Early last week I signed up for a Mountains 101 course through the University of Alberta. What better way to celebrate than to go for a run/hike with Rachel in Kananaskis. It’s been nearly two months since I was in Bragg Creek. If you’re keeping score, you know that’s a long time for me.
I met Rachel at our usual spot before we headed up Moose Mountain. We had a great day despite my mental breakdown (picture here). We planned a few races for the next season including Iron Legs 60K. I can’t wait! It’s going to be a huge challenge for me.
Anyway let me tell you a little a bit about the Mountains 101 course. It’s one of those massive online open courses (MOOC), which is open to anyone with a computer around the world.
MOUNTAINS 101
The course is a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. This 12-lesson course covers an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Specifically, we’ll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time; we’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally; we’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time; and we’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate. ~Source: University of Alberta
I paid $65 so I could earn a certificate at the end of the 12-week course. It starts in January! (I think my dreams of becoming a sherpa are finally coming true. Ha!)