#GetOutside 2018-2019 - Kate Jamieson

As you may have seen on social media (what can I say, I’m a spammer) this year I’ve been reselected to be an Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion, and I couldn’t be more excited for the next 2 years.

I was shocked to be picked the first time round.

Here were serious mountaineers like Kenton Cool, brand ambassadors, ultra-runners, and there I was – Kate Jamieson from Eastleigh who had climbed Kilimanjaro and just liked a good bimble on Dartmoor.

The thing is, and that’s the wonderful part of the GetOutside campaign – it really is for everyone, and this year there’s an even greater mix of people of all ages, all skillsets, and with all kinds of interests in the outdoors…

The main point is that you don’t have to scale mountains – I mean you can if you want to, and I’ll be the first to admit that’s where my love lies – but heading out for a walk after work or at the weekend is just as great!

Why not check out Zoe’s campaign for #OneHourOutside and try to make the most of your lunch hour or the walk to and from work.

Perhaps you’d rather head out for a bike ride… The possibilities really are endless.

By just getting outside and getting some fresh air, you’ll be reaping the benefits and maybe you’ll even discover a stronger appreciation for the outdoors…

Perhaps you’ll even discover a new sport?

I’m the first to admit I didn’t like cycling at all, but last year I cycled Falmouth to London and now have a new found love of lycra and haribo gummy bears…

There are surveys (scary ones) saying that children nowadays are likely to live 5 years less than their parents due to their inactivity. On top of this, they’re spending an average of 6 hours in front of a screen.

Wherever and whatever your interests are, one of the champions is sure to help get you inspired and off the sofa! Even the kids!

As a kid, I was outside all the time after school and over the weekends – running around, climbing trees, building dens… (not much has changed really) and it’s so important for development, health and fun!

I’m so happy to have had lovely messages from people saying I’ve inspired them to GetOutside, to pick up new sports and try new things, to escape their comfort zones and attempt the things on their bucket lists they’ve always wanted to do.

I still see myself as Kate Jamieson, writing her outdoorsy blog, and goes for a yomp across Dartmoor, but to be able to meet so many amazing and wonderful people was a favourite part of my GetOutside year and now? My goals have become a lot larger because of it. Some of the other previous champions have also been reselected and it was fantastic to see them all at the launch event, but it was also great to meet all the new folk, some of whom were already good friends. The one thing everyone has in common? They are all incredibly inspiring in their own way.

I’m very excited for the next 2 years and can’t wait to see what adventures come out of it.
Do you have any adventures planned? What’s your favourite way to GetOutside?
Let me know in the comments below!