your escape) several times...

Coming soon...Breakneck 🔟

@proactiveahw

#breakneckridge #proactiveahw #breakneck
#hikethehudsonvalley #hvny #coldspring #repeats
#rockscrambling #scrambling #climbmoutains #climb #hillrepeats #hardhike #hikeny #upwego #upward #getoutside #outdoorcommunity #proactivechallenge

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Mel debuted at Ramapo Torne in July 2019 and immediately became a fixture on @proactiveahw social hikes, joining us at each and every opportunity.

A few months later, she would make her first trip to the Adirondacks. This made her want more, and she found it by tackling some of our most difficult routes and making trips across the country and our border to see what else was out there.

In 2020 alone, Mel completed Breakneck Triple (the first of our increasing Breakneck repeats), the first Beacon Bully, Devil's Path, and more. And she continued to take on bigger and bigger routes.

Recently, Mel snatched a Devil's Path PR for her second finish, traveled to Patagonia for an ambitious solo hiking trip, and summited Mount Washington for a second time, among other things!

Mel spoke about her desire for views and adventure and the effects of hiking and being outdoors on the PROACTIVE Podcast, the most viewed episode as of yet! [Link in Bio]

Although Mel felt as though she wasn't performing to her top potential in last year's Challenge, she managed to stay in the top 10 over the course of the season. Will she surprise herself again this year with a 1st place finish?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@melll_leigh
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The first photo was taken at the Mohonk Preserve during the nearly 20-mile Mohonk Tour in 2020. It was one of the hottest days we ever faced, and we all looked like it near the end. The final picture is of Mel's first hike with us at Ramapo Torne in July 2019.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #hikethegunks #shawangunks #mohonkpreserve #harrimanstatepark #proactivepodcast

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Mel debuted at Ramapo Torne in July 2019 and immediately became a fixture on @proactiveahw social hikes, joining us at each and every opportunity.

A few months later, she would make her first trip to the Adirondacks. This made her want more, and she found it by tackling some of our most difficult routes and making trips across the country and our border to see what else was out there.

In 2020 alone, Mel completed Breakneck Triple (the first of our increasing Breakneck repeats), the first Beacon Bully, Devil's Path, and more. And she continued to take on bigger and bigger routes.

Recently, Mel snatched a Devil's Path PR for her second finish, traveled to Patagonia for an ambitious solo hiking trip, and summited Mount Washington for a second time, among other things!

Mel spoke about her desire for views and adventure and the effects of hiking and being outdoors on the PROACTIVE Podcast, the most viewed episode as of yet! [Link in Bio]

Although Mel felt as though she wasn't performing to her top potential in last year's Challenge, she managed to stay in the top 10 over the course of the season. Will she surprise herself again this year with a 1st place finish?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@melll_leigh
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The first photo was taken at the Mohonk Preserve during the nearly 20-mile Mohonk Tour in 2020. It was one of the hottest days we ever faced, and we all looked like it near the end. The final picture is of Mel's first hike with us at Ramapo Torne in July 2019.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #hikethegunks #shawangunks #mohonkpreserve #harrimanstatepark #proactivepodcast

We talk about it all the time, but it doesn't happen often enough. So, last week, we were glad to pull together an impromptu evening under the stars and the moon in Harriman. @proactiveahw

📸 @myoutdoorhaven

#proactiveahw #campingtrip #harrimanstatepark #harriman #getoutside #themoon #underthestars #campsite #campfire #camplife #campinglife #hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #dogswhohike #traildogs #womenwhohike #hikerbabes #hikinggroup #grouphike #groupcamp #hikeny #hikingsquad #sunset #sunrise #liveoutdoors #outdoorpeople #outdoorcommunity

We talk about it all the time, but it doesn't happen often enough. So, last week, we were glad to pull together an impromptu evening under the stars and the moon in Harriman. @proactiveahw

📸 @myoutdoorhaven

#proactiveahw #campingtrip #harrimanstatepark #harriman #getoutside #themoon #underthestars #campsite #campfire #camplife #campinglife #hikemoreworryless #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #dogswhohike #traildogs #womenwhohike #hikerbabes #hikinggroup #grouphike #groupcamp #hikeny #hikingsquad #sunset #sunrise #liveoutdoors #outdoorpeople #outdoorcommunity

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Phil joined the group in November 2018, joining us for a @merrell sponsored hike at Schunemunk Mountain.

He has said in the past: joining the group helped him push his mental and physical boundaries, overcome certain hurdles in his hiking journey, and create strong, encouraging friendships.

Bringing his knowledge as a physical therapist and @movnat enthusiast to the table, he continued to progress to more difficult and technical hikes over the years.

Within a 12-month period, Phil took on the Pemi loop, the Devil's Path, the Winaki Derby, and Spence's 40 for 40, among other impressive achievements. Most recently, Phil successfully traversed the Great Range in June.

Phil finished in 3rd place in the 2023-2024 Challenge with a solid push from the early months. Will he be able to take it a little further this year and grab the #1 spot?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@movement.philosophy
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: This picture is from the first GOTH and features Phil performing some MovNat exercises on a break with @johnlabriola and Aaron looking on. The final photo is Phil's first appearance in November 2018.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bearmountainstatepark #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #physicaltherapist #naturalmovement #outdoorexercise #natureworkout

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Phil joined the group in November 2018, joining us for a @merrell sponsored hike at Schunemunk Mountain.

He has said in the past: joining the group helped him push his mental and physical boundaries, overcome certain hurdles in his hiking journey, and create strong, encouraging friendships.

Bringing his knowledge as a physical therapist and @movnat enthusiast to the table, he continued to progress to more difficult and technical hikes over the years.

Within a 12-month period, Phil took on the Pemi loop, the Devil's Path, the Winaki Derby, and Spence's 40 for 40, among other impressive achievements. Most recently, Phil successfully traversed the Great Range in June.

Phil finished in 3rd place in the 2023-2024 Challenge with a solid push from the early months. Will he be able to take it a little further this year and grab the #1 spot?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@movement.philosophy
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: This picture is from the first GOTH and features Phil performing some MovNat exercises on a break with @johnlabriola and Aaron looking on. The final photo is Phil's first appearance in November 2018.

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bearmountainstatepark #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside #movnat #physicaltherapist #naturalmovement #outdoorexercise #natureworkout

• NEW • Between now and the end of the Challenge season, hike 3 miles or more in the Adirondacks to receive 20 points!

Check the website for more details on this newly announced pop-up challenge!

#proactivechallenge #proactiveahw #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hikeny #newyorkexplored #challengeyourself #headnorth #northeastisbeast #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmountains #hikerlife #hikemoreworryless #popup

• NEW • Between now and the end of the Challenge season, hike 3 miles or more in the Adirondacks to receive 20 points!

Check the website for more details on this newly announced pop-up challenge!

#proactivechallenge #proactiveahw #adk #adkhighpeaks #adirondacks #upstateny #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hikeny #newyorkexplored #challengeyourself #headnorth #northeastisbeast #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #climbmountains #hikerlife #hikemoreworryless #popup

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

There are a handful of people who have been around since the beginning of this whole @proactiveahw story, but there are fewer people who have been as consistent as Brittany.

Brittany joined the group way back in October 2018 during our first set of "creepy" hikes. Back then, she played it cool and quiet, but it didn't take long before she broke out, spoke up, and joined the front of the pack as one of the most recognized, celebrated members of the group.

With two Devil's Path completions, all 4 patches and Elite status earned, and ambitious trips to South America and Africa (to summit Kilimanjaro), Brittany has always strive to push her limits and find new, more exciting adventures on multiple continents.

Brittany made a push in last year's Challenge, finishing in 4th place after knocking down most of the challenges and making last-minute pushes at the Devil's Path, Breakneck 7.5, and Sun Pop.

There's not enough that can be said about her dedication to the group and our mission; when it comes to being proactive, there are few who can compete...

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@lost_in.the.wild
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture here is of Brittany's first appearance with the group back in October 2018. It was during one of our most attended hikes, and we weren't sure how many would be back. We're certainly glad Brittany was...

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethegunks #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

There are a handful of people who have been around since the beginning of this whole @proactiveahw story, but there are fewer people who have been as consistent as Brittany.

Brittany joined the group way back in October 2018 during our first set of "creepy" hikes. Back then, she played it cool and quiet, but it didn't take long before she broke out, spoke up, and joined the front of the pack as one of the most recognized, celebrated members of the group.

With two Devil's Path completions, all 4 patches and Elite status earned, and ambitious trips to South America and Africa (to summit Kilimanjaro), Brittany has always strive to push her limits and find new, more exciting adventures on multiple continents.

Brittany made a push in last year's Challenge, finishing in 4th place after knocking down most of the challenges and making last-minute pushes at the Devil's Path, Breakneck 7.5, and Sun Pop.

There's not enough that can be said about her dedication to the group and our mission; when it comes to being proactive, there are few who can compete...

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@lost_in.the.wild
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture here is of Brittany's first appearance with the group back in October 2018. It was during one of our most attended hikes, and we weren't sure how many would be back. We're certainly glad Brittany was...

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #beproactive #hikergram #hikersofinstagram #bonticoucrag #hikethegunks #hikeny #grouphike #hikingclub #meetthecompetitors #competition #hikingchallenge #hikinggroup #nynjtc #merrell #hikemoreworryless #hikerlife #climbmoutains #getoutside

We're basically halfway through summer - we're as close to the end of August as we are to the beginning of June.

Sometimes, just take it easy.

It felt like a good time for an impromptu social hike, one that was just challenging enough for a workout, but easily doable for all, both the new and familiar faces.

I think everybody was most excited about and satisfied by, stopping for a dip in a watering hole on the way out, after all the climbs...

Now, on to the second half of summer 2024...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #getoutside #njisntboring #hikenj #waterfalls #wateringhole #waterfall #summertime #hikersodinstagram #hikergram #hikemoreworryless #takeadip #cooldown #workoutoutside #grouphiking #grouphike #takeiteasy #summer2024 #halfway #outdoorcommunity #climbmoutains #mahwah #newjersey #njspots #rockpool #crew #groupactivity #outdoorpeople #forestbathing #hikerlife

We're basically halfway through summer - we're as close to the end of August as we are to the beginning of June.

Sometimes, just take it easy.

It felt like a good time for an impromptu social hike, one that was just challenging enough for a workout, but easily doable for all, both the new and familiar faces.

I think everybody was most excited about and satisfied by, stopping for a dip in a watering hole on the way out, after all the climbs...

Now, on to the second half of summer 2024...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #getoutside #njisntboring #hikenj #waterfalls #wateringhole #waterfall #summertime #hikersodinstagram #hikergram #hikemoreworryless #takeadip #cooldown #workoutoutside #grouphiking #grouphike #takeiteasy #summer2024 #halfway #outdoorcommunity #climbmoutains #mahwah #newjersey #njspots #rockpool #crew #groupactivity #outdoorpeople #forestbathing #hikerlife

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Justin Lewandowski entered the PROACTIVE Challenge last season, having already successfully completed several ultramarathons and trail races in previous years. He is known for his insatiable appetite for vert and dedicated training.

He quickly rose to the top of the leaderboards and held at 1st place for a good period, trading the position with just a few other competitors throughout the year. Justin finished 2nd in the 2023-24 season...

While earning all 4 @proactiveahw patches and Elite status and completing nearly every challenge, he still managed to complete even more impressive routes throughout the season...

...including, Eastern States 100, the Hudson Highlands Hundo, Tammany 10, Manitou's Revenge, and more! Without reading off the rest of his impressive resume, it's quite clear that none of the challenges will be out of Justin's wheelhouse...

After having had the experience of coming within a dozen points of winning last year, there's no doubt that Justin will be gunning to strategize and fight for the belt and the cash even harder this season...

Justin spoke about his journey from an average hiker to a seasoned ultrarunner on the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness Podcast! [Link in Bio]

In mere days, Justin will travel to Colorado for the Ouray 100! We wish him all the best and look forward to him absolutely crushing it out there! 💪👊🙌

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@justin_lewandowski_
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: Justin at the Breakneck flag in October 2023 during his successful Hudson Highlands Hell No Hell Hole Hundo, an ambitious 100-mile route created by @kimlevinsky - with a notoriously low number of completions...

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

Justin Lewandowski entered the PROACTIVE Challenge last season, having already successfully completed several ultramarathons and trail races in previous years. He is known for his insatiable appetite for vert and dedicated training.

He quickly rose to the top of the leaderboards and held at 1st place for a good period, trading the position with just a few other competitors throughout the year. Justin finished 2nd in the 2023-24 season...

While earning all 4 @proactiveahw patches and Elite status and completing nearly every challenge, he still managed to complete even more impressive routes throughout the season...

...including, Eastern States 100, the Hudson Highlands Hundo, Tammany 10, Manitou's Revenge, and more! Without reading off the rest of his impressive resume, it's quite clear that none of the challenges will be out of Justin's wheelhouse...

After having had the experience of coming within a dozen points of winning last year, there's no doubt that Justin will be gunning to strategize and fight for the belt and the cash even harder this season...

Justin spoke about his journey from an average hiker to a seasoned ultrarunner on the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness Podcast! [Link in Bio]

In mere days, Justin will travel to Colorado for the Ouray 100! We wish him all the best and look forward to him absolutely crushing it out there! 💪👊🙌

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@justin_lewandowski_
@proactiveahw
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: Justin at the Breakneck flag in October 2023 during his successful Hudson Highlands Hell No Hell Hole Hundo, an ambitious 100-mile route created by @kimlevinsky - with a notoriously low number of completions...

We're excited to announce that we've teamed with Sassquad Trail Running - if you're competing in the PROACTIVE Challenge, sign up and run ANY Sassquad race between now and the end of the season, and you'll earn 50 points!

You don't need to place in the race. You just need to run a race! There are so many options. Check out their website and find the one that is right for you!

This is a great opportunity for some people to get out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and push their own limits! Some of you may not know how much you'll enjoy competitive trail racing until you are given a reason to try it.

One of the objectives of the Challenge is to bring our regional outdoor community closer and more connected. Collaborations like this one are sure to help make progress on that front...

#proactiveahw #sassquadtrailrunning #proactivechallenge #hikergram #trailrunning #hikemoreworryless #trailparty #collaboration #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #trailrace

We're excited to announce that we've teamed with Sassquad Trail Running - if you're competing in the PROACTIVE Challenge, sign up and run ANY Sassquad race between now and the end of the season, and you'll earn 50 points!

You don't need to place in the race. You just need to run a race! There are so many options. Check out their website and find the one that is right for you!

This is a great opportunity for some people to get out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and push their own limits! Some of you may not know how much you'll enjoy competitive trail racing until you are given a reason to try it.

One of the objectives of the Challenge is to bring our regional outdoor community closer and more connected. Collaborations like this one are sure to help make progress on that front...

#proactiveahw #sassquadtrailrunning #proactivechallenge #hikergram #trailrunning #hikemoreworryless #trailparty #collaboration #outdoorcommunity #outdoorpeople #trailrace

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

We couldn't start anywhere else but with the reigning and defending @proactiveahw champion, Vanessa.

A member of the group since January 2019, when she joined us for a short hike at Mount Beacon, she consistently took on more increasingly difficult hikes for the next year and a half...

In August 2020, she exceeded her own expectations by completing the full Breakneck Quad on a nearly 100° day. Her efforts on that hike inspired others who were with us to push further than they expected as well!

After that, it was off to the races 😏. Vanessa has since completed all of the subsequent Breakneck Repeats up to 7.5, Devil's Path & a Half, the Breakneck Marathon, and so many more impressive achievements.

She was awarded the first championship in 2022-23 due to her overall progression since joining the group, her dedicated training regimen, and an impressive list of accomplishments in the year prior.

In 2023-24, she was able to successfully defend the championship against a strong field in a very close, competitive battle to the very end.

For more about Vanessa, check out the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness where the 2x champion has been a 2x guest, not to mention, our inaugural conversation! [Link in Bio]

Vanessa is again on the defense this year, and we're excited to see if she can find a way to collect a third belt by the end of this season...

Remember, this competition includes time management and information processing challenges in addition to the physical ones. 💪⌚️🧠

Visit the website for more details about the PROACTIVE Challenge! Do you want in? Be Proactive, Join the Challenge. [Link in Bio]

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@proactiveahw
@nessvaglio
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture in this batch is from that first hike up Mount Beacon from back in January 2019. The first is from Vanessa during the Breakneck Marathon in May 2023. Where it started, how it's going...

Meet the Competition • #proactivechallenge

We couldn't start anywhere else but with the reigning and defending @proactiveahw champion, Vanessa.

A member of the group since January 2019, when she joined us for a short hike at Mount Beacon, she consistently took on more increasingly difficult hikes for the next year and a half...

In August 2020, she exceeded her own expectations by completing the full Breakneck Quad on a nearly 100° day. Her efforts on that hike inspired others who were with us to push further than they expected as well!

After that, it was off to the races 😏. Vanessa has since completed all of the subsequent Breakneck Repeats up to 7.5, Devil's Path & a Half, the Breakneck Marathon, and so many more impressive achievements.

She was awarded the first championship in 2022-23 due to her overall progression since joining the group, her dedicated training regimen, and an impressive list of accomplishments in the year prior.

In 2023-24, she was able to successfully defend the championship against a strong field in a very close, competitive battle to the very end.

For more about Vanessa, check out the PROACTIVE: Adventure, Health, & Wellness where the 2x champion has been a 2x guest, not to mention, our inaugural conversation! [Link in Bio]

Vanessa is again on the defense this year, and we're excited to see if she can find a way to collect a third belt by the end of this season...

Remember, this competition includes time management and information processing challenges in addition to the physical ones. 💪⌚️🧠

Visit the website for more details about the PROACTIVE Challenge! Do you want in? Be Proactive, Join the Challenge. [Link in Bio]

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
@proactiveahw
@nessvaglio
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Pictured: The final picture in this batch is from that first hike up Mount Beacon from back in January 2019. The first is from Vanessa during the Breakneck Marathon in May 2023. Where it started, how it's going...

Compete in the PROACTIVE Challenge for the chance to become the @proactiveahw Champion and to win a $1000 cash prize!

Hikers, runners, and walkers are welcome! Whether you want people to hike with or prefer to go solo, whether you're slow and steady or fast and furious, whether you want to travel far and wide or stay close to home...

YOU can win...

...the Challenge spans the entire year, from June 1, 2024 until May 31, 2025 and requires competitors to complete several monthly challenges as well as additional bonuses and tasks.

Whether you're the winner or not, you'll have the opportunity to explore new locations, find a boost in motivation, meet some great people, and be part of something bigger, a strong community.

Visit the website for more details and reach out directly with any questions. The link is also in our bio.

Be proactive. Join the Challenge.

• Pictured (left to right): Phil L. (3rd place 2023-24), Vanessa V. (Current Champion, 1st place 2023-24), and Justin L. (2nd place 2023-24) - top competitors in the 2023-2024 PROACTIVE Challenge.

Compete in the PROACTIVE Challenge for the chance to become the @proactiveahw Champion and to win a $1000 cash prize!

Hikers, runners, and walkers are welcome! Whether you want people to hike with or prefer to go solo, whether you're slow and steady or fast and furious, whether you want to travel far and wide or stay close to home...

YOU can win...

...the Challenge spans the entire year, from June 1, 2024 until May 31, 2025 and requires competitors to complete several monthly challenges as well as additional bonuses and tasks.

Whether you're the winner or not, you'll have the opportunity to explore new locations, find a boost in motivation, meet some great people, and be part of something bigger, a strong community.

Visit the website for more details and reach out directly with any questions. The link is also in our bio.

Be proactive. Join the Challenge.

• Pictured (left to right): Phil L. (3rd place 2023-24), Vanessa V. (Current Champion, 1st place 2023-24), and Justin L. (2nd place 2023-24) - top competitors in the 2023-2024 PROACTIVE Challenge.

Four Years Ago: July 5, 2020 - Table & Peekamoose

In the midst of the strange "lockdown" times, there was good news to share with everybody on this hot, buggy morning, and it was exciting.

Looking back from a vantage point four years away, these were, in fact, good days. Peaceful, but uncertain, and asking to be conquered.

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #visitcatskills #catskillmountains #tablemountain #peekamoose #catskills #hikergram #hikeny #hikemoreworryless #lockdown #2020 #hikerlife #mountaintopview #devilspath #takeintheview #dogdays #summertime #yearsago #hikersofinstagram #outdoorcommunity #hikinggroup #grouphike #crew

Four Years Ago: July 5, 2020 - Table & Peekamoose

In the midst of the strange "lockdown" times, there was good news to share with everybody on this hot, buggy morning, and it was exciting.

Looking back from a vantage point four years away, these were, in fact, good days. Peaceful, but uncertain, and asking to be conquered.

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #visitcatskills #catskillmountains #tablemountain #peekamoose #catskills #hikergram #hikeny #hikemoreworryless #lockdown #2020 #hikerlife #mountaintopview #devilspath #takeintheview #dogdays #summertime #yearsago #hikersofinstagram #outdoorcommunity #hikinggroup #grouphike #crew

Scenes from Mount Washington. Since pictures don't ever do it justice, the videos help tell a bigger story, but still don't fully represent how it feels to be physically moved by the wind. I highly recommend climbing into a cloud if you ever get the chance. ☁️

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #scenesfromthetrail #thewayup #mountwashington #hikenh #nh48 #hikersofinstagram #summit #summitsign #windy #mountaintop #climbmountains #hikemoreworryless #extremeenvironments #grouphike #ravine #tuckermansravine #huntingtonravine

Scenes from Mount Washington. Since pictures don't ever do it justice, the videos help tell a bigger story, but still don't fully represent how it feels to be physically moved by the wind. I highly recommend climbing into a cloud if you ever get the chance. ☁️

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #scenesfromthetrail #thewayup #mountwashington #hikenh #nh48 #hikersofinstagram #summit #summitsign #windy #mountaintop #climbmountains #hikemoreworryless #extremeenvironments #grouphike #ravine #tuckermansravine #huntingtonravine

Mount Washington Redux: Wind Edition 🌬

Back in 2022, we took a trip up to New Hampshire to summit Mount Washington. We were well prepared for just about any type of weather after years of hearing all the stories of the temperamental, unpredictable environment at the top...

That time, we climbed up under bright blue skies, sun shining down, and were able to sit comfortably on the rocks near the summit and take in the endless views. Not what we were expecting, but a pleasant surprise.

This time was different. In fact, this time, our contingent was just part of a larger group of a dozen hikers from all over the country, including extreme environment conquerer @jeffzausch, who we had the pleasure of joining on his first hike on the east coast.

And what an experience it was. Unlike our last visit, this climb was Mount Washington showing its teeth. Mount Washington 2: Revenge of the Wind. This time, it was more like what we had expected...

The group split up in the morning after camping nearby, and smaller groups all had their own experiences on the mountain that day, but we all dealt with the same somewhat comfortable conditions as we neared the top.

Then, we all dealt with the roaring winds and whipping rain from the just before the summit to just before the final descent. A bold group took on the Huntington Ravine while the rest took different routes up the Tuckerman Ravine...

Once we arrived at the top, we took our time at the visitor center, drying off with warm food and drinks, mentally preparing to venture back out into the clouds and back down the mountain.

Kudos to everybody for making the trip out to NH and up to Mount Washington! An amazing trip for the memories, the company, and the surrealist, dreamy nature of the nature we experienced as we spent hours in the clouds.

@proactiveahw

Mount Washington Redux: Wind Edition 🌬

Back in 2022, we took a trip up to New Hampshire to summit Mount Washington. We were well prepared for just about any type of weather after years of hearing all the stories of the temperamental, unpredictable environment at the top...

That time, we climbed up under bright blue skies, sun shining down, and were able to sit comfortably on the rocks near the summit and take in the endless views. Not what we were expecting, but a pleasant surprise.

This time was different. In fact, this time, our contingent was just part of a larger group of a dozen hikers from all over the country, including extreme environment conquerer @jeffzausch, who we had the pleasure of joining on his first hike on the east coast.

And what an experience it was. Unlike our last visit, this climb was Mount Washington showing its teeth. Mount Washington 2: Revenge of the Wind. This time, it was more like what we had expected...

The group split up in the morning after camping nearby, and smaller groups all had their own experiences on the mountain that day, but we all dealt with the same somewhat comfortable conditions as we neared the top.

Then, we all dealt with the roaring winds and whipping rain from the just before the summit to just before the final descent. A bold group took on the Huntington Ravine while the rest took different routes up the Tuckerman Ravine...

Once we arrived at the top, we took our time at the visitor center, drying off with warm food and drinks, mentally preparing to venture back out into the clouds and back down the mountain.

Kudos to everybody for making the trip out to NH and up to Mount Washington! An amazing trip for the memories, the company, and the surrealist, dreamy nature of the nature we experienced as we spent hours in the clouds.

@proactiveahw

Wittenberg on a picture perfect day. ⛰️

Excellent weather. ✔️
Big, steep climb. ✔️
Less busy summit. ✔️
Keeva crushing some technical climbs. ✔️

Back in 2019, this was where Mel had her first hike in the Catskills. It's truly mind-blowing to think about how many memories the group has made in the Catskills since then!

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskills #visitcatskills #hikeny
#climbmountains #hikersofig #hikergram #catskillmountains #wittenberg #ashokanreservoir #mountaintopview #dogswhohike #traildogs #traildog #womenwhohike #elevation #strava #merrell #upstateny #feelslikesummer #outdoorcommunity #hikerlife

Wittenberg on a picture perfect day. ⛰️

Excellent weather. ✔️
Big, steep climb. ✔️
Less busy summit. ✔️
Keeva crushing some technical climbs. ✔️

Back in 2019, this was where Mel had her first hike in the Catskills. It's truly mind-blowing to think about how many memories the group has made in the Catskills since then!

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskills #visitcatskills #hikeny
#climbmountains #hikersofig #hikergram #catskillmountains #wittenberg #ashokanreservoir #mountaintopview #dogswhohike #traildogs #traildog #womenwhohike #elevation #strava #merrell #upstateny #feelslikesummer #outdoorcommunity #hikerlife

Great Range - 22ish miles/9000ish feet ✔️

After last October's rainy, dark, post-Gothics route abandonment, we knew we needed to plan a trip to come back and complete the entire range, no matter the conditions we faced.

June seemed like the right time, and we imagined a long hike with blue skies, summer heat, and sunshine. What we got was better than what we faced in October, but we still took on rain and cloud cover, with spurts of some sun beams and excitingly high winds.

The group moved deliberately along from Rooster Comb to Marcy - at times splashing through near washed-out trails and deep mud, and at other times, through the clouds and up and down the slick rocks.

Having just recently all taken on the Devil's Path, making the comparison to the Great Range was easy, and we executed the traverse seamlessly, making it back to the car while the sky was still glowing blue with the last gasps of the late day sun.

The biggest emotion of the day would likely be awe...

Whether it was the high winds on Haystack and Marcy or the technical climbs up to the Wolfjaws and Gothics, there was plenty to be awed by over the course of the weekend.

Arriving at the @thepickledpig_ for a much-deserved, well-earned dinner was a moment of celebration, and we were all able to enjoy the long drive home knowing we successfully completed a worthy challenge...

@proactiveahw

#adkhighpeaks #adk #greatrange #hikeny #marcy #highpeaks #longhike #elevation #endurancehike #adirondacks #hikersofinstagram #hikemore #getoutside #climbmoutains #intheclouds #highwinds #mountaintop #traverse #hikemoreworryless #proactiveahw #beproactive #gothics #aweinspiring

Great Range - 22ish miles/9000ish feet ✔️

After last October's rainy, dark, post-Gothics route abandonment, we knew we needed to plan a trip to come back and complete the entire range, no matter the conditions we faced.

June seemed like the right time, and we imagined a long hike with blue skies, summer heat, and sunshine. What we got was better than what we faced in October, but we still took on rain and cloud cover, with spurts of some sun beams and excitingly high winds.

The group moved deliberately along from Rooster Comb to Marcy - at times splashing through near washed-out trails and deep mud, and at other times, through the clouds and up and down the slick rocks.

Having just recently all taken on the Devil's Path, making the comparison to the Great Range was easy, and we executed the traverse seamlessly, making it back to the car while the sky was still glowing blue with the last gasps of the late day sun.

The biggest emotion of the day would likely be awe...

Whether it was the high winds on Haystack and Marcy or the technical climbs up to the Wolfjaws and Gothics, there was plenty to be awed by over the course of the weekend.

Arriving at the @thepickledpig_ for a much-deserved, well-earned dinner was a moment of celebration, and we were all able to enjoy the long drive home knowing we successfully completed a worthy challenge...

@proactiveahw

#adkhighpeaks #adk #greatrange #hikeny #marcy #highpeaks #longhike #elevation #endurancehike #adirondacks #hikersofinstagram #hikemore #getoutside #climbmoutains #intheclouds #highwinds #mountaintop #traverse #hikemoreworryless #proactiveahw #beproactive #gothics #aweinspiring

To those in our NY/NJ/PA/CT hiking, running, and outdoor communities, the PROACTIVE Challenge is back!

The PROACTIVE champion is decided in a year-long, points-based competition built around a series of challenges, both group and solo, that will require and test strategic planning, prioritization, and dedication...

We've made some additions to make it more fun, more competitive, and even more exciting than the inaugural edition!

If you enjoy spending your time scrambling up Breakneck Ridge, casually walking long distances through Harriman, or moving for miles in some form or fashion, this competition is for you!

Earn points for your solo hikes and runs! Do your own thing! Complete hikes to earn patches and swag. Receive the chance to win in our monthly giveaways. Explore parts of our region that you may not otherwise explore!

The Challenge is designed for any hiker - novice to veteran - as anybody could potentially win by piecing together the best overall year!

The goals of the PROACTIVE Challenge are...

• To promote a proactive lifestyle; to inspire and motivate people not to take time for granted, to satisfy their appetite for adventure, to improve their overall level of wellness, to expand their social circle, to push their own limits, and to thrive now.
• To showcase the beauty and diversity of our region.
• To help novice hikers discover new places to hike and encourage them to continue advancing.
• To provide advanced hikers with supplemental prep or training for larger events and general exercise.
• To bring our hiking/outdoor community together and build new social connections and networks.
• To highlight and support worthwhile causes of interest to our community at large and to our participants.
• To have a fun time doing all of this...

Visit the website for more details and to register for the PROACTIVE Challenge today! [LINK IN BIO]

Be proactive, join the adventure...
••••• PROACTIVEAHW.com •••••

To those in our NY/NJ/PA/CT hiking, running, and outdoor communities, the PROACTIVE Challenge is back!

The PROACTIVE champion is decided in a year-long, points-based competition built around a series of challenges, both group and solo, that will require and test strategic planning, prioritization, and dedication...

We've made some additions to make it more fun, more competitive, and even more exciting than the inaugural edition!

If you enjoy spending your time scrambling up Breakneck Ridge, casually walking long distances through Harriman, or moving for miles in some form or fashion, this competition is for you!

Earn points for your solo hikes and runs! Do your own thing! Complete hikes to earn patches and swag. Receive the chance to win in our monthly giveaways. Explore parts of our region that you may not otherwise explore!

The Challenge is designed for any hiker - novice to veteran - as anybody could potentially win by piecing together the best overall year!

The goals of the PROACTIVE Challenge are...

• To promote a proactive lifestyle; to inspire and motivate people not to take time for granted, to satisfy their appetite for adventure, to improve their overall level of wellness, to expand their social circle, to push their own limits, and to thrive now.
• To showcase the beauty and diversity of our region.
• To help novice hikers discover new places to hike and encourage them to continue advancing.
• To provide advanced hikers with supplemental prep or training for larger events and general exercise.
• To bring our hiking/outdoor community together and build new social connections and networks.
• To highlight and support worthwhile causes of interest to our community at large and to our participants.
• To have a fun time doing all of this...

Visit the website for more details and to register for the PROACTIVE Challenge today! [LINK IN BIO]

Be proactive, join the adventure...
••••• PROACTIVEAHW.com •••••

The winner of the 2023-2024 PROACTIVE Challenge...

and STILL the @proactiveahw Champion - Vanessa!

👏 Congratulations on a well-earned victory! @nessvaglio

Vanessa was awarded the first PROACTIVE championship belt back in May of 2023 due to her dedicated training and major progress over the previous year.

It was at that time, a year ago, that the first-ever PROACTIVE Challenge began, and it was up to Vanessa to defend that championship over the course of the 12-month competition.

The whole thing started out pretty casual as we all figured things out and got wheels rolling. Then suddenly, the competitors took to the trails, mountains, and streets with increasing fervor, snatching up PROACTIVE points as they ran, hiked, and climbed the many miles and feet...

Vanessa held on to the lead for much of the early portion of the Challenge before others like Brittany, Justin, and Phil began nipping at her heels.

Justin eventually secured a strong lead, holding the main spot for weeks, heading towards what looked like an inevitable win...

Until, that is, Vanessa completed the Devil's Path (and a half!) in the final month of the competition to climb back to #1, finishing up the last few challenges and securing the win!

Vanessa earned all four PROACTIVE patches, earned Elite status for the second time, ran the Breakneck marathon and half-marathon, completed Breakneck 7.5 and Minnewaska Tour, and more!

Despite others, the aforementioned competitors included, achieving many of these as well, Vanessa's attention to the rules and running prowess helped her earn 756 points to edge out her nearest opponents - Justin (746), Phil (740), and Brittany (727).

Kudos, and a lot of gratitude, to 2-time PROACTIVE Champion @nessvaglio for her dedication to the Challenge and her stewardship of the championship she proudly defended and proved she greatly deserved.

It was the work she put in and the challenges she conquered along the way that made this a worthy, healthy competition!

The same goes for everybody who participated and supported - thank you all for getting on board and putting in your time and effort! Now, let's make next year's even bigger!

@proactiveahw

The winner of the 2023-2024 PROACTIVE Challenge...

and STILL the @proactiveahw Champion - Vanessa!

👏 Congratulations on a well-earned victory! @nessvaglio

Vanessa was awarded the first PROACTIVE championship belt back in May of 2023 due to her dedicated training and major progress over the previous year.

It was at that time, a year ago, that the first-ever PROACTIVE Challenge began, and it was up to Vanessa to defend that championship over the course of the 12-month competition.

The whole thing started out pretty casual as we all figured things out and got wheels rolling. Then suddenly, the competitors took to the trails, mountains, and streets with increasing fervor, snatching up PROACTIVE points as they ran, hiked, and climbed the many miles and feet...

Vanessa held on to the lead for much of the early portion of the Challenge before others like Brittany, Justin, and Phil began nipping at her heels.

Justin eventually secured a strong lead, holding the main spot for weeks, heading towards what looked like an inevitable win...

Until, that is, Vanessa completed the Devil's Path (and a half!) in the final month of the competition to climb back to #1, finishing up the last few challenges and securing the win!

Vanessa earned all four PROACTIVE patches, earned Elite status for the second time, ran the Breakneck marathon and half-marathon, completed Breakneck 7.5 and Minnewaska Tour, and more!

Despite others, the aforementioned competitors included, achieving many of these as well, Vanessa's attention to the rules and running prowess helped her earn 756 points to edge out her nearest opponents - Justin (746), Phil (740), and Brittany (727).

Kudos, and a lot of gratitude, to 2-time PROACTIVE Champion @nessvaglio for her dedication to the Challenge and her stewardship of the championship she proudly defended and proved she greatly deserved.

It was the work she put in and the challenges she conquered along the way that made this a worthy, healthy competition!

The same goes for everybody who participated and supported - thank you all for getting on board and putting in your time and effort! Now, let's make next year's even bigger!

@proactiveahw

The current PROACTIVE Champion, Vanessa, on the newly reopened Bear Mountain over Memorial Day weekend. 🐻

One last moment in the sun for the inaugural belt before the 2023-2024 Champion is crowned and the new belt awarded to the winner of the @proactiveahw Challenge!

A year ago, May 2023, the first-ever Challenge began, and so many participants stepped up and turned it into a true competition.

Your personal efforts and support are greatly appreciated! 👏🙌👏

Stay tuned - on June 1st, we'll announce the winner of the Challenge! 🏆🥇🥈🥉

Then, we'll start the 2024-2025 Challenge off with a LIVE overview of the rules and regulations of the competition and an announcement regarding the first few social hikes of the season! 🎙🗣🫵

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #bearmountain #sunset #hikeny #sunsetphotography #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #endofday #eod #skyphotography #skyporn #hikemoreworryless #nynjtc

The current PROACTIVE Champion, Vanessa, on the newly reopened Bear Mountain over Memorial Day weekend. 🐻

One last moment in the sun for the inaugural belt before the 2023-2024 Champion is crowned and the new belt awarded to the winner of the @proactiveahw Challenge!

A year ago, May 2023, the first-ever Challenge began, and so many participants stepped up and turned it into a true competition.

Your personal efforts and support are greatly appreciated! 👏🙌👏

Stay tuned - on June 1st, we'll announce the winner of the Challenge! 🏆🥇🥈🥉

Then, we'll start the 2024-2025 Challenge off with a LIVE overview of the rules and regulations of the competition and an announcement regarding the first few social hikes of the season! 🎙🗣🫵

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #bearmountain #sunset #hikeny #sunsetphotography #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #endofday #eod #skyphotography #skyporn #hikemoreworryless #nynjtc

It's hard to believe that the first year of the PROACTIVE Challenge is almost coming to an end! 🤯

This whole thing was conceptualized in the winter of 2023 and was set into motion last May, based on one of my original ideas from 2018.

I'm honored and grateful that so many of you participated, followed, and supported this competition! 🙏

With just less over a week left to go, there is still a bit of jostling taking place at the top! I'm excited to see who comes out as the winner and claims the championship belt and $1000 prize at the BBQ in August!

And let's make this just the beginning! Details on the 2024-2025 Challenge, starting in June, are being finalized and are coming soon! With more chances and ways to earn points, monthly giveaways, partner deals, and a grander prize, I expect it to be even more entertaining than the inaugural version...stay tuned! 👀

- @jmproscia
@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #proactivepodcast #hikersofinstagram #hikingchallenge #outdoorpeople #hikingsquad #grouphiking #hikeny #hikenj #catskills #adk #hikethehudsonvalley #shawangunks #rei #hikingculture #hikemoreworryless #merrell #Thule #outdoorcommunity #challengeyourself #championshipbelt #hiking #runninglife #getoutside

It's hard to believe that the first year of the PROACTIVE Challenge is almost coming to an end! 🤯

This whole thing was conceptualized in the winter of 2023 and was set into motion last May, based on one of my original ideas from 2018.

I'm honored and grateful that so many of you participated, followed, and supported this competition! 🙏

With just less over a week left to go, there is still a bit of jostling taking place at the top! I'm excited to see who comes out as the winner and claims the championship belt and $1000 prize at the BBQ in August!

And let's make this just the beginning! Details on the 2024-2025 Challenge, starting in June, are being finalized and are coming soon! With more chances and ways to earn points, monthly giveaways, partner deals, and a grander prize, I expect it to be even more entertaining than the inaugural version...stay tuned! 👀

- @jmproscia
@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #proactivechallenge #proactivepodcast #hikersofinstagram #hikingchallenge #outdoorpeople #hikingsquad #grouphiking #hikeny #hikenj #catskills #adk #hikethehudsonvalley #shawangunks #rei #hikingculture #hikemoreworryless #merrell #Thule #outdoorcommunity #challengeyourself #championshipbelt #hiking #runninglife #getoutside

Devil's Day 😈 • the Devil's Path • PRs all around, three first-time finishes, a logistical wonder, a big day for all, and an amazing weekend overall.

This was meant to be Double Devil, but it turned into a few different interpretations of the Devil's Path.

Vanessa and Joe did a Devil and a half. John knocked out the Devil and took a trip up to Hunter tower afterward. Brittany, Mel, Rosette, Phil, and Cris all took on the full Path. Like I said, time and elevation PRs all around.

Spence, ready to hike the second Devil from Spruceton to Prediger, provided all day roaming support for the whole group and wound up getting in the trip back to Stony Clove before we called it.

With 37 miles and 12,000+ feet completed for the day, everybody felt satisfied. Plus, we heard there was some BBQ waiting at the house for us 🤤 (🙏 @stephen.bacchetta).

And thanks to @shaggerties for hosting the group! Awesome place to stay, and we all wished we had more time to enjoy the place. We'll be back! 🙌

Nevertheless, we'll be back for another go at the Double very soon...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskills #devilspath #hikeny #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #ulstercounty #hikethecatskills #catskillmountains #hikemore #getoutside #shaggerties #saugerties #twinmountain #longhike #bighike #crewgoals #grouphike #grouphiking #hikingculture

Devil's Day 😈 • the Devil's Path • PRs all around, three first-time finishes, a logistical wonder, a big day for all, and an amazing weekend overall.

This was meant to be Double Devil, but it turned into a few different interpretations of the Devil's Path.

Vanessa and Joe did a Devil and a half. John knocked out the Devil and took a trip up to Hunter tower afterward. Brittany, Mel, Rosette, Phil, and Cris all took on the full Path. Like I said, time and elevation PRs all around.

Spence, ready to hike the second Devil from Spruceton to Prediger, provided all day roaming support for the whole group and wound up getting in the trip back to Stony Clove before we called it.

With 37 miles and 12,000+ feet completed for the day, everybody felt satisfied. Plus, we heard there was some BBQ waiting at the house for us 🤤 (🙏 @stephen.bacchetta).

And thanks to @shaggerties for hosting the group! Awesome place to stay, and we all wished we had more time to enjoy the place. We'll be back! 🙌

Nevertheless, we'll be back for another go at the Double very soon...

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #catskills #devilspath #hikeny #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #ulstercounty #hikethecatskills #catskillmountains #hikemore #getoutside #shaggerties #saugerties #twinmountain #longhike #bighike #crewgoals #grouphike #grouphiking #hikingculture

Guardians of the Highlands (GOTH) VI - held every year since 2019. This year, for the first time, we couldn't make it over to Perkins Tower due to the trail closures caused by a storm in July 2023.

Nevertheless, we still set out to climb a handful of mountains, with West, Bald, and the Timp acting as our minimum checklist. Then, with our minds on next week's 48-mile Double Devil, we took on the route at a deliberate pace in preparation.

This hike also acted as the "finale" of the 2023-2024 @proactiveahw Challenge, being the last big chance for participants to earn points before the conclusion at the end of the month.

Great weather, a better group, and an annual tradition that will certainly continue. We're looking forward to next year, newly repaired trails, and a route more akin to the original.

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #bearmountainstatepark #strava #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #bearmountain #bearmountainbridge #hudsonriver #hikingadventures #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hudsonvalley #hudsonhighlands #hvny #hikeitout #trailrun #trailrunning #grouphike #grouphiking

Guardians of the Highlands (GOTH) VI - held every year since 2019. This year, for the first time, we couldn't make it over to Perkins Tower due to the trail closures caused by a storm in July 2023.

Nevertheless, we still set out to climb a handful of mountains, with West, Bald, and the Timp acting as our minimum checklist. Then, with our minds on next week's 48-mile Double Devil, we took on the route at a deliberate pace in preparation.

This hike also acted as the "finale" of the 2023-2024 @proactiveahw Challenge, being the last big chance for participants to earn points before the conclusion at the end of the month.

Great weather, a better group, and an annual tradition that will certainly continue. We're looking forward to next year, newly repaired trails, and a route more akin to the original.

@proactiveahw

#proactiveahw #bearmountainstatepark #strava #hikethehudsonvalley #hikeny #bearmountain #bearmountainbridge #hudsonriver #hikingadventures #hikersofinstagram #hikergram #hudsonvalley #hudsonhighlands #hvny #hikeitout #trailrun #trailrunning #grouphike #grouphiking

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Leave Everything Better Than You Find It ~ Enjoy, Do Not Destroy